bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent Advantage or Disadvantage?: Evidence in Support of the Intergenerational Drag Hypothesis
Authors: Darity William , Dietrich Jason , Guilkey David K.
Published: March 2003

By utilizing the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) and a measure of occupational prestige (OCCSCORE) as a labor market outcome, the authors examine variations in the degree of labor market discrimination faced by several ethnic and racial groups in the United States between 1880 and 1990. Results demonstrate that the sharpest decline in labor market discrimination against blacks occurred between 1960 and 1980. For black males the extent of labor market discrimination was greater in all census years in IPUMS after 1880 until 1970, evidence contradicting the conventional expectation that market‐based discrimination will decline progressively over time by dint of competitive pressure. Finally, after replicating George Borjas' “ethnic capital” exercise, the authors pool the 1880, 1900, and 1910 data to determine the relative magnitude of a group's gains and losses in occupational prestige due to group advantage or disadvantage in human capital endowments and due to favorable or unfavorable treatment (nepotism or discrimination) of those endowments in the labor market. The authors then examine statistically whether the group human capital advantage or disadvantage and group exposure to nepotism or discrimination at the turn of the century affects labor market outcomes for their descendants today. Results indicate strong effects of the past on present labor market outcomes. Hence, the essence of the study is the statistical demonstration that there are significant and detectable effects on current generations of the labor market experiences of their racial/ethnic ancestors.
A Political Economy Approach to the Neoclassical Model of Transition
Authors: Marangos John
Published: March 2003

The neoclassical model of transition from a centrally‐administered socialist economic system to a market‐based economic system was implemented in Russia and Eastern Europe. The neoclassical process took the form of either shock therapy or gradualism. However, each approach actually involved a combination of shock therapy and gradualist policies, making the distinction between the two approaches unfounded. In addition, both approaches suffered by the innate inadequacies of neoclassical economic analysis as being politically/institutionally naked. Both shock therapy supporters and gradualist neoclassical economists did not provide a specific process of institutional development, favouring a gradual market‐driven institutional outcome. With regard to the political structure, democracy was inconsistent with shock therapy, while active state intervention during transition was inconsistent with the ultimate goal of the gradualist neoclassical economists of competitive capitalism.
Collective Acceptance, Social Institutions, and Social Reality
Authors: Tuomela Raimo
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT . The paper presents an account of social institutions on the basis of collective acceptance. Basically, collective acceptance by some members of a group involves the members’ collectively coming to hold and holding a relevant social attitude (a “we‐attitude”), viz. either one in the intention family of concepts or one in the belief family. In standard cases the collective acceptance must be in the “we‐mode,” viz. performed as a group member, and involve that it be meant for the group. The participants must be collectively committed to what they have accepted. Social institutions are taken to be norm‐governed social practices introducing a new social and conceptual status on the practices or some elements involved in those practices. This requires that some of the involved norms be constitutive norms as opposed to merely “accidentally” regulating ones. A classification of social institutions is presented. The account is broader in scope than is Searle’s.
Searle's Monadological Construction of Social Reality
Authors: Johansson Ingvar
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT . One aim of this paper is to make visible the connection between Searle's views on social reality and his general ontology, and at the same time to show that some peculiar features of his analysis of social reality are a natural outcome of his general ontology. The paper contains five sections. In the first Searle's naturalism is philosophically situated and its differentia specifica explained. Then, Searle's view that intentional states exist only in brains is presented. One might say that, according to Searle, each mind is, although caused by a material brain, a Leibnizian monad. This view is related to an important, but neglected, distinction that Searle himself has made between requirement conditions of satisfaction and required conditions of satisfaction. In the third section, it is pointed out that, necessarily, sometimes there has to exist some kind of relation of satisfaction between the two kinds of conditions of satisfaction. Searle, however, has never really discussed what this satisfaction relation may look like. The upshot of all the remarks is that, fourth, Searle's general ontology automatically implies an ontology of social reality according to which a social fact can only exist as a scattered aggregate whose items exist in the brains of the people who constitute it. Finally and fifth, I try to think with Searle against Searle. His monadological view of social reality cannot, Searle notwithstanding, be regarded as being close to the direct realism of common sense. Searle's realism is an indirect realism. However, if Searle's view that intentional states exist only in brains is rejected, then the rest of his ontology has features that may take us closer to a direct realism. Such a move, which in one respect takes us closer to common sense, takes us in another respect away from common sense. The title of the last section is “Social Reality and the Impossibility of Common Sense.”
The Social Ontology of Virtual Environments
Authors: Brey Philip
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT .

This paper analyzes the ontological structure of institutional and other social entities in virtual environments. The emphasis is on institutional reality, which consists of entities (objects, events, etc.) like money, contracts, and chess pieces, which are constituted in part through collective agreements. It is studied how institutional entities are constructed in virtual environments, how they relate to institutional entities in the real world, and how they are recognized by users.
Urban Armageddon or Politics as Usual? The Case of Municipal Civil Service Reform
Authors: Ruhil Anirudh V. S.
Published: March 2003

For the better part of the twentieth century, the question of municipal reformism has drawn urban scholarship: Why do some cities change their governing arrangements while others do not? Focusing exclusively on merit systems, in this study I expose the political underpinnings of merit reform in American municipal history. A duration analysis of merit adoptions in a sample of 252 cities in the 1900–1940 period suggests that both state‐ (home rule status, state merit systems) and city‐specific (at‐large elections, term length, city size, percent foreign‐born, regional location) factors largely determined when and where reform occurred.
Urban Redevelopment as Contingent Process: Implicating Everyday Practices in Berlin’s Renewal
Authors: Cooper Cindy T. , Mele Christopher
Published: March 2003

In this article, we generate a “middle–ground” perspective to interrogate the range of interactions between political economic processes and everyday practices in the study of urban redevelopment. Focusing on the contested redevelopment of residential, commercial, and public spaces in the Spandauer Vorstadt neighborhood of Berlin, we examine how institutions and individuals incorporated certain local everyday practices and behaviors into renewal agendas. Such processes of incorporation were neither uniform nor homogeneous but disputed; state actors, planners, and developers, as well as residents, focused on certain existing neighborhood practices (and ignored others) in an effort to manage and control the course of neighborhood redevelopment. Conversely, everyday practices influenced redevelopment processes in ways often not intended by residents or other stakeholders. Finally, while our findings pertain to the case study of Berlin, we suggest that similar processes are at work in other cases of urban redevelopment in Western cities.
Information, Trading Demand, and Futures Price Volatility
Authors: Wang Changyun
Published: March 2003

We examine the relation between futures price volatility and trading demand by type of trader in the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500‐stock index futures market. We find that volatility covaries negatively with signed speculative demand shocks but is positively related to signed hedging demand shocks. No significant relation between volatility and demand shocks for small traders is found. Our results suggest that changes in positions of large hedgers destabilize the market, whereas changes in positions of large speculators stabilize volatility. Consistent with models with asymmetrically informed traders, we find that large speculators are likely to possess superior forecasting ability, large hedgers behave like positive feedback traders, and small traders are liquidity traders.
Foreign Sales and Small Firm Growth: The Moderating Role of the Management Team
Authors: Reuber A. Rebecca , Fischer Eileen
Published: March 2003

The premise of this article is that the management team of a small firm plays a key role in internationalization outcomes. Specifically, it is hypothesized that a greater degree of behavioral integration within a small firm's management team enables it to manage the complexity of foreign sales growth more effectively, leading to greater overall firm growth. Findings, based on data collected from two different industries (software products, food processing), support the hypothesis and indicate that the behavioral integration of the management team moderates the relationship between foreign sales growth and overall firm growth.
Entry Mode Choice of SMEs in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Nakos George , Brouthers Keith D.
Published: March 2003

Scholars (e.g., Burgel & Murray, 2000 ; Jones, 1999 ; Zacharakis, 1997 ) have suggested that small and medium–sized enterprise (SME) international entry mode selection is an important new research area. In this study we attempt to determine if a model of large firm entry mode selection can be applied to SME entry mode choice. Using Dunning's eclectic framework, we examined SME entry into Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). We found that Dunning's eclectic framework did a good job of predicting SME entry mode selection in CEE markets. Managerial implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
COPPER-ZINC SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE AND AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS
Authors: Valentine Joan Selverstone , Doucette Peter A. , Zittin Potter Soshanna
Published: March 2003

▪ Abstract  Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD, SOD1 protein) is an abundant copper- and zinc-containing protein that is present in the cytosol, nucleus, peroxisomes, and mitochondrial intermembrane space of human cells. Its primary function is to act as an antioxidant enzyme, lowering the steady-state concentration of superoxide, but when mutated, it can also cause disease. Over 100 different mutations have been identified in the sod1 genes of patients diagnosed with the familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). These mutations result in a highly diverse group of mutant proteins, some of them very similar to and others enormously different from wild-type SOD1. Despite their differences in properties, each member of this diverse set of mutant proteins causes the same clinical disease, presenting a challenge in formulating hypotheses as to what causes SOD1-associated fALS. In this review, we draw together and summarize information from many laboratories about the characteristics of the individual mutant SOD1 proteins in vivo and in vitro in the hope that it will aid investigators in their search for the cause(s) of SOD1-associated fALS.
Seven‐dimensional considerations of Einstein′s connection. I. The recurrence relations of the first kind in n‐g‐UFT
Authors: Kim Mi Ae , So Keum Sook , Cho Chung Hyun , Chung Kyung Tae
Published: March 2003

Einstein′s connection in a generalized Riemannian manifold Xn has been investigated by many authors for lower‐dimensional cases
n = 2, …, 6. In a series of papers, we obtain a surveyable
tensorial representation of 7‐dimensional Einstein′s connection
in terms of unified field tensor, with main emphasis on the
derivation of powerful and useful recurrence relations which hold
in X7. In this paper, we give a brief survey of Einstein′s
unified field theory and derive the recurrence relations of the
first kind which hold in a general Xn. All considerations in
this paper are restricted to the first and second classes only
since the case of the third class, the simplest case, was already
studied by many authors.
K‐Bessel functions in two variables
Authors: Dib Hacen
Published: March 2003

The Bessel‐Muirhead hypergeometric system (or 0F1‐system) in
two variables (and three variables) is solved using symmetric
series, with an explicit formula for coefficients, in order to
express the K‐Bessel function as a linear combination of the
J‐solutions. Limits of this method and suggestions for
generalizations to a higher rank are discussed.
The Boolean algebra of Galois algebras
Authors: Szeto George , Xue Lianyong
Published: March 2003

Let B be a Galois algebra with Galois group G, Jg = {b ∈ B | bx = g(x)b for all x ∈ B} for each g ∈ G, and
BJg = Beg for a central idempotent eg, Ba the Boolean algebra generated by {0, eg | g ∈ G}, e a nonzero
element in Ba, and He = {g ∈ G | eeg = e}. Then, a
monomial e is characterized, and the Galois extension Be,
generated by e with Galois group He, is investigated.
The convergence estimates for Galerkin‐wavelet solution ofperiodic pseudodifferential initial value problems
Authors: Chuong Nguyen Minh , Cuong Bui Kien
Published: March 2003

Using the discrete Fourier transform and Galerkin‐Petrov
scheme, we get some results on the solutions and the convergence
estimates for periodic pseudodifferential initial value
problems.
A factorization theorem for Logharmonic mappings
Authors: Abdulhadi Zayid , Abumuhanna Yusuf
Published: March 2003

We give the necessary and sufficient condition on
sense‐preserving logharmonic mapping in order to be factorized as
the composition of analytic function followed by a univalent
logharmonic mapping.
Differential STAT3, STAT5, and NF-κB activation in human hematopoietic progenitors by endogenous interleukin-15: implications in the expression of functional molecules
Authors: Giron-Michel Julien , Caignard Anne , Fogli Manuela , Brouty-Boyé Danièle , Briard Diane , van Dijk Marc , Meazza Raffaella , Ferrini Silvano , Lebousse-Kerdilès Caroline , Clay Denis , Bompais Heidi , Chouaib Salem , Péault Bruno , Azzarone Bruno
Published: March 2003

Different forms of interleukin-15 (IL-15) have been identified and shown to elicit different transduction pathways whose impact on hematopoiesis is poorly understood. We demonstrated herein that hematopoietic CD34+ cells constitutively produced endogenous secreted IL-15 (ES-IL-15) that activated different transcription factors and controlled the expression of several functional proteins, depending on the progenitor source. Thus, nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κ B) was activated in bone marrow (BM) and cord blood (CB) progenitors, whereas signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT5 activation was restricted to peripheral granulocyte—colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)—mobilized and BM progenitors, respectively. ES-IL-15 acts through autocrine/paracrine loops controlled by high-affinity receptors involving IL-15 receptor α (IL-15R α). Furthermore, ES-IL-15 was found to differentially control the expression of several functional molecules important for hematopoietic differentiation. Indeed, in BM precursors, neutralizing anti—IL-15 monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibits the expression of the γ c chain and of the chemokine stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) but had no effect on vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and β 1 integrin adhesion molecule expression. Conversely, in CB progenitors, anti—IL-15 mAb inhibited VCAM-1 and β 1 integrin expression without affecting γ c chain expression and, most important, up-regulated SDF-1 expression. In conclusion, unprimed human hematopoietic CD34+ cells secrete cell-unbound IL-15, which activates through autocrine/paracrine loop distinct signaling pathways, depending on the progenitor source, thereby influencing the expression of several molecules important in the control of hematopoiesis. (Blood. 2003;102:109-117)
Rapid recruitment of inflammatory monocytes is independent of neutrophil migration
Authors: Henderson Robert B. , Hobbs Josie A. R. , Mathies Meg , Hogg Nancy
Published: March 2003

Early neutrophil entry into an inflammatory site is thought to mediate a chemokine switch, inducing subsequent monocyte recruitment through the regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release. As the murine monocyte is poorly characterized and difficult to identify, there has been little examination of either its early recruitment in inflammatory models or of the factors that influence its early migration. The phenotyping of rapidly recruited inflammatory leukocytes with 7/4 and Gr-1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) identifies 2 distinct populations, which we characterize as murine monocytes and neutrophils. Monocytes migrate in the first 2 hours of inflammation making use of α4β1 but not of Mac-1 or lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) integrins. Early migration is dependent on MCP-1, but neither MCP-1 release nor monocyte recruitment is affected by the reduced neutrophil migration seen in LFA-1-/- mice. Endogenous peritoneal macrophages and mesothelial cells lining the peritoneum contain MCP-1, which is released following thioglycollate stimulation. The murine monocyte therefore responds rapidly to chemokines produced in situ by tissue cells at the site of inflammation with no requirement for prior influx of neutrophils. (Blood. 2003;102:328-335)
Regulation of 17-AAG—induced apoptosis: role of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax downstream of 17-AAG—mediated down-regulation of Akt, Raf-1, and Src kinases
Authors: Nimmanapalli Ramadevi , O'Bryan Erica , Kuhn Deborah , Yamaguchi Hirohito , Wang Hong-Gang , Bhalla Kapil N.
Published: March 2003

17-allylamino-demethoxy geldanamycin (17-AAG) inhibits the chaperone function of heat shock protein—90 (Hsp-90) and promotes the proteasomal degradation of its misfolded client proteins. Here, we demonstrate that treatment of the human acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells with 17-AAG attenuates the intracellular levels of a number of Hsp-90 client proteins, including Akt, c-Raf-1, and c-Src. Also, 17-AAG induced the mitochondrial release and cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c (cyt c) and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac)/DIABLO, resulting in the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and apoptosis. Treatment with 17-AAG triggered the B-cell lymphoma—2 (Bcl-2)—associated X protein (Bax) conformational change associated with apoptosis, while Bax-deficient cells were resistant to 17-AAG—induced apoptosis. In addition, in HL-60/Bcl-2 and HL-60/Bcl-xL cells, which ectopically express Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL respectively, 17-AAG—induced Bax conformational change, cytosolic accumulation of cyt c and Smac/DIABLO, and apoptosis were markedly inhibited. Although the rate of 17-AAG—mediated decline in Akt, c-Raf-1, and c-Src levels was blunted, the total decline was not compromised in HL-60/Bcl-2 and HL-60/Bcl-xL cells. Cotreatment with HA14-1, a nonpeptidic ligand that can bind and inhibit the antiapoptotic activity of Bcl-2, significantly overcame the resistance to 17-AAG—induced apoptosis in HL-60/Bcl-2 cells. Together, these findings indicate that although 17-AAG treatment causes the levels of a number of survival-signaling protein kinases to decline, the downstream engagement of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is regulated by the activity of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Also, neutralizing the antiapoptotic effect of Bcl-2 would further enhance the antileukemia activity of 17-AAG. (Blood. 2003;102:269-275)
In vitro effects of l‐arginine and guanidino compounds on NTPDase1 and 5′‐nucleotidase activities from rat brain synaptosomes
Authors: Balz Daniela , de Souza Wyse Angela Terezinha , Morsch Vera Maria , da Silva Adriane Cismoski , Vieira Vânia Lúcia , Morsch André Luı́s Bittencourt , Schetinger Maria Rosa Chitolina
Published: March 2003

Tissue accumulation of arginine (Arg), N‐acetylarginine (NA), argininic acid (AA) and homoarginine (HA) occurs in hyperargininemia, an inborn error of the urea cycle. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects of Arg, NA, AA and HA on NTPDase1 and 5′‐nucleotidase activities from synaptosomal cerebral cortex of rats. The results showed that Arg enhances NTPDase1 activity at the high concentrations tested (1.5 and 3.0 mM) for both the ATP and ADP nucleotides. Activation was also observed with other guanidino compounds tested: NA, AA and HA activated ATP and ADP hydrolysis in all experiments at the concentration of 25 μM. Besides this, NA and AA activated ATP hydrolysis at a lower concentration (1 μM). In another set of experiments, we verified the effect of Arg on purified apyrase at pH 8.0 and 6.5 and observed an increase in the enzyme activity at all Arg concentrations tested (0.01–3.0 mM). In contrast, Arg and the other guanidino compounds tested did not alter 5′‐nucleotidase activity. These results suggest that changes in nucleotide hydrolysis may be involved in the brain dysfunction caused by hyperargininemia amongst other potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved in this condition.
The effect of air filtration on airborne dog allergen
Authors: Green R , Simpson A , Custovic A , Faragher B , Chapman M , Woodcock A
Published: March 2003

Background: Effective methods of reducing dog allergen are required to help alleviate symptoms in asthmatic patients sensitized to dog who refuse to part with their pet. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of the high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter air cleaner to reduce airborne Can f 1 in homes with a dog.

Methods: The effect of a HEPA air cleaner was investigated in nine homes with a dog. Samples were collected from two rooms of each house concurrently, one of which contained the dog, on two separate days (active day – HEPA air cleaner on – and control day). Eight consecutive 1‐h samples were collected from each room with a high‐volume air sampler (airflow rate 60 l/min). Can f 1 was determined by monoclonal‐polyclonal antibody‐based ELISA.

Results: Baseline airborne Can f 1 levels were 3.8‐fold greater when sampling was performed with a dog in the room (GM 27.1 ng Can f 1/m3, range 2.63–329) than when the dog was elsewhere in the house (GM 7.1 ng Can f 1/m3, range 0.69–27.2). When the dog was elsewhere in the house, airborne Can f 1 levels fell on both active and control days, but the magnitude of the reduction was significantly greater on the active days (P<0.05), and was approximately 90% from baseline. With the dog in the room, a significant fall in airborne Can f 1 was observed only on active days (75% from baseline), but not on control days (active vs control P<0.001).

Conclusions: HEPA air cleaners reduce airborne Can f 1 in homes with dogs. Furthermore, preventing the access of the dog to the bedroom and possibly the living room may reduce the total allergen load inhaled.
Specific IgE determinations to crude and boiled lentil (Lens culinaris) extracts in lentil‐sensitive children and controls
Authors: Ibáñez Sandín D. , Martínez San Ireneo M. , Alonso Lebrero E. , Laso Borrego T. , Marañón Lizana F. , Fernández‐Caldas E.
Published: March 2003

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the allergenicity of boiled and crude lentil extracts and to compare specific IgE binding in tolerant and nontolerant lentil‐allergic children.

Methods: Thirty‐eight children were studied and divided into three groups. Group I comprised 24 children with a positive open oral challenge, or a convincing history of anaphylaxis after the ingestion of lentils; group II comprised nine children with a history of allergic reactions in the past, but currently tolerant of lentils; and group III comprised five children allergic to other legumes, but always tolerant of the ingestion of lentils. Specific IgE determinations and ELISA inhibitions were performed with the crude and boiled lentil extracts. The allergenic profile of both extracts was evaluated by SDS–PAGE and immunoblot.

Results: Mean specific IgE levels in group I were significantly higher than in groups II and III. The heating process caused a significant decrease in specific IgE binding. However, IgE‐inhibition studies showed that the boiled lentil extract had a greater inhibitory capacity than the crude extract. Immunoblots revealed no important differences in IgE‐binding patterns between the two extracts. Multiple allergens were detected in a wide range of molecular masses.

Conclusions: Boiled lentil extracts maintain strong allergenicity. Patients who have developed tolerance of lentil ingestion have lower specific IgE levels than symptomatic patients.
Determination of the allergenic activity of birch pollen and apple prick test solutions by measurement of β‐hexosaminidase release from RBL‐2H3 cells. Comparison with classical methods in allergen standardization
Authors: Hoffmann A , Jamin A , Foetisch K , May S , Aulepp H , Haustein D , Vieths S
Published: March 2003

Background: A murine in vitro model of the allergic type I reaction was set up to determine the biologic activity of extracts without involvement of human beings. It is based on β‐hexosaminidase release from passively sensitized RBL cells after allergen challenge. The intended application of this RBL cell assay in the field of quality control of allergenic extracts requires its comparison with established methods.

Methods: The activity of five standardized birch‐pollen prick test solutions was determined in parallel by RBL assay, direct IgE binding, IgE‐binding inhibition, major allergen content, histamine‐release assay, and skin testing.

Results: The RBL cell‐release assay corresponded well to other methods if a reagin raised against natural birch‐pollen extract was used for passive sensitization. However, in the case of a reagin against recombinant Bet v 1, only a decreased activity was observed, presumably because a reduced number of epitopes were recognized by the monospecific reagin. In contrast to standardized birch‐pollen extracts, nonstandardized apple extracts showed poor activity in all assays.

Conclusions: This murine model might be a useful tool in the quality control of allergenic extracts. It combines properties of assays based on standardized antisera and of assays that consider IgE cross‐linking properties.
Nasal provocation test in the diagnosis of natural rubber latex allergy
Authors: Palczynski C. , Walusiak J. , Ruta U. , Gorski P.
Published: March 2003

Background: Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy in workers using rubber gloves has been an occupational health problem for the last 10 years. In the case of the occupational agents, clinical history may be far from conclusive; hence, appropriate provocation should be carried out. The objective was to evaluate the usefulness of the nasal challenge test in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in subjects occupationally exposed to NRL.

Methods: A single‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted in 16 nurses with respiratory symptoms (bronchial asthma and/or rhinitis) related to NRL exposure as well as positive skin prick test (SPT) response to NRL. The controls were nine nurses with asthma and/or perennial rhinitis unrelated to NRL exposure; six atopic patients not occupationally exposed to NRL, with asthma and/or perennial rhinitis; and six healthy subjects. All the controls had negative results of SPT with NRL. Patients with a history of anaphylaxis or positive results of RAST to NRL were not considered in the study. The “nasal pool” technique was used to evaluate the cellular response and changes in protein level and ECP concentration in nasal washings after topical provocation with allergen or placebo.

Results: A significant increase was noted in eosinophil and basophil number, albumin/total protein ratio, and ECP level only in NRL SPT‐positive patients subjected to nasal challenge with NRL. Neither bronchial nor systemic reactions were found after the nasal provocation with NRL.

Conclusions: The nasal challenge test appears to be useful for diagnosing occupational rhinitis in NRL‐sensitized patients.
House‐dust‐mite allergen concentrations (Der f 1) and mold spores in apartment bedrooms before and after installation of insulated windows and central heating systems
Authors: Hirsch T. , Hering M. , Bürkner K. , Hirsch D. , Leupold W. , Kerkmann M.‐L. , Kuhlisch E. , Jatzwauk L.
Published: March 2003

Background: It has been hypothesized that changes in heating systems and insulation of homes in developed countries have generated an indoor climate favorable to organisms that excrete allergens inducing sensitization and allergic disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the installation of highly insulated windows and central heating systems on indoor climate, and mite‐allergen (Der f 1) and mold spore concentrations.

Methods: The bedrooms of 98 apartments were examined before and 7 months (mean) after installation of insulated windows and central heating systems. The air‐exchange rate, temperature, and humidity were measured. In settled dust on carpets and mattresses, the number of colony‐forming mold spores and the Der f 1 concentration were determined. The inhabitants completed a questionnaire about their lifestyles and housing conditions.

Results: The air‐exchange rate decreased from geometric mean 0.73 to 0.52 per hour (P=0.029). Temperature (mean 13.4 vs 17.5°C, P<0.001), and absolute humidity (mean 4.6 g vs 6.2 g H2O/kg air, P<0.001) increased. Relative humidity remained nearly unchanged (mean 47.6 vs 49.1%). Der f 1 concentrations on carpets (geometric mean 0.65 vs 1.28 μg/g dust, P<0.001) and mattresses (geometric mean 1.56 vs 2.40 μg/g, P=0.002) increased. Among the fungi that were analyzed, only the thermotolerant species Aspergillus fumigatus increased (geometric mean 20 vs 60 colony‐forming units/g carpet dust, P=0.02).

Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the installation of insulated windows and central heating systems is associated with an increase of Der f 1 concentrations in carpet and mattress dust and A. fumigatus in carpet dust in apartment bedrooms.
IgE reactivity to patatin‐like latex allergen, Hev b 7, and to patatin of potato tuber, Sol t 1, in adults and children allergic to natural rubber latex
Authors: Seppälä U. , Palosuo T. , Kalkkinen N. , Seppälä U. , Ylitalo L. , Reunala T. , Turjanmaa K. , Reunala T.
Published: March 2003

Backround: Patients allergic to natural rubber latex (NRL) frequently show positive skin prick tests (SPT) and hypersensitivity reactions to various fruits, such as avocado, banana, and kiwi, as well as to vegetables such as potato.

Methods: Hev b 7 was purified from NRL “C‐serum” and Sol t 1 from potato extract, and they were detected by immunoblotting. IgE antibodies to Hev b 7 and Sol t 1 were measured with ELISA in sera from 35 adults and 35 children allergic to NRL. ELISA inhibition and immunoblotting were used to study allergen cross‐reactivity. The in vivo reactivity of Hev b 7 and Sol t 1 were demonstrated in the SPT.

Results: Seventeen (49%) of the 35 NRL‐allergic adults had IgE antibodies to Hev b 7, in contrast to none of the 35 NRL‐allergic children. Fifteen (43%) of the NRL‐allergic adults and 23 (66%) of the NRL‐allergic children had IgE antibodies to Sol t 1. Ten (29%) of the adult sera showed IgE binding to both Sol t 1and Hev b 7, and crosswise inhibition tests with pooled sera revealed marked cross‐reactivity. In the SPT, both natural Hev b 7 and Sol t 1 were able to produce a wheal and flare reaction.

Conclusions: One‐half of the NRL‐allergic adults, but none of the NRL‐allergic children, had IgE antibodies to natural Hev b 7. These results suggest that Hev b 7 is an important NRL allergen for adults, but not for children. Elucidation of the clinical importance of the observed cross‐reactivity between Hev b 7 and Sol t 1 requires further studies.
The initial care of newborn infants and subsequent hay fever
Authors: Montgomery S. M. , Wakefield A. J. , Morris D. L. , Pounder R. E. , Murch S. H.
Published: March 2003

Background: Patterns of neonatal exposure to microorganisms have changed substantially over the last 100 years, and it has been suggested that this has influenced the risk of immune‐mediated disease. Using a proxy measure, we tested the hypothesis that the initial handling of newborn infants, which is known to affect the pattern of exposure to microorganisms, may alter the risk of developing subsequent atopy, as indicated by hay fever.

Methods: Analysis was performed on 5519 members of the 1970 British Cohort Study, a nationally representative birth cohort. Cohort members with hay fever were identified at intervals up to the age of 26 years. Details of neonatal care and childhood circumstances were recorded prospectively. Those who had spent their first night away from their mother in the communal infant nursery were selected as likely to have experienced atypical exposure compared with infants who remained with their mother. Adjustment was made for potential confounding factors in infancy and childhood by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Unadjusted relative odds (with 95% CI) for developing hay fever among those spending the first night in the communal nursery, when compared with other infants who remained with the mother, were 1.48 (1.23–1.77), P<0.001. Comprehensive adjustment for the potential confounding factors, including feeding practices on the first day of life, markers of social and material circumstances, and region, did not substantially alter this relationship, with adjusted relative odds of 1.31 (1.08–1.59), P=0.005.

Conclusions: While our proxy measure is associated with an increased risk of hay fever, further research is required to confirm that this is due to the pattern of infectious exposure in very early life. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the first challenges are particularly important in the development of the newborn infant's immune system.
Murine models of inflammation: role of CD23
Authors: Riffo‐Vasquez Y. , Pitchford S. , Spina D.
Published: March 2003

The role of IgE in eosinophil recruitment and bronchial hyperresponsiveness has been extensively studied with murine models of inflammation. Many investigators using various knockout models have clearly shown that both IgE‐dependent and ‐independent pathways play a role in eosinophil recruitment and bronchial hyperresponsiveness after allergen challenge, illustrating the complexity of airways inflammation. The expression of this response is likely to involve many interacting pathways, and it will be a considerable challenge to determine key points within these pathways that will yield novel targets for future therapeutic strategies.
Phenotypic features of alveolar monocytes/macrophages and IL‐8 gene activation by IL‐1 and TNF‐α in asthmatic patients
Authors: Mazzarella G. , Grella E. , D'auria D. , Paciocco G. , Perna F. , Petillo O. , Peluso G.
Published: March 2003

The alveolar macrophage (AM), a major defense cell in the lung, participates in immune and inflammatory reactions through the release of several regulatory and chemotactic cytokines. In particular, macrophages are considered to play a pivotal proinflammatory role in the production and maintenance of airway inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity. To assess the phenotypic pattern of AM from asthmatic subjects, we performed the following experiments:

cytofluorometric analysis of specific phenotypic features (CD11b, CD14, CD16, CD45, HLA‐DR, CD71, CD95, and CD44)

assessment of the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1, and the chemotactic regulatory cytokine IL‐8 by unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated AM.

In these patients, we phenotypically characterized the AM, showing their strong proinflammatory activity also in patients with mild asthma. Their activity has been clarified by our biomolecular data that showed a constitutive basal IL‐8 production by AM, and also indicated that IL‐1 and TNF‐α were able to upregulate the ability of activated human AM to produce IL‐8 at the protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels.
Reactivity to IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor is due to monomeric IgE
Authors: Kleine Budde I. , Aalbers M. , Aalberse R. C. , Van Der Zee J. S. , Knol E. F.
Published: March 2003

Background: IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor (HRF) can distinguish between IgE+ and IgE−. In contrast to IgE−, IgE+ sensitizes basophils to release histamine in response to HRF. But we do not know what particular feature distinguishes IgE+ from IgE−. The objective was to investigate the hypothesis that IgE+ is polymeric IgE.

Methods: IgE+plasma was separated by size‐exclusion chromatography. The basophil‐sensitizing capacity of the fractions was analyzed in response to HRF produced by mononuclear cells.

Results: We showed that monomeric IgE sensitized basophils to release histamine in response to HRF and to house‐dust mite, whereas no enhanced reactivity was found in the fractions containing polymeric IgE.

Conclusions: HRF reacts with monomeric IgE, and not (exclusively) with polymeric IgE.
Side‐effects of insect venom immunotherapy:results from an EAACI multicenter study
Authors: Mosbech H. , Müller U. , Behalf Of The Study Group* On
Published: March 2003

Background: The effect of venom immunotherapy (VIT) is well documented, but fear of systemic side‐effects (SE) may prevent its use. The study aimed to analyze the character and frequency of SE and risk factors.

Methods: In a prospective study, 19 European centers included patients starting on VIT for systemic reactions to insect stings. Various dose regimens were applied.

Results: Data from 840 patients with a total of 26601 injections were obtained. Seventy‐one percent were treated with Vespula‐venom extract and 27% with honeybee‐venom extract. Twenty percent of patients had SE corresponding to 1.9% of injections during dose increase and 0.5% during the maintenance phase. The vast majority of the 280 reactions were mild: only one‐third required medical treatment. Injected or inhaled adrenaline was applied in six patients, of whom only one had a drop in blood pressure and collapse. Female sex, bee‐venom extract, and rapid dose increase, but not severity of insect sting reactions, increased the risk of SE. The severity of SE was less in males but was not related to age, treatment phase, species of insect, or severity of insect sting reactions.

Conclusions: The frequency of SE was low, and the majority of thesecould be managed without treatment. Risk was increased in females, in bee‐venom‐treated patients, and in those with rapid dose increase.
Expression of the skin‐homing receptor in peripheral blood lymphocytes from subjects with nonimmediate cutaneousallergic drug reactions
Authors: Blanca M. , Torres M. J. , Leyva L. , Mayorga C. , Posadas S. , Gonzalez L. , Fernández J. , Juarez C. , Santamaria L. F.
Published: March 2003

Background: In nonimmediate cutaneous reactions to drugs, the skin is the organ most frequently involved, and T cells may play a relevant role. T cells related to skin immune responses express the cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen (CLA), the skin‐homing receptor.

Methods: We studied the expression of the CLA in peripheral blood T cells from nine subjects with exanthematous reactions induced by β‐lactams (
4), phenytoin (
2), propyphenazone (
1), spiramycin plus metronidazol (
1), and captopril plus tiazide (
1). The cutaneous symptoms appeared at least 6 h after drug intake. CLA expression was evaluated by flow cytometry at the time of the reaction (T1) and 1 month later (T2). HLA‐DR activation marker expression was also evaluated at T1. In four patients, it was necessary to readminister the culprit drug to establish a causal relationship, and sequential estimation of the markers was performed. Two control groups were included: healthy controls and subjects exposed to the culprit drugs with good tolerance. Values were compared by nonparametric statistics.

Results: The expression of circulating CLA+ T cells at T1 was increased compared to healthy controls (median=20.4 vs 9.4) (P<0.001), and the patients also expressed increased levels of HLA‐DR (median=3.8) (P<0.005). Comparison between T1 and T2 (median=11.2) also showed differences in levels of CLA+ T cells (P<0.01). The patients re‐exposed to the culprit drug showed an increase followed by a decrease of circulating CLA+ T cells (P<0.05) and CLA+ HLA‐DR+(P<0.05) paralleling the symptoms.

Conclusions: These data support the immunologic nature of delayed skin reactions to drugs, and suggest that these CLA+ T cells parallel the disease evolution and may participate in the pathophysiologic mechanisms.
What safety measures need to be taken in oral food challengesin children?
Authors: Reibel S. , Röhr C. , Ziegert M. , Sommerfeld C. , Wahn U. , Niggemann B.
Published: March 2003

Background: Food allergens are often accused of causing numerous ailments. This is particularly true for the pediatric population, where the incidence of food allergy is four times as high as in adults. As food challenges may provoke life‐threatening reactions, intensive safety measures need to be taken during provocation, and prompt medical intervention may become necessary.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 349 oral challenges in 204 children with atopic dermatitis, looking for criteria to help the physician decide which patients need medical intervention.

Results: A total of 178 (51%) oral food challenges with the four allergens (cow's milk [CM], hen's egg [HE], wheat, and soy) showed a positive clinical reaction. Of these, 120 (67%) needed medical intervention. In 42 (35%) cases, intervention was parenteral, and oral medication was given in 78 (65%) cases. There was a strong positive correlation (90%) between the level of specific IgE and the need for medical intervention (≥17.50 kU/l for CM, wheat, and soy; ≥3.50 kU/l for HE). Patient history of food allergy was an indicator of the need for medical intervention (P=0.01). A positive patient history and a high level of specific IgE were significantly (P=0.003) associated with parenteral medication in HE.

Conclusions: Patient history of food allergy is a reliable indicator of the need for medical intervention in the cases of CM, wheat, and soy regardless of the level of specific IgE. With HE, a positive patient history plus a high level of specific IgE significantly indicates the need for parenteral medication. On the basis of our results, we recommend establishing intravenous access in children with a level of specific IgE of ≥17.50 kU/l (CAP class 4) to CM and wheat, or with specific IgE of ≥3.50 kU/l (CAP class 3) to HE.
Epidemiology of allergic occupational diseases induced by Tetranychus urticae in greenhouse and open‐field farmers living in a temperate climate area
Authors: Astarita C. , Gargano D. , Manguso F. , Romano C. , Montanaro D. , Pezzuto F. , Bonini S. , Altucci P. , Abbate G.
Published: March 2003

Background: The role of Tetranychus urticae (TU) as an occupational allergen has thus far been investigated only in selected farmer samples.

Methods: The prevalence of TU‐induced sensitization and occupational diseases in a randomized sample of farmers living in a temperate climate area was investigated. Occupational/nonoccupational symptoms, skin prick test (SPT) results with common allergens and TU, specific occupational test results, and greenhouse or open‐field sources of TU exposure were assessed. The study design was cross‐sectional.

Results: The prevalence of positive SPT to TU was 6%. TU‐induced allergic/nonallergic complaints accounted for 65% of farmers with challenge‐confirmed occupational disease. In all farmers, sensitization to common allergens was a risk factor for both current occupational and nonoccupational complaints, while TU sensitization was a prominent risk factor for occupational complaints. Furthermore, in SPT‐positive farmers, only the presence of seasonal occupational complaints was significantly associated with TU sensitization. Common allergen sensitization was a risk factor for development of TU sensitization, which was more frequent in greenhouse than in open‐field workers.

Conclusions: TU was a common nontraumatic, allergic occupational hazard for farmers. Since occupational seasonal symptoms could be directly related to the presence of TU sensitization, allergy to this mite should be routinely investigated in farmers.
Prevalence of and risk factors for IgE sensitization to Anisakis simplex in a Spanish population
Authors: Valiñas B. , Lorenzo S. , Eiras A. , Figueiras A. , Sanmartin M. L. , Ubeira F. M.
Published: March 2003

Background: The number of allergic reactions to A. simplex reported in Spain has increased dramatically in the last decade. Nevertheless, there have been no studies of the prevalence of and possible risk factors for IgE sensitization to this parasite, possibly because suitably specific diagnostic methods have only recently become available. The objective was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for IgE sensitization to A. simplex in Galicia, a region of northwestern Spain with a population of about 3 million and high average fish consumption (78.5 g/person per day).

Methods: The study was performed with a random sample of 2801 healthy blood donors distributed in 53 geographic areas, proportional to the density of donors. IgE sensitization to A. simplex was tested by a capture ELISA method that has proved to be the most specific method currently available.

Results: The results showed a total of only 12 positive subjects, of whom five also showed IgG1 sensitization. All positive subjects and 101 randomly selected seronegative subjects were then included in a case‐control study of risk factors for sensitization to A. simplex, based on a telephone interview about fish consumption (especially raw and undercooked fish). All seropositive subjects (but only 25% of seronegative subjects) reported consumption of undercooked fish or homemade raw‐fish products.

Conclusions: Our results strongly suggest that sensitization to A. simplex is caused only by live larvae, and not by allergens contained in fish tissues, and that ingestion of homemade boquerones (anchovies [Engraulis encrasicholus] in vinegar), and to a much lesser extent of undercooked fish, are the main risk factors for IgE sensitization to Anisakis in this region.