bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure of laboratory animal workers to airborne rat and mouse urinary allergens
Authors: HOLLANDER A. , VAN RUN P. , SPITHOVEN J. , HEEDERIK D. , DOEKES G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Laboratory animal workers are at high risk of developing occupational allergy. Little is known about the relationship between levels of exposure and the risk of developing laboratory animal allergy. Since laboratory animal work comprises a large number of different — often short lasting — tasks, it is of interest to assess which activities are associated with high. low or intermediate levels of allergen exposure. Objective To develop and evaluate highly sensitive immunoassays in order to quantify rat and mouse urinary allergens in airborne dust sampled during short‐lasting tasks.Objective Personal air dust samples were taken during full‐shift periods as well as during specific tasks in seven laboratory animal facilities. Two sandwich enzyme immunoassays were developed, using rabbit antisera against rat and mouse urinary proteins. The rabbit antibodies were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunoblotting and compared with IgE antibodies from sensitized laboratory animal workers.Results The rabbit antibodies were highly specific for rat and mouse urinary proteins and reacted with all IgE‐binding allergens in either urinary protein preparation. The assays for rat and mouse urine were very sensitive, with detection limits of 0.075 ng/mL. The coefficient of variation of the analysis was 12.9% for both assays. Animal caretakers appeared to experience the highest exposure to aeroallergens. A large variation in exposure within jobs was found, due to differences between tasks performed during the sampling day and the facility worked at. The highest exposure levels were found during removal of contaminated bedding from the cages. However, rat and mouse allergen exposure levels during this task varied enormously between facilities, 1.1–158ngeq/m and 0.63– 2000ngeq/m3. respectively.Conclusion Both sandwich immunoassays are highly specific and sensitive and are able to identify tasks of relatively short duration with high, medium and low exposure to airborne rat and mouse urinary allergens.
Myeloperoxidase and interleukin‐8 levels in chronic sinusitis
Authors: DEMOLY P. , CRAMPETTE L. , MONDAIN M. , ENANDER I. , JONES I. , BOUSQUET J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have recetitly phenotyped inflammation iti tion‐infectious allergic and non‐allergic chronic maxillary sinusitis using sinus biopsies and lavage fluids. In this first paper, we have concentrated our work on the eosinophil, T cell, mast cell and macrophage infiltrates. However, many unresolved questions remain and particularly the role of neutrophils needed to be addressed. In the present study, we focused on the neutrophilic inflammation: myeloperoxidase (MPO) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) were measured by immunoassays and neutrophils were enumerated by conventional staining in the sinus lavage fluids of 16 patients with chronic sinusitis and six control subjects. Both MPO and IL‐8 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.01 and 0.005, respectively). There was a significant correlation between MPO levels and neutrophil numbers, and between MPO and IL‐8 levels in the sinus lavage fluid (P < 0.0001, Spearman rank correlation). The presence of high levels of IL‐8 in the lavage fluids of patients suffering from chronic sinusitis, levels which correlate with those of MPO, suggests that this cytokine may activate neutrophils in this chronic disease.
Purification and IgE binding capacity of Der s 3, a major allergen from Dermatophagoides siboney
Authors: FERRÁNDIZ R. , CASAS R. , DREBORG S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Sensitization to the house dust mite Dermatophagoides siboney has been demonstrated in asthmatic patients. Previously, Dermatophagoides siboney group 1 and group 2 allergens, named Der s 1 and Der s 2, respeetively, have been purified.Objectives The aim of this study was to purify and to study the IgE reactivity of a 30 kDa component, suspected to correspond to group 3 allergens.Methods The protein was purified by affinity chromatography using anti‐Der f 3 monoclonal antibodies and semi‐preparative SDS‐PAGE. The IgE binding capacity of the purified fractions was tested with sera from 106 mite‐ sensitive asthmatic patients using a modified chemiluminiscent method.Results Affinity chromatography resulted in fractions containing the 30 kDa component which was further purified to homogeneity by SDS‐PAGE. Seventythree per cent of the sera showed IgE reactivity to this protein, indicating that it is a major allergen. The protein also reacted with anti Der f 3 polyclonal antibodies and had tryptic activity. There were differences in the reaetivity to Der s 3 according to the age of the patients.Conclusion Based on the frequency of IgE reactions and the reactivity with antibodies directed to Der f 3, it is proposed to name this 30 kDa allergen from D. siboney, Der s 3.
Increased prevalence of sensitization against aeroallergens in adults in West compared with East Germany
Authors: NICOLAI T. , BELLACH B. , MUTIUS E. V , THEFELD W. , HOFEMEISTER H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
An increased prevalence of allergic diseases and atopic sensitization as assessed by skin‐prick testing in children in West compared with East Germany has been reported.Objectives
This study was designed to evaluate whether such a difference is also present in adults, and if this can be shown when using a serological test for allergic sensitization.Methods
Two large samples representative for all adults between 25 and 69 years of age were drawn in West (1991, n= 5313) and East Germany (1992, n= 2617). A serological test screening for IgE‐antibodies to common aeroallergens (SXI) was performed. A questionnaire was used to assess the presence of clinical respiratory allergy, known possible risk factors for allergies and confounding variables.Results
Allergic sensitization decreased with age. Significantly more subjects < 45 years of age had a positive allergy test in West as compared to East Germany. The prevalence of clinical allergy was also higher in West Germany. This difference was significant in younger adults and was independent of other risk factors identified. These additional risk factors encompassed younger age, higher educational level, male sex, and living in a community with more than 100000 inhabitants.Conclusion
Sensitization to common aeroallergens as determined by a multiple allergen RAST test in adults below 45 years of age living in West Germany is increased compared to East Germany. This increase cannot be explained by genetic differences and is similar to the West to East decreasing gradient in allergies reported from studies in children employing skin‐prick tests.
Mould‐devouring mites differ in guanine excretion from dust‐eating Acari, a possible error source in mite allergen exposure studies
Authors: KORT H. S. M. , SCHOBER G. , KOREN L. G. H. , SCHARRINGA J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground and Objective
Measurement of guanine in dust proved a good assessment of mite allergen exposure.Methods
Exposure to mite allergens may lead to atopic inflictions. In a semi‐natural test system the development of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) and Glycyphagus domesticus (De Geer), and the presence of their guanine excretion, was examined in a dustsoiled and mouldy environment. Mites were counted after heat‐escape, and guanine was detected by means of capillary zone electrophoresis. For each species, 50 mites randomly taken, were inoculated on soiled test‐surfaces of 10 × 10 cm. Rough wooden board, gypsum board, tufted carpet, and a self‐made mattress representing wall surfaces and home‐textiles, respectively, were used. Eight weeks after inoculation with mites only, the surfaces were all mould ridden, and mite and guanine measurements were taken. The Spearman rank correlation test and the Mann‐Whitney U‐test were used in statistical analysis. The confidence limit was set at 1%.Results
Among the various test‐surfaces, no differences were found regarding total mite numbers and amount of guanine present (P > 0.0l). For the dust‐eating mite D. pteronyssinus, total mite numbers correlated with the amount of guanine present (P= 0.002) on all inoculated surfaces, indicating feeding on the protein‐rich dust. For the mould devouring mite G. domesticus, however, no such correlation was found (P= 0.72). Apparently, they mainly consumed fungal carbohydrates during this experiment.Conclusion
The allergological relevance of storage mites has been under discussion for the last 25 years. In humid homes, these mites will feed almost exclusively on fungi and may produce allergenic or irritating substances different from those arising on protein‐rich laboratory media used in allergen extract production or present in carpets, bedding and furniture.
Immunological changes during specific immunotherapy of grass pollen allergy: reduced lymphoproliferative responses to allergen and shift from TH2 to TH1 in T‐cell clones specific for Phi p 1, a major grass pollen allergen
Authors: EBNER C. , SIEMANN U. , BOHLE B. , WILLHEIM M. , WIEDERMANN U. , SCHENK S. , KLOTZ F. , EBNER H. , KRAFT D. , SCHEINER O. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground and Objective
The mechanisms operative in specific immunotherapy (SIT) of Type I allergy are not completely understood. In the present study we evaluated immunological changes during SIT in pollinosis.Method
Eight patients suffering from pollinosis (monosensitized to grass pollen) were treated with conventional SIT. All subjects had IgE specific for Phi p 1. a major allergen of timothy grass. In vitro changes in the immunological reactivity to grass pollen extract and to recombinant Phi p 1 were evaluated. Subjects were examined at three occasions: before, after 3 months and after I year of SIT.Results
Serological analysis revealed a marked increase of grass pollen‐ and Phi p 1‐specific IgG, titres of specific IgE did not change significantly. Lymphoproliferative responses to grass pollen extract and rPhl p 1 were reduced already after 3 months of treatment. Accordingly, the cloning efficiency for Ph1 p 1‐specific T‐cell clones (TCC) dropped markedly in all patients. The majority of allergen‐specific TCC raised before SIT revealed a TH2‐like pattern of cytokine production. TCC established after SIT revealed TH1 characteristics. This shift was due to a decrease in IL‐4 rather than an increase in IFN‐production by T cells. Investigations of the epitopes recognized by T cells before and after SIT did not reveal the outgrowth of new (ldquo;protecting”) specificities. We could not observe induction of allergen‐speeific CD8+ lymphocytes (supressor cells).Conclusion
Our data indicate that — on the level of TH lymphocytes — SIT induces tolerance to the allergen and a modulation of the cytokine pattern produced in response to allergen stimulation.
Identification of T‐cell epitope sequences on an important mite antigen
Authors: FUJII S. , ONO K. , TAKEUCHI A. , AKI T. , SHIGETA S. , SUZUKI O. , JYO T. , YAMASHITA U. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
T‐cell epitopes on Der 1 and Der 2 groups, the major mite allergens, have been intensively analysed, while those on the other important allergens remain to be elucidated. We have cloned four cDNAs coding for important mite allergens on the basis of frequency and capacity of IgE binding. Stimulatory action of glutathione S‐transferase‐fused Mag1 on lymphocytes from mite‐allergic patients was relatively high among them.Objective
To identify T‐cell epitopes on Mag1, we studied the stimulating activity of truncated Mag1 proteins and synthetic peptides on proliferative response of lymphocytes from mite antigen‐immunized mice and mite‐sensitive patients.Methods
Truncated Mag1 proteins were expressed as a fusion protein with β‐galactosidase in Escherichia coli pop2136 carrying a variety of deleted Mag1 inserts. Murine T‐cell epitope regions were estimated by the truncated antigen‐induced lymphocyte proliferation assay. Overlapping peptides covering the whole sequence of the presumed T‐cell epitope regions were synthesized to identify the epitope core. sequences using murine and human Mag1‐specific T‐cell lines.Results
Amino acid range 56–70 on Mag1 molecule showed remarkable stimulatory action on murine T cells, while amino acid ranges 51–65 and 86–100 had potent stimulatory activity on human T cells.Conclusion
These results suggest that Mag1 is a valuable antigen suitable for studies on T‐cell responses and T‐cell epitopes in mice and humans.
Effect of allergen immunotherapy on nasal responses in guinea‐pigs with allergic rhinitis
Authors: NAKAMOTO S. , UKAI K. , SAKAKURA Y. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryMethods
We have investigated the effects of allergen immunotherapy on the nasal responses in the guinea‐pigs with allergic rhinitis. Thirty‐three male Hartley guinea‐pigs with allergic rhinitis were divided into three groups; those receiving intradermal injection of saline (Group 1) or 0.1% ovalbumin (Group 2) 6 days after the last intranasal sensitization, and those injected with 0.1% ovalbumin intradermally once daily for 6 consecutive days from the next day after the last intranasal sensitization (Group 3).Results
The dye leakage and histamine content into the nasal lavage significantly decreased at 30min after antigen challenge in Group 3, compared with Group 1 or 2. We also observed the change of mast cell numbers in superficial nasal mucosa, lamina propria and injected dorsal skin. The number of mast cells in superficial nasal mucosa significantly decreased in Group 3 compared with Group 1 or 2, but not those in nasal lamina propria or dorsal skin.Conclusions
These results suggest that the improvements of nasal responses such as dye leakage and histamine content may be caused by the decrease of mast cell numbers in the superficial mucosal layer after the specific immunotherapy. which may be developing tolerance and one of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of immunotherapy.
Acute infections, infection pressure, and atopy
Authors: Paunio M. , Peltola H. , Virtanen M. , Leinikki P. , Makela A. , Heinonen O. P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
During the recent years, a new theory postulating that lack of early childhood infections would increase the prevalence rate of allergies has rapidly gained momentum. This hygiene hypothesis has been widely disseminated to the general public and it has been suggested that vaccinations would accordingly indirectly increase rates of atopy. We thus investigated associations between acute infections, infection pressure (i.e. number of daily child contacts) and atopy in one of the largest population‐based medical surveys ever published in the medical literature.Methods
Almost all Finns born between 1976 and 1984 and a sample of older teenagers aged up to 19 years (n=5 47 190) were vaccinated and questioned to establish clinical history of mumps and rubella and manifestations of atopy (rhinoconjunctivitis, eczema, and asthma) in 1982–1986. A subsample (n=37 733) including all those subjects who were vaccinated during the first 2 months of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) programme were also queried information about upper respiratory infections (URIs) and infection pressure. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios of atopy among those with infectious disease history compared with those without it were calculated.Results
The risk of URI and a history of mumps and rubella increased with the number of daily contacts. This association was apparent especially among the youngest subjects with regard to URIs whereas the proportion with histories of mumps and rubella increased with increasing infection pressure more clearly among the 6‐year‐olds. Atopy was not associated with daily child contacts among pre‐schoolers. Children with histories of repeated URIs and MMR diseases had substantially more atopy than those with lower URI or MMR disease rates.Conclusions
Atopic subjects seem to be especially prone to clinically apparent acute respiratory tract infections, and might be in particular need of protection by immunizations. This study does not support the idea that the prevalence of atopy in affluent countries would be affected from disappearing respiratory tract infections.
Histiocytosis X: natural history and management in childhood
Authors: PRITCHARD JON 
Published: April 2006

Summary
Multi-system histiocytosis X is still a potentially fatal disorder. Death occurs from pulmonary, hepatic, small bowel or bone marrow failure often with severe intercurrent infection as the terminal illness. Chemotherapy has had some impact on mortality but morbidity in survivors is still a real problem. Around 50% of survivors will have a significant handicap. Complete response can be achieved with a variety of chemotherapeutic agents but the introduction of combination therapy has led to unacceptable toxicity especially in the very young. There is preliminary evidence that treatment with calf ‘thymic humoral factor’ may benefit a proportion of patients. This recent work supports the notion that histiocytosis X is not a true malignancy, but rather a subtle form of immune deficiency possibly involving a soluble thymic or T-lym-phocyte product.
Retinol-binding protein in serum and epidermis of patients with ichthyosis vulgaris
Authors: MICHAËLSSON GERD , FORSUM URBAN , TJERNLUND ULLA MALMNÄS , RASK LARS , VAHLQUIST ANDERS 
Published: April 2006

SummaryFifteen patients with ichthyosis vulgaris of the dominant type were studied by immunological techniques for the detection of retinol-binding protein (RBP) in serum and epidermis. The serum RBP levels were all within the normal range thus indicating a normal vitamin A status in the blood. The epidermal RBP pattern was abnormal as judged by an indirect immuno-fluorescence technique. It is suggested that the decreased binding of RBP to ichthyosis epidermis is secondary to a reduced number of granular cells and not due to a disturbed vitamin A uptake per se.
Systemic amyloidosis and the skin: a review with special emphasis on clinical features and therapy
Authors: BREATHNACH STEPHEN M. , BLACK MARTIN M. 
Published: April 2006

Summary
This report is a review of the literature on systemic amyloidosis and concentrates largely on primary and plasma cell dyscrasia-related disease. Recent developments in the fields of amyloid structure and pathogenesis arc discussed and patterns of clinical presentation are described. It is emphasized that a combination of the carpal tunnel syndrome, macroglossia and specific mucocutaneous lesions necessitates an intensive search for an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia, and that immunodectrophoresis of serum and concentrated urine is essential to exclude a paraproteinaemia. Other diagnostic measures, including cutaneous histopathology, are considered. Despite the advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of amyloid, there has been little progress in terms of the success of therapy, and the ultimate prognosis of patients with systemic amyloidosis remains poor.
GEO‐ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OF THE HYDROLOGY OF WEST GERMAN AREAS*
Authors: HALLENBACH F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe supply of drinking water and water for general use in the towns and communities of Western Germany is in many cases insufficient. In order to eliminate the difficulties in the supply of water, geophysical methods have been applied to a large extent since the end of the war.The most important hydrological problems, which were solved successfully by geo‐electrical measurements, are as follows:

Search for, and delimitation of, areas with salty ground water.
Investigation of the geological situation in catchment areas for large waterworks, and the finding of suitable places for the establishment of new plants, and in particular.
Search for and determination of the thickness and nature of water‐bearing sands and gravels and of the relief of the underlying impervious strata.

Some typical examples are presented herewith.
A PROCESS OF SEISMIC REFLECTION INTERPRETATION*
Authors: HAGEDOORN J. G. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA process is described whereby the interpretation of seismic reflection data is carried out by a preliminary two‐dimensional plotting procedure followed by a three‐dimensional migration. The concept of a surface of maximum convexity is introduced as an integral part of the process of migration. The procedures for deriving the necessary charts of curves are considered and a number of serviceable charts presented.
DRILLING METHODS IN SAND AND GRAVEL FORMATIONS*
Authors: MURATORI G. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTIn the development of seismic drilling methods in Northern Italy the most important considerations have been those of ease in transport and quickness of operation. Different drilling systems are described that are adapted to the different types of near surface formation that are encountered in the area. In soft sands a high pressure water jet is used, a rotary table not being required in a great many cases. In medium consistency sand and small gravel, the drill rods are rotated by a special roller wrench equipment instead of the more usual kelly. In coarse formations, gravel and boulders, casing is driven by special pile driving equipment with collapsible mast for easy transport.
GEOELEKTRISCHE BAUGRUNDUNTERSUGHUNGEN IN JUGOSLAWIEN UND OESTERREICH*
Authors: FRITSCH VOLKER 
Published: April 2006

AbstractExamples are given illustrating the application of geo‐electrical methods to engineering problems in Austria and Yugoslavia. A large number of these examples deal with dam problems. In this field, resistivity methods are used for bedrock investigations, to check the efficiency of cement injections into the rock, and to investigate the seepage of water underneath the dam. In the building and maintenance of roads, resistivity methods are used for the detection of cavities underneath the road. On the Vienna air port, a radio method was used for the same purpose.
DIE AUSBREITUNG ELASTISCHER WELLEN IN ANISOTROPEN MEDIEN*
Authors: HELBIG K. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn seismic underground surveys carried out by Seismos GmbH in siderite mines of Siegerland (Germany) anomalies in velocities have been found which could be explained only by the assumption of slates being aeolotropic. In this paper some of the peculiarities connected with the propagation of elastic waves in aeolotropic media–especially those consisting of thin beds of isotropic material–are discussed. Schlieren‐pictures of wave‐fronts are presented, which show the validity of the theory.
MULTIPLE REFLEXIONEN IN NORDWESTDEUTSCHLAND*
Authors: Bortfeld Reinhard 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn N.W. Germany multiple reflections have been observed in numerous areas. They are not curiosities but represent true problems.In many cases these multiples are recognizable by routine Δt analysis of the records. Sometimes the Δt anomalies are so great that multiples can be recognized without any computational work, merely by looking at the records. This is due to the great contrast between the interval velocities of the Tertiary and of the Upper Cretaceous. One example is discussed fully.Most of the multiples are of the type AB (a multiple caused by reflections at two different reflectors A and B, and at the surface). It is also shown (by a rough estimate) that this type of multiple is theoretically the most probable. Finally, the interference between the two components of AB (one multiple being reflected first at A, then at B, and the other reflected first at B, then at A), and its appearance in constructed examples, are discussed.