bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum IgE levels in liver cirrhosis.
Authors: VIDAL C. , QUINTELA A. G. , MILLÁN I. , GUDE F. , CUERVAS‐MONS V.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Hypergammaglobulinemia is a well‐known feature of liver cirrhosis, but studies on serum IgE in this setting are limited. The present study evaluates serum IgE concentration in a group of cirrhotic patients and examines their relationship with aetiological, clinical and analytical parameters (including liver function tests and hepatic phagocytic activity). The presence of specific IgE against common dietary antigens was also investigated. Total serum IgE was determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in 52 cirrhotics (27 alcoholic and 25 non‐alcoholic, including eight virus B and seven virus C‐related cirrhosis, three primary biliary cirrhosis, three cryptogenic, three haemochromatosis and one Wilson's disease) and 34 healthy subjects (used as controls). Serum IgE (1U/ml) in contols was not significantly different from that of cirrhotic patients (median 42, range 2–726 vs median 86, range 2‐> 1000, respectively) (P=NS). However, serum IgE among alcoholics (median 199, range 19‐ < 1000) was higher than that of controls (P < 0‐001), virus B‐related cirrhotics (median 25, range 3‐< 1000) (P < 0‐05), virus C‐related cirrhotics (median 47, range 2‐170) (P < 0‐05), or nonalcoholic cirrhotics as a whole (median 23, range 2‐< 1000) (P < 0.01). High IgE levels (≥ 170 1U/ml) were detected in 55.5% of alcoholics compared with only 12% of nonalcoholic cirrhotics (P < 0.01). Moreover, IgE levels were very high (> 1000 1U/ml) in six patients of the alcoholic group (22.2%) compared with only one non‐alcoholic patient (4%). Increased serum IgE levels did not seem to be related to either parameters of liver function (serum bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin or Child‐Pugh score), hepatic phagocytic function or other immunoglobulins. Skin‐prick tests failed to demonstrate increased sensitization to eight common dietary antigens in the patients studied. On multivariate analysis, only the alcoholic aetiology of the disease correlated with high serum IgE levels. These data suggest that increased serum IgE might be a common and rather specific feature of chronic alcoholic liver disease.
The evaluation of a cell dispersion method of sputum examination
Authors: POPOV T. , GOTTSCHALK R. , KOLENDOWICZ R. , DOLOVICH J. , POWERS P. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

In recent studies, sputum smear cell counts were found to be reproducible and usefully applied to research in asthma and other airway conditions. However, cell definition on the smears is poor, and the procedure is tedious and has limited utility. The objective of this study is to improve the methods of sputum examination. The subjects used in this study were people with bronchitis or asthma from whom sputum could be obtained. By inverted microscopy, portions of fresh sputum were selected to exclude salivary contamination. These portions were exposed to different volumes of dithiothreitol for varied lime intervals. We used the resulting cell suspensions to perform total cell counts and prepare cytospins for differential cell counts and immunohistochemical stains for GM‐CSF, EG2, TNFα and IL‐8. Cytospins were compared with smears for differential cell counts on the same sputum specimens. Excellent cell dispersion and definition in cytospins could be observed. The time required for differential cell counting on cytospins was reduced and cytospin counts were more reproducible than smears. Greater duration of treatment of sputum with dithiothreitol tended to increase total cell counts and significantly decreased EG2 staining hut had no effect on differential cell counts or the cytokine cell components. Therefore the proposed method of sputum examination involving cell dispersion and use of cytospins overcomes a number of the disadvantages of the examination of smears.
Polymerase chain reaction quantification of cytokine messenger RNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with acute exacerbations of asthma: effect of glucocorticoid therapy
Authors: DOI S. , GEMOU‐ENGESAETH V. , KAY A. B. , CORRIGAN C. J.
Published: April 2006

We have measured the expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) (mRNA) encoding inlerleukin‐5 (IL‐5), IL‐4. IL‐2 and interteron‐γ (IFN‐γ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 10 patients with acute exacerbations of asthma and nine non‐asthmatic controls. Measurements were repealed in seven of the asthmatics following 7 days of oral glucocorticoid therapy. Total RNA was extracted from the PBMC, reverse transcribed using oligo‐(dT) primers and aliquots of the resulting complementary DNA (cDNA) amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of cytokine‐specific primers under non‐saturating conditions. PCR products were quantified on a relative basis after Southern blotting and probing with radiolabelled internal oligonucleotide probes by computer assisted densitometry of blot autoradiographs. The relative amounts of IL‐5 mRNA in PBMC from the asthmatic patients prior to glucocorticoid therapy were greater (P < 0.01) than those in PBMC from non‐asthmatic controls. In contrast, there were no differences in the relative amounts of IL‐4. IL‐2 and IFN‐γ mRNA. In the asthmatics, the relative amounts of IL‐5 mRNA correlated with the peripheral blood eosinophil counts (P= 0.02). After oral glucocorticoid therapy of the asthmatics, lung function improved and the relative amounts of PBMC IL‐5 mRNA were reduced (P= 0.04) and no longer differed from those in PBMC from non‐asthmatic controls. Glucocorticoid therapy was not associated with significant changes in the relative amounts of PBMC IL‐4. IL‐2 and IFN‐γ mRNA. PBMC from alopic subjects contained significantly greater quantities of IL‐4 mRNA (P ‐ 0.04) but not IL‐5, IL‐2 and IFN‐γ mRNA compared with non‐atopic subjects regardless of their asthmatic status. We conclude that PBMC of patients with acute exacerbations of asthma demonstrate elevated expression of mRNA encoding IL‐5, but not IL‐2, IL‐4 and IFNγ and that the clinical improvement associated with glucocorticoid therapy is associated with a reduction of IL‐5 mRNA expression. We further conclude that elevated expression in PBMC of mRNA encoding IL‐4 is a feature of atopy but not of asthma. These observations suggest that IL‐5 synthesis by activated T‐lymphocytes may be relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma, and that inhibition of this release by glucocorticoids may at least partly explain their therapeutic effect in this disease.
Do nasal mast cells release histamine on stimulation with substance P in allergic rhinitis?
Authors: BRAUNSTEIN G. , BUVRY A. , LACRONIQUE J. , DESJARDINS N. , FROSSARD N.
Published: April 2006

The effects of nasal administration of increasing doses of exogenous substance P have been studied in patients with allergic rhinitis treated with placebo or with the H1 antagonist certirizine (10 mg twice daily for 3 days). Responses to substance P were assessed by posterior rhinomanometry (measuring nasal airway resistance) and by measure of histamine. protein and albumin production and cell recovery in nasal lavage fluids before and after challenge. Substance P induced a dose‐dependent increase in nasal airway resistance which was similar after treatment with either cetirizine or placebo (maximal increase in nasal airway resistance was 4‐2‐fold greater than the baseline with the placebo and 4‐7‐fold greater than the baseline with cetirizine). No histamine release was observed. Similar increases in protein and albumin production were observed after stimulation with substance P along with the placebo (protein: from 0.35±0.11 to 3.31±0.62 mg and albumin: from 0.09±0.04 to 2.08±0.39 mg) and when combined with cetirizine treatment (proteins: from 0.42±0.09 to 3.62±0.77 and albumin: from 0.17±0.04 to 2.19±0.51 mg). After stimulation with substance P, percentages of neutrophils recovered in nasal fluids increased from 26.2±11.5 to 54.5±9.5 with the placebo and from 35.5±11.0 to 53.6±9.5 with cetirizine. Eosinophils were inconsistently found after substance P stimulation during both treatments. In conclusion, nasal response lo substance P is not modified by cetirizine which suggests that the effect of substance P is not secondary to histamine release in the nose in man.
Comparison of a new antihistaminic and antiallergic compound KW 4679 with terfenadine and placebo on skin and nasal provocation in atopic individuals
Authors: HAMILTON S. A. , DUDDLE J. , HERDMAN M. J. , TRIGG C. J. , DAVIES R. J.
Published: April 2006

The effects of three oral doses of a new compound KW 4679 thought to have both antihistaminic and antiallergic properties were compared with terfenadine and placebo in a double‐blind cross‐over trial in 15 volunteers with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Comparison of the effect of the treatments with either 2.5, 5 or 10mg b.i.d. of KW 4679, 60 mg b.i.d. of terfenadine or placebo was made on the response to histamine and grass pollen skin‐prick testing. Nasal provocation testing with grass pollen was performed on the eighth day of treatment. Nasal airway resistance (NAR) was measured using active posterior rhinomanometry and the dose of grass pollen which caused a 200% increase in NAR was determined. The number of sneezes in the first 12min was counted. Compared with placebo all doses of KW 4679 and terfenadine significantly inhibited the skin weal response to histamine and grass pollen (P < 0.001). The inhibitory effect of KW 4679 on both histamine and allergen induced skin weals was significantly greater than that of terfenadine (P= 0.001 and P= 0.049 respectively). The results of nasal challenges with grass pollen showed that all doses of KW 4679 and terfenadine were effective in reducing sneeze counts (P < 0.001), though there were no significant effects on allergen induced increase in NAR. All three doses of KW 4679 were generally well tolerated. Drowsiness was reported by some of the volunteers on KW 4679 and one volunteer reported drowsiness whilst taking placebo. Slight and reversible rises in AST and ALT concentrations were observed; these were not considered clinically significant.
Comparative study between European and American species of Polistes using sera from European sensitized subjects
Authors: SANCHEZ F. , BLANCA M. , FERNANDEZ J. , MIRANDA A. , TERRADOS A. , TORRES M. J. , DEL CANO A. , GARCIA J. J. , JUAREZ C.
Published: April 2006

Although the different vespid species of the genus Polistes are found all over the world, studies about allergy sensitization to these species have been made mainly in North America. We studied the specific IgE in a large group of sera from patients sensitized to Polistes dominulus (PD) and determined the crossreactivity with another important European Polistes (P. gallicus [PG]) and with five American relevant species of this genus: P. exclamans (PE), P. fuscalus (PF), P. metricus (PM), P. annularis (PAN) and P. apachus (PAP). Studies indicated that 96.7% of sera with IgE positive to PD were positive to PG. No case positive to just PG was found. The comparison of these two European species with the American relatives indicated that most cases were positive to all the insects although there were significant differences in the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) value. These results were confirmed by RAST inhibition studies, and indicate that although the European and American species are closely related, species specific allergenic differences exist. These data suggest that in vivo studies should be carried out in order to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the European venoms compared with the American species.
Portable dehumidifiers in the control of house dust mites and mite allergens
Authors: CUSTOVIC A. , TAGGART S. C. O. , KENNAUGH J. H. , WOODCOCK A.
Published: April 2006

Humidity is a decisive limiting factor for house dust mite (HDM) population growth and decreasing humidity may be the control method of choice. This study investigates the effects of portable dehumidifiers on the mite counts and concentration of the HDM allergen Der p I in the homes in northwest England. Mite counts and Der p I were measured in the paired dust samples collected by vacuuming a I m2 area of bedroom carpet, living room carpet, mattress and sofa for 2 min in six houses supplied with the dehumidifier and six control houses, before and 1, 2 and 3 months after the instalment of dehumidifier. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded daily. There was no difference in mite counts in either of the groups throughout the study. Der p I decreased significantly in both groups and in all sampling sites, but no significant differences in the levels of reduction between the groups were found. Condensation was decreased in the dehumidifier group, but the level of indoor humidity capable of retarding mite population growth was not achieved. A single portable dehumidifier placed centrally in the house is unable to decrease indoor humidity to the level capable of retarding mite population growth and decreasing HDM allergens in the type of houses predominantly found in the northwest of England.
House dust mite allergen levels in dust from schools with smooth and carpeted classroom floors
Authors: ZOCK J. P. , BRUNEKREEF B.
Published: April 2006

A study was conducted to investigate the levels of house dust mite allergenDer pI in classroom floor dust from 49 schools with smooth (n= 18) or carpeted (n= 31) floors. Schools were located in the city of Rotterdam (n= 29) and in a number of small communities in the Province of Gelderland (n= 20). Data on building characteristics of the schools were obtained. Dust samples were analysed forDer pI content, the major allergen of the house dust miteDermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The results showed that in schools with carpeted classroom floors, larger amounts of settled dust and higherDer pI levels either expressed as concentrations (in ng/g) or loadings (in ng/m2) were found than in schools with smooth classroom floors. However, the levels ofDer pI were considerably lower than in dust collected from floors in homes. Although theDer pI levels were low, effects of several building characteristics on the levels were found. Age of the floor cover, the number of classrooms in the school and the presence of damp spots in the building were related toDer pI concentrations and loadings mainly on carpeted floors. Remarkably, schools in the rural area contained significantly more dust andDer pI than schools in the urban area. We conclude that dust from carpeted classroom floors contains more house dust mite allergen than dust from smooth classroom floors, but much less than dust from floors in homes.
Inhalant allergy to fresh asparagus
Authors: ENG P. A. , YMAN L. , MAANINEN E. , WüTHRICH B.
Published: April 2006

Background
Two patients experienced itehing conjunctivitis, running nose, tightness of the throat and coughing during preparation of fresh asparagus. Eating asparagus after cooking did not provoke any allergie symptoms. Both patients were atopic. sensitized additionally to pollens of grasses and trees as well as to onion. Objective To assess the hypersensilivity reactions to Iresh and heated asparagus and to investigate any crossreactivities among the allergens.

Methods
Skin‐prick tests were perfonned with commercial allergens and native asparagus and the patienls were tesled with Pharmacia CAP system for specific IgE antibodies against asparagus, onion, garlic, birch pollen, mugwort pollen and two recombinant birch pollen allergens, Bet v I and profilin. Inhibition of IgE antibody binding to solid phase homologous and unrelated allergens by increasing doses of liquid allergens (inhibitors) was studied.

Results
Skin‐prick tests with native green and white asparagus were strongly positive, but negative with cooked asparagus. Both patients had measurable levels of IgE antibodies against asparagus (3.0 and 6.2kU/L respectively) and several other allergens. One patienl was highly sensitive to birch and Bet v I. Both were positive to profilin, mugwort and onion. In all cases the antibody uptake could be extensively and specifically inhibited by homologous allergen. The asparagus‐specific IgE antibodies of the two patients could only be inhibited by asparagus. No inhibition was obtained after heating of the asparagus extract to 100°C.

Conclusions
The patients were speeifically sensitized by asparagus. No immunological crossreactions could be observed. The measurements of IgE antibodies to other allergens were also specific, representing parallel multiple sensitivity. Profilin inhibited profilin‐specific IgE binding but did not react with the asparagus‐specific IgE antibodies of these patients. The asparagus allergen recognized by the specific IgE antibodies of these patients was thermolabile.
The clinical spectrum of anaphylaxis in north‐west England
Authors: PUMPHREY R. S. H. , STANWORTH S. J.
Published: April 2006

Objective
To assess the clinical spectrum of anaphylaxis with a view to developing management guidelines and as a foundation for an epidemiological study.

Methods
Study of the reaction histories and investigations of 172 patients, including children and adults, referred because of anaphylactic reactions

Results
Over 700 reactions occurred in 172 patients from age 5 months to 69 years. There were equal numbers of males and females; when ranked by age at worst reaction, the youngest quartile (0–4 years) was 75% male and the oldest quartile (40+ years) was 74% female. The severity of reactions graded continuously from fatal to mild. One hundred and twenty of 172 had two or more reactions; the worst reaction was the first in 33, midsequence in 35 and the most recent in 52. Suspected causes of each patient's worst reaction associated with positive allergy tests include peanuts (42), tree nuts (23), other foods (25, in five associated with exercise), venoms (six bee, 22 wasp), muscle relaxants (seven) and latex (six). Twenty were classified as idiopathic and, in a further 13, investigation of the suspected cause proved negative. There was doubt about the nature of some of the ‘reactions’ reported even though these had been treated as for anaphylactic reactions.

Conclusion
The clinical spectrum of anaphylaxis has been defined for the area served by our unit. Management guidelines and future epidemiological studies will have to address the continuous distribution of severity of reactions, the wide age range and the multiplicity of causes.
Increased expression of histamine H1 receptor mRNA in allergic rhinitis
Authors: IRIYOSHI N. , TAKEUCHI K. , YUTA A. , UKAI K. , SAKAKURA Y.
Published: April 2006

Background
Histamine plays an important role in producing nasal symptoms via histamine H1 receptor (H1R) in allergic rhinitis. It is reported that the minimum histamine concentration that induces sneezing is lower in allergic patients than in normal control subjects. Previous studies by binding assay on H1R gave divided results on whether the number of H1Rs is increased in allergic rhinitis or not.

Objective
The objective of this study was to examine if H1R mRNA expression is increased in patients with allergic rhinitis compared with normal healthy volunteers.

Methods
We extracted RNA from scrapings of inferior turbinate mucosa of 10 patients suft'ering from allergic rhinitis and 10 control subjects. As the H1R gene lacks introns. we treated RNA pellets by DNase to distinguish RNA from contaminating genomic DNA. Since amplification of H1R and β‐actin mRNA remained in an exponential phase at 35 cycles. H1R and β‐actin mRNAs were amplified for 35 cycles by reverse transcHption‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The PCR products were hybridized with internal probes and band intensities were quantitated by a densitometer.

Results
The mean ± sd of H1R/β‐actin ratio was 0.88 ± 0.62 for the patients with allergic rhinitis and 0.29 ± 0.17 for the normal subjects; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01).

Conclusions
These data suggest that expression of H1R mRNA is increased in the nasal mucosa of the patients with allergic rhinitis.
Authentic 17kDa tumour necrosis factor α is synthesized and released by canine mast cells and up‐regulated by stem cell factor
Authors: THOMAS P. S. , PENNINGTON D. W. , SCHRECK R. E. , LEVTNE T. M. , LAZARUS S. C.
Published: April 2006

Background
Previous studies have suggested varying molecular weights for mast cell derived tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and little data exist upon the factors which may regulate the control of this cytokine in these cells.

Objective
To determine the molecular weight of canine mastocytoma‐derived TNFrt. to determine whether it is pre‐formed within the granule and whether its expression could be up‐regulated by stem cell factor (SCF).

Methods
Molecular sizing was assessed by immunoblot. The cellular localization of the TNFα was determined by immunocytochemistry before and after stimulation by A23187 and passive sensitization. Subcellular localization was performed by immuno‐gold immunocytochemistry. Changes in the level of mastocytoma mRNA for TNFα in response to stimulation with SCF or fibroblast conditioned media for up to 12 weeks were studied using Northern analysis and changes in the level of TNFα protein expression on immunoblot and immunocytochemistry.

Results
Mast cells contained authentic 17 kDa TNFα as identified by immunoblotting. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated preformed TNFα which was released by stimulation with antigen after passive sensitization. or by the calcium ionophore A23187. Further confirmation of the preformed nature of this TNFa was provided by immunogold electron microscopy which localized this cytokine to the granule of the inactive mast cell. Northern blotting revealed a constitutive message for TNFα. which increased in response to fibroblast conditioned media (FCM) and to recombinant human SCF. Immunocytochemical studies of mast cells cultured long‐term with FCM or with recombinant SCF showed increased expression of TNFa over the course of 12 weeks incubation with these stimuli.

Conclusion
Mastocytoma derived—TNFα is a preformed, granule—associated 17 kDa cytokine which is released on stimulation with A23187 or passive sensitization. It is up‐regulated by stem cell factor and by FCM over the course of 12 weeks.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferative responses in the first year of life in babies born to allergic parents
Authors: MILES E. A. , WARNER J. A. , JONES A. C. , COLWEEL B. M. , BRYANT T. N. , Warner J. O.
Published: April 2006

Background
Raised peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proliferative responses to food allergens have been demonstrated in children with established atopic dermatitis.

Objective
In this report we investigate the PBMC proliferative responses to inhalant and food allergens from babies at birth, 6 months and 1 year of age, born to atopic and non‐atopic parents.

Methods
PBMCs, separated by density gradient centrifugation. were cultured for 6 days with autologous plasma and a range of allergens (house dust mite [HDM], cat, grass pollen, tree pollen, betalactoglobulin and ovalbumin). Proliferative responses were measured by the uptake of [3H] thymidine added for the final 18 h of culture.

Results
At birth, infants born to atopic parents who developed allergic disease by 1 year of age had significantly more positive responses (stimulation index ± 2 with a value of ± 1000 cpm above background) to HDM (P = 0.0091), betalactoglobulin (P= 0.0166) and ovalbumin (P = 0.0035) than newborns who did not develop allergy. Tnfants who developed allergy also had significantly more positive responses to HDM (P ‐ 0.03) and ovalbumin (P = 0.0057) than babies, born to non‐atopic parents, who did not develop allergies. At 6 months of age a significant fall in response to HDM (P = 0.003) and cat fur extract (P = 0.006) was seen in infants who developed allergic disease by 1 year of age. A similar pattern was seen for proliferative responses to betalactoglobulin and ovalbumin (P = 0.0006. P= 0.004). Conversely, proliferations to grass and tree pollen extracts increased at 6 months (P = 0.04. P = NS) and 1 year (P= NS. P= 0.01) compared with birth which was significant for infants who did not develop allergic disease.

Conclusion
Proliferative responses to seasonal allergens increased over the first year of life whilst those to perennial allergens, both inhalant and food, fell. This suggests either the induction of a systemic immune tolerance by perennial exposure to antigens or movement of sensitized cells to target organs where allergen exposure occurs. This process may be independent of the development allergic disease.
Sensitization to Alternaria and Cladosporium by the age of 4 years
Authors: TARIQ S. M. , MATTHEWS S. M. , STEVENS M. , HAKIM E. A.
Published: April 2006

Of 1218 children born on the Isle of Wight in 1989/90, and followed for atopy at age 4 years, 981 were skin‐prick tested witha battery of allergens. Of these 61 (6%) reacted positively to Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum (47 to Alternaria, 21 to Cladosporium and seven to both). Twenty‐four (39%) were asymptomatic (latent atopy) of which 12 had a single positive reaction either to Alternaria or Cladosporium. Asthma was the most common disease in children sensitized to moulds, Alternaria sensitization correlated positively with clinical diagnosis of asthma (P < 0.01), eczema (P <0.001) and rhinitis (P <0.05), Likewise, Cladosporium sensitivity correlated with a diagnoses of asthma, eczema and rhinitis (all P <0.05). Age of the house correlated with reported damp and lack of central heating (both P <0.001), but not with sensitization to moulds. An association between the presence of damp or age of the house and mould allergy was confounded by 21 children moving house in the first 4 years. Exposure to pets, passive tobacco smoking and season of birth had no bearing on mould sensitivity. At 4 years of age Alternaria and Cladosporium were the third most common causes of sensitization, i.e. after house dust mite and grass pollen.
Comparison of the central nervous system effects produce by six H1‐receptor antagonists
Authors: SIMONS F. E. R. , FRASER T. G. , REGGIN J. D. , SIMONS K. J.
Published: April 2006

Background
A comprehensive comparative study of the central nervous system (CNS) properties of newer H1‐receptor antagonists is needed.

Objective
Our objective was to investigate the central nervous system eifects of u single manufacturer's recommended dose of six H1‐receptor antagonists, using appropriate controls.

Methods
Fifteen healthy subjects received astemizole 10mg, cetirizine 10mg, ketotifen 2mg, loratadine 10 mg, terfenadine 60mg, diphenhydramine 50mg or placebo. Before and 2‐1.5 h after dosing, cognitive function was assessed using the P300‐event‐related potential, somnolence was assessed using a subjective score, and histamine skin tests were performed.

Results
In rank order from least to greatest effect on the P300 latency, the medications were: terfenadine, placebo, cetirizine, ketotifen, loratadine, astemizole and diphenhydramine. Only diphenhydramine increased the P300 latency significantly compared with baseline and placebo. Subjective somnolence was significantly greater than baseline and placebo after cetirizine, ketotifen and diphenhydramine. All the H1‐receptor antagonists suppressed the histamine‐induced weal significantly compared with baseline.

Conclusions
The H1‐receptor antagonists tested affected cognitive functioning and somnolence to different extents, although all produced satisfactory peripheral H1‐blockade.
Antihistamines: topical vs oral administration
Authors: DAVIES R. J. , BAGNALL A. C. , McCABE R. N. , CALDERON M. A. , WANG J. H.
Published: April 2006

The pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis is complex, involving not only histamine and mast cell‐derived tryptase, but also eosinophil‐ and neutrophil‐derived mediators, cytokines, and intercellular cell adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1). It is surprising that antihistamines, which block only one component of the process, have proved so effective in the management of allergic rhinitis. Research has therefore focused on whether antihistamines have additional pharmacological activities. In vitro studies have shown that high concentrations of second generation antihistamines can block inflammatory mediator release from basophils and mast cells, and reduce ICAM‐1 expression in epithelial cell lines. In vivo studies have also shown an effect on the allergen‐induced inflammatory reaction; both oral and intranasal antihistamines cause a reduction in nasal symptoms and inflammatory cell influx. Oral terfenadine and cetirizine and intranasal levocabastine and azelastine have also demonstrated a lowering of ICAM‐1 expression on epithelial cells. With regard to clinical efficacy, topical levocabastine (0.5mg/mL eye drop solution and 0.5 mg/mL nasal spray) was shown to be more effective than oral terfenadine (60mg twice daily) in relieving ocular itch (P=0.02) and reducing nasal symptoms in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. In a further study. levocabastine eye drops were as effective and well tolerated as sodium cromoglycate in seasonal allergic rhinitis. Intranasal azelastine (0.28mg twice daily) showed a trend for superior relief of rhinorrhoea and nasal obstruction compared with oral terfenadine (60mg twice daily). In addition, intranasal azelastine (0.28 mg twice daily) resulted in significant reductions in sneezing, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea and itching in perennial rhinitis, compared with the lower efficacy of beclomethasone dipropionate (0.1 mg twice daily). As well as benefits in efficacy, topical administration is associated with improved safety. Some antihistamines, particularly those metabolized in the liver, are associated with occasional reports of severe side‐effects. It is therefore logical to administer antihistatnines directly to the target organ.
Response of nose and bronchi to exercise in asthma and rhinitis: similarities and differences
Authors: PICADO C.
Published: April 2006

The response of asthmatic patients to exercise differs from that of healthy subjects, and the mechanisms responsible for the exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in the former group remain uncertain. The severity of bronchospasm may be related to water loss from the respiratory tree, but there are conflicting explanations for this.

The response of the nose to exercise, in healthy subjects or in patients with asthma and rhinitis, has been the subject of few investigations, but a recent study found that the nose responds in a different fashion to the bronchi in patients with rhinitis and asthma. The bronchial tree responds by narrowing, while the nose becomes more patent. There is evidence that the bronchi are the main sites of airway narrowing in exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction, while there can also be simultaneous tracheal dilatation. In addition, it now appears that the nasal response to exercise in all subjects parallels that of the trachea. In total, the results suggest that different mechanisms are responsible for regulating the patency of the upper and lower airways.
Differential effects of inhaled budesonide and oral prednisolone on serum immunoglobulin G and its subclasses in healthy adult volunteers
Authors: VAN SCHOOR J. , TOOGOOD J. H. , PAUWELS R. A.
Published: April 2006

Background Glucocorticosteroid (GCS) treatment lowers serum IgG and IgG subclass (IgG‐SC) levels, but the minimal dose and duration of administration at which this occurs is not known.

Objective The aim of this study was to define the daily dose of a 2‐week course of GCS at which IgG(‐SC) suppression occurs.

Methods The effects of three GCS treatment schemes on serum IgG(‐SC) levels in healthy adults were studied in a double‐blind, randomized trial. Group I (n= 10) was treated with 40mg oral prednisolone/day, group 2 (n= 10) with 10 mg oral prednisolone/day and group 3 (n= 10) with 3.2 mg inhaled budesonide/day. Blood sampling was performed at baseline and at the end of the 2‐week treatment period.

Results In group 1, IgGl, IgG2 and lgG3 levels were significantly decreased after treatment, while in group 2 this was only so for IgG3. In both groups, the decrease of total IgG tended towards or just reached significance. In group 3, no statistically significant changes were observed.

Conclusion A course of 40mg oral prednisolone/day for 2 weeks induces significant suppression of serum IgG‐SC levels; lower doses cause more subtle changes, indicating that GCS‐induced IgG‐SC suppression is a dose‐dependent phenomenon. Short courses of very high doses of inhaled budesonide appear to be devoid of this side‐effect.
The prevalence of allergic diseases in primary school children in Edirne, Turkey
Authors: SELÇUK Z. TOROS , ÇAGLAR T. , ENÜNLÜ T. , TOPAL T.
Published: April 2006

Background Allergic diseases present a major health burden for children as shown by the rising morbidity and increased mortality from asthma. Information on the prevalences of allergic disorders and contributing factors as well will help to establish feasible measures to change this trend, and more efficient assignment of the limited health resources.

Objective To assess the prevalences of asthma and other allergic diseases and the contribution of various risk factors in primary school children in Edirne, Turkey.

Methods Children aged 7 to 12 in primary schools in the municipality and 24 villages of Edirne were surveyed via a questionnaire completed by the parents. The cumulative (lifetime) and current (last 12 months) prevalences of allergic diseases and the presence of passive smoking, atopic family history, animal contact and breast‐feeding in infancy were determined.

Results A total of 5412 children (70.1% from the metropolitan and 29.9% from the rural area) were enrolled. The cumulative and current prevalences of all allergic diseases were 24.6% and 9.9% respectively. The cumulative (lifetime) prevalences of bronchial asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were 16.4%, 18.9%, 12.3% and 2.2%, and the current (last 12 months) prevalences were 5.6%, 5.8%, 4.5% and 0.9% respectively. Three‐fourths of the children were exposed to tobacco smoke at home. Atopic heredity appeared the most prominent risk factor for any allergic disorder. Neither age, breast‐feeding nor place of habitation affected the occurrence of allergic disorders. Animal contact was a significant risk factor for asthma and wheezing (adjusted odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for current prevalences are 1.38 (CI= 1.04–1.83) and 1.35 (CI= 1.02–1.78) respectively), exposure to indoor tobacco smoke for wheezing (OR =1.52, CI= 1.10–2.09), and male gender for asthma (OR = 1.50, CI= 1.16–1.93). Current prevalences for all allergic diseases were significantly lower than those previously reported in Ankara, Turkey.

Conclusions Allergic diseases are a major health burden for primary school children in Edirne, Turkey. Although atopic heredity appears to be the foremost important risk factor, reduction of exposure to indoor tobacco smoke and animal contact, especially for those with atopic family history, are important preventive measures. The impact of environmental exposures on distinguishing prevalences of allergic diseases in Ankara and Edirne should be further investigated.
Mast cell derived heparin activates the contact system: a link to kinin generation in allergic reactions
Authors: BRUNNEE T. , REDDIGARI S. R. , SHIBAYAMA Y. , KAPLAN A. P. , SILVERBERG M.
Published: April 2006

Contact activation occurs when plasma comes in contact with negatively charged man‐made surfaces but no substance that initiates contact activation in vivo has been identified. We have isolated a mast cell heparin proteoglycan (MC‐HepPG) from a Furth mouse mastocytoma‐derived cell line that is analogous to human tissue‐type mast cell HepPG. This material and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were tested for their ability to accelerate the reciprocal activation of factor XII and prekallikrein and the autoactivation of factor XII. Quantitative analysis showed the MC‐HepPG to be as active as dextran sulfate on a weight basis; hog intestine heparin, dermatan sulfate. keratan polysulfate and chondroitin sulfate C were less active, other sulfated polysaccharides were essentially inactive. Incubation of MC‐HepPG in 1:4 diluted plasma resulted in complete cleavage of high molecular weight kininogen in a factor Xll‐dependent reaction. All of the MC‐HepPG dependent reactions described above were inhibited by preincubation of MC‐HepPG with heparinase I and II but not by pretreatment with heparitinase. chondroitinase ABC or the serine protease inhibitor aPMSF thus indicating that heparin proteoglycan is indeed acting as an initiating ‘surface’. We analysed the proteoglycan preparation by HPLC gel filtration. Fractions spanning a molecular weight range of > 400000–8000 were active initiators. Comparison of the chromatograms obtained before and after cleavage of GAG side chains from the protein core suggested that dissociated GAGs in the MW range 69000–17000 are the most active species rather than the complete proteoglycan. MC‐HepPG GAGs therefore represent a physiologic macromolecule with activity comparable to non‐physiological surfaces in a purified system and with the capability to induce activation of the contact system in diluted plasma. Its ability to promote kinin generation links cellular and humoral inflammatory responses in the perivasculature and provides a possible explanation for the elevated kinin levels observed after allergen exposure.
Long‐term follow‐up of nasal immunotherapy to Parietaria: clinical and local immunological effects
Authors: PASSALACQUA G. , ALBANO M. , PRONZATO C. , RICCIO A. M. , SCORDAMAGLIA A. , FALAGIANI P. , CANONICA G. W.
Published: April 2006

Background
Local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) with extracts in powder has been detnonstrated clinically effective and devoid of side‐effects in several controlled trials; nevertheless, no data concerning the long‐term effects of LNIT are presently available.

Methods
In a recent double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of LNIT to Parietaria pollen we observed, by means of specific nasal provocation test (SNPT) that LNIT is able to modify the local allergic inflammatory response. In the present study we followed up the same patients in open fashion for 2 further years.

Results
The results confirmed the clinical efficacy of LNIT and showed that it is strictly dependent on pre‐seasonal administration: in fact, after LNIT discontinuation a clinical relapse was observed. A certain long‐lasting protective effect on SNPT parameters (nasal symptoms and neutrophils infiltration) was also observed, whereas an increase of eosinophils count and ICAM‐1 expression on nasal epithelial cells appeared as possible markers of clinical relapse.

Conclusion
The present study suggests that pre‐seasonal LNIT can be taken in consideration in selected subjects as prophylactic treatment for pollen‐induced rhinitis. In addition, the results obtained provide informations about the duration of clinical efficacy and add data about the local allergic inflammation and its modulation.
Disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus value of laboratory criteria
Authors: CLAUDY A.L. , TOURAINE J.L. , ALARIO A.
Published: April 2006

Serum samples and skin specimens from twenty patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were studied for antinuclear antibodies, C3 and C4 levels, circulating immune complexes, B and T lymphocytes and lupus hand test. The patients were divided into three categories: Group I, six patients with inactive disease; Group II, eleven patients with mildly active disease without renal involvement; Group III, three patients with severely active disease and renal involvement. In Groups II and III, high levels of antinuclear antibodies, low C4 values, persistence of circulating immune complexes, reduction in T-lymphocyte number and positive lupus band test in uninvolved light exposed areas were usually associated with active lupus and tended to correlate with disease activity.
Systemic amyloidosis with an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder report of a case in which nail involvement was a presenting feature
Authors: BREATHNACH S.M. , WILKINSON J.D. , BLACK M.M.
Published: April 2006

A case of systemic amyloidosis with an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder is described. Nail changes, which included longitudinal striation, crumbling and brittleness were striking and preceded the appearance of other cutaneous lesions by a period of 5 months. A nail biopsy confirmed the presence of amyloid deposits in the nail fold and distal part of the nail bed.
Predictive base substitution rules that determine the binding and transcriptional specificity of Maf recognition elements
Authors: Yamamoto Tae , Kyo Motoki , Kamiya Terue , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Engel James Douglas , Motohashi Hozumi , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: April 2006

Small Maf transcription factors possess a basic region‐leucine zipper motif through which they form homodimers or heterodimers with CNC and Bach proteins. Different combinations of small Maf and CNC/Bach protein dimers bind to cis‐acting DNA elements, collectively referred to as Maf‐recognition elements (MAREs), to either activate or repress transcription. As MAREs defined by function are often divergent from the consensus sequence, we speculated that sequence variations in the MAREs form the basis for selective Maf:Maf or Maf:CNC dimer binding. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the binding of Maf‐containing dimers to variant sequences of the MARE using bacterially expressed MafG and Nrf2 proteins and a surface plasmon resonance‐microarray imaging technique. We found that base substitutions in the MAREs actually determined their binding preference for different dimers. In fact, we were able to categorize MAREs into five groups: MafG homodimer‐orientd MAREs (Groups I and II), ambivalent MAREs (Group III), MafG:Nrf2 heterodimer‐orientd MAREs (Group IV), and silent MAREs (Group V). This study thus manifests that a clear set of rules pertaining to the cis‐acting element determine whether a given MARE preferentially associates with MafG homodimer or with MafG:Nrf2 heterodimer.
Role of the Rho GTPase‐activating protein RICS in neurite outgrowth
Authors: Nasu‐Nishimura Yukiko , Hayashi Tomoatsu , Ohishi Tomohiro , Okabe Toshio , Ohwada Susumu , Hasegawa Yoshimi , Senda Takao , Toyoshima Chikashi , Nakamura Tsutomu , Akiyama Tetsu
Published: April 2006

The Rho family of small GTPases, including RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42, are critical regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. In neuronal systems, Rho GTPase‐activating proteins (RhoGAPs) and their substrates, Rho GTPases, have been implicated in regulating multiple processes in the morphological development of neurons, including axonal growth and guidance, dendritic elaboration and formation of synapses. RICS is mainly expressed in the brain and functions as a RhoGAP protein for Cdc42 and Rac1 in vitro. To examine the biological function of RICS, we disrupted the RICS gene in mice. RICS knockout mice developed normally and were fertile. However, when cultured in vitro, Cdc42 activity in RICS–/– neurons was higher than that in wild‐type neurons. Consistent with this finding, hippocampal and cerebellar granule neurons derived from RICS–/– mice bore longer neurites than those from wild‐type mice. These findings suggest that RICS plays an important role in neurite extension by regulating Cdc42 in vivo.
THE HIDDEN LAYER PROBLEM
Authors: GREEN R.
Published: April 2006

Abstract

For a given refraction time‐distance curve, the range in thickness for a hidden intermediate layer is given together with the effect the layer has on the total thickness of the two layers above the recorded refractor.
FIELD CONTINUATION AND THE STEP MODEL IN AEROMAGNETIC INTERPRETATION*
Authors: HENDERSON ROLAND G.
Published: April 2006

Downward continuation of the field in the neighborhood of a singularity of a magnetic anomaly is used to render the anomaly more two‐dimensional, to make the bottom of the causal body more remote, and to obtain an auxiliary function, φ (O.z), by means of which the anomaly may be interpreted in terms of an equivalent vertical contact or step model. The concept of “apparent depth” is introduced and used in studying depth extent and susceptibility. The methods are illustrated with theoretical and practical examples.
ESSAI DE DETERMINATION AUTOMATIQUE DES VITESSES SISMIQUES PAR MESURES ENTRE PUITS*
Authors: BOIS P. , LA PORTE M. , LAVERGNE M. , THOMAS G.
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Large memory computers create new possibilities for seismic interpretation in well‐drilled areas, and more generally in problems involving deep sources.

Records obtained by well‐to‐surface, surface‐to‐well and/or well‐to‐well propagation contain a large amount of information, owing to the great number of seismic rays travelling throughout the subsurface.

This paper considers two successive steps:

— direct case: computation of the first arrival times of seismic rays propagating through a two‐dimensional subsurface with given vertical and horizontal velocity variations;

— inverse case: computation of a two‐dimensional velocity distribution, knowing the travel times of seismic rays through the subsurface.

A computer program has been elaborated to solve both direct and inverse problems. There are no difficulties with the direct case; a certain number of uncertainties remain with the inverse case.
MAGNETOTELLURIC EFFECT OF DIPPING ANISOTROPIES*
Authors: REDDY I. K. , RANKIN D.
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Reddy, I. K., D. Rankin, 1971, Magnetotelluric Effect of Dipping Anisotropies, Geophysical Prospecting 19, 84–97.

A solution is obtained for the magnetotelluric effect in the case of multi‐layered earth, each layer containing dipping anisotropy, with the strike of anisotropy oriented at an arbitrary angle to the measuring directions. A technique to compute tensor impedances and tensor apparent resistivities is presented and the importance of anisotropies in magnetotelluric interpretation is discussed.
ENHANCEMENT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ANOMALIES BY A CONDUCTING OVERBURDEN*
Authors: GAUR V. K. , VERMA O. P. , GUPTA C. P.
Published: April 2006

Abstract

The effect of a conducting overburden on the electromagnetic response of sulphide ore‐bodies has been studied with the help of quantitative electromagnetic model experiments. These experiments were conducted at a fixed, crystal controlled, frequency of 100 kHz using a number of transmitter‐receiver configurations, though the results discussed here mostly pertain to a horizontal coplanar system. An analysis of the anomaly profiles—after accounting for the regional anomaly—indicates a general enhancement of the response. This is attributed (a) to the concentration of the current lines in the host‐rock effected by the embedded target and (b) to the change in the phase and space orientation of the field vectors, brought about by the conducting overburden. The enhancement is most pronounced in the case of non‐symmetrical bodies such as veins and ribbon‐like structures represented by sheet models, but is also observed to a lesser degree for isometric structures. These results are expected to pave the way for a more accurate interpretation of the induction prospecting data.
INTERPROFILE CORRELATION AND SELF‐SETTING FILTRATION METHODS OF ANALYSIS OF GEOPHYSICAL DATA *
Authors: BHIMASANKARAM V. L. S. , TARKHOV A. G. , NIKITIN A. A. , RAO S. V. SESHAGIRI
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Application of statistical methods of analysis of geophysical data is often helpful for the detection of weak anomalies against a noisy background. The processing and analysis of areal geophysical data by two such methods are presented. The advantage of these methods are illustrated with the help of two field examples.
DEFORMATIONS OF NATURAL ELECTRIC FIELDS NEAR DRAINAGE STRUCTURES *
Authors: BOGOSLOVSKY V. V. , OGILVY A. A.
Published: April 2006

Abstract

The paper deals with the electro‐filtrational fields formed near the drainage structures. Main laws of deformation of these fields above vertical and horizontal drains are considered and practical examples supplied.