bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pigeon-Breeder’s Disease
Authors: Hansen Prudence J. , Penny Ronald
Published: July 2009

The cell-mediated immune response to pigeon antigens was assessed in 12 symptomatic pigeon breeders, 14 asymptomatic breeders with precipitins, 25 asymptomatic breeders without precipitins and 10 control subjects. Significant lymphocyte stimulation by pigeon serum and/or pigeon droppings extract was obtained in 11 of the 12 symptomatic breeders but was not obtained in any of the other subjects studied. The lymphocyte response to pigeon antigens in culture is presented as the distinguishing criterion for the differentiation of symptomatic and asymptomatic pigeon breeders. This study supports a direct role for a T cell-mediated immune response to pigeon antigens in the immunopathology of pigeon-breeder’s disease.
Effect of Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde and Sucrose on the Tissue Antigenicity
Authors: Deng Jau-Shyong , Beutner Ernst H.
Published: July 2009

The effects of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde alone and in combination with sucrose on antigens reactive with pemphigus antibodies, bullous pemphigoid and antinuclear antibodies were studied. All antigens were rendered non-reactive to their corresponding antibodies after single treatment with formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde. However, the antigenicity of at least some antigens combining with antinuclear antibodies could be restored with 30% sucrose solution. On the other hand, the antigens for pemphigus or bullous pemphigoid antibodies could not be recovered by the sucrose treatment.
Stimulatory and Inhibitory Effects of Graft-Versus-Host Reactions on Contact Sensitivity in Mice
Authors: Lindholm L. , Strannegård Ö.
Published: July 2009

The development of contact sensitivity (CS) to picryl chloride in mice was enhanced by injection of moderate doses of allogeneic spleen cells, whereas large numbers of cells had a suppressive effect in comparison to the lower doses. Parental spleen cells were also found to enhance the development of CS in Fl hybrid mice. Allogeneic thymus cells did not significantly stimulate the development of CS. The possibility that these findings reflect interactions between T cells during the immune response is discussed.
Rosette Formation with Sheep Erythrocytes – A Possible T-Cell Marker in the Pig
Authors: Escajadillo Cristina , Binns R.M.
Published: July 2009

A proportion of pig lymphocytes form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes. Factors affecting their demonstration have been investigated, and a standard technique defined. Rosette-forming lymphocytes lacked surface immunoglobulin detected by immunofluorescence and formation of rosettes was not inhibited by anti-immunoglobulin or anti-PLA sera, but was by anti-thymus serum. Of 18 species’ erythrocytes tested only sheep, Barbary sheep and Mouflon erythrocytes formed rosettes in similar percentages. Fetal sheep erythrocytes formed no rosettes at 60 days of gestation and developed adult levels by term. Rosettes were formed by the majority of thymus cells, by only few bone marrow cells and by intermediate proportions of cells in other lymphoid tissues correlating with the probable order of T cell content. In pig fetuses, thymus contained postnatal levels of rosette-forming cells by 69 days, when such cells were not detected in other tissues. These data support the contention that SRBC rosettes are formed by T lymphocytes.
Circumvention of Immunological Tolerance to Bovine Serum Albumin by Diazotized Antigen as a Function of Hapten Density
Authors: Fujiwara M.
Published: July 2009

Immunological tolerance was induced in adult guinea pigs by the injection of 10–100 mg of centrifuged BSA. The tolerant state was readily circumvented, in terms of both humoral antibody response and delayed hypersensitivity, by the immunization with sulfanilated BSA with different degree of conjugation. The level of anti-BSA and intensity of the skin reactions to BSA evolked in animals with circumvented tolerance responding to the challenge immunization with sulfanilated BSA were inversely related to the number of sulfanil groups per BSA molecule. On the basis of the experimental data, the mechanism of the circumvention of tolerance is discussed.
Role of the Chondrocytes in the Breakdown of Pig Articular Cartilage Induced by Complement-Sufficient Antiserum to Pig Erythrocytes
Authors: Barratt M.E.J.
Published: July 2009

Previous work showed that in organ culture pig articular cartilage is not affected by complement-sufficient antiserum to pig erythrocytes (AS + C′) unless it is associated with soft connective tissue. In the presence of synovial tissue the matrix becomes depleted of proteoglycan and may finally disintegrate. Immunoglobulin fails to enter normal cartilage matrix, but penetrates depleted matrix and reacts with the surfaces of the chondrocytes. The present experiments were made to see whether the breakdown of partially depleted cartilage matrix would progress in AS + C′ after removal of the synovial explant. Affronted explants of articular cartilage and synovial tissue were cultivated in AS + C′ for 10 days (primary cultures). The synovial tissue was then removed and the isolated cartilage maintained for a further period either in AS + C′ or in one of a variety of control media (secondary cultures). The behavior of the isolated cartilage during the secondary culture period depended on the degree of breakdown attained at the end of the primary period. If only proteoglycan but not collagen had been seriously depleted, degradation of the matrix did not progress in AS + C′ and slight regeneration of metachromatic material sometimes took place; regeneration of matrix was greater after transfer to control medium. If collagen as well as proteoglycan had been destroyed, the chondrocytes assumed a fibro-blastic form, their surfaces no longer reacted with IgG antibody, and in secondary culture they failed to regenerate new matrix.
The Effects of Sex and Age on Serum IgE Concentrations in Three Ethnic Groups
Authors: Orren Ann , Dowdle Eugene B.
Published: July 2009

Serum IgE concentrations were measured using a radio-radial immunodiffusion method in 4,440 blood donors resident in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, and the following differences were observed. Firstly, in all three ethnic groups studied, that is the Whites, the Cape Coloureds and the Africans, there was a tendency for males to have higher serum IgE concentrations than females. This difference was highly significant in Whites. Secondly, in the Whites, serum IgE concentrations tended to be lower with advancing age. Thirdly, previous reports of elevated serum IgE concentration in indigenous African populations were confirmed. No clearly defined cause for these differences emerged from this study.
Nonspecific Macrophage Activation by Systemic Adjuvants
Authors: Bruley-Rosset M. , Florentin I. , Khalil A.M. , Mathé G.
Published: July 2009

Six systemic adjuvants: living bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), hydrosoluble extracts from BCG and from Mycobacterium smegmatis, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, lentinan and levamisole, have been tested for their ability to induce macrophage activation in mice. The first four adjuvants mentioned increase phosphatase activity of peritoneal macrophages and make them nonspecifically cytotoxic for tumor cells in vitro. The intensity of these phenomena vary with route and time of administration. In contrast, lentinan and levamisole depress both these macrophage activities. Living BCG, extracts from BCG and from M. smegmatis, and the lipopolysaccharide increase the cytotoxic potential of normal macrophages in vitro, suggesting that these agents may exert a direct action on macrophages. Levamisole did not activate normal macrophages in vitro. The existence of a correlation between the capacity of adjuvants to stimulate macrophage tumoricidal activity and their efficiency in active cancer immunotherapy is discussed.
In vitro Activity of Anti-DNA Antibodies from SLE Patients in Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity
Authors: Quismorio Francisco P. , Friou George J. , Schneider Joel , Hutchinson Maria , Harding Brian
Published: July 2009

Peripheral blood lymphoid cells from normal individuals were cytotoxic to target cells coated with DNA when incubated with serum from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but not when incubated with serum from normal subjects. Sera from SLE patients with clinically active disease were more active than sera obtained from those patients in remission. In the absence of normal lymphocytes, SLE sera were not cytotoxic to the DNA-coated cells. The active fraction in the serum appeared to be IgG anti-DNA antibodies. These studies indicate that anti-DNA can operate through the antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity mechanisms in vitro.
Dextran-induced Anaphylactoid Reactions in Man
Authors: Hedin Harriet , Richter Wolfgang , Ring Johannes
Published: July 2009

Dextran reactive antibodies (DRA) were studied in 123 patients having experienced dextran-induced anaphylactoid reactions (DIAR) during 1970–1975. No evidence for reaginic DRA was obtained by radioallergosorbent technique and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in Cynomolgus monkeys; total IgE levels were within normal range. It is concluded that DIAR are not mediated by dextran-specific reagins. Further, no reaginic antibodies against potential contaminants from the dextran manufacturing process were demonstrable. In two population samples of normal human sera from Sweden and Germany hemagglutinating DRA (IgG, IgA, and IgM classes) were found in 63 and 74%, high titres (16–256) comprising 14 and 25%. In dextran reactors a direct positive correlation between titres of hemagglutinating DRA and increasing severity of DIAR was observed. The accumulation of high DRA titres in severe reactions may be taken as circumstantial evidence for the causal role of hemagglutinating DRA in these cases. However, if high titres of DRA alone were responsible for triggering DIAR, the expected frequency would be more than thousand times higher than the reported global incidence of DIAR. To explain this discrepancy, involvement of certain Ig classes or subgroups, possibly in combination with other predisposing factors is suggested. In mild reactions DRA appear to play a negligible role. Positive dextran wheal and flare reactions, often correlated with high titres of hemagglutinating DRA, were seen in 32% of dextran reactors, indicating that skin tests are of limited predictive value. No significant difference between sexes, age groups, or pre- and intraoperatively started dextran infusions was observed; association with certain diseases was not apparent.
Penicillin Allergy Studies by a Modified Red-Cell-Linked Antigen-Antiglobulin Reaction
Authors: Kraft D. , Wilson D.V. , Devey M.E.
Published: July 2009

A red-cell-linked antigen-radioactive antiglobulin reaction (RCLA*AR) is reported which may be combined with the conventional red-cell-linked antigen-antiglobulin reaction (RCLAAR) to measure antibodies of all five immunoglobulin classes against the same determinant at the same time. The method has been applied to sera from penicillin-allergic patients and controls. Human erythrocytes coated with rabbit antibodies carrying penicilloyl groups were incubated with the serum to be tested, then washed. 125I-labelled anti-human IgE was added and, after further incubation and washing, the radioactivity retained by the cells was counted. This gives a measure of the specific IgE in the test sample. Other aliquots of the coated cells were treated with specific antiglobulin reagents in the usual manner of the RCLAAR in order to determine antibodies of other classes. The sensitivity for IgE was similar to that of the radioallergosorbent test. Information was also obtained about specific IgG subclasses.
Adenylate Cyclase Activity in Heart and Lung: Effect of Epinephrine and Histamine in Control and Sensitized Guinea Pigs
Authors: Puri Surendra K. , Mathé Aleksander A. , Volicer Ladislav
Published: July 2009

The effect of epinephrine and histamine on adenylate cyclase activity in lungs and hearts of control and ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs was investigated. Epinephrine at 10––6M concentration stimulated adenylate cyclase from both organs of the sensitized animals but had no effect on the enzyme from control tissues. At 10––4M, epinephrine stimulated equally the enzyme activity from the control and sensitized lungs and hearts. Histamine, 10––6 and 10––4, stimulated equally adenylate cyclase in tissues from both groups of animals. The results suggest that ovalbumin sensitization leads to hypersensitivity of the β-adrenergic receptors to epinephrine without changing their sensitivity to histamine.
Characterization of K-Cell Activity by Use of Depletion Experiments
Authors: Kraft D. , Franks D. , Coombs R.R.A.
Published: July 2009

Normal human blood lymphocytes with affinity for ox red cells sensitized with IgG antibody, for normal or papain-treated sheep red cells and for ox red cells coated with mouse complement were used for rosette formation and the rosetting cells separated by density gradient centrifugation on Ficoll/Hypaque. The non-rosetting cells at the interface were collected and compared with cell suspensions before treatment for direct and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity of human target cells. Depletion of Fc-receptor-bearing lymphocytes strongly decreased antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity; reduction in the number (or depletion) of T cells and cells with C′3 receptor had no effect, showing the same or enhanced K-cell activity. It is concluded that one type of K or killer cell has Fc receptors but lacks C′3 receptors.
Immunoglobulins in Nasal Secretion with Special Reference to IgE
Authors: Johansson S.G.O. , Deuschl H.
Published: July 2009

Different ways of collecting relatively large volumes of nasal secretion with as physiological a composition as possible were studied. Nasal secretion was collected by the so-called nasal spray washing method from 5 patients with allergic rhinitis due to pollen and 5 healthy persons during a pollen-free season. The collection was performed without any provocation and following nasal provocation with histamine or allergen solution. With the radioimmunosorbent test, in which the lower limit of measurement was 0.1 units/ml, IgE could be quantified in 52 of 60 analysed secretions. IgA, IgG and albumin were demonstrated in all secretions. In the allergic patients, following histamine and allergen provocation, a relative increase in the concentration of IgE and albumin and a significant decrease of the IgA/albumin ratio in nasal secretion was found. In the healthy subjects, such changes in the secretion were observed only after histamine provocation. Calculations also suggested some local production of IgE, but not at all of the same order of magnitude as of IgA.
E and EAC Rosette-Forming Cells in Healthy Donors and Cancer Patients
Authors: Middelkoop Otto P. , Veldhuizen Roel W. , Scheper Rik J.
Published: July 2009

The influence of age and sex on the lymphocyte count and numbers of E and EAC rosette-forming cells (RFC) was investigated using peripheral blood of healthy donors. In the female donors we found a lower total lymphocyte count and percentage of EAC RFC than in male donors. The percentage and total number of E RFC appeared to be low in younger donors. Total lymphocyte count and numbers of E and EAC RFC were investigated in untreated and treated patients with advanced solid tumors and in patients with untreated malignant lymphomas. The lymphocyte count in all these groups was decreased, but the E/EAC RFC ratio was normal, except in the group with untreated solid tumors, where we found an increased percentage of E RFC. It is suggested that in these patients a nonspecific impairment of bone marrow function might be expressed in numbers of peripheral T and B cells.
Different Concentrations of Chemotactic Factors Can Produce Attraction or Migration Inhibition of Leukocytes
Authors: Jungi T.W.
Published: July 2009

Parallel tests were conducted utilizing, the capillary tube migration test and the Boyden chamber assay, in order to determine whether the decrease in leukocyte chemotaxis that occurs if overoptimal cytotaxin concentrations are applied is due to migration inhibition. Overoptimal doses of casein produced decreased chemotactic response and migration inhibition for both rabbit macrophages and neutrophils. However, guinea pig neutrophils exhibited no decrease in chemotaxis despite high casein doses. Overoptimal doses of acid-denatured anaphylatoxin produced a decreased chemotactic response and migration inhibition of neutrophils. In both assays, this agent showed no effect upon macrophages. It is concluded that a chemotactic signal at different concentrations can elicit unidirectional migration or migration inhibition. Accordingly, chemotactic leukocyte attraction could be antagonistically regulated not only by serum-derived and lymphocyte-derived migration inhibitory factors but also by high doses of the chemotactic factor itself. Thus, the Boyden chamber technique can measure both chemotactic migration and migration inhibition phenomena.
Characterization of Macrophage Cytotoxicity Factor (MCF)
Authors: Hall N.D. , Lohmann-Matthes Marie-Luise , Knüfermann H. , Kickhöfen B.
Published: July 2009

Allogenetically sensitized T lymphocytes secrete in the presence of the specific antigen a factor which renders macrophages cytotoxic to target cells in vitro, macrophage cytotoxicity factor. Cytotoxicity is expressed as 51Cr release from labeled target cells. Experiments are described to characterize chemically nonspecific MCF activity. After purification on a DEAE-cellulose column, active material elutes from Sephadex G-100 in a single peak. Assaying individual fractions of this peak shows that nonspecific MCF activity is found at a mol. wt. of 28,000 ± 5,000. This material is stable at -70°C several months.
Are Cellular and Humoral Components of the Immune Response Linked by a Dispatcher Cell?
Authors: Neveu P.J.
Published: July 2009

Variations in opposite directions of cellular and humoral reactions observed during desensitization and immune deviation could reflect a balance controlled by a cell which dispatches information towards cells involved in delayed hypersensitivity and those involved in antibody synthesis. This dispatcher cell could be one of the targets of antigen-antibody complexes which modulate both cellular and humoral components of the immune response.
Effect of Disodium Cromoglycate and Picrorhiza kurroa Root Powder on Sensitivity of Guinea Pigs to Histamine and Sympathomimetic Amines
Authors: Mahajani S.S. , Kulkarni R.D.
Published: July 2009

Four weeks pretreatment with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and the powdered roots of the herb Picrorhiza kurroa, Benth, rendered guinea pigs less sensitive to histamine when compared with appropriate controls. The bronchodilator effects of isoprenaline and adrenaline were found to be markedly enhanced. The severity and duration of the allergic bronchospasm was significantly less in animals pretreated with the two drugs. Furthermore, the total histamine content of the lung tissue in animals pretreated with DSCG and P. kurroa was significantly less than that in the untreated controls. The pretreatment was also found to exhibit inhibitory effect on the immunological release of histamine and SRS-A from chopped lungs.
Effect of β-Adrenergic Blockade, Pertussis Vaccine and Freund’s Adjuvant on Reaginic Antibody Response in Mice
Authors: Nakazawa H. , Hobday J. , Townley R. , Chaperon E.
Published: July 2009

IgE synthesis has been reported to be inhibited by theophylline and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate and increased by pertussis vaccine. This study was done to determine if chronic β-adrenergic blockade affects IgE antibody production. 72 C57BL/10J mice were sensitized with egg albumin (EA, 125 μg). Groups included: (1) EA alone; (2) EA + complete Freund’s adjuvant (FA); (3) EA + B. pertussis (8×109 organisms); (4) EA + propranolol (0.5 mg/kg) 3 times/day; (5) EA + FA + propranolol; (6) saline alone. Booster was given on day 49. Group 1, given EA alone, failed to develop any passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) antibodies even after booster, whereas the 72-hour PCA titers ranged from 1/64 to 1/256 for groups treated with propranolol and propranolol + FA, respectively. The results suggest that chronic β-adrenergic blockade enhances IgE antibody formation.
Evaluation of Nonspecific (Alternative Pathway) Opsonic Activity by Neutrophil Chemiluminescence
Authors: Hill Harry R. , Hogan Nancy A. , Bale James F. , Hemming Val G.
Published: July 2009

The role of alternative complement pathway activation in protection against infection is not well understood. We have investigated nonspecific opsonic activity in human adult, term neonatal and premature serum using the technique of neutrophil chemiluminescence (CL) to measure particle uptake. Following phagocytosis, neutrophils become metabolically active, produce excited molecular oxygen and emit a burst of light which can be detected and quantitated in a liquid scintillation counter. In the present study, zymosan particles were preopsonized in human serum and added to control neutrophils. Particles opsonized in adult serum produced a marked peak in CL. Serial dilutions of the serum prior to opsonization yielded proportionally lower peaks in CL. Opsonic activity as measured by the CL procedure was completely blocked by the addition of chelating agents which remove calcium and magnesium ions and block both classic and alternative complement pathway activation. Addition of an excess of magnesium ions (needed for alternative pathway activation) to the reaction mixture partially restored the opsonic activity. Opsonic activity as measured by the CL procedure was significantly depressed in approximately two-thirds of term and premature infant sera tested. Deficient nonspecific opsonic activity was closely correlated with serum levels of C3PA. These studies suggest that the CL procedure may be of value in the investigation of nonspecific opsonins in human serum.
Subcellular Localization of Monoamine Oxidase in Bovine Thalamus Tissue using Immunoferritin Conjugates
Authors: Koch Elizabeth A. , Spitzer Robert H. , Panagopoulos Paul N. , Kaplan Morris A.
Published: July 2009

A combination of discontinuous sucrose gradient analysis and polyacrylamide electrophoresis was used to isolate one of the multiple forms of monoamine oxidase (MAO) from bovine thalamus. This substance (the principal form and the most anodic of the five MAO forms observed) was used as a basis for an immunoferritin-electron microscope approach to determine the subcellular localization of MAO in thalamus. This form of MAO, as well as antigenically related forms, was found to reside mainly on the outer mitochondrial membrane. In addition, the action of SDS on solubilization and interconversion of MAO forms was studied and found to be dependent on the concentration and time of reaction of SDS with thalamus tissue.
Experiments on the Passive Sensitization of Human Basophils, Using Quantitative Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Stallman P.J. , Aalberse R.C. , Brühl P.C. , van Elven E.H.
Published: July 2009

In previous experiments a correlation was found between the amount of IgE on human basophils and the IgE serum level. The results of these experiments are shown to fit a free exchange model with an approximately constant K-value. We investigated whether the free IgE-receptors on the basophils, which should be present according to this model, could be saturated by incubating the cell suspensions with IgE myeloma protein or with sera from patients with an elevated IgE serum level. Various incubation conditions were applied in sensitizing the leukocytes, and cells from both atopic and nonatopic subjects were used for testing, but no increase in basophil-bound IgE could be measured with the quantitative immunofluorescence technique. Nor could we demonstrate a significant dissociation of cell-bound IgE in a period of 24 h. Therefore another hypothesis is put forward, in which receptor turnover is taken into account: we assumed that the free receptors on the basophils had a shorter functional half-life, than the half-life of the IgE-receptor complexes. This model would explain the contradictory results mentioned above.
Proteolysis of Bovine Immunoglobulins
Authors: de Rham O. , Isliker H.
Published: July 2009

Bovine serum IgG1, colostral IgG1 and serum IgG2 with anti-ferritin activity were digested with pepsin or trypsin. Their fragments were characterized by immunoelectrophoresis, gel electrophoresis and gel filtration; their ferritin-binding ability was determined. The kinetics of proteolysis were established by measuring the appearance of free amino groups. No differences were observed between serum and colostrum IgG1. IgG1 was more susceptible to pepsin, and IgG2 to trypsin. This became evident from both the amount of intact IgG determined by gel electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis or gel filtration, and from the kinetics of the appearance of amino groups. A model is presented to explain the size, mobilities and properties of the obtained fragments.
Surface Characteristics of the Human K (Killer) Lymphocyte
Authors: Eremin O. , Kraft D. , Coombs R.R.A. , Franks D. , Ashby J. , Plumb D.
Published: July 2009

The human non-allergized K (killer) lymphocyte has been characterized using selective depletion and isolation procedures based on surface markers. It was found to be a non-thymus-dependent, Fc-receptor-bearing cell. In an area which is controversial, our findings also indicate that the cell has immunoglobulin on its surface but lacks the receptor for the C3 component of complement (mouse). This would suggest it to be an (Fc + C3––) B lymphocyte.
Enhancement by a Serum Factor of Immunoglobulin-Mediated Histamine Release from Human Leukocytes
Authors: Petersson Bengt- Åke , Stålenheim Gunnemar
Published: July 2009

When serum was fractionated on Sephadex G-200, the material eluted in the second and third major peaks had a very pronounced capacity to enhance IgE- as well as IgG-mediated histamine release from the leukocytes of both normal and allergic donors. Unseparated serum on the other hand had a low capacity to stimulate anti-IgE-induced histamine release. Besides resulting in a higher histamine release, pretreatment with serum fractions also increased the rate of histamine release. Further purification revealed that the stimulating activity of the material in the second peak was mediated by a trypsin-sensitive component, probably active in low concentration.
The Inhibition of Histamine Release by Antiallergic Drugs
Authors: Nagai H. , Kelly K. , Sehon A.H.
Published: July 2009

Three new antiallergic drugs, Doxantrazole, PRD-92 and N5′, as well as disodium cromoglycate, inhibited the IgE-mediated PCA reaction in the rat triggered by the homologous antigen, but did not have an antagonistic effect on histamine itself. Moreover, all the drugs examined caused in vitro inhibition of antigen-mediated histamine release from peritoneal mast cells and chopped lung tissue of sensitized rats producing IgE antibodies. Doxantrazole had a synergistic effect on the inhibition of histamine release by isoproterenol, whereas the other drugs were devoid of this capacity. PRD-92 and N5′ inhibited the ionophore A23,187 induced histamine release, but did not have any effect on the D2O-enhanced histamine release which was triggered by antigen.
Immunoglobulin Class Distribution of Measles Virus Antibodies in Serum and Spinal Fluids of Patients with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Authors: Luster M.I. , Armen R.C. , Hallum J.V. , Ahmed A. , Leslie G.A.
Published: July 2009

Sera and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) were tested by indirect immunofluorescence for the presence of measles virus specific antibodies of the various heavy chain classes. IgG and IgA antibodies were detected in the CSF while IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD und IgE measles virus antibodies were found in a significant number of the patient sera. Sera from SSPE patients had slightly elevated levels of IgG, IgM, IgD and IgE while IgA was decreased. The heterogeneous heavy chain class distribution of measles antibodies suggests the possibility that non-complement fixing antibodies serve as blocking antibodies which aid in the persistence of intracellular measles virus infection in patients with SSPE.
Lower Mortality From Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke at Higher Altitudes in Switzerland
Authors: Faeh David , Gutzwiller Felix , Bopp Matthias
Published: July 2009

Background—

Studies assessing the effect of altitude on cardiovascular disease have provided conflicting results. Most studies were limited because of the heterogeneity of the population, their ecological design, or both. In addition, effects of place of birth were rarely considered. Here, we examine mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke in relation to the altitude of the place of residence in 1990 and at birth.

Methods and Results—

Mortality data from 1990 to 2000, sociodemographic information, and places of birth and residence in 1990 (men and women between 40 and 84 years of age living at altitudes of 259 to 1960 m) were obtained from the Swiss National Cohort, a longitudinal, census-based record linkage study. The 1.64 million German Swiss residents born in Switzerland provided 14.5 million person-years. Relative risks were calculated with multivariable Poisson regression. Mortality from coronary heart disease (−22% per 1000 m) and stroke (−12% per 1000 m) significantly decreased with increasing altitude. Being born at altitudes higher or lower than the place of residence was associated with lower or higher risk.

Conclusions—

The protective effect of living at higher altitude on coronary heart disease and stroke mortality was consistent and became stronger after adjustment for potential confounders. Being born at high altitude had an additional and independent beneficial effect on coronary heart disease mortality. The effect is unlikely to be due to classic cardiovascular disease risk factors and rather could be explained by factors related to climate.
Location of Cardiac Arrest in a City Center
Authors: Folke Fredrik , Lippert Freddy Knudsen , Nielsen Søren Loumann , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Hansen Morten Lock , Schramm Tina Ken , Sørensen Rikke , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup , Andersen Søren Skøtt , Rasmussen Søren , Køber Lars , Torp-Pedersen Christian
Published: July 2009

Background—

Public-access defibrillation with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is being implemented in many countries worldwide with considerable financial implications. The potential benefit and economic consequences of focused or unfocused AED deployment are unknown.

Methods and Results—

All cardiac arrests in public in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1994 through 2005 were geographically located, as were 104 public AEDs placed by local initiatives. In accordance with European Resuscitation Council and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, areas with a high incidence of cardiac arrests were defined as those with 1 cardiac arrest every 2 or 5 years, respectively. There were 1274 cardiac arrests in public locations. According to the European Resuscitation Council or AHA guidelines, AEDs needed to be deployed in 1.2% and 10.6% of the city area, providing coverage for 19.5% (n=249) and 66.8% (n=851) of all cardiac arrests, respectively. The excessive cost of such AED deployments was estimated to be $33 100 or $41 000 per additional quality-adjusted life year, whereas unguided AED placement covering the entire city had an estimated cost of $108 700 per quality-adjusted life year. Areas with major train stations (1.8 arrests every 5 years per area), large public squares, and pedestrianized areas (0.6 arrests every 5 years per area) were main predictors of frequent cardiac arrests.

Conclusion—

To achieve wide AED coverage, AEDs need to be more widely distributed than recommended by the European Resuscitation Council guidelines but consistent with the American Heart Association guidelines. Strategic placement of AEDs is pivotal for public-access defibrillation, whereas with unguided initiatives, AEDs are likely to be placed inappropriately.
Effectiveness of Emergency Response Planning for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in United States High Schools With Automated External Defibrillators
Authors: Drezner Jonathan A. , Rao Ashwin L. , Heistand Justin , Bloomingdale Megan K. , Harmon Kimberly G.
Published: July 2009

Background—

US high schools are increasingly adopting automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for use in campus settings. We analyzed the effectiveness of emergency response planning for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in a large cohort of US high schools that had onsite AED programs.

Methods and Results—

A cohort of US high schools with at least 1 onsite AED was identified from the National Registry for AED Use in Sports. A school representative completed a comprehensive survey on emergency planning and provided details of any SCA incident occurring within 6 months of survey completion. Surveys were completed between December 2006 and July 2007. In total, 1710 high schools with an onsite AED program were studied. Although 83% (1428 of 1710) of schools have an established emergency response plan for SCA, only 40% practice and review the plan at least annually with potential school responders. A case of SCA was reported by 36 of 1710 schools (2.1%). The 36 SCA victims included 14 high school student athletes (mean age, 16 years; range, 14 to 17 years) and 22 older nonstudents (mean age, 57 years; range, 42 to 71 years) such as employees and spectators. No cases were reported in student nonathletes. Of the 36 SCA cases, 35 (97%) were witnessed, 34 (94%) received bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and 30 (83%) received an AED shock. Twenty-three SCA victims (64%) survived to hospital discharge, including 9 of the 14 student athletes and 14 of the 22 older nonstudents.

Conclusions—

School-based AED programs provide a high survival rate for both student athletes and older nonstudents who suffer SCA on school grounds. High schools are strongly encouraged to implement onsite AED programs as part of a comprehensive emergency response plan to SCA.
Predictive Value of Brachial Flow-Mediated Dilation for Incident Cardiovascular Events in a Population-Based Study
Authors: Yeboah Joseph , Folsom Aaron R. , Burke Gregory L. , Johnson Craig , Polak Joseph F. , Post Wendy , Lima Joao A. , Crouse John R. , Herrington David M.
Published: July 2009

Background—

Although brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) predicts recurrent cardiovascular events, its predictive value for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in adults free of CVD is not well established. We assessed the predictive value of FMD for incident CVD events in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Methods and Results—

Brachial artery FMD was measured in a nested case-cohort sample of 3026 of 6814 subjects (mean±SD age, 61.2±9.9 years) in MESA, a population-based cohort study of adults free of clinical CVD at baseline recruited at 6 clinic sites in the United States. The sample included 50.2% female, 34.3% white, 19.7% Chinese, 20.8% black, and 25.1% Hispanic subjects. Probability-weighted Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine the association between FMD and 5 years of adjudicated incident CVD events, including incident myocardial infarction, definite angina, coronary revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or other revascularization), stroke, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and CVD death. Mean (SD) FMD of the cohort was 4.4% (2.8). In probability-weighted Cox models, FMD/unit SD was significantly associated with incident cardiovascular events in the univariate model (adjusted for age and sex) (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.65 to 0.97;
P
=0.01), after adjustment for the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.62 to 0.97;
P
=0.025), and in the multivariable model (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.71 to 0.99;
P
=0.04) after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking status, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, heart rate, statin use, and blood pressure medication use. The c statistic (area under the curve) values of FMD, FRS, and FRS+FMD were 0.65, 0.74, and 0.74, respectively. Compared with the FRS alone, the addition of FMD to the FRS net correctly reclassifies 52% of subjects with no incident CVD event but net incorrectly reclassifies 23% of subjects with an incident CVD event, an overall net correct reclassification of 29% (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Brachial FMD is a predictor of incident cardiovascular events in population-based adults. Even though the addition of FMD to the FRS did not improve discrimination of subjects at risk of CVD events in receiver operating characteristic analysis, it improved the classification of subjects as low, intermediate, and high CVD risk compared with the FRS.
A Functional Variant of
NEDD4L
Is Associated With Hypertension, Antihypertensive Response, and Orthostatic Hypotension
Authors: Luo Fang , Wang Yibo , Wang Xiaojian , Sun Kai , Zhou Xianliang , Hui Rutai
Published: July 2009

NEDD4L is involved in the regulation of plasma volume and blood pressure by controlling cell surface expression of the kidney epithelial Na
+
channel. Previously, the cryptic splice variant rs4149601(G/A) A allele of
NEDD4L
, generating isoform I, was estimated to decrease blood pressure by downregulating Na
+
reabsorption. However, a recent functional study showed that isoform I should lead to abnormal Na
+
reabsorption increases by antagonistically downregulating epithelial Na
+
channel activities. To determine whether the variant rs4149601 A allele is a risk factor for hypertension, has an impact on the antihypertensive response to hydrochlorothiazide, and is associated with orthostatic hypotension, we performed a case-control study of hypertension (n=1686), a 4-week clinical trial (n=542), and a case-control study of orthostatic hypotension (n=793) in Chinese subjects. We found that the A allele was significantly associated with hypertension after appropriate adjustment (odds ratio: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.72;
P
=0.002). The blood pressure reduction in A carriers after hydrochlorothiazide treatment was greater than that in GG carriers, with differences of 6.1 mm Hg (
P
=0.009) in systolic blood pressure and 2.7 mm Hg (
P
=0.027) in diastolic blood pressure. The A allele was significantly associated with orthostatic hypotension after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.98;
P
=0.039). In conclusion, rs4149601 is a genetic risk factor for hypertension and a protective factor against orthostatic hypotension in hypertensive subjects, and the antihypertensive response to hydrochlorothiazide is more sensitive in A allele carriers than in GG carriers. Consequently, the A allele may be a useful marker for predicting hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, and antihypertensive response to hydrochlorothiazide.
Biomarkers of Left Atrial Volume
Authors: Tripepi Giovanni , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Mallamaci Francesca , Benedetto Francesco Antonio , Witteman Jacqueline , Malatino Lorenzo , Zoccali Carmine
Published: July 2009

Left atrial volume (LAV) has recently emerged as a useful biomarker for risk stratification and risk monitoring in patients with end stage renal disease. We investigated the relationship between cardiac natriuretic peptides (atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP] and brain natriuretic peptide [BNP]) and norepinephrine (NE) with LAV and LAV changes over time in 199 end stage renal disease patients. At baseline, LAV was directly related to BNP (
r
=0.60), ANP (
r
=0.59), and NE (
r
=0.28;
P
<0.001), and these relationships held true in multiple-regression models adjusting for potential confounders (
P
≤0.003). In the longitudinal study (17±2 months), LAV increased from 9.8±4.6 to 10.9±5.4 mL/m
2.7
(+11%). In a multiple linear regression model, BNP (β=0.28;
P
=0.003), ANP (β=0.22;
P
=0.03), and NE (β=0.27;
P
=0.003) predicted LAV changes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting LAV changes (>3 mL/m
2.7
per year) of a risk score on the basis of standard risk factors was 0.72. Plasma BNP (+12%;
P
=0.004), ANP (+8%;
P
=0.03), NE (+8%;
P
=0.05) and midwall fraction shortening (+8%;
P
=0.05) increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to a significant extent, whereas LV mass did not (+5%;
P
=0.18). Predictive models, including BNP, ANP, and NE, maintained a satisfactory discriminatory power for LAV and LAV changes also when tested by a bootstrap resampling technique. BNP and ANP are strongly related to LAV in the end stage renal disease patients and predict LAV changes over time in these patients. Because an increased LAV underlies diastolic dysfunction and/or volume overload (ie, potentially modifiable risk factors), the measurement of the plasma concentration of these compounds might be useful for risk stratification and for guiding treatment in dialysis patients.
The Study of Criminology in China
Authors: Wong Kam C.
Published: July 2009

As a scholarly discipline, criminology in China is growing in stature, maturity and utility. In the short thirty years since 1979, China has successfully established criminology as a scientific field of study with well-defined subjects, recognised scholars and copious research/publications. A cursory review of pertinent literature in law, criminology and China studies shows that to date, there are very few systematic and comprehensive studies of criminology (in English language) as an emerging and important field of academic discipline in China. As a result, we know very little about its focus and scope; direction and trend; theories and findings; and problems and issues. This is a first attempt to do so. The article (in two parts, published separately) investigates into: ‘Literature on law, crime and punishment in China’; ‘The idea of crime (Fanzui)’; ‘Traditional thinking of crime and punishment in imperial China’; ‘Nature and structure of criminology as a discipline’; ‘Contemporary development of criminology in China’; ‘Contemporary theories on crime and punishment’ and ‘Fundamental issues and challenges’ facing criminological research in China.
Sustainable Growth of China's Rubber Industry in the Era of Global Economic Integration
Authors: Viswanathan P.K.
Published: July 2009

The article analyses the development and growth of the rubber industry in China since the reforms began. It reflects the contradictions arising from the mismatch between growing shortage of rubber vis-à-vis the dynamic and spatial growth of rubber-based industries. The article suggests some important policy options for sustaining the growth dynamism of the rubber industry in China, in the era of economic integration, which calls for a thorough revamping of state policies and evolving (virtually non-existent) institutional intervention strategies addressing a broad spectrum of activities, namely (a) demand and supply management; (b) redefining the status of natural rubber as a strategic commodity and potential industrial raw material; (c) strengthening property rights status of the rubber small producers; and (d) capital investment for research and development (R&D), facilitating the expansion of natural rubber (NR) cultivation to non-conventional areas. Given the fact that the global market integration would continue to stimulate the growth of the domestic rubber industry, the article highlights that the issues at the supply side management are to be tackled on a priority basis. However, addressing the supply side management issues would need China to make a rational choice between, or a combination of, at least four alternatives, namely (a) strengthening the domestic rubber production sector, particularly, NR; (b) continue to import NR and synthetic rubber (SR) from neighbouring countries; (c) invest in NR plantation development programmes in Laos, Vietnam or Myanmar with the involvement of foreign capital; and (d) exploring feasibility of enhanced substitution of NR with SR. The article also brings out the need for achieving synergy between development of natural rubber sector and rubber-based industrialisation processes in the country, so as to make the industry economically sustainable and globally competitive.
How to sell your soul and still get into Heaven: Steven Covey's epiphany-inducing technology of effective selfhood
Authors: Cullen John G.
Published: July 2009

Steven Covey's The 7 habits of highly effective people, one of the most influential and popular contemporary self-help texts, has resulted in the development a large multinational consulting business, several spin-off texts, and much imitation since its publication in 1989. An examination of the text, informed by Critical Discourse Analysis, is conducted with a view to unearthing the textual, discursive and socio-cultural practices that have enabled the work and its message to become so popular. 7 habits is an epiphanogenic (or epiphany-inducing) technology emerging from an `effectiveness' discipline supported by three socio-cultural trends: the postmodern, saturated self; the coming of neo-liberal society and the financialization of the self; and the subjective turn. Covey's discipline of effectiveness aims to produce a self that is simultaneously de-saturated, financialized and expressivist, but supportive of conservative, universalist and late-capitalist modes of being.
Resisting resistance: Counter-resistance, consent and compliance in a consultancy firm
Authors: Kärreman Dan , Alvesson Mats
Published: July 2009

Consent, obedience and resistance can be seen as key concerns in management and organization. Why people comply is a crucial issue in the field. We address the theme within a specific area: management consultants in a big firm that places quite a lot of pressure on its personnel to be hardworking and predictable and to subordinate themselves to hierarchy, standards and tight production schedules. By studying how the discourses of Ambition and Autonomy clash and interact in a consultancy firm, we add and develop the concept of counter-resistance to expand our understanding of the dynamics of resistance. The idea is to show how the impulse to resist becomes countered and neutralized. The study offers insights into the deeper mechanisms and dynamics behind consent and shows the multidimensional character of resistance.
Religious Disputations and Imperial Ideology
Authors: Rezavi Syed Ali Nadeem
Published: July 2009

The concept of religious debate is encountered even in the pre-Mughal period in India: we hear of special assemblies ( mahzar) that held religious discussions but were confined to controversial themes within predominantly the Hanafi school of thought. But such debates were the instruments of the orthodoxy to consolidate their sway over the dissenters. The evidence of these religious assemblies (majlis) under the reign of Akbar is as early as 1570.

However, from the testimonies of a critique of Akbar (Badauni), a theologian (Shaikh Nurul Haq) and a known sycophant and courtier (Abul Fazl), it appears that the constitution of the Ibadatkhana and the discussions being held therein were not an extension of the type of religious debates that were held or organized before. It is the argument of this essay that the Ibadatkhana was an instrument of ‘tolerance’ for the imposition of ‘Reason’. Throughout his reign there was a stress on reason (‘aql’), which was to be given precedence over traditionalism (taqlid).

This article, on the basis of contemporary sources, further goes on to fix the location of the Ibadatkhana at Fathpur Sikri. The author proposes that the so-called daftarkhana was in fact the place where this important edifice was located.