bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of tea polyphenols on histamine release from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL‐2H3) cells: the structure–inhibitory activity relationship
Authors: Matsuo N. , Yamada K. , Shoji K. , Mori M. , Sugano M.
Published: May 2007

We studied the effect of tea polyphenols on histamine release from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL‐2H3) cells. Among tea polyphenols, (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) most strongly and dose‐dependently inhibited histamine release from cells stimulated with a calcium ionophore, A23187. (‐)‐Epigallocatechin (EGC) and (‐)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG) with a triphenol residue moderately inhibited histamine release, whereas diphenolic (+)‐catechin (C) and (‐)‐epicatechin (EC) did not. The magnitude of the inhibitory effect was in the order EGCG > ECG > EGC. Among simple polyphenols, the triphenol compounds, pyrogallol (PG) and gallic acid (GA) exerted inhibitory activity, but the diphenols, pyrocatechol, hydroquinone, and resorcinol did not. In addition, the mixture of PG and GA inhibited histamine release as strongly as EGCG with two triphenol residues. Similarly, they inhibited histamine release induced by IgE‐antigen complex stimulation more efficiently than that induced by A23187 stimulation. EGCG did not inhibit the increase of intracellular Ca2+ in RBL‐2H3 cells stimulated with A23187 or IgE antigen. These results indicate that the triphenol structure plays an important role in the inhibitory activity of tea polyphenols. Their activity seemed to be exerted through the metabolic events occurring after the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration.
The prevalence of latex allergy in children seen in a university hospital allergy clinic
Authors: Novembre E. , Bernardini R. , Brizzi I. , Bertini G. , Mugnaini L. , Azzari C. , Vierucci A.
Published: May 2007

Natural rubber latex allergy is responsible for a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, ranging from rhinoconjunctivitis to severe anaphylaxis, in both adults and children. An association between allergy to latex and allergy to various fruits has been reported. This study investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of latex sensitization in children seen in a university hospital allergy clinic. A total of 453 consecutive children were screened in a 7‐month period. A detailed clinical history with particular attention to the past surgical history and the eventual presence of latex‐ or food‐induced allergic symptoms was obtained. Skin prick tests (SPT) for the more important inhalant allergens and foods were performed on all children. In patients with positive latex SPT, latex challenge and additional SPT for some fresh foods (avocado, pineapple, apricot, grape, banana, pear, apple, orange, almond, and chestnut) were also performed. RAST for the same food antigens, as well as patch test with latex and a standard battery of contact allergens, was also done. Of 326 atopic children, 10 (3%) presented positive skin test to latex, but only five (1.5%) also had a positive clinical history to latex exposure. Latex challenge was positive in 3/9 positive‐latex‐SPT children. None of the nonatopic children had positive skin test to latex or symptoms to latex exposure. A history of previous surgery was found in 5/10 positive‐latex‐SPT children, in 63/316 negative‐latex‐SPT atopic children (P<0.05), and in 23/127 nonatopic children. RAST to latex was positive in 5/10 positive‐latex‐SPT children. Associated fruit‐specific IgE (SPT and/or RAST) were found in all latex‐symptomatic children and in 2/5 latex‐asymptomatic children. Apple, kiwi, and chestnut were the most common SPT‐positive foods. Only one patient with clinical allergy to latex and positive skin tests to fruits had a history of clinical symptoms after ingestion of kiwi and orange. The natural history of the positive‐latex‐SPT children without clinical reactions to latex exposure and the clinical significance of the association of latex and fruit sensitivity require further studies.
European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology ‘EAACI’ guidelines for continuing medical education*
Authors: Buscaglia S. , Palma‐Carlos A. G. , Canonica G. W.
Published: May 2007

Buscaglia S, Palma‐Carlos AG, Canonica GW. European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology ‘EAACI’ guidelines for continuing medical education. Essentials for accreditation, standards for commercial support, and system of credits.
Prevalence of childhood asthma in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Öneş Ü. , Sapan N. , Somer A. , Dişç R. , Salman N. , Güler N. , Yalçm I.
Published: May 2007

ÖneşÜ. Sapan N, Somer A, Dişçi R, Salman N, Güler N, Yalçm I. Prevalence of childhood asthma in Istanbul, Turkey.

In order to determine the asthma prevalence in 6–12‐year‐old schoolchildren in Istanbul, we issued 2350 questionnaires, according to ISAAC criteria, in six randomly selected city primary schools to be completed at home by parents. A total of 2232 of the questionnaires were completed, an overall response rate of 94.9%, and 2216 questionnaires were taken into consideration. The prevalence of asthma was found to be 9.8% and wheezing 15.1%. To investigate the effect of socioeconomic status on the prevalence of asthma, we evaluated the heating system at home, the place of residence, the educational levels of the mother and father, the number of people living in the house, the sharing of bedrooms, and the annual family income. In conclusion, the prevalence of childhood asthma was not affected by any of these factors. Atopic family history, food allergy, eczema, and frequent otitis media and sinusitis attacks were evaluated and found to be significant in asthma prevalence.
Levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, soluble E‐selectin, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor p55 and p75 in atopic children
Authors: Laan M. P. , Koning H. , Baert M. R. M. , Oranje A. P. , Buurman W. A. , Savelkoul H. F. J. , Neijens H. J.
Published: May 2007

During inflammation, membrane expression of adhesion molecules and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐receptors (TNF‐R) are increased, and soluble forms of these molecules are released. This study analyzed plasma levels ofsICAM‐1 and sE‐selectin as well as TNF‐γ, sTNF‐R55, and sTNF‐R75 in nonallergic (NAA) and allergic asthma patients (AA), atopic dermatitis patients (AD), and healthy children (HC) by ELISA. Plasma levels of sICAM‐1. sE‐selectin. and sTNF‐R, but not TNF‐γ, were detectable, but were not significantly different between the patient groups and healthy children. In the AA group, a significant correlation (rs0.78, P=0.008) was found between sICAM‐1 and sE‐selectin levels. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between sTNF‐R55 and sTNF‐R75 levels in the AA group (rs=0.70, P=0.025) and in the AD group (rs=0.69, P=O.O27). In AD patients, a significant correlation was observed between sE‐selectin and the disease severity, as measured by the SCORAD index (rs=0.73. P=0.038). Our data demonstrate that plasma levels of sICAM‐1. sE‐selectin, TNF‐a, sTNF‐R55, and sTNF‐R75 were not different between atopic and nonatopic children during a stable phase of the disease. In AD patients, levels of sE‐selectin seemed to be related to clinical severity of the disease.
House‐dust‐mite allergen (Der p 1) levels in university colleges
Authors: Mahmic A. , Tovey E. R.
Published: May 2007

Background In coastal Australia, mean house‐dust‐mite allergen concentration is 20‐40 times higher in homes than in public buildings. Allergen concentrations in university colleges, which share some eharacteristics of both homes and public buildings, are not known. The study aimed to compare bed mite‐allergen concentration in colleges with local homes.

Methods Mattress dust was collected from three colleges (n = 60 m each) and local homes (N=68) during summer, Der p 1 was measured by ELISA. Information was collected on the floor plan of the colleges, cleaning practices, age of building, and orientation of room.

Results Most college mattresses (94%) had Der p 1 concentrations less than the mean of homes in the same climate. The geometric means of Der p 1 m the mattresses of the colleges were as follows: A, 8.9 pg Der p 1/g fme dust (95% CI 6.9,11.5); B, 1.9 (1.5,2.3); and C, 1.5 (1.2,2.0), compared to homes, 22,5 (17.6, 28.7). The percentages of college mattresses with less than 2 jig/ g were 7%, 48%, and 58%, respectively, compared to 4% for homes. Higher Der p 1 concentrations were weakly associated with age of building in college A, and orientation in college B, Der p 1 concentrations were independent of floor level and age of mattress.

Conclusions These findings indicate that low allergen concentrations are achievable without extreme hygiene and cleaning measures in a climate which supports mite proliferation in homes.
The effect of antiallergic intranasal formulations on ciliary beat frequency of human nasal epithelium in vitro
Authors: Alberty J. , Stoll W.
Published: May 2007

The nasal mucociliary clearance is an important defense mechanism of the upper respiratory tract. It is known to be influenced by many pharmacologic substances. We investigated the effects of three topical intranasal antiallergic formulations containing disodium cromoglycate (DNCG), dimethindene maleate (DMM), and azelastine‐HCL (AZL) on nasal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in vitro. Nasal ciliated cells were harvested from 16 healthy volunteers. Cells were diluted 1:10 in culture medium and incubated with a placebo formulation (PLAC), containing 0,022% benzalkonium chloride, which was part of all formulations, a registered 2% formulation of DNCG, a 0.1% formulation of DMM, and a registered 0.1% formulation of AZL. After an incubation period of 20 min, CBF was registered by a photoelectric measurement device. Under control conditions (CONTROL), CBF was 11 4±1 3 Hz. PLAC reduced CBF to 9.7±2.3 Hz (NS). DNCG reduced CBF t o 9.7±2 Hz (NS). DMM reduced CBF to 7.2+1.7 Hz F<0.O5 vs CONTROL, NS vs PLAC), and AZL reduced CBF to 0.9+1.8 Hz P ≤ 0.05 vs CONTROL, P ≤ O.001 vs DNCG, P < 0.001 vs PLAC). In conclusion, a possible influence of antiallergic intranasal formulations on nasal ciliary function has to be considered in clinical application.
Role of nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions in children with chronic urticaria
Authors: Ehlers I. , Niggemann B. , Binder C. , Zuberbier T.
Published: May 2007

Background IgE‐independent (pseudoallergic) reactions to food and food ingredients are common in a subgroup of adult patients with chronic urticaria, who have daily spontaneous occurrence of wheals. However, for children with chronic urticaria (duration longer than 6 weeks, no physical influence), no data on the importance of pseudoallergen‐induced chronic urticaria are available. Therefore, we investigated the role of nonallergic hypersensitivity to food in all children seen with chronic continuous urticaria i n our two clinics over the last 2 years (n = 16).

Methods All patients were given a low‐pseudoallergen diet for 3 weeks followed by provocation with food rich in pseudoallergens. To identify the main eliciting agents, a subgroup of responders was exposed to food additives by double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges.

Results Pseudoallergen‐induced urticaria was diagnosed in 12 cases (75%). Reactions occurred mainly to coloring agents and preservatives, but also to monosodium glutamate and a sweetener (saccharin/cyclamate).

Conclusions TTiese results confirm that nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions play a role in children with chronic urticaria, although the latter disease is rare at that age. In children, food additives, especially coloring agents and preservatives, appear to play a more important role in eliciting nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions than in adult patients, where naturally occurring pseudoallergens in fruits and vegetables are mainly responsible.
Environmental priming influences allergen‐specific nasal reactivity
Authors: Toth J. , Schultze‐Werninghaus C. , Marks B. , Temmel A. F. P. , Stübner P. , Jäger S. , Horak F.
Published: May 2007

Background Preceding mucosal response to one allergen leads to the priming of the nasal mucosal response to another allergen. This study aimed t o determine whether environmental allergens, especially ubiquitous animal dander, can induce nasal priming.

Methods We investigated 26 grass‐pollen‐allergic subjects with additional sensitization to other aeroallergens. We performed continuous allergen challenge for 2 h with 1500 Dactylis glomerata pollen/m3 in the Vienna challenge chamber. The nasal flow at 150 Pa was examined, and subjective scores were obtained every 15 min. Statistical analysis was calculated from the area under curve of nasal flow reduction by Student's f‐test and the Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Alpha was 0.05.

Results In subjects with positive cat‐dander RAST (class of ≥ 3), besides grass‐pollen allergy, the specific nasal allergic reaction to Dactylis challenge was significantly pronounced (P <0.01). and an earlier onset of reaction was evident. TTie same results were obtained with additional sensitization to dog dander (P<0.05). Concomitant sensitization to mugwort also led to escalating symptoms (P<0.05).

Conclusions These results indicate that a specific nasal allergic reaction is augmented by environmental priming caused by ubiquitous animal dander and possibly is influenced by the daily use of spices.
In vivo and ex vivo inhibitory effects of loratadine on histamine release in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Miadonna A. , Cottini M. , Milazzo N. , Tosi D. , Danzig M. , Tedeschi A.
Published: May 2007

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo and ex vivo effects of the H.‐antagonist loratadine on histamine release.

Methods The study was designed as a double‐blind, crossover trial. Ten patients with allergic rhinitis due to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were treated with loratadine (10 mg daily p.o.) and with placebo for 1 week, with a 2‐week interval between the two treatments. Nasal lavages with saline solution were done before and after challenge with the relevant allergen at the end of treatments with loratadine and placebo. Venous blood was taken after treatments, and basophil histamine release induced by anti‐IgE (10 μg/ml), N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP, 1 μM). and Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (1 μM) was evaluated by ati automated fluorometric method.

Results Treatment with loratadine attenuated early antigen‐tnduced nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea. and itching. Nasal symptoms were accompanied by a significant histamine release in the nasal lavages collected 5 min after stimulation when the patients received placebo (median 4 ng/ml, range 1‐28; P<0.05). After treatment with loratadine, histamine release in the 5‐min postchallenge lavages was almost abrogated (median 0.5 ng/ml, range 0‐3; P<0.01 vs placebo). Median anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release from basophils was 41.9% (range 27.8‐79.2) after placebo and 30.0% (range 1.7‐73.3, P < 0.05) after loratadine. Active treatment exerted an inhibitory effect also on basophil histamine release induced by fMLP and Ca2+ ionophore A23187.

Conclusions Treatment for 1 week with loratadine reduces allergen‐mduced nasal symptoms and inhibits in vivo and ex vivo histamine release in patients with allergic rhinitis.
A microtiter assay for activation of eosinophils
Authors: Reimert C. M. , Skov P. S. , Poulsen L. K.
Published: May 2007

A simple microtiter assay for eosinophil activation is described. The assay used 1000–4000 eosinophils/microtiter well, and the design allows for a separate or simultaneous quantitative assessment of eosinophil adhension to protein‐coated microtiter wells and degranulation after stimulation with eosinophil‐activating factors. The number of adherent eosinophils is quantified indirectly by expressing the amount of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) extracted from the adherent fraction of cells in percentage of the total amount of ECP extracted from the adherent fraction of cells in percentage of the total amount of ECP extracted from the cells added to the wells. Degranulation is quantified in the same way by expressing the amount of ECP or eosinophil protein X (EPX) released to the supernatant in percentage of the total amount of ECP or EPX. Known eosinophil‐activating agents such as PMA, interleukin (IL)‐3, IL‐5, GM‐CSF, and platelet‐activating factor (PAF) all induced a time‐ and does‐dependent adhension to albumin‐coated wells, whereas L_PAF did not. KInetic experiments showed that most adhesion occurred within the first 15–30 min, reaching a plateau around 60 min. After prolonged incubation, a decline in adhesion was detected. GM‐CSF‐induced adhesion was completely inhibited by incubation with monoclonal antibodies directed against the common β2‐chain (CD18) of the LFA‐1, Mac‐1, p150,95 complexes. Monoclonal antibodies against CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, VLA‐4 ALFA, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, Sialyl‐Lem, ELAM‐1, and LECAM had no inhibitory effect. Simultaneous monitoring of adhesion and degranulation after stimulation of eosinophils in albumincoated wells with either PMA or GM‐CSF showed that adhesion always preceded degranulation. Replacing the albumin coating of the microtiter wells with IgG or secretory IgA augmented both the spontaneous and the PMA‐ or GM‐CSF‐stimulated responses. In conclusion, the assay allows dynamic evaluation of eosinophil activationa dn can be used to assess soluble eosinophil‐activating factors as well as to study eosinophil activation by solidphase‐bound proteins.
Cross‐reactivity between terrestrial snails (Helix species) and house‐dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). II. In vitro study
Authors: Guilloux L. , Vuitton D.‐A. , Delbourg M. , Lagier A. , Adessi B. , Marchand C. R. , Ville G.
Published: May 2007

Epidemiologic and in vitro data have shown that the association of housedust mite (HDM) allergy and snail allergy in the same patients was due to cross‐reactivity between HDM and snail allergenic components. However, the cross‐reacting allergen(s) have not yet been identified. In vitro reactivity of seven patients' sera to the various extracts and hemolymph of four different Helix snail species was analyzed by IgE detection on immunodots and Western blots. Cross‐reactivity between snails and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was assessed by immunodot and ELISA inhibition in two patients. Heterologous inhibition of the snail immunodot and ELISA was observed in one serum. Western blotting showed a specific binding on all four snail species extracts: molecular weights of snail allergens ranged from <21 to 200 kDa. Marked individual differences were observed in the seven sera under study: most sera demonstrated IgE recognition of multiple bands, illustrating that no single allergen is responsible for cross‐reactivity between snail and mite. These results confirm that cross‐reactivity exists between snails of the Helix genus and HDM. This cross‐reactivity, involving more than a single allergen, may be of clinical significance in atopic patients allergic to D. pteronyssinus. The identity of the cross‐reacting allergens remains to be determined. Potential candidates include the thermostable minor allergens of D. pteronyssinus, tropomyosin and hemocyanin. Diseases, Environment.
Epitope mapping of the house‐dust‐mite allergen Der p 2 by means of site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Hakkaart G. A. J. , Aalberse R. C. , van Ree R.
Published: May 2007

Recombinant Der p 2, expressed in the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. was used as a tool to determitie IgE‐ and monoclonal antibody (mAb)‐binding sites on this allergen. For this purpose, mutant molecules were produced by application of site‐directed mutagenesis. The amino‐acid residues spanning cys21‐cys27 and cys73‐cys78 were deleted, thus preventing loop formation through disulfide bonds. Charged residues in three predicted antigenic sites (residues 45–48, 67‐1‐69. and 88–90) were replaced by alanine residues. IgE‐ and mAb reactivity to these mutants was compared to that to “wild type” Der p 2. Residues spanning cys73‐cys78 were involved in the antigenic binding site for mAb aDpX. Mutations in the areas adjacent to this loop (i.e. 67–69 and 88–90) had similar effects on this mAb (10‐ to 20‐fold decreases in reactivity were observed), supporting the suggestion that these areas are involved in this antigenic structure. The area of residues 45–48 was shown to be involved in an epitope for mAb 2B12. The reactivity of mAb 7A1 was influenced by substitutions of residues 45–48 as well as 88–90. Deletion of the residues spanning cys21‐cys27 resulted in decreased reactivity to three mAbs (lOEll, αDpX. and 7A1). From these observations, it may be concluded that binding of different mAbs is influenced by the same mutations and that the binding of single mAbs is influenced by two or more mutations scattered over the allergen molecule. These findings can point in two directions: minor aminoacid changes result in disruption of the overall conformation of the allergen, or distant sites are close together in the three‐dimensional structure of the allergen. Decreased IgE reactivity was observed with all mutant molecules, varying between patients. The observed effects ranged from 5‐ to 1000‐fold. Deletion of the amino‐acid residues spanning cys21‐cys27 and cys73‐cys78 had the strongest effect on IgE reactivity, where decreases up to 1000‐fold were observed. Such mutants might be useful tools to improve the safety of allergen‐specific immunotherapy.
Assay for detecting IgE and IgG antibodies against Candida albicans cell‐wall mannan
Authors: Akiyama K. , Shida T. , Yasueda H. , Saito A. , Hasegawa M. , Maeda Y. , Takesako K. , Yamaguchi H. , Kato H.
Published: May 2007

In the present study, we assayed mannan‐specific IgE and IgG antibodies in samples of serum isolated from blood collected from adult patients with bronchial asthma, using a liquid‐phase method with a polysaccharide, mannan (Mn), purified from Candida albicans (C. alb), and investigated the relationships of allergenicity among a crude extract of C alb. purified Mn. and acid protease (AP). The correlations between the titers of anti‐Mn A and anti‐Mn B IgE and IgG were very strong, and the levels of inhibition of anti‐Mn A IgE and IgG reactions by Mn A and Mn B were almost identical. Although no common allergenicity was observed between Mn A and AP because there was no correlation between the titers of anti‐Mn A and anti‐AP IgE, and no inhibition of the anti‐Mn A IgE reaction by AP, both antigens were found to exist in crude C alb. The level of inhibition of anti‐crude C. alb IgG reaction by Mn A or Mn B was about 60%. Approximately 70% inhibition of the anti‐Mn A IgE reaction was observed for eight different fungal allergen extracts, but no inhibition was observed for 11 of the other fungal allergen extracts tested. The above results indicate that common antigenicity was observed between Mn A and Mn B in the human IgE and IgG antibody production system, and the cross‐allergenicity observed among some fungi was considered to be the result of the common antigenicity of Mn isoforms.
Differential effects of new‐generation H1‐receptor antagonists in pruritic dermatoses
Authors: Henz B. M. , Metzenauer P. , O'Keefe E. , Zuberbier T.
Published: May 2007

In search of an improved treatment of pruritic dermatoses, we have studied azelastine, a novel H1‐receptor antagonist, during a 2‐week treatment period, using a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design. The potent H1‐antagonist cetirizine was used for comparison. Symptoms were recorded daily by the patients on a diary card, using a 4‐point scale. The same parameters and adverse events were evaluated at weekly intervals, and global improvement was evaluated at the end of treatment. In all 230 evaluable patients with moderate to severe itching, azelastine caused an overall significant improvement in comparison to placebo (F=0.02), with significance also for pruritus (P=0.01 after 1 week and P=0.02 after 2 weeks). Both drugs reduced itching more effectively in urticaria than in atopic eczema. Azelastine was superior to cetirizine in reducing pruritus, whereas cetirizine caused a more marked reduction of whealing. Both drugs rarely caused fatigue and dry mouth, but taste perversion occurred only in azelastine‐treated patients (9.7%) and headaches only with cetirizine (10.4%). Therefore, the two H, blockers exert differential effects on pruritus verses whealing and a distinctive adverse events pattern. TTie data also underline the low efficacy of antihistamines in atopic eczema, compared to urticaria.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to an ultrasonic humidifier
Authors: Alvarez‐Fernández J. A. , Quirce S. , Calleja J. L. , Cuevas M. , Losada E.
Published: May 2007

We describe a woman with hypersensitivity pneumonitis that was related to using a home ultrasonic humidifier. A micronodular infiltrate was seen in her chest radiograph. The inhalation challenge test was performed with the humidifier, and she exhibited a positive response. The cultures of the humidifier water grew Candida albicans, Rhodotorula spp., and Aspergillus spp. The test for precipitating antibodies against the humidifier water gave a positive response, and specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies against extracts of A. fumigattis, C. albicans, and Rhodotorula spp. were demonstrated in the patient's serum by ELISA. A strong, dose‐dependent inhibition of Rhodotorula IgG‐ELISA by humidifier water was observed, suggesting that Rhodotorula might be the cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in this patient.
Prevalence of allergy in children in relation to prior BCG vaccination and infection with atypical mycobacteria
Authors: Strannegård I.‐L. , Larsson L.‐O. , Wennergren G. , Strannegård Ö.
Published: May 2007

By influence on the Thl/Th2 cell balance, infectious agents may affect development of atopic allergy. In this study, we investigated whether previous BCG vaccination or infection with atypical mycobacteria might related lo the development of atopic disease. The study, which involved skin testing with mycobaeteria and answers to a questionnaire for more than 6000 children in Sweden, revealed a low prevalence of allergy among BCG‐vaccinated children who were immigrants or adopted from other countries. Vaccinated children bom in Sweden, however, did not have significantly lower allergy prevalence than age‐matched, unvaccinated children. Furthermore, the overall frequencies of skin‐test reactivity to atypical mycobacteria M. avlum and M. scrofulaceum were higher rather than lower in allergic than in nonallergic children. By contrast, there was tendency toward a lower frequency of more strongly positive skin reactions (>10mm) to mycobacteria in allergic than in nonallergic children. These findings do not support the hypothesis that early mycobacterial infections have a suppressive effect on the development of atopic disease. Earlier findings of an apparent association between atopy and lack of previous mycobacterial infection may possibly be explained by a relatively decreased ability of atopic patients to mount strong Thl cell‐mediated immune responses.
Effects of various vacuum cleaners on the airborne content of major cat allergen (Fel d 1)
Authors: de Blay F. , Spirlet F. , Gries P. , Casel S. , Ott M. , Pauli G.
Published: May 2007

Background It has been shown that a vacuum cleaner (VC) can increase airborne cat allergen levels. This study aimed to compare the degree of leakage of airborne Fel d 1 levels among five different VCs, both under laboratory conditions and in an apartment with cats.

Methods Three of the VCs were marketed as antiallergic: a HEPA filter VC (VC A), a water impingement and HEPA filter VC (VC B), and a foam fabric filter VC (VC C). The other two were standard VCs: VC D and VC E. VCs were tested in a 20 m', airtight, experimental room and in a 53 m2* living room in an apartment with three cats. Air was sampled with a glass‐fiber filter and an impinger at 20 1/min for 30 min before, during, and after vacuuming. Airborne Fel d 1 was measured with a two‐site monoclonal ELISA assay.

Results In the experimental room, no airborne Fel d 1 level was measured before using the VCs. After introducing a dust sample containing Fel d 1 in the VCs. we found that VCs A, B, and E did not provoke any increase in airborne Fel d I. In contrast, VCs C and D significantly increased airborne Fel d 1 levels (GM: 4.9 and 5.3 ng/m, respectively). In the apartment, all VCs induced an increase in airborne Fel d 1, which was carried by particles greater than 5 nm. However, VCs C and D provoked significantly greater increases in airborne Fel d 1 than VCs A, B, and E (P=0.0001).

Conclusions Our results suggest that:

The two VCs with leakage in the experimental room had greater leakages in the apartment.

In the apartment with cats, all VCs provoked increases in airborne Fel d 1, primarily carried by large particles.

Given the increased marketing of “antiallergic” VCs, further studies are needed to standardize methods for testing airborne allergen leakage by VCs.
Demonstration of mast‐cell chemotactic activity in nasal lavage fluid: characterization of one chemotaxin as c‐kit ligand, stem cell factor
Authors: Nilsson G. , Hjertson M. , Andersson M. , Greiff L. , Svensson C. , Nilsson K. , Siegbahn A.
Published: May 2007

Mast cells are known to accumulate in tissue during allergic inflammation. However, the chemotaxins responsible are undefined. Using a modified Boyden chamber and Ihe human mast‐cell line HMC‐1, we first identified mast‐cell chemotactic activity in nasal lavage fluid collected before the pollen season after allergen provocation of allergic patients (N=29) (mean migratory response compared to medium control was 121%, range 85‐198%). Mast‐cell chemotactic activity was also detected in lavage fluid collected after allergen provocation at the end of a Swedish birch‐pollen season from three different treatment groups: topical steroid treatment with budesonide; the topical antihistamine, levocabastine; and placebo. There was no significant difference in mast‐cell chemotactic activity between nasal lavage fluid collected from the placebo group (mean = 102%), the budesonide‐treated group (mean = 1l4%), or the levocabastine group (mean = 125%). Stem cell factor (SCF), a known mast‐cell chemotaxin, was present in the nasal lavage fluids from all three groups, and correlated with the mast‐cell chemotactic activity (r = 0.67, P < 0.0l). TTie mast‐eell chemotactic activity was inhibited (range 5‐tOO%) in some, but not all, nasal lavage fluids by a polyclonal antibody directed against SCF. This report describes the presence of mast‐cell chemotactic activity in nasal lavage fluid during an allergic reaction. These findings show that SCF may play a pivotal role in the recruitment of mast cells in allergic rhinitis.
Guanine, mite, and cockroach allergens in Costa Rican homes
Authors: Soto‐Quiros M. E. , Ståhl A. , Calderon O. , Sanchez C. , Hanson L. Å. , Belin L
Published: May 2007

Previous studies of schoolchildren in Costa Rica have shown an asthma prevalence of 23% and a high level of sensitization, particularly to mite allergens. As a continuation of these studies, some 400 dust samples were collected from various places in Costa Rica, and parts of these were analyzed for specific mite and cockroach allergens, as well as for the number of mites and amount of guanine. Guanine was quantified by a diazo, as well as an HPLC method, which were found to be highly correlated. The concentrations of guanine by the diazo method, Der p 1, Der f 1, and the number of mites were higher in bed dust than in bedroom floor dust, and it was possible to quantify mite allergens and guanine in almost all bed‐dust samples. The mean levels were 2–3 times higher than the proposed risk level for elicitation of symptoms in mite‐sensitive asthmatics. Bed and bedroom floor dust contained more guanine and mite allergen in humid (>2000 mm rain) than in drier places (P&0.05), but the number of mites in bed and bedroom floor dust was higher in less humid places (P=0.01). The guanine content in bedroom floor dust was higher in areas with a temperate climate than in areas with a warmer climate (P<0.001, Bartlett's chi square [BCS]), as was the number of mites (P<0.01, Kruskal‐Wallis [KW], 0.04, BCS) and the Der p 1 concentration (P<0.01, BCS; P=0.02, KW). The Der f 1 concentration in bedroom floor dust was higher in a warmer than in a temperate climate (P<0.001, BCS). More guanine and mites were found in urban than in rural bed dust (P<0.03, KW). Dust samples from the metropolitan area (temperate climate) of Costa Rica contained higher levels of guanine (P<0.01) and Der p 1 (P<0.07) than the coastal areas, but very little Der f 1. In these samples, guanine and Der p 1 allergen were closely related, and 2 μg of the allergen was equivalent to 0.49 mg of guanine. Two‐thirds of bed and floor samples collected on cotton filters contained Bla g 2 allergen at mean levels of 1.6 and 2.1 units/g dust, respectively. Cockroach allergen was, however, absent in all bed samples from the metropolitan area, but did occur in very high concentrations in the coastal bed dust samples collected with tighter polyester filters. In conclusion, the concentration of guanine and Der p 1 was very high in the bed dust of Costa Rican homes. Some factors, such as humidity, small houses for large families, and type of bedding, probably favored the heavy mite infestation, which is probably related to the widespread occurrence of bronchial asthma in this country.
Associations of glutathione S‐transferase P1, M1, and environmental tobacco smoke with wheezing illness in school children
Authors: Lee Y.‐L. , Lee Y.‐C. , Guo Y. L.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Polymorphisms at the glutathione S‐transferase (GST) were associated with asthma‐related phenotypes. We hypothesized that the GSTP1 and GSTM1 genotypes could modify the effects of household environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on childhood wheezing illness.

Methods:  We conducted a case‐control study comprised of 216 lifetime wheezing children and 185 nonwheezing controls, all of whom were selected from 2524 fourth‐ to ninth‐grade school children in southern Taiwan.

Results:  Homozygous GSTP1 Ile‐105 was significantly associated with current wheezing (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.04–3.12), but insignificantly associated with ever wheezing (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.82–1.94). The risks of ever or current wheezing on GSTM1 null genotype were positive but not statistically significant. Although household ETS exposure was not associated with wheezing illness, after excluding subjects having in utero ETS or active smoking habits, the adverse effects of household ETS exposure differed significantly by GSTP1‐105 genotypes. In children without any ETS exposure at home, GSTP1 Ile‐105 homozygosity was significantly related to increased risks for both ever wheezing (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.17–4.49) and current wheezing (OR = 4.86, 95% CI 1.86–12.70). In children with household ETS exposure, the risks of wheezing illness did not increase for those carrying two GSTP1 Ile‐105 alleles. Children carrying any GSTP1 Val‐105 allele were at a significantly greater risk of both ever and current wheezing when exposed to ETS, with a clear dose‐response relationship to the number of smokers at home.

Conclusion:  Household ETS exposure is a modifiable cause of wheezing illness in a genetically susceptible subpopulation.
Baseline cholesterol is associated with the response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Economou Michael , Milionis Haralampos , Filis Spyridon , Baltayiannis Gerasimos , Christou Leonidas , Elisaf Moses , Tsianos Epameinondas
Published: May 2007

Background:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) partially interacts with low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, suggesting a role for lipids in regulating HCV clearance. Our aim was to study if baseline lipids can discriminate responders from non‐responders among patients with HCV infection.

Methods:  A total of 109 HCV patients were studied. Laboratory measurements included serum lipids, aminotransferases and viral load, as well as HCV genotype determinations.

Results:  Responders (n = 53) had significantly higher serum baseline levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B compared to non‐responders (n = 56). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a 10 mg/dL increase in total cholesterol was associated with 3.02 higher odds of responding to treatment (95% CI 1.74–5.32, P < 0.001), while a 10 mg/dL increase in apolipoprotein B levels was associated with 1.81 higher odds of responding to treatment (95% CI 1.37–2.54, P < 0.001), after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, baseline viral load, liver histology and administration of pegylated interferon. An inverse association between BMI and response to treatment was also evident (adjusted odds ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.96; P = 0.03).

Conclusion:  Baseline serum total cholesterol levels and BMI could be helpful in discriminating responders to antiviral therapy among patients with HCV infection.
FIKTIVER ZENTRALISMUS IN DEN GROSSUNTERNEHMUNGEN*
Authors: Bahrdt Hans Paul
Published: May 2007

Fictitious Centralism in large enterprises. In order that each of the threads of an increasingly complicated business enterprise may be kept in hand, they are all actually made to converge at the highest level. But this centralisation is fictitious; for, in reality, it leads to an overburdening of the man at the top, who is thus rendered incapable of performing his proper function—namely, to take decisions. Instead, he becomes the weakest link in the routine.

Imperfect delegation, i. e., the delegation of matters for treatment without simultaneous surrender of competence, condemns those in the middle grade to subaltern standing, in which they too are unable to take any decision or assume the responsibility that goes with the taking of decisions. The typical result is that nobody decides, that—to exaggerate slightly—the life of an industrial concern is controlled not by definite volition but by the law of cause and effect.

Imperfect delegation is one of the causes of the hypertrophy and sluggishness of the internal bureaucracy of business concerns. The fact of clinging to theoretical powers which in reality are not exercised has, for instance, the result that the modern forms of accounting practice not only fail to give the internal life of a big enterprise the elasticity and commerciality which they quite well could have given it, but, instead, lead to a multiplication of bureaucratic processes.

The negative effects of the fictitious centralism which distinguishes the industrial system from the great organisations of the past (e. g. the ancient polis and the feudal state, both of which tended to delegate too many rather than too few functions) are certainly well known, yet it seems impossible to overcome it. This fact is only to be explained in the light of the history of ideas (“Geistesgeschichte”). From his predecessor, the capitalistic entrepreneur, the present‐day manager has taken over the automatic equation of what he does with work, and the consequent justification of his social position in his own eyes and those of society. This attitude, which was alien to most of the leading groups in history, prevents him from extricating himself from the vicious circle which he has got into as the result of fictitious centralism.
ENTWICKLUNGSTENDENZEN DER MODERNEN ÖKONOMISCHEN THEORIE*
Authors: Peter Hans
Published: May 2007

Lines of Development of Modern Economic Theory. The economic happenings in human society are so complicated and manifold that it is not possible to establish a comprehensive theory. Theorists in economics have always been obliged, in the first place, to deduce simple processes from a few fundamental phenomena. They have to take progressively more and more phenomena into consideration in their models, if they want to provide practitioners—whether economic policy‐makers or enterprisers—with a set of instruments serving to explain the causal nexus underlying the economic phenomena of society. It is dangerous to set up a theoretical model—say, the traditional model of a market with perfect competition—as a goal for economic policy, if the said model is not accessible to genuine value judgements. Furthermore, a large group of models will not, without reservation, lend themselves to the drawing of inferences for economic policy, because, owing to the axioms upon which they are based, they are not able to show those connections in the development of the economic processus of society which are brought about by technical improvements, growth of population, changes in consumer habits, etc.

While in the twenties and thirties a growing accumulation of factual material without any theoretical interpretation confronted an abundance of theoretical models without empirical substance, developments in economic theory—especially in macro‐economics—during the last fifteen years or so, and developments in practical research, as practised in, say, the U. S. A., the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, have been characterised by an effort to bridge this gap. Thus, modern theorists are trying to construct statistically testable models which will enable policy‐makers to gauge the effect of their measures with greater accuracy. National accounting and the models for analysing the interdependence of the processes of production and the connections between income, savings, consumption and investment represent attempts to fill up this gap which have, in some respects, scored a considerable success. We are by no means in sight of the end of developments in this branch of theory, especially as regards dynamic theory.

The second important characteristic of the newer economic theory is the further development of market theory. Here, promising attempts are being made, through a conception of a systematic theory of economic behaviour with the aid of the theory of games, to lift economic subjects out of the state of quasi‐isolation which in traditional market theory exists, and to make it possible for morphology to be incorporated in economic theory.
SOME PROBLEMS IN THE THEORY OF GROWTH AND PLANNING POLICY
Authors: DOBB MAURICE
Published: May 2007

Controversy during the past decade over the theory of growth has been largely concerned with the question of choice of methods of production (or of technique). Connected therewith is the question of distribution of investment between sectors. Until quite recently it was supposed that an answer to both these questions was afforded as a direct corollary from the theory of marginal productivity: in particular, that where capital is scarce and there is surplus labour, highly labour‐intensive methods of production should be favoured and the development of light industry be preferred to that of heavy industry. Thereby has been erected a theory of stages in development.

This traditional doctrine is challenged by the view that the criterion of investment policy should be to maximise the growth‐rate of the economy by maximising the increase of its investible surplus. The latter implies the choice of a higher capital‐intensity of technique than the traditional doctrine would allow, and so far as possible assigning priority in development to the capital goods sector. Although in the immediate future such a high‐growth‐rate‐policy involves a lower level of employment and consumption than the rival‐policy, the former, by maximising the growth‐rate of investment, will fairly soon maximise also the growth‐rate of both employment and consumption.

An attempt is made to relate this analysis to a problem of minimising cost, as a preliminary to deciding on a rational price‐system for a planned economy. Its connection with a principle of “maximum economy of labour”, advanced by some writers, is considered, two possible variants of such a principle being distinguished; also its connection with Professor V. V. NOVOZHILOV'S category of “national‐economic cost‐price”, depending on a calculation of the “marginal effectiveness of investment”.
GLEICHGEWICHTSWACHSTUM UND OPTIMALES WACHSTUM IN DER NEOKLASSISCHEN WACHSTUMSTHEORIE
Authors: Riese Hajo
Published: May 2007

According to the neo‐classical theory of economic growth, the rate of growth of output tends towards a value which is independent of the proportion of the national income saved. If the proportion of saving changes, the rate of economic growth reaches—after an adjustment process—its original level, which (with a constant labour force) is alone determined by technical progress and the elasticity of the output in respects to changes in the use of the factor capital. Amongst the infinity of possible proportions of investment there must be one, which leads to a maximazition of consumption. It can be shown, that consumption is maximized, if the proportion of investment equals the elasticity of the output to the factor capital.

The theorem that the rate of economic growth is independent of the proportion of investment is only valid, if technical progress is autonomous. The equilibrium system postulated in this theorem is indeterminate to the extent that technical change is induced by the process of capital formation. Under these conditions saving and investment decisions again become the determining parameters of the growth rate. Now technical progress may be partly independent of capital formation, but this does not mean that it is totally autonomous. It would be more correct to say that it is a function of, for example the level of technical knowledge and expenditure on education, even if these factors do not enter the analysis explicitly as factors of production. The neo‐classical theory of equilibrium, however, is based on the assumption that technical progress is simply a function of time; thus this theory of equilibrium is based upon the choice an inappropriate underlying production function.

Moreover, only the rate of economic growth is dependent upon investment activity but not the level of output. With an increasing proportion of investment the level of output increases, tending to a new equilibrium path.

There exists a determinable proportion of investment which leads to a maxi‐mazition of consumption. Pearce has shown recently, that this is valid only under the condition, that several economies which are on the equilibrium path of growth, are compared. If the optimum path is left temporarily (through an increase in the proportion of investment), a (temporary) increase of consumption, which exceeds the consumption foregone, is obtained. Beyond it, it can be shown, that the optimal proportion of investment must be higher, the more technical progress is induced. If technical progress is not autonomus, the system is again open: in the long run the greater the accumulation of capital the greater the possible consumption level. It is the subsistence minimum which determines the proportion of investment.
THE MARXIAN MACRO‐ECONOMIC MODEL: EXTENSION FROM TWO DEPARTMENTS
Authors: Bronfenbrenner Martin
Published: May 2007

In its aggregative aspects, the Marxian System involves two sectors or departments. Department I produces capital goods while Department II produces consumer goods (plus capital instruments specialized to their production). Some subsequent writers, following Bortkiewicz, have added a third department producing luxuries particularly metallic money.

The writer has previously shown that the two‐sector Marxian model is transformable into a balanced Walrasian general‐equilibrium one, with a few functional relations interpreted as implicit in Marx, and a number of other relations treated as technically given, after the fashion of modern ‘linear economics’. In the present essay, the argument is generalized to the case where the two departments are further subdivided into n and m sectors respectively. The main substantive change turns out to be the addition of many more structural constants, which are taken as technically given.

The second part of the essay returns to the two‐department level of aggregation and develops a diagrammatic representation of Marxian dynamics. Some Marxian writers stress the falling rate of profit, others the tendency toward overproduction, as the primary force for capitalist stagnation or breakdown. This presentation is among the minority which seeks to combine the two in a ‘dilemma’ model.