bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological network mapping and source signal deduction
Authors: Brynildsen Mark P. , Wu Tung-Yun , Jang Shi-Shang , Liao James C.
Published: May 2007

Motivation: Many biological networks, including transcriptional regulation, metabolism, and the absorbance spectra of metabolite mixtures, can be represented in a bipartite fashion. Key to understanding these bipartite networks are the network architecture and governing source signals. Such information is often implicitly imbedded in the data. Here we develop a technique, network component mapping (NCM), to deduce bipartite network connectivity and regulatory signals from data without any need for prior information.

Results: We demonstrate the utility of our approach by analyzing UV-vis spectra from mixtures of metabolites and gene expression data from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. From UV-vis spectra, hidden mixing networks and pure component spectra (sources) were deduced to a higher degree of resolution with our method than other current bipartite techniques. Analysis of S.cerevisiae gene expression from two separate environmental conditions (zinc and DTT treatment) yielded transcription networks consistent with ChIP-chip derived network connectivity. Due to the high degree of noise in gene expression data, the transcription network for many genes could not be inferred. However, with relatively clean expression data, our technique was able to deduce hidden transcription networks and instances of combinatorial regulation. These results suggest that NCM can deduce correct network connectivity from relatively accurate data. For noisy data, NCM yields the sparsest network capable of explaining the data. In addition, partial knowledge of the network topology can be incorporated into NCM as constraints.

Availability: Algorithm available on request from the authors. Soon to be posted on the web, http://www.seas.ucla.edu/~liaoj/

Contact:  liaoj@ucla.edu

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
BioMoby web services to support clustering of co-regulated genes based on similarity of promoter configurations
Authors: Kerhornou Arnaud , Guigó Roderic
Published: May 2007

Summary: Here we present a computational protocol to analyze the promoter regions of a given set of co-expressed genes, and its implementation through the use of Web services technologies. This protocol aims to cluster a set of co-regulated genes in subsets of genes showing similar configurations of transcription factor binding sites. All the steps of this protocol have been developed as web services that are compliant with BioMoby specifications.

Availability: {http://genome.imim.es/cgi-bin/moby/GeneClustering_DataSubmission.cgi}

Contact:  arnaud.kerhornou@crg.es

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at {http://genome.imim.es/webservices/}
OBO to OWL: a protégé OWL tab to read/save OBO ontologies
Authors: Moreira Dilvan A. , Musen Mark A.
Published: May 2007

The Open Biomedical Ontologies (OBO) format from the GO consortium is a very successful format for biomedical ontologies, including the Gene Ontology. But it lacks formal computational definitions for its constructs and tools, like DL reasoners, to facilitate ontology development/maintenance. We describe the OBO Converter, a Java tool to convert files from OBO format to Web Ontology Language (OWL) (and vice versa) that can also be used as a Protégé Tab plug-in. It uses the OBO to OWL mapping provided by the National Center for Biomedical Ontologies (NCBO) (a joint effort of OBO developers and OWL experts) and offers options to ease the task of saving/reading files in both formats.

Availability: bioontology.org/tools/oboinowl/obo_converter.html

Contact:  dilvan@stanford.edu

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
High-Throughput, High-Sensitivity Analysis of Gene Expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kris Richard Martin , Felder Stephen , Deyholos Michael , Lambert Georgina M. , Hinton James , Botros Ihab , Martel Ralph , Seligmann Bruce , Galbraith David W.
Published: May 2007

High-throughput gene expression analysis of genes expressed during salt stress was performed using a novel multiplexed quantitative nuclease protection assay that involves customized DNA microarrays printed within the individual wells of 96-well plates. The levels of expression of the transcripts from 16 different genes were quantified within crude homogenates prepared from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants also grown in a 96-well plate format. Examples are provided of the high degree of reproducibility of quantitative dose-response data and of the sensitivity of detection of changes in gene expression within limiting amounts of tissue. The lack of requirement for RNA purification renders the assay particularly suited for high-throughput gene expression analysis and for the discovery of novel chemical compounds that specifically modulate the expression of endogenous target genes.
Distinct Expression Patterns of Natural Antisense Transcripts in Arabidopsis
Authors: Henz Stefan R. , Cumbie Jason S. , Kasschau Kristin D. , Lohmann Jan U. , Carrington James C. , Weigel Detlef , Schmid Markus
Published: May 2007

It has been shown that overlapping cis-natural antisense transcripts (cis-NATs) can form a regulatory circuit in which small RNAs derived from one transcript regulate stability of the other transcript, which manifests itself as anticorrelated expression. However, little is known about how widespread antagonistic expression of cis-NATs is. We have determined how frequently cis-NAT pairs, which make up 7.4% of annotated transcription units in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome, show anticorrelated expression patterns. Indeed, global expression profiles of pairs of cis-NATs on average have significantly lower pairwise Pearson correlation coefficients than other pairs of neighboring genes whose transcripts do not overlap. However, anticorrelated expression that is greater than expected by chance is found in only a small number of cis-NAT pairs. The degree of anticorrelation does not depend on the length of the overlap or on the distance of the 5′ ends of the transcripts. Consistent with earlier findings, cis-NATs do not exhibit an increased likelihood to give rise to small RNAs, as determined from available small RNA sequences and massively parallel signature sequencing tags. However, the overlapping regions of cis-NATs appeared to be enriched for small RNA loci compared to nonoverlapping regions. Furthermore, expression of cis-NATs was not disproportionately affected in various RNA-silencing mutants. Our results demonstrate that there is a trend toward anticorrelated expression of cis-NAT pairs in Arabidopsis, but currently available data do not produce a strong signature of small RNA-mediated silencing for this process.
UDP-Glucose 4-Epimerase Isoforms UGE2 and UGE4 Cooperate in Providing UDP-Galactose for Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Growth of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Rösti Johannes , Barton Christopher J. , Albrecht Sandra , Dupree Paul , Pauly Markus , Findlay Kim , Roberts Keith , Seifert Georg J.
Published: May 2007

Five Arabidopsis thaliana genes that encode UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (UGE) and represent two ancient plant UGE clades might be involved in the regulation of cell wall carbohydrate biosynthesis. We tested this hypothesis in a genome-wide reverse genetic study. Despite significant contributions of each gene to total UGE activity, none was essential for normal growth on soil. uge2 uge4 displayed dramatic general growth defects, while other mutant combinations were partially aberrant. UGE2 together with UGE3 influenced pollen development. UGE2 and UGE4 synergistically influenced cell wall galactose content, which was correlated with shoot growth. UGE2 strongly and UGE1 and UGE5 lightly supported UGE4 in influencing root growth and cell wall galactose content by affecting galactan content. By contrast, only UGE4 influenced xyloglucan galactosylation in roots. Secondary hypocotyl thickening and arabinogalactan protein carbohydrate structure in xylem parenchyma depended on the combination of UGE2 and UGE4. As opposed to cell wall galactose content, tolerance to external galactose strictly paralleled total UGE activity. We suggest a gradual recruitment of individual UGE isoforms into specific roles. UGE2 and UGE4 influence growth and cell wall carbohydrate biosynthesis throughout the plant, UGE3 is specialized for pollen development, and UGE1 and UGE5 might act in stress situations.
G-Boxes, Bigfoot Genes, and Environmental Response: Characterization of Intragenomic Conserved Noncoding Sequences inArabidopsis
Authors: Freeling Michael , Rapaka Lakshmi , Lyons Eric , Pedersen Brent , Thomas Brian C.
Published: May 2007

A tetraploidy left Arabidopsis thaliana with 6358 pairs of homoeologs that, when aligned, generated 14,944 intragenomic conserved noncoding sequences (CNSs). Our previous work assembled these phylogenetic footprints into a database. We show that known transcription factor (TF) binding motifs, including the G-box, are overrepresented in these CNSs. A total of 254 genes spanning long lengths of CNS-rich chromosomes (Bigfoot) dominate this database. Therefore, we made subdatabases: one containing Bigfoot genes and the other containing genes with three to five CNSs (Smallfoot). Bigfoot genes are generally TFs that respond to signals, with their modal CNS positioned 3.1 kb 5′ from the ATG. Smallfoot genes encode components of signal transduction machinery, the cytoskeleton, or involve transcription. We queried each subdatabase with each possible 7-nucleotide sequence. Among hundreds of hits, most were purified from CNSs, and almost all of those significantly enriched in CNSs had no experimental history. The 7-mers in CNSs are not 5′- to 3′-oriented in Bigfoot genes but are often oriented in Smallfoot genes. CNSs with one G-box tend to have two G-boxes. CNSs were shared with the homoeolog only and with no other gene, suggesting that binding site turnover impedes detection. Bigfoot genes may function in adaptation to environmental change.
Body mass index and oxidative DNA damage: A longitudinal study
Authors: Mizoue Tetsuya , Tokunaga Shoji , Kasai Hiroshi , Kawai Kazuaki , Sato Masao , Kubo Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2007

Leanness has been shown to be related to an increased risk of some cancer forms, including lung cancer. However, biological evidence supporting a causal link between leanness and carcinogenesis is limited. The authors investigated longitudinally the association between body mass index (BMI) and levels of urinary 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, using data from 174 healthy employees who participated in a lifestyle intervention study. 8‐OHdG levels were measured using automated high‐performance liquid chromatography and adjusted for urinary creatinine levels. Analysis of repeated measurements using a random effects model detected a statistically significant inverse association between BMI and 8‐OHdG levels (P = 0.003); one unit decrease in BMI was associated with a 2.7% (95% confidence interval 0.9–4.4) increase in 8‐OHdG levels. The association was pronounced among men consuming less than 20 cigarettes per day (8.8% increase per unit decrease in BMI) and among non‐smoking men (3.7% increase). The results based on a longitudinal observation suggest that weight loss is associated with increased oxidative DNA damage, a state presumably related to an increased risk of cancer. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1254–1258)
NOUVELLES RECHERCHES ELECTRO‐ENCEPHALOGRAPHIQUES DANS L'ASTHME BRONCHIQUE
Authors: PANZANI R.
Published: May 2007

Two hundred and forty EEG observations bring out this conclusion: in asthma 65 per cent of the observed cases show a disturbed cortical electro genesis leading to the hypothesis of a hyperexcitability or less frequently a hypoexcitability and possibly an actual depression of meso‐diencephalic reticular substance.

The first hypothesis was that this major or minor dysfunction of the reticular substance is one of the causes of asthma and not the consequence of an oedema of the brain caused by repeated attacks. Out recent EEG studies would incline in some cases in favour of the latter hypothesis.

We have observed in 17 out of 80 regularly followed cases, that minor anomalies in adults and even major anomalies in children have disappeared. Asthma has been practically always allergic in children so we think that the electrical anomalies which have spontaneously disappeared were due to an allergic oedema of the brain.
STUDIES OF THE WHEAL REACTION OF NORMALS TO INTRADERMAL INJECTION OF SERUM FROM ALLERGIC SUBJECTS, WITH HOMOLOGOUS ALLERGEN ADDED
Authors: BERGQUIST G.
Published: May 2007

When homologous allergen was added to serum from allergic patients and the mixture injected intradermally into normal subjects, wheal reactions resulted. The intensity of this edematigenous effect of certain sera showed individual variability. With the method here employed, the effect was thermostable.
EVALUATION CHIFFREE DE L'ETAT CLINIQUE DE MALADES ATTEINTS DE POLLINOSE AUX GRAMINEES
Authors: Planes M.
Published: May 2007

MM. C. Boutin, J. P. Orlando, H. Raztouk et J. Charpin utilisent une méthode mathématique pennettant d'apprécier le plus objectivement possible l'etat clinique des malades atteints de pollinose aux graminées. Le patient est inviteéà tenir un journal, retranscrit sur bordereau de perforation utilisable en ordinateur et traité par un programme de régression multiple pas à pas. On aboutit ainsi à un « score », à une « note globale » reflétant l‘état du malade pendant une saison et permettant des études comparatives. On peut aussi chercher des corrélations entre la courbe quotidienne des symptômes, les comptes palynologiques et les données météorologiques. Le calcul statistique permet d'apprécier le dégre de cette méthode.

Un groupe de 117 malades a été ainsi etudié en 1969, 1970 et 1971. Le traitement statistique a montré que l'efficacité des désensibilisations depend du type d'extrait utilisé, les extraits aqueux donnant de meilleurs résultats que les extraits‐retard. La presence d'asthme, et sa gravité, sont des éléments de pronostic défavorables. II existe une correlation entre les symptômes journaliers et la courbe de pollinisation. Mais la corrélation entre le score et les données météorologiques n'est pas stricte. On observe seulement une élévation du score aux périodes ensoleillées où la température maxima est la plus élevée, la pluie absente, le vent modéré, la pression atmosphérique moyenne relativement stable.

Le caractère subjectif des journaux de malades donne lieu à plusieurs interventions. Chez l'asthmatique, M. Gervais suggère l'emploi régulier de la spirométrie de pointe.
BECLOMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE AEROSOL IN REVERSIBLE OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAYS DISEASE
Authors: LANGAKER KJELL ERIK
Published: May 2007

Seven patients with reversible obstructive airways disease, who were unsatisfactorily relieved by conventional broncho‐dilating drugs, were admitted to a 1‐year‐long therapeutic trial with beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol, 400 μg a day.

After 3 weeks of treatment the mean values of VC, FEV, and PEFR were increased by about 100 per cent of the pre‐treatment values, and the consumption of self‐administered bronchodilators was markedly diminished.

Throughout the trial the occupational disability and need for hospitalisation were negligible compared with the previous year. Development of tolerance to the drug was not observed during the trial.

The adrenocortical function remained unaffected, as judged by the plasma cortisol levels and adrenocortical stimulation tests. Continuously low normal levels of excreted urinary 17‐ketogenic‐steroids might indicate a very slight adrenal suppression.
ASSOCIATION OF PRECIPITINS AND COELIAC DISEASE
Authors: KAVAI M. , CSORBA S. , SZABOLCS M. , JEZERNICZKY J. , FÉSÜS L. , SZABÓ B.
Published: May 2007

Four fractions, fraction A, B, C, and D, were isolated from the aqueous extract of wheat flour on a Sephadex G‐75 column. It was found that the repeated gel‐filtrated fraction A reacts as an antigen with the sera of coeliac patients. On the basis of its molecular weight and amino acid composition, it is gliadin.

Each of the 28 coeliac patients had heat‐stable precipitating antibody and higher than normal IgE levels were found in the sera of only three individuals. Specific antigliadin IgE in low quantity was found in only one case.

The sera reacting with antigens in high titres were absorbed by anti‐IgG and anti‐IgA whereupon the antibody level considerably decreased. The main circulating antibody of the patients was IgG.
Basophil Histamine Release by RNA, DNA and Aggregated IgG Examined in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Permin Henrik , Skov Per Stahl , Norn Svend , Juhl Frede
Published: May 2007

Basophils from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) respond to RNA, DNA and immune complexes [aggregated IgG] with histamine release. The RNA response was well correlated to the clinical activity of the disease since histamine liberation was found in all patients with severe activity, whereas no liberation was observed in patients with moderate or quiescent activity. A less significant correlation was obtained with DNA and aggregated IgG. In contrast, no response was obtained with RNA, DNA and aggregated IgG in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or in controls. In the RA and the SLE groups no significant correlation was found between the response of RNA, DNA and aggregated IgG and the serum titres of anti‐DNA and antinuclear antibodies. No difference in basophil cell count in peripheral blood and basophil histamine content was found between RA. SLE and controls. Our results point 10 an involvement of an autoimmune type I reaction in the pathogenesis of RA directed against the nuclear components RNA and DNA and against immune complexes.
The Diagnosis of Immediate Type Allergy to Cladosporium herbarum
Authors: Aukrust L. , Aas K.
Published: May 2007

The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was used to demonstrate IgE. Antibodies to Cladosporium herbarum in 35 children. Freeze‐dried samples of Cladosporion herbarum were obtained from two commercial producers, extracted and used for the preparation of two RAST disc series which were Compared with the commercially available Phadebas Cladosporium herbarum discs. Marked qualitative differences were found.
Anti‐DNA Antibody in Serum Measured by Radioimmunoassay (Fair Technique)
Authors: Manthorpe R. , Palif J. , Bendexen G.
Published: May 2007

Anti‐DNA antibody determination in strum is increasingly used because it supports the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with high selectivity. The present work evaluates several of the technical variables of the Fair radioimmunoassay for anti‐DNA antibody determination and describes a recommendable procedure, emphasizes the most important sources of error and gives the range of normal blood donors and a group of hospital patients without SLE.
Disodium Cromoglycate and Food Allergy
Authors: Dahl Ronald
Published: May 2007

In a food allergic patient challenge evoked a dual asthmatic response. These reactions could be partly or completely blocked by pretreatment with disodium cromoglycate (Intal®, Lomudal®) orally, depending on the doses given. Pretreatment with inhalations of disodium cromoglycate gave no protection.
Leucocyte Migration Test and Hypersensitivity to Glafenin
Authors: Saurat J. H. , Galoppin L. , Ponvert CL. , Paupe J.
Published: May 2007

The leucocyte migration test (LMT) was performed on 20 patients with an intolerance to glafenin – a non‐narcotic analgesic drug. LMT was found to be positive in 50% of the subjects with intolerance, a highly significant percentage as compared with the control groups. HSA‐glafenin was found to be the most appropriate method for presenting the antigen, but glafenin and its hydroxylated metabolites were only found to induce a migration inhibition in the subjects intolerant to glafenin.
Quantitation of Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis (PGA) by Using Radiolabelled Antigen
Authors: Ring Johannes , Seifert Jorgen , Brindel Walter
Published: May 2007

The major problem of detecting reaginic antibody by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis IPCA) is the quantitation of the dye reaction. Radiolabelled antigen was used in an attempt to quantitate the PCA reaction (Radio‐PCA). Antisera containing reaginic antibody against human serum albumin (HSA) were produced in rabbits. These antisera were injected into normal rabbit skin in different dilutions. Twenty‐four hours later BSA was injected intravenously either with Evans Blue or as 125‐1‐HSA. Radioactivity found in antibody‐containing skin was significantly higher than in control specimens containing saline or normal rabbit serum, as low as antiserum dilutions of 1:1,000. Compared with the Evans Blue technique Radio‐PCA was able to distinguish quantitatively between different antiserum dilutions at a higher level of statistical significance.
Comparison of the Effect of the β1‐Blocking Drugs Atenolol and Metoprolol on Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Carlson Christer , Järvinen Klaus A. J.
Published: May 2007

Twenty patients with severe or medium severe asthma were given atenolol (Atenor® (CI – Pharma) and/or metoprolol (Soleken® Hässle) for tachycardia, hyperkinetic tremor, arterial hypertension or symptoms of angina pectoris. These cardioselective β‐blocking drugs caused only a very slight decrease in PF values. There was no difference between atenolol and metoprolol as regards the PF values A 24 hourly dose of 100 mg atenolol caused a distinct fall in diastolic pressure as compared with the same amount of metoprolol. Both these two β1‐blockers moderated the tachvcardia which occurs in asthma; atenolol in this dose had a slightly stronger action.

The subjective condition of five patients with severe or medium severe asthma was considerably relieved by atenolol and/or metoprolol. The relief manifested as a lessening of dyspnoea and improvement of the general status. No essential change was observed in the PF values despite the subjective effects. The most noteworthy change was the amelioration of tachycardia which had continued longer than expected in these patients. The heart rate dropped from 140–120/min to 90–70/min and dyspnoea was relieved at the same time.
The Content of Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Eosinophil Leucocytes
Authors: Dahl Ronald , Venge Per , Olsson Inge
Published: May 2007

Eosinophil cationic protein consitutes a major pan of eosinophil Leucocyte granule protein. Low serum concentrations have previously been found in patients with bronchial asthma. As this might reflect a low intracellular content, eosinophils were isolated from normal controls and patients with bronchial asthma. Eosinophil cationic protein was estimated after extraction of the cells and a similar content was found in cells from both groups.
Use of RAST Technique in Wasp Sting Hypersensitivity
Authors: Müller U. , Roth A. , Yman L. , Patrizzi R.
Published: May 2007

Clinical hypersensitivity to wasp stings was found to be fairly well correlated with the presence of serum IgE‐antibodies against yellow jacket venom as detected by the RAST technique. Such antibodies were never found in a control group of non‐allergic blood donors, but they were detected in a surprisingly large proportion of patients with bee sting allergy without known allergic reactions to wasps. Studies using RAST inhibition technique failed to prove cross‐reactions between bee and wasp venoms.

Considerably better results were obtained when venom antigens instead of whole body antigens were used in the RAST, RAST inhibition studies suggested that IgE‐antibodies detected with RAST using whole body antigen are directed against bee venom constituents in the whole body extract.
Absolute Determination of IgE Antibodies to Grass Pollen Allergens
Authors: Vervloet D. , Bongrand P. , Charpin J.
Published: May 2007

Knowledge of specific IgE bound on immunosorbent as assayed by FLAST is useful but cannot give a complete description of the biological states of patients concerning IgE antibodies Using a computer program based on a least squares error method and knowing the amount of bound specific IgE antibodies to grass pollen antigens in a serum at each of the four tested dilutions it is possible to calculate the absolute value of specific IgE antibody level, die relative value of affinity constant and the relative proportion of IgE antibodies to the total amount of specific (IgE plus non‐IgE) antibodies. It is found that specific IgE antibodies account for high percentages of the total IgE protein (mean of 20%. High differences in affinity constant and in the proportion of IgE antibodies to the total amount of antibodies could be found between sera. Severity of grass pollen allergy could be related to die absolute level of IgE antibody, but no definite conclusion could be made on the importance of affinity constant and the proportion of IgE antibodies to the total amount of antibodies.
Extraction and Degradation of Timothy Pollen Allergen during Simulated in vivo Conditions
Authors: Løwenstein Henning , Mygind Niels
Published: May 2007

Extraction and degradation of timothy pollen in saline has been compared with extraction in nasal secretion and gastric fluid. By measuring the absolute amount of one important allergenic substance by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis and the total allergenic activity by RAST as a function of time it was shown that the allergens were extracted extremely fast and that both the total allergenic activity and the concentration of one allergen readied maximum after about 20 min. Compared with saline, extraction under the simulated in vivo conditions gave a lower maximum level and a faster degradation of allergens.
Quantitative Immunoelectrophoretic Analysis of Extract from Cow Hair and Dander
Authors: Prahl P , Weeke B. , Løwenstein H.
Published: May 2007

Quantitative immunoelectrophoresis used for the analysis of a diabased, centrifuged and freeze‐dried extract from cow hair and dander revealed 17 antigens. Five of these were identified as serum proteins. Partial identity to antigens of serum and extract from hair and dander of goat, sheep, swine, horse, dog, cat and guinea pig, and to antigens of house dust was demonstrated. Sera from 36 patients with manifest allergy to cow hair and dander selected on the basis of case history, RAST, skin and provocation test, were examined in crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE); sera from five persons with high serum IgE, but without allergy to cow hair and dander, and sera from five normal individuals were controls 31/36 of the sera contained IgE with specific affinity for two of the antigens of the extract. Further, two major and six minor allergens were identified. The control sera showed no specific IgE binding. A significant positive correlation was found between RAST and CRIE for the first group of patients. The approximate molecular weights of the four major allergens obtained by means of gel chromarography were: 2.4 × 104, 2 × 104, 2 × 103 dalton, respectively. Using Con‐A and Con‐A Sepharose in crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis, eight of the antigens were revealed to contain groups with affinity for Con‐A.
Total Serum IgE Levels in Normals and Patients with Chronic Non–Specific Lung Diseases
Authors: Pauwels R. , Van Der Straeten M.
Published: May 2007

Total serum IgE was measured, using a sensitive sandwich method, in a healthy control population, in healthy persons with a familial history of chronic non‐specific lung disease and in patients with chronic non‐specific lung disease (CNSLD). In the control population a median total serum IgE of 39 1.U./ml was found. Total serum IgE levels were significantly lower in women that in men. Healthy persons with a familial history of CNSLD had significantly increased total IgE levels compared with the control population. The IgE level was even higher in the group of patients with CNSLD The presence of specific IgE antibodies and/or an early onset of the symptoms of CNSLD was accompanied by higher total serum IgE levels compared with the IgE values in the other CNSLD patients. But the total IgE levels were increased in all subgroups of CNSLD patients. A significant decrease of the IgE level with age was observed in CNSLD patients.
Binding of Antigen to Surface to on Isolated Rat Mast Cells
Authors: Stahl Skov P. , Norn S. , Wiik A. , Permin H.
Published: May 2007

This study concerns observations on isolated rat mast cells sensitized to specific antigen. Specific binding of antigen to the surface immunoglobulins of these cells could be demonstrated by immunofluorescence technique as well as by radiolabelled antigen binding and the degree of binding parallelled the allergic reaction as judged by histamine releaser Exposure of mast cells to antigen at both Low and high antigen concentrations did not change the distribution of the surface immunoglobulins. Furthermore, neither capping nor shedding could be induced, even by excessive antigen stimulation, The amount of antigen molecules bound to surface Ig was linearly correlated lo the allergic histamine release. When mast cells were sensitized to two antigens of different molecular weight, the cells showed the highest sensitivity to the antigen having the highest molecular weight.

These results indicate that both the amount of antigen and the molecular weight of the antigen bound to surface Ig are important factors in the allergic histamine release from mast cells, whereas surface Ig redistribution is nor.
An Analysis of the Role of IgE in Intolerance to Aspirin and Tartrazine
Authors: Weltman Joel K. , Szaro Robert P. , Settipane Guv A.
Published: May 2007

Total serum IgE and eosinophil count were determined for 30 patients with in‐tolerance to aspirin. Total IgE levels in the aspirin intolerant patients were similar to those expected in a. non‐atopic population. In contrast, total eosinophil count (TEC) tended to be elevated in the aspirin intolerant group. Elevated TEC was observed both in bronchospastic (57%) and in urticarial (25%) aspirin intolerance. Specific anti‐aspiryl and anti‐carcrazyl antibodies of the IgE class were assayed by the galactosidase immunosorbent test [GIST]*. IgE anti‐aspiryl antibodies were possibly eletected in one patient, but did not correlate with clinical intolerance to aspirin. It is unlikely that the clinical symptoms and the eosinophilia of intolerance to aspirin and tartrazine are mediated by antibodies of the IgE class.
Allergy to Pollen from Different Deciduous Trees in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Nils E.
Published: May 2007

92 adult patients with springtime allergy were investigated with skin tests, provocation tests and the RAST. Allergen extracts from 12 different deciduous trees were used.

Positive reactions, often of high intensity, were most often found with birch, alder, bog‐myrtle, beech and hazel allergens whereas oak, aspen, linden, elm, sallow, maple and poplar allergens more often gave negative or only weak positive test results. Cross sensitizations were found between botanically related as well as between less related species of the trees. Almost all patients with a clinically relevant tree pollen allergy had positive provocation tests with birch pollen. No patient had positive reactions to all the 12 allergens included in the study. 68% had positive provocation tests with the combination birch, alder and hazel.

It is concluded that for diagnostic screening purposes it is sufficient to use birch pollen allergen. If the majority of relevant tree pollens are to be included in a diagnostic or therapeutic programme in Western Sweden it should contain birch, alder, hazel, beech and bog‐myrtle allergens.
The Significance of Nasal Protease Inhibitor Concentrations in House Dust Allergy
Authors: Rudolph R. , Dölling J. , Kunkel G. , Staud R.‐D. , Baumgarten C.
Published: May 2007

In 57 patients with house dust allergy and 20 controls protease inhibitor concentrations in nasal secretions were measured before and after antigen challenge. A correlation was found between low inhibitor levels and long duration of disease. Furthermore, significant differences of inhibitor concentrations could be demonstrated between patients with strong or moderate reactions to antigen provocation, and between patients with isolated rhinitis or a combination of rhinitis and bronchial asthma. The clinical significance of the results will be discussed with special regard to different biochemical mechanisms in the pathophysiology of seasonal and perennial immediate‐type rhinitis.
Prevention of Experimental Anaphylactic Ulcer by Antigen Prefeeding
Authors: Andre F. , Andre C. , Fournier S.
Published: May 2007

Studies were performed in animals to establish whether antigen preleeding could prevent homocytotropic antibody synthesis and the induction of gastric ulcer resulting from mucosal anaphylaxis.

A single digestive exposure to 1 or 10 mg ovalbumin induced a state of specific immunologic tolerance. Inhibition of the Formation of specific regains was shown by the study of mast cell degranulation.

Tolerant animals presented a reduced incidence of gastric ulcer alter subsequent mucosal challenge.

These results are important for the development of methods of prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.
Effect of Encephalitogenic Protein, PPD, and Tetanus Toxoid on Leukocyte Migration in Agarose
Authors: Källén Bengt , Nilsson Olle
Published: May 2007

The reactivity to three antigens: bovine encephalitogenic protein (EP), PPD, and tetanus toxoid, was studied with blood leukocytes from healthy humans using Clausen's (5) leukocyte migration in agarose technique. There is an obvious correlation between the reactivity to EP (all concentrations studied) and to low concentrations of PPD; and between the reactivity to low concentrations of EP and low concentrations of tetanus toxoid. After vaccination with tetanus vaccine, a marked increase in reactivity to the toxoid sometimes occurred: at the same time, a marked reactivity to EP appeared. Various explanations are discussed: a true immunological cross‐reactivity, that the correlations are due to a variability in individual response with respect to lymphokine production, and that BCG and tetanus vaccinations produce an adjuvant effect increasing a pre‐existing low reactivity to EP.
Central Dopamine Receptors Regulate Blood Eosinophilia in the Rat
Authors: Podolec Z. , Vetulani J. , Bednarczyk B. , Szczeklik A.
Published: May 2007

Dopaminergic agents, dopa and apomorphine, affected biphasically the blood eosinophil count in the rat: low doses of the drug elevated, while high doses lowered it. The response to a high dose of dopa was retained in rats pretreated with an inhibitor of dopamine‐beta‐hydroxylase. U 10, 157, but prevented by a centrally acting dupa decarboxylase inhibitor. NSD 1015. This indicates that the eosinopenia observed alter large doses of dopa is due to the action of dopamine formed from the precursor. As intracerebroventricular injections of l‐dopa also produce eosinopenia, the central site of dopamine action is indicated. The eosinopenic response to apomorphine was antagonized by a dopamine receptor blocking agent, haloperidol. This indicates that some central dopamine receptors are involved in the regulation of the eosinophil count in circulating blood. The hypophysis seems to play a crucial role in the phenomenon observed, as no eosinopenia was produced by dopa in hypophysectomized rats.
Penicillin Hypersensitivity
Authors: de Haan P. , Boorsma D. M. , Kalsbeek G. L.
Published: May 2007

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of anti‐penicillin antibodies of the several Ig classes is described. The results of the ELISA in 350 sera of patients suspected of penicillin hypersensitivity are compared with those of the haemagglutination test.

In 105 sera penicillin‐specific IgM and/or IgG was demonstrated with the ELISA, the HA test being positive in 49 of these 105 sera. However, in another 14 sera IgM anti‐penicillin antibodies could be shown only with the HA.

In 10 sera penicillin‐specific IgE was demonstrated with the ELISA, only four of these being also positive with the RAST. IgE was always found in combination with IgG and/or IgM.

The positive correlation of the ELISA and the RAST with the intracutaneous test on penicilloylpolylysine was 26.9% and 15.4% respectively.

The ELISA is a simple and reproducible method for the detection of anti‐penicillin antibodies, being more sensitive than the HA and the RAST.
The Protective Effect of a New Agent, Ketotifen Syrup, in the Treatment of Childhood Asthma
Authors: ØSterballe Ole , Addi Lykkegaard Nielsen Elisabeth
Published: May 2007

Twenty‐two children with perennial extrinsic allergic asthma participated in a double‐blinded, controlled, cross‐over study of Ketotifen syrup during a 2 × 6‐week period. The placebo was identical with the active drug in taste, colour, and consistency. The dosage level was, on weight basis, a little higher than the standard dosage for adults.

The double‐blinded investigation was supplemented with a 12‐week open study of the tolerance for Ketotifen. This study also involved 22 patients, 12 new ones, and 10 from the double‐blinded study.

The study showed Ketotifen to have no effect on changes in lung function (peak How), on reduction in frequency of asthmatic attacks, or on consumption of additional medicine.

The tolerance for Ketotifen was good, but physicians are advised to watch for increases in weight and decreases in blood pressure during tests on children which involve higher dosage levels.
Analysis of Antigens in a Commercial House‐Dust Extract by Means of Quantitative Immunoelectrophoresis
Authors: Carlsen S. D. , Weeke B. , Løwenstein H.
Published: May 2007

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) of a commercial house‐dust extract revealed 43 immunoprecipitates.

Rocket immunoelectrophoresis with 106 different allergen extracts from animal hair and dander, feathers, fungi, pollen, foodstuffs, textiles and house‐dust mites showed the presence of precipitating antibodies in the rabbit anti‐house‐dust serum against antigens from 34 of the extracts.

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis with the addition of antigen, and crossed line immunoelectrophoresis (CLIE) with these 34 allergen extracts, as well as crossed immunoelectrophoresis with intermediate gel containing rabbit antibodies against nine human serum proteins, allowed the identification of 14 antigens in the house‐dust extract. These antigens were shown to originate from house‐dust mites, hair and dander from various animals, fungi, feathers, human hair and dander, and human serum proteins.
Anti‐Anaphylactic and Bronchodilating Action of a Beta‐Adrenoceptor Stimulator, KWD 2131, in Human Lung Tissue
Authors: Strandberg K. , Pegelow K‐O. , Persson C. G. A. , Sörenby L.
Published: May 2007

The beta‐adrenoceptor stimulating agent KWD 2131 has been studied with regard to inhibitory effect on allergen‐induced histamine release from passively sensitized human lung tissue and relaxing effect on contracted small (diameter= 1 mm) and large (diameter 3 mm) isolated human bronchi. The dose for 50% inhibition of the allergen‐induced histamine release was 2 × 10−11 M. The potency of KWD 2131 was approximately 0.15 times that of terbutaline and 0.05 times that of isoprenaline in this respect. The bronchodilating potency‐ of KWD 2131 was 0.02–0.03 times that of terbutaline. The data indicate that KWD 2131 is a compound with preferably anti‐anaphylactic potency in the human lung.
Tarsonemid Mites in Danish House Dust
Authors: Korsgaard Jens , Hallas Thorkil E.
Published: May 2007

From a study of 98 typical Danish city apartments it was found that pyroglyphid and tarsonemid mites dominated the housedust acarofauna. Both groups of miles show a remarkable similarity in their occurrence and dependence on. the microclimate. Room air humidities above 7 g water/kg dry air involved the highest densities. Below this Unit only background contamination appeared. At least 14 distinct forms of tarsonemid mites were found, with Tarsonemiu floricolus Can. & Fanz., 1876 as the dominating species.

As tarsonemid mites were found regularly rather than occasionally, it is suggested that these mites may be responsible for at least a part of the cases of housedust allergy thaE cannot be ascribed to the content of Dermatophagoides mites in the housedust.
Epicutaneous Testing
Authors: Hannuksela Matti
Published: May 2007

The patch test and chamber test are the ordinary methods for detecting delayed type contact allergies. The method, test substances and criteria of positive reactions are already well standardized. Open testing is also used for problematic chemicals such as strong topical medicaments, emulsifiers and propylene glycol.

The many problems of standardization are still unresolved in photocutaneous testing. Some chemicals are applied to the skin without occlusion, though the chamber test or patch test methods are used with most of them. The composition of the vehicle and occlusion time vary greatly from one photosensitizing substance to another. A xenon are is recommended for screening any photosensitizers but fluorescent black light tubes are sufficient for routine clinical use.

Type I contact allergies are far more common than was previously believed, especially among people allergic to birch pollen. This type of reaction and other forms of contact urticaria can he examined using the scratch chamber or scarification chamber techniques as well as with an open test on diseased or scratched (scarified) skin.
Particularity of Local Immunity in the Nasopharynx
Authors: Maźguran Renata , Rabatić Sabina , Sabioncello A. , Dekaris D.
Published: May 2007

Immunological functions of the pharyngeal tonsil, palatine tonsils and blood leucocytes of children undergoing tonsillectomy were evaluated by determining T or B lymphocytes, the response to mitogens, and the cell‐mediated immunological responses to tuberculin. In all the test systems used similar results were obtained with cells derived from either the palatine or pharyngeal tonsils. The mean percentage of T lymphocytes was significantly higher in the peripheral blood than in tonsils, but the reverse was true of B lymphocytes. The reaction to PHA was lower in tonsillar cell culture than in blood cell culture, but tonsillar cells reacted better to Con A than blood cells. In lymphocyte transformation tests tonsillar cells reacted to specific antigen (tuberculin) and this reaction was significantly higher than that of the parallelly tested blood lymphocytes. Further, in about 50% of the children tested, tuberculin caused migration inhibition of the mixture containing tonsillar cells and guinea pig peritoneal cells. Surprisingly, nearly identical results were obtained if migration inhibition test was performed with tonsillar cells alone. Consequently, poorly migrating tonsillar cells are nevertheless usable for direct migration inhibition testing.
Binding of Antigen to Surface Ig during in vitro Hyposensitization of Isolated Rat Mast Cells
Authors: Skov P. Stahl , Norn S. , Wiik A.
Published: May 2007

The mechanism of in vitro hyposensitization was examined in isolated rat mast cells. Surface distribution of immunoglobulin was examined by immunofluorescence technique. Hyposensitization could be ascribed neither to changes in the distribution of surface immunoglobulins nor to capping or shedding phenomena. The distribution of cell‐bound antigen and the number of antigen‐positive cells (patch‐bearing cells) was not changed by hyposensitization. The binding of antigen to surface Ig was quantitated by I125‐labelled antigen. In rats sensitized to two different antigens, hyposensitization of the mast cells with one of these inhibited the subsequent histamine release induced by either of the two antigens, whereas no changes were observed in the antigen binding capacity.

The present investigation indicates that the mechanism of in vitro hyposensitization is the result of events secondary to the initial binding of antigen to the mast cell surface immunoglobulin.
Occupational Allergy in Nurses to a Bulk Laxative
Authors: Machado Lavinia , Zetterström Olle , Fagerberg Erik
Published: May 2007

Finely ground psyllium (Plantago ovata) seeds, so‐called ispaghula powder is used in bulk laxatives. During the dispensing of these medicines some dust is generated. Allergic symptoms from exposure to this dust was reported by two nurses, one of whom was working in a department where exposure to the powder could be considered high. Nineteen other subjects working in the same department were investigated with regard to allergy to ispaghula powder.

An extract from ispaghula powder was made and used in RAST and skin tests. Exposure tests with ispaghula powder mixed with crushed rusks were made in symptomatic subjects. Eight out of the 20 investigated subjects from this department reported symptoms which could possibly have been elicited by ispaghula powder. Evidence of sensitization was found in five of them.

The use of less dusty (granulated) forms of ispaghula laxatives might diminish the risk of sensitization.
Long‐Term Treatment with Beclomethasone Dipropionate Aerosol in Asthmatic Children, with Special Reference to Growth
Authors: Graff‐Lonnevig Viggo , Kraepelien Sven
Published: May 2007

Thirty‐one children, 19 boys and 12 girls, aged 3.4–10.8 years, with severe perennial bronchial asthma were treated with beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol (BDA) for 16–40 months. The dose was initially 400 μg a day and was gradually reduced to the lowest level giving control of symptoms. Earlier steroid or ACTH‐treatment in six children was stopped during the BDA‐treatment. At the start of the treatment the mean deviation of height compared with normal values for Swedish children was −0.10 s.d. for the boys and −0.51 s.d. for the girls. At the end of the observation period the deviation was −0.22 s.d. and −0.58 s.d., respectively. The increase in deviation was not significant. Bone age was also slightly retarded before beclomethasone treatment but this deviation was not accentuated during the observation period. It is concluded that treatment with BDA does not retard growth or skeletal maturation in children. The number of acute admissions to hospital was reduced by more than 50% during the first year of treatment.
Immunotherapy in Bee Sting Hypersensitivity
Authors: Müller U. , Thurnheer U. , Patrizzi R. , Spies J. , Hoigné R.
Published: May 2007

Fifty‐six patients with serologically confirmed bee sting hypersensitivity were treated for 1–3 years with either bee venom (BV) (31 patients) or wholebody extract (WBE) (25 patients). Twelve patients in each group were re‐exposed to a bee sting. Twenty‐five per cent of re‐exposed patients on BV‐therapy showed a diminished reaction and 75% no reaction. Thirty‐three per cent of re‐exposed patients on WBE‐therapy developed an unchanged or worse reaction, 42% a diminished reaction and 25% no reaction at all.

An initial rise in BV‐specific IgE was observed in BV‐treated patients, whereas IgE levels after 1 year of treatment lay significantly below pretreatment values in both treatment groups. BV‐specific IgG increased markedly in patients on BV‐therapy and decreased slightly in those on WBE‐therapy. The initial IgE increase induced by BV‐therapy was insignificant in patients with high pretreatment levels of specific IgG‐antibodies. Similarly, re‐exposed patients with high BV‐specific IgG showed no IgE increase, whereas a substantial rise in specific IgE was observed in those with low IgG. On the basis of clinical and serological results immunotherapy with BV is considered to be clearly superior to immunotherapy with WBE