bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene)-based light-emitting diodes with pure β-phase emission
Authors: Morgado J. , Alcácer L. , Charas A.
Published: May 2007

The authors report on poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO)-based light-emitting diodes exhibiting an emission spectrum which was previously attributed to the so-called β phase. These devices were prepared by drop cast from dilute toluene solutions. Photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectra, recorded at room temperature, show no evidence of the usual amorphous phase emission. Devices with pure β-phase emission exhibit a higher color stability, upon increase of the driving voltage, than those based on amorphous PFO.
Switching of emissivity and photoconductivity in highly doped Yb3+:Y2O3 and Lu2O3 ceramics
Authors: Bisson Jean-Francois , Kouznetsov Dmitrii , Ueda Ken-Ichi , Fredrich-Thornton Susanne T. , Petermann Klaus , Huber Guenter
Published: May 2007

Reversible jump of thermal emission accompanied with jump of photocurrent is observed in highly doped Yb3+:Y2O3 and Lu2O3 bulk ceramics pumped at 940nm wavelength. In contrast, when these materials are heated with a CO2 laser at 10.6μm wavelength, only a gradual increase of thermal emission and photoconductivity are observed up to the melting point. These results are interpreted as a ytterbium mediated, photoassisted avalanche of thermal emission.
X-ray resonant magnetic scattering study of spontaneous ferrimagnetism
Authors: Kim J. W. , Kreyssig A. , Ryan P. , Mun E. , Canfield P. C. , Goldman A. I.
Published: May 2007

The authors report on an x-ray resonant magnetic scattering measurement of ferromagnetic order, in the absence of an external magnetic field, using resonant dipole scattering at the Gd L2 edge of GdMn2Ge2. Measurements of the ferromagnetic order of the Gd sublattice were accomplished using undulator radiation at the Advanced Photon Source and polarization analysis of the diffracted beam to significantly reduce the charge scattering background. The magnetic origin of the resonant intensity was confirmed by its temperature dependence and the angular dependence of the scattering cross section.
High operating temperature 320×256 middle-wavelength infrared focal plane array imaging based on an InAs∕InGaAs∕InAlAs∕InP quantum dot infrared photodetector
Authors: Tsao S. , Lim H. , Zhang W. , Razeghi M.
Published: May 2007

This letter reports a 320×256 middle-wavelength infrared focal plane array operating at temperatures up to 200K based on an InAs quantum dot/InGaAs quantum well/InAlAs barrier detector grown on InP substrate by low pressure metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The device’s low dark current density and the persistence of the photocurrent up to room temperature enabled the high temperature imaging. The focal plane array had a peak detection wavelength of 4μm, a responsivity of 34mA∕W, a conversion efficiency of 1.1%, and a noise equivalent temperature difference of 344mK at an operating temperature of 120K.
On George Soros and Economic Analysis
Authors: Cross Rod , Strachan Douglas
Published: May 2007

This essay considers the Soros critique of the epistemological and analytical foundations underlying theories of rational expectations equilibria and efficient markets. Similarities between Soros and Keynes are found. It is pointed out that Soros is guarded rather than nihilistic about the possibilities of economic knowledge, and developments in economic analysis that resonate with the Soros view are discussed.

Dieser Aufsatz unterwirft die Kritik von Soros an den epistomologischen und analytischen Grundlagen, die den Theorien der rationalen Erwartungen und effizienter Märkte zugrunde liegen, einer näheren Betrachtung. Dabei werden Áhnlichkeiten zwischen Soros und Keynes deutlich. Es kann gezeigt werden, dass Soros den Anwendungsmöglichkeiten ökonomischen Wissens nicht nihilistisch gegenübersteht, sondern sich von ihnen leiten lässt. Darüber hinaus werden Entwick‐lungen der ökonomischen Analyse diskutiert, die mit der Meinung von Soros übereinstimmen.

Cet essai considère la critique Sorosienne des bases épistémologiques et analytiques des théories des équilibres des prévisions rationnelles et des marchés efficients. Des similitudes entre Soros et Keynes sont décelées. II s'avère que Soros est circonspect plutǒt que nihiliste quant aux possibilityés de la connaissance économique. Des développements dans l'analyse économique compatibles avec l'optique de Soros sont discutés.
Intravenous infusions in hyperbaric chambers: effect of compression on syringe function
Authors: Hopson A. S. M. , Greenstein A.
Published: May 2007

Haemodynamic instability is a recognised phenomenon in critically ill patients undergoing hyperbaric therapy. Instability may result from the effects of ambient pressure on the cardiovascular system, devices involved in infusion of drugs and fluids, or a combination of the two. The effect of hyperbaric pressure on air‐containing spaces in syringes has not been previously measured. We connected 60‐ml syringes (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) containing coloured water to low volume extensions via three‐way taps. We examined the effect of pressurisation to 2.4 and 2.8 atmospheres absolute (ATA) on the syringes by measuring the displacement of the coloured water in the low volume extension set. There was compression of air spaces within the syringe causing retrograde flow of fluid within the low volume extension set. The mean (95% CI) change in volume was 154 (141–168) μl at 2.4 ATA, and 197 (183–212) μl at 2.8 ATA (both p < 0.0001). We conclude that hyperbaric exposure may cause clinically significant changes in syringe function at infusion rates < 100 ml. h−1.
Site‐ and species‐specific differences in endophyte occurrence in two herbaceous plants
Authors: GANGE ALAN C. , DEY SOMA , CURRIE AMANDA F. , SUTTON BRIAN C.
Published: May 2007

Endophyte fungi exist within the living tissues of all plants, but compared with grasses and trees, remarkably little is known about their ecology in herbaceous species. These fungi produce an array of metabolites in culture and there is some evidence that they can increase the resistance of plants to herbivorous insects.

As herbaceous plant endophytes are thought to be unspecialized, ubiquitous taxa, we hypothesized that their occurrence within two closely related plant species would not vary between local plant communities. Furthermore, we expected to find negative relations between endophyte occurrence and that of a herbivorous insect.

We tested these hypotheses by isolating endophytes from Leucanthemum vulgare and Cirsium arvense (Asteraceae) plants growing together in five populations, each about 13 km apart. Damage by the leaf mining fly, Chromatomyia syngenesiae, was also measured on each plant.

C. arvense harboured more species of fungi per plant and the number of isolates recovered per leaf was also higher. Several fungi showed differences in occurrence within the two plants, but these differences were not consistent between sites. The similarity in the endophyte assemblage decreased with increasing intersite distance in C. arvense, but not in L. vulgare. We conclude that endophytes either colonize C. arvense more readily or have greater activity within this host (or both).

Leaf miner attack was positively related to total endophyte species number in L. vulgare, but not so in C. arvense, while occurrence of Chaetomium species was negatively associated with insect attack in both plants. In L. vulgare, only 5% of relations between occurrence of different endophyte species were significant, but in C. arvense this figure was 43% and all were negative.

This study has important implications for understanding the factors that influence plant resistance to insects. It is the first report of endophytic fungi affecting host plant choice by insects in herbaceous plants. The abundance of unspecialized endophytes in forbs means that they are a neglected, but important, aspect of plant‐herbivore relations.
Floral free fall in the Swiss lowlands: environmental determinants of local plant extinction in a peri‐urban landscape
Authors: STEHLIK IVANA , CASPERSEN JOHN P. , WIRTH LEA , HOLDEREGGER ROLF
Published: May 2007

Local floras are being depleted by a host of human activities, including habitat destruction and fragmentation, eutrophication, and the intensification of agriculture. Species with particular ecological demands or life‐history attributes are more prone to extinction than species with a broader niche.

We used an old herbarium from the municipality of Küsnacht (Swiss lowlands) as a historical record for comparison with contemporary plant diversity. This comparison revealed that 17% to 28% of all vascular plants that occurred between 1839 and 1915 were extinct by 2003.

Species of different habitats and life‐forms had significantly different rates of extinction: wetlands, disturbed sites and meadows lost most species, whereas forests and rocky habitats were least affected; aquatics and annuals were most prone to extinction, geophytes and hemicryptophytes were intermediate, and phanerophytes and chamaephytes were least affected.

Species adapted to nutrient‐poor soils suffered highest extinction in all habitats, indicating that eutrophication poses an urgent threat to species diversity. Light and soil moisture requirements also had significant effects on extinction, but the direction of the effect varied by habitat.

When species were grouped into IUCN categories of the red list of Switzerland, the rank order of the observed extinction matched the red list assignment.

Because many of the remaining species had high estimated extinction probabilities and because extinction is often delayed (extinction debt), a substantial part of the remaining flora of Küsnacht is likely to go extinct in the near future. This will increase the dominance of the common species that already comprise 81% of the local flora.

The rates and patterns of extinction in Küsnacht are probably representative of surrounding Swiss lowlands and peri‐urban landscapes in most developed countries. Studies such as ours can serve as a call for action and form a basis for future monitoring of biodiversity.
Phylogeny and classification of the Phengaris–Maculinea clade (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): total evidence and phylogenetic species concepts
Authors: FRIC ZDENĔK , WAHLBERG NIKLAS , PECH PAVEL , ZRZAVÝ JAN
Published: May 2007

Abstract Total evidence analysis, based on a combination of morphological and ecological characters with two mitochondrial sequences (cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and II) and one nuclear (elongation factor‐1α) sequence, provides a new phylogeny of the uniquely obligate ant parasitic Phengaris–Maculinea butterflies. The clade, including all species of Maculinea and Phengaris, is very stable and well supported. However, various analyses suggest that either Phengaris or Maculinea is not monophyletic with regard to the other, which necessitates generic reclassification of the clade. Application of the diagnostic and monophyletic ‘phylogenetic’ species concepts leads to species‐level reclassification, including ten species (P. alcon comb.n. including ‘P. rebeli’, P. daitozana, P. albida, P. atroguttata, P. kurentzovi comb.n., P. nausithous comb.n., P. teleius comb.n., P. arion comb.n., P. arionides comb.n., P. takamukui comb.n.) and one unresolved metaspecies (‘P. cyanecula’ comb.n.) in four monophyletic species groups. The existence of further or additional cryptic species is possible within P. nausithous and P. teleius. Maculinea Van Eecke, 1915 syn.n. is considered a junior synonym of Phengaris Doherty, 1891.
GENETIC STUDY: Association between dopamine transporter genotypes and smoking cessation: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Stapleton John A. , Sutherland Gay , O’Gara Colin
Published: May 2007

This review assessed the evidence of an association between genotypes of the dopamine transporter (DAT1, SLC6A3) 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and smoking cessation. Five studies (seven cohorts) comprising 2155 subjects were included in the meta‐analysis. All gave data on the number of smokers who had stopped smoking and the number still smoking for those with one or more variant 9‐repeat alleles and other genotypes. Three studies (comprising five cohorts) were cross‐sectional population surveys and two were smoking cessation treatment programs with follow‐up. Four of the five studies (six of the seven cohorts) showed a trend in favor of cessation when the variant 9‐repeat allele was present, although only one study showed a statistically significant effect. The pooled odds ratio in favor of a greater likelihood of cessation for the variant 9‐repeat allele was 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97–1.37]. In a more refined analysis where cohorts within studies were treated as separate samples and adjusted odds ratios were used, the overall pooled odds ratio in favor of cessation with the 9‐repeat alleles was 1.20 (95% CI = 1.01–1.43). These results support the hypothesis that the DAT1 3′UTR VNTR polymorphism is associated with smoking cessation. One or more variant 9‐repeat alleles relative to the more common 10‐repeat allele confers a greater likelihood of cessation, indicative of lower dependence on tobacco. The effect was a 20% increase in the odds of cessation for those with a variant allele.
CLINICAL STUDY: Does naltrexone affect craving in abstinent opioid‐dependent patients?
Authors: Dijkstra Boukje A. G. , De Jong Cor A. J. , Bluschke Sarah M. , Krabbe Paul F. M. , Van Der Staak Cees P. F.
Published: May 2007

Naltrexone blocks the opioid receptors that modulate the release of dopamine in the brain reward system and therefore blocks the rewarding effects of heroin and alcohol. It is generally assumed that naltrexone leads to reduction of craving, but few studies have been performed to prove this. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the administration of naltrexone on craving level after rapid opioid detoxification induced by naltrexone. A naturalistic study was carried out in which patients were followed during 10 months after rapid detoxification. Data about abstinence, relapse, and naltrexone use were collected by means of urine specimens. Craving was measured by the visual analogue scale craving, the Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale, and the Desires for Drug Questionnaire. Results showed that patients who relapsed in opioid use experienced obviously more craving than abstinent people. Patients who took naltrexone did not experience significant less craving than those who did not. These results suggest that the use of opioids is associated with increased craving and that abstinence for opioids is associated with less craving, independent of the use of naltrexone. This is in contrast to the general opinion. Because of the naturalistic design of the study, no firm conclusions can be drawn, but the results grounded the needs of an experimental study.
Precision of biological standardization of allergenic preparations
Authors: Dreborg S.
Published: May 2007

Biological standardization (BS) aims at equilibration of the activity of allergen preparations from different types of allergen source materials. The biological unit (BU), proposed in the Nordic guidelines for 20 patients, has been found reproducible among different countries in Europe, but to be relatively imprecise, with a 95% confidence interval of about that power of 10. A more precise estimate of the biological activity of allergens or difference in sensitivity between populations would be of value. We used Ch, i.e. the concentration of allergen eliciting a what of the same size as histamine in the individual patient, estimated by regression line analysis. The Ch, of 36 patients included in a BS trial was used. One of the 36 Ch, ‐values was drawn randomly, and then sent back to the sample. This procedure was repeated 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 times to create “samples” of different sizes. Ten samples of each size were produced. With 60 “individuals”, the 95% confidence interval of the sample and the confidence interval of the medians were reduced to less than a factor of 2, i.e. to 74 to 128% of the median of the medians.
Is atopy a risk factor for the use of contact lenses?
Authors: Kari O. , Haahtela T.
Published: May 2007

We studied the tolerance of soft contact lenses (CL) in 24 atopic (16 with hay fever) and 52 non‐atopic subjects with a mean age of 20 years. They were examined when they first came to an ophthalmologist to have CL and re‐examined after an average of 1.7 years. All subjects were allowed to use CL throughout the year, icluding the pollen season. Of the 76 subjects, 31 (41%) reported some kind of eye symptoms during the use of CL. Six subjects (8%) had stopped using CL because of symptoms. Altogether, in 29/76 subjects (38%) some objective sign was detected in the examination, confirming the subjective symptoms (conjunctivitis 16, keratoconjunctivitis 8, increased limbal blood vessels 4, and eczema palpebrae 1). Fourteen of the 24 atopics (58%) had experienced symptoms compared with 17 of the 52 non‐atopics (33%) (p = 0.034). Eleven atopics had seasonal eye symptoms, and eight of them (73%) had problems with CL use. Eosinophils and neutrophils found in the conjunctival scrapings at the first examination appeared to predict poor CL tolerance when the occurrence of symptoms in different groups was first compared by bivariate analysis. The risk factors that could predict poor CL tolerance were also evaluated, with logistic regression analysis controlling potential confounders. History of an atopic condition increased 5‐fold the risk of experiencing various external eye symptoms during the use of CL. We conclude that seasonal atopic allergy is a especially risk factor for wearing soft contact lenses, and their use should be restricted during the season.
Circulatory basophilia in guinea pigs with delayed‐type hypersensitivity
Authors: Sompolinsky D. , Katzenstein T. , Lundberg L.
Published: May 2007

Circulatory basophilia could be induced in inbred guinea pigs systematically immunized with ovalbumin and consequently provoked repeatedly with dissolved ovalbumin applied onto the mucosa of the nares or the outer eye. The degree of the increase in circulatory basophil granulocytes depended on the adjuvant used and was significantly more pronounced after immunization with Freund's complete adjuvant than with alhydrogel (A1(OH)3). The degree of basophilia was also dependent on the animal strain, but different in two strains selected for high‐asthma trait.
Protective effect of different doses of terfenadine on the conjunctival provocation test
Authors: Ciprandi G. , Buscagiia S. , Iudice A. , Canonica G. W.
Published: May 2007

The protective effect of terfenadine on inOammatory processes following the early phase of conjunctival provocation tests by specific allergen was assessed in 24 patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, in a single‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study. Patients were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, each being given terfenadine 60, 120, 180 mg daily, or placebo, respectively, for 7 days, out of the pollen season. Clinical severity (burning, itching, lacrimation and hyperemia), and number of inflammatory cells obtained by conjunctival scraping (neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes) were evaluated before and after treatment. Pre‐treatment with terfenadine resulted in a significantly higher allergen threshold dose than placebo (p<0.01), regardless of drug dose. Patients given terfenadine experienced a significant reduction (p<0.03) in conjunctival symptom severity, as compared with placebo, following conjunctival challenge. Accordingly, the number of inflammatory cells in terfenadine‐treated patients was significantly lower (p<0.01) than in the placebo‐treated after the conjunctival provocation test. The results of this study suggest that terfenadine has a significant protective effect on the early‐phase cellular and clinical events of conjunctival reaction induced by allergen challenge in atopic patients.
Recurrent pericarditis: a rare complication of allergen immunotherapy
Authors: Quirce S. , Rivas M. Fernandez , Losada E. , de la Hoz B. , Fraj J. , Cuesta E. Alvarez
Published: May 2007

We report on a 29‐year‐old woman suffering from hay fever due to grass and olive tree pollens. She developed recurrent pericarditis during her first course of immunotherapy with an alum‐adsorbed pollen extract. A causal relationship was established between the allergen injections and the acute pericarditis episodes on two consecutive occasions, which presented with blood eosinophilia. Blood cultures and serological tests for microorganisms were negative. There were no signs of autoimmune disease or systemic vasculitis. To the best of our knowledge, allergen immunotherapy‐induced pericarditis has not been previously reported.
A sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for determination of bovine β‐lactoglobulin in infant feeding formulas and in human milk
Authors: Mäkinen‐Kiljunen S. , Palosuo T.
Published: May 2007

We developed a sensitive sandwich‐type ELISA for measuring low levels of cow's milk (CM) β‐lactoglobulin. Purified anti‐β‐lactoglobulin was used as coating antibody and also as second antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. Polyethylene glycol 6000 was added to the incubation buffers to improve sensitivity. The detection limit of the assay was 0.002 μg/l, which is much better than sensitivities reported for other β‐lactoglobulin assays. The sensitivity was not impaired by the presence of other CM proteins. The recovery from breast milk was 93% and from the diluting buffer 127%. The coefficient of variation within day was 5–15% and between days 10%. One hour after oral intake of milk, P‐lactoglobulin could be detected in the breast milk of three mothers at concentrations of about 1–2 μg/l. Widely different concentrations of β‐lactoglobulin were measured in two protein hydrolysates based on CM whey and casein proteins; the observed concentrations were 200 and 0.0056 μg P‐lactoglobulinμ/g dry weight, respectively.
Allergenic pollens and pollinosis in Italy: recent advances
Authors: Negrini A. C. , Arobba D.
Published: May 2007

The authors have mapped the occurrence of allergenic pollens throughout Italy and defined their most common clinical symptoms. To obtain an accurate aerobiological and clinical picture of such a geographically complex country as Italy, a detailed investigation was carried out involving 80 data‐gathering stations and 40 clinical centers nationwide. Three main pollination periods can be distinguished: winter‐pre‐spring (January to March) for Betulaceae, Corylaceae, Cupressaceae, Salicaceae and Ulmaceae: spring‐summer (April to June) for Gramineae, Urticaceae, Oleaceae, Plantago, Fagaceae, Pinaceae and Polygonaceae, and summer‐autumn (August to September) for Urticaceae, Composilae and Chenopodiaceae. Examination of 49660 patients affected by pollinosis (conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, with positive skin tests or IgE‐specific serum determination: RAST, ELISA) throughout Italy revealed sensitivity to Gramineae in 64.6%, to Parietaria in 36.7% to Oka in 15.8%, to Compositae in 13.2%, to Betulaceae‐Corylaceae in 7% and to Fagaceae‐Cupressaceae‐Plantago in 4%–10%; marked regional variations were observed. The patients suffered from rhino‐conjunctivitis (55.7%), rhino‐conjunctivitis plus asthma (31.6%) and asthma (12.7%). In monosensitised individuals, Parietaria was seen to be the main cause of the asthmatic syndrome (though our preliminary data also implicate Olea followed by Grawmeae.
Does cutting of mugwort stands affect airborne pollen concentrations?
Authors: Rantio‐Lehtimäki A. , Helander M. L. , Karhu K.
Published: May 2007

Pollen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) is the most important allergenic pollen in urban areas of south and central Finland in late summer. The purpose of this study was to investigate, experimentally, whether the cutting of mugwort stands affects its airborne pollen concentrations. Experimental plots were either cut (4 plots) or uncut (4 plots) in 2 previous seasons: 4 of them were small (<0.5 hectare) and 4 large (>5 hectares). Finally, the plots were divided randomly into 2 groups according to a third variable, cutting in the study season, 1989. Samples were taken on 2 rainless mornings at the peak mugwort flowering time. Two rotorod type samplers were used at heights of 1 and 2 m from ground level, simulating the inhalation heights of children and adults, respectively. The results indicate that cutting mugwort stands significantly reduces airborne pollen concentrations, but the treated areas have to be large, since in the town area there are plenty of mugwort pollen sources. The pollen concentrations at the 2 heights tested did not differ significantly.
Age‐dependency of sensitization to aero‐allergens in asthmatics
Authors: Niemeijer N. R. , de Monchy J. G. R.
Published: May 2007

Skin reactivity (intracutaneous test) to histamine and allergens was studied cross‐sectionally in a Dutch asthmatic patient population from childhood to old age (4–75 years). It was found that the histamine skin reactivity rose significantly (p<0.05) during childhood, was significantly higher in the 10–15‐year age group, and was constant between 20 and 75 years of age. The mean wheal index (histamine ratio) of all allergens was constant during childhood, and decreased after the age of 25 for grass pollen and house‐dust mite and after the age of 15 for the other allergens. The prevalence of a positive skin test decreased with age, except for grass pollen. During childhood the indoor allergens, cat dander and house‐dust mite, were the most important, while after the age of 15 sensitivity to an outdoor allergen, grass pollen, increased markedly. At all ages house‐dust mite was the most important allergen. After the age of 25 the prevalence of every allergen declines. The prevalence of a positive skin test to Cladosporium was unexpectedly high in childhood (10–40%). It can be concluded that the prevalence of a positive skin test declines with age, except for grass pollen. The degree of sensitization in asthmatics peaked in the age groups between 20 and 40 and sensitivity to indoor allergens developed earlier than sensitivity to outdoor allergens.

Clinical aspects

Skin tests producing immediate wheal and flare reactions are widely used for the detection of allergy in patients referred for asthmatic prohlems. For good evaluation of a skin test it is important to know the influence of age on skin reactivity. In this study we evaluated the wheal index (histamine ratio) of the skin test and the prevalence of a positive skin test using a set of 6 standardized common aero‐allergens and one non‐standardized, cross‐sectionally, in a Dutch asthmatic patient population (4–75 years). Since standardized allergens were used, the prevalences hetween the different allergens could be compared. It was found that the histamine skin reactivity peaked at the age of 15 and was lower in all other age groups. Therefore, when comparing skin test results in different age groups, it may be important to use wheal indices instead of absolute values. Except for grass pollen the prevalence of a positive skin test decreased with age. During childhood indoor allergens are the most important, while after the age of 15 sensitivity towards outdoor allergens increases. Honse‐dust mite is the most important allergen at all ages. Surprisingly, a fungal allergen (Cladosporium herharuni) was found to he of significance in young children (prevalence 10–40%). The prevalence of at least one positive skin test in asthmatics declined with age, while the degree of sensitization (expressed as the mean wheal index) peaked in young adults (20–40 years of age).
IgE levels in faecal extracts of patients with food allergy
Authors: Sasai K. , Furukawa S. , Sugawara T. , Kaneko K. , Baba M. , Yabuta K.
Published: May 2007

IgE levels in faecal extracts (Copro‐IgE levels) were investigated in food allergy (EA) patients before and after the challenge test administration of food assay. In addition, the effects of administration of oral sodium cromoglycate (SCG) on the Copro‐IgE levels were studied. Copro‐IgE levels in patients with FA, who were placed on an elimination diet, did not differ from those of healthy children. After a challenge test immediate symptoms of urticaria and wheezing were observed in all FA patients. Copro‐IgE levels in each patients increased markedly within 24 h of the challenge test. Moreover, FA patients treated orally with SCG showed neither and increase in Copro‐IgE levels nor any remarkable symptoms after the challenge. Our results suggest that the increased Copro‐IgE levels may be a specific consequence of the local immune response to food allergen stimulation in the gut mucosa.
Codfish allergy in adults Identification and diagnosis
Authors: Hansen T. K. , Bindslev‐Jensen C.
Published: May 2007

Ten adult patients with a medical history of immediate allergic reactions following ingestion of minute amounts of codfish were examined together with 27 control subjects (8 nonatopics, 7 pollen allergies, and 12 suffering from atopic dermatitis) all regularly ingesting codfish without experiencing reactions. All 37 subjects were evaluated by skin prick test, RAST, and histamine release test in order to determine the value of these commonly used diagnostic tests. The results were compared to titrated, oral, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs) with fresh codfish undertaken in the 10 patients, whereas all control subjects were classified as challenge‐negative according to their questionnaires. Totally, 7 of 10 medical histories were confirmed by DBPCFC, and in these most of the reported symptoms proved reproducible. Oropharyngeal itching and swelling occurred as the first symptom, always preceding the onset of any accompanying symptom. For identification of DBPCFC‐positive subjects, skin prick test and RAST proved to be the most sensitive tests (7/7), and all tests showed specificities of 90–97%. The skin prick test still seems reliable but does not, however, exclude the need for DBPCFC.
Histamine release in immediate‐type hypersensitivity reactions in intact human skin measured by microdialysis
Authors: Petersen L.J. , Skov P. Stahl , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Søndergaard J.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of a microdialysis technique for measurement of interstitial histamine levels in intact human skin. Three allergic subjects were investigated. Single dialysis fibers were glued to nylon tubings and inserted in forearm skin by means of a fine cannula. Dialysis fibers were inserted in triplicate and perfused with isotonic saline at a rate of 3 μl/min. After a period of 2 h a 60‐μl base‐line period was established. Then the patients were skin prick tested (SPT) with allergen in duplicate and a single saline control. Dialysate was collected in consecutive 30 μl fractions. Histamine concentration in the dialysate was analyzed with a glass fiber fluorescence assay. Median base‐line histamine level was 4 (range 4–7) ng/ml. Following allergen SPT, dialysate histamine concentration increased to 81 ng/ml (74–128), with maximum values 10–20 min after SPT. Intraindividual coefficient of variation on peak histamine levels was 18.9%. No histamine increase was seen following saline SPT. We consider microdialysis to be a valuable method for assessment of allergic mechanisms in intact human skin.
Gamma‐interferon production in cow milk allergy
Authors: Hill D. J. , Ball G. , Hosking C. S. , Wood P. R.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to develop an assay to assist in the diagnosis of delayed onset of adverse responses to cow milk in children, by measurement of gamma‐interferon (GIFN) produced in vitro in response to β‐lactoglobulin‐stimulated blood mononuclear cells. Diagnostic procedures identified 75 children with immediate reactions who had high total IeE and IgE‐isotype responses to cow milk, 17 children who developed reactions after 24 h and had low total IgE and low IgE‐isotype response to cow milk and 59 milk‐tolerant children. GIFN production was less in children with immediate reactions compared to those with late reactions (P≤0.009) or milk‐tolerant children (P=0.022). The results of this study suggest enhanced T‐cell reactivity may be involved in the immuno‐pathogenesis of non‐immediate cow milk allergy, but GIFN production was not a clinically useful diagnostic test.
A comparative study of the characteristics of intraepithelial and lamina propria lymphocytes of the human nasal mucosa
Authors: Pawankar R. , Okuda M.
Published: May 2007

The phenotypes and receptors of the intraepithelial lymphocytes which are a major component of the mucosal immune system are of considerable interest. Intraepithelial lymphocytes, especially those of the intestines, are well documented. The nasal intraepithelial lymphocytes probably play a key role in the immune defense of the entire respiratory tract. However, documentation of these lymphocytes is limited to only a few nondescriptive studies by immunohistological methods. In our previous paper, we examined the subsets of the nasal intraepithelial lymphocytes by two‐color flow cytometry after culture with monoclonal antibody against CD3 and PMA. The mucosal immune system, which comprises the lymphoid tissue associated with the mucosal surface, consists of lymphocyte populations from both the epithelium and the lamina propria. In this paper (a sequel to our previous study), we have carried out a comparative study of the intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes of the human nasal mucosa.

In the 42 patients (with allergic rhinitis/infectious hypertrophic rhinitis) whom we examined, T lymphocytes were predominant in the epithelium as well as the lamina propria. B lymphocytes were detected only in the lamina propria. CD8 + T cells (suppressor/cytotoxic) and CD4‐8 ‐(double‐negative) (DN) comprised the major population of the intraepithelial lymphocytes. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 0.5 ± 0.1. In contrast, the lamina propria showed a predominance of CD4 + T cells (helper/inducer), with a CD4 +/CD8 + ratio of 1.3 ± 0.2. CD3 + 4–8‐(double‐negative T cells) were comparable in number in the epithelium and the lamina propria. CD8 + T cells of the epithelium were predominantly cytotoxic T cells, and CD4 + T cells were predominantly helper T cells. In the lamina propria, CD8 + T cells were predominantly of the suppressor type.

In the analysis of the T‐cell receptors of the epithelium and the lamina propria, there was a predominance of the αβ receptor‐bearing T cells in both. However, in the double‐negative T‐cell population of the epithelium, γδ heterodimer predominated over αβ.

In order to verify the influence of culture conditions on the percentages of the individual subsets of lymphocytes, we examined the peripheral blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry before and after culture under the same conditions. We found no significant change in the different subsets caused by culture except a slight reduction in the percentage of suppressor T cells as well as a significant increase in activated T cells. We therefore wish to emphasize that the nasal intraepithelial lymphocytes are heterogenous in phenotype, and are dominated by double‐negative cells and CD8 + T cells. Moreover, the nasal lamina propria lymphocytes are also heterogenous in phenotype, and differ in proportion from the intraepithelial lymphocytes. What is of utmost interest is the preferential location of the γδ receptor‐bearing T cells in the epithelium and their relative absence in the lamina propria.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to the unmodified beta‐lactam ring
Authors: Klein G. F. , Stanzl U. , Fritsch P. O. , Varga J. M.
Published: May 2007

Dose‐ and pH‐ dependent carbodiimide‐mediated coupling of Penicillin‐G to polystyrene microtiter‐plates that leaves the beta‐lactam ring unchanged is described. A new ELISA method was developed using Penicillin‐G coated plates. The binding of 3 different monoclonal antibodies as well as human IgG antibodies of the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses is demonstrated, whereas IgG2, IgG4 and IgE antibodies did not bind. Thus, covalently coupled Penicillin‐G can be used to study the immune‐response to the unchanged β‐lactam ring in patients receiving penicillin therapy. The new method is complementary to hitherto described techniques, which generally only allow detection of antibodies binding to penicilloyl‐groups.
Anaphylaxis caused by banana
Authors: Savonius B. , Kanerva L.
Published: May 2007

An anaphylactic reaction following ingestion of banana occurred in a 32‐year‐old female cook. The sensitization to banana occurred simultaneously with the development of occupational asthma caused by grain flour. The patient was sensitized to a wide range of airborne and ingestible proteins but not to rubber latex.
Epitope mapping of the cat (Felis domesticus) major allergen Fel d I by overlapping synthetic peptides and monoclonal antibodies against native and denatured Fel d I
Authors: van't Hof W. , van Milligen F. J. , van den Berg M. , Lombardero M. , Chapman M. D. , Aalberse R. C.
Published: May 2007

The major cat allergen Fel d I is a homodimer of which each monomer consists of two disulfide‐linked polypeptide chains: chain 1 (70 amino acid residues) and chain 2 (92 amino acid residues). Twenty‐one synthetic peptides of 14 amino acid residues length, overlapping by seven residues and spanning the entire sequence of both chains, were synthesized. These peptides were coupled to CNBr‐activated Sepharose‐4B and used as solid‐phase antigens in epitope‐mapping studies with monoclonal antibodies against native and reduced/alkylated Fel d I.

Two monoclonal antibodies directed against reduced/alkylated chain I bound to the overlapping peptides 53–66 and 60–70 of chain 1. The monoclonal antibody directed against reduced/alkylated chain 2 bound to the overlapping peptides 36–49 and 43–56 of chain 2. Binding specificity was demonstrated by inhibition by reduced/alkylated Fel d I for all three monoclonal antibodies.

Another monoclonal antibody against reduced/alkylated Fel d I had been found to bind predominantly to reduced/alkylated chain 2 on immunoblot in previous studies (27). It bound to peptides 1–16 and 60–70 of chain 1 and peptides 1–14 and 50–63 of chain 2; it is therefore probably directed against a conformational epitope formed by these four regions. Possibly because of low affinity of this monoclonal antibody, specificity of its binding could not be verified by inhibition studies.

A panel of monoclonal antibodies directed against native Fel d I bound to peptides 1‐16 and 60–70 of chain 1 and peptides 1–14 and 43–56 of chain 2. For two monoclonal antibodies, binding to each peptide was investigated and shown to be inhibitable by native Fel d I. These antibodies are therefore probably directed against a conformational epitope formed by these four regions.

These studies give us substantial information about the quaternary structure of Fel d I.
Fixed eruption caused by ciprofloxacin with cross‐sensitivity to norfloxacin
Authors: Alonso M. D. , Martín J. A. , Quirce S. , Dávila I. , Lezaun A. , Cano M. Sanchez
Published: May 2007

A case of fixed eruption caused by ciprofloxacin is reported. To our knowledge, no other cases have been published. Cross‐sensitivity with another fluoroquinolonc has been demonstrated.
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis after exposure to the yeast Rhodotorula rubra
Authors: Siersted H. C. , Gravesen S.
Published: May 2007

A case of extrinsic allergic alveolitis following exposure to the red yeast Rhodotorula rubra is reported – to our knowledge, for the first time. Extensive growth of the yeast in the patient's environment was demonstrated, explaining an elevated titer of Rhodotorula‐spedfic precipitating antibodies in his serum. A bronchial provocation test confirmed the diagnosis.
Comparison of two in vitro assays, RAST and CAP, when applied to the diagnosis of anaphylactic reactions to honeybee or yellow jacket venoms
Authors: Leimgruber A. , Lantin J.‐P. , Frei P. C.
Published: May 2007

We compared the results obtained with a new specific IgE assay (Pharmacia CAP system) to those of RAST and intradermal skin tests (ST) performed in 87 patients with a history of generalized reaction to honeybee or yellow jacket venom. When CAP and RAST were compared with positive ST performed with honeybee venom, CAP sensitivity was not significantly higher (98%) than that of RAST (95%). When yellow jacket venom was tested, CAP sensitivity (93%) was clearly superior to that of RAST (40%). When we compared the specificities of RAST and CAP to bee venom, RAST was positive in 21% of the 24 subjects with negative ST, and CAP in 42%. Among the 29 patients with negative ST to yellow jacket venom, RAST was positive in 17% and CAP in 28%. These results do not reflect a lower specificity of CAP, because CAP positivities could be inhibited in vitro, and because, in three patients with a history of anaphylactic reaction (one to honeybee, two to yellow jacket), CAP was the only positive test confirming the clinical observation. Among the 53 patients who were able to identify the offending insect (honeybee, 31; yellow jacket, 22), the cause of the anaphylactic reaction was usually confirmed by ST and CAP: honeybee venom 97% for both ST and CAP; yellow jacket venom 82% for ST, 86% for CAP. This was not the case for RAST, which confirmed honeybee venom hypersensitivity in 87% and yellow jacket venom hypersensitivity in only 41%. Thus, CAP is both more sensitive and more rapid than RAST, without losing specificity.
Potentiation of the antireactive, antiasthmatic effect of inhaled furosemide by inhaled lysine acetylsalicylate
Authors: Bianco S. , Vaghi A. , Pieroni M. G. , Robuschi M. , Refini R. M. , Berni F. , Sestini P.
Published: May 2007

Nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs interfere with the diuretic activity of furosemide, implying that this effect is at least partially dependent on renal prostaglandin synthesis. To investigate whether prostaglandin production could also modulate the bronchial antireactive activity of this diuretic drug, we investigated the effect of inhaled Iysine acetylsalicylate (162 mg) and of furosemide (18 mg), alone and in combination, on the bronchial obstructive response to ultrasonically nebulized water in asthmatic patients. The study was also prompted by the conflicting results obtained in previous studies of oral nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs. Fifteen asthmatic patients underwent bronchial challenge with a mist of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water at the same time of day on four occasions, 2–4 days apart, 15 min after premedication according to a double‐blind, randomized protocol. After placebo, mean PD15 to water mist did not differ from a preliminary test (2.1 ± 0.2 and 2.5 ± 0.4 ml, M ± SE, respectively). After lysine acetylsalicylate, mean PD., rose to 5.0 ± 0.7 ml (2.8 ± 0.6 times higher than placebo); after furosemide, to 9.0± 1.5 ml (4.4 ± 0.9 times over placebo); and after the two drugs in combination, to 32.2 ± 5.6 ml (16.3 ± 3.0 times higher than placebo). Similar results were obtained with inhaled indomethacin, whereas sodium salicylate had no effect. These data indicate that the bronchial antireactive activity of inhaled furosemide is greatly enhanced by inhaled lysine acetylsalicylate through a mechanism which probably involves inhibition of the local synthesis of prostaglandins, and could have therapeutic implications.
Immunocytologic analysis of nasal cells obtained by nasal lavage: a comparative study with a standard method of cell identification
Authors: Prat J. , Xaubet A. , Mullol J. , Plaza V. , Masó M. , Lleonart R. , Picado C.
Published: May 2007

For evaluation of two methods of nasal cell identification, cell morphology and immunocytologic analysis, nasal lavage was performed in 16 healthy subjects and 29 patients suffering from rhinitis. Nasal lavage smears were stained with May‐Grünwald‐Giemsa (MGG), and cells were identified according to their structure as epithelial cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and metachromatic cells (basophils and mast cells). Immunocytologic analysis was performed with monoclonal antibodies by the immunoalkaline phosphatase method. The following monoclonal antibodies were used: CK1, EG2, and CD3, which identify epithelial cells, activated eosinophils, and T lymphocytes, respectively; CD 15, which recognizes mature granulocytic cells; and CD 14, which reacts with monocytes and macrophages. A significant difference was observed between the two methods in the number of identified epithelial cells, in both controls (64.6 ± 7.8% with MGG, 14.2 ± 3.5% with CK1 analysis) and patients with rhinitis (56.9 ± 7.6% with MGG, 18.2 ± 3.7% with CK1 analysis). In contrast, no significant differences were found in eosinophil and neutrophil counts when the two methods were compared. After nasal allergic provocation, a significant increase in the number of eosinophils was observed with both methods in seven patients with rhinitis. The results of this study indicate that: 1) MGG staining is a useful method to identify the cells obtained by nasal lavage, and 2) immunocytologic analysis with monoclonal antibodies accurately identifies granulocytic cells, while only a low proportion of epithelial cells are detected, probably because anticytokeratin monoclonal antibody reacts only with viable cells.
The protective effect of N‐acetyl‐aspartyl‐glutamate (NAAGA) against nasal obstruction provoked by antigen in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Magyar P. , Györi Z. , Márk Z. , Hutás I.
Published: May 2007

Specific nasal challenge test (NCT) with pollen extracts was performed before and after a single dose pretreatment with N‐acetyl‐aspartyl‐glutamate (NAAGA: Rhinaaxia®) nasal spray in 11 grass‐ and ragweed‐pollen‐sensitive patients with allergic rhinitis in symptom‐free condition to test the protective effect of this drug on allergen‐induced nasal obstruction and symptoms. In 7 of 11 patients, a third NCT was performed in the same way as the second one, except that placebo spray was used for pretreatment instead of NAAGA nasal spray. Nasal airways resistance (RNAS) measurements were performed before pretreatment and 15 min after NCT. Pretreatment with NAAGA 1 h before NCT significantly (P < 0.001) attenuated antigen‐induced nasal obstruction. The mean protection was 64%. The protective effect against nasal symptoms was likewise significant (P < 0.001), but the mean protection was found to be essentially lower (39%) than for RNAS. Pretreatment with placebo nasal spray showed only a 13% (P > 0.1) protection for RNAS, while it did not decrease allergen‐induced nasal symptoms. The results suggest that the favorable effect of the regular administration of NAAGA in allergic rhinitis is to be expected primarily when the main complaint is nasal obstruction.
Major allergens of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen
Authors: Kwaasi A. A. A. , Parhar R. S. , Tipirneni P. , Harfi H. , Al‐Sedairy S. T.
Published: May 2007

The IgE‐binding components of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen were determined by ELISA and Western blotting in atopic patients in order to identify its major allergens. From a pool of previously identified allergenic fractions and sera from 15 skin‐test‐positive, atopic subjects, four components of 12, 14.4, 57, and 65–67 kDa were found to bind IgE in 80–93% of sera. Two other components of molecular masses 28–30 and 37–40 kDa also bound 60–80 % of atopic sera. The immunologic specificity of date‐pollen allergen that induced antibody response in sera of atopic patients was confirmed with ELISA. Furthermore, most of the reactivity in pooled positive atopic serum and antiserum raised in rabbits was eliminated after the sera were absorbed with the allergen. IgG immunoblot analyses showed varying degrees of cross‐reactivity with common local allergens, notably Bermuda grass, but were generally of low intensity. These results indicate that date pollen has six major allergens with the 12, 14.4, 57, and 65–67 kDa bands binding 80–93%, and the 28–30 and 37–40 kDa bands 60–80% of atopic sera. We propose that these major allergens be assigned the notations Pho d I to Pho d VI in the order listed.