bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between IgA antibody and eosinophil cationic protein levels in induced sputum from asthmatic patients
Authors: NAHM D.‐H. , PARK H.‐S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Eosinophils are known to be main effector cells in allergic inflammation and IgA antibody has been shown to be a potent stimulus for eosinophil degranulation in in vitro conditions.Objective To evaluate the possible role of IgA antibodies on eosinophil degranulation in lower respiratory mucosa of asthmatics, we tried to find a correlation between total IgA and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in induced sputum from asthmatics.Methods We measured total IgA and albumin levels by nephelometry, and eosinophil cationic protein levels by Pharmacia CAP system in induced sputum from 23 atopic asthmatics and 12 healthy controls.Results IgA and albumin levels in induced sputum from asthmatics with sputum eosinophilia (sputum eosinophil count 5% of 200 counted non‐squamous cells) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those from controls. However, IgA and albumin levels in induced sputum from asthmatics without sputum eosinophilia were not significantly different with those from controls (P > 0.05). In induced sputum from asthmatics, ECP levels were significantly correlated with albumin (r= 0.44, P= 0.04) and IgA levels (r= 0.67, P= 0.002). ECP/albumin ratio was also significantly correlated with IgA/albumin ratio (r= 0.61, P= 0.004).Conclusion Our results support the hypothesis that IgA antibodies in tracheobronchial secretion may be involved in eosinophil degranulation in asthma, and further study is needed to prove this hypothesis.
Prevalence and distribution of indoor allergens in Singapore
Authors: ZHANG L. , CHEW F. T. , SOH S. Y. , YI F. C. , LAW S. Y. , GOH D. Y. T. , LEE B. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground and aims
Immediate hypersensitivity to indoor allergens is known to be associated with allergic asthma. This study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of six indoor allergens in 956 dust samples obtained from homes, childcare centres, schools, and a hospital in tropical Singapore. Seasonality of mite allergens was also assessed.Methods
The major allergens of the Dermatophagoides spp. dust mites, Der p l and Der f 1; major cat and dog allergens, Can f 1 (dog) and Fel d 1 (cat); and cockroach, Bla g 1. were measured by specific enzyme immunoassays. Allergen levels of the storage mite. Blomia tropicalis (Blot), were measured by a fluorescent allergosorbent test (FAST) inhibition assay.Results
Our results showed that homes had significantly higher concentrations and prevalence of allergens compared with the other locations, except for Bla g 1, where higher mean levels were found in schools. Within the homes, the highest concentrations of mite allergens were found in mattresses (geometric mean: 1.2 μg/g dust Der p 1; 2717 Allergen Units per gram dust [AU/g] Blot), and carpets (1.5 μg/g Der p 1; 1620 AU/g Blo t), whilst Bla g 1 was mainly concentrated in the storerooms (geometric mean = 3.5 units/g) and kitchens (geometric mean = 5.1 units/g). The major cat and dog allergens were well distributed and not confined to homes with pets. Their highest levels were found in dust of soft furnishings, carpets and mattresses. There was an absence of significant seasonal variation in Der p 1, Der f 1 and Blo t levels in the homes over a 1 year period.Conclusion
The results indicate that compared with public places, the home consitutes a major reservior of indoor allergens. Allergens of the storage mite, B. tropicalis, should be considered as a major allergenic component of dust in Singapore.
Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against casein components of cow milk for evaluation of residual antigenic activity in ‘hypoallergenic’ infant formulas
Authors: PLEBANI A. , RESTANI P. , NASELLI A. , GALLI C. L. , MEINI A. , CAVAGNI G. , UGAZIO A. G. , POIESI C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Hydrolysed casein and whey protein formulas have been developed with the aim of preventing sensitization in infants at high risk of cow milk allergy. Subsequently these products have also been used tor treatment of children with cow milk allergy. However, severe reactions have occurred in some allergic infants led with these formulas raising doubts about their absolute safety and suggest the need for developing in vitro techniques for detection of eventual residual allergenic activity in such preparations.Objectives
Our purpose was to evaluate the usefulness of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against casein components (αβ and κ casein) as reagents for the detection of the residual antigenic activity of casein components in several hydrolysed formulas.Methods
The monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies were produced according to standard procedures by immunizing female Balb/c mice with casein fraction (a mixture of α, β and κ casein). ELISA assays were developed to test the specificity of the antibodies and to detect and evaluate the amount of residual antigenic activity of the casein components in hydrolysed formulas.Results
Use of polyclonal antiserum specific for casein allowed detection of residual antigenic activity of casein components in all partial hydrolysates and in the two extensive whey protein hydrolysates in the amounts ranging from 0.05 to 0.67% of total protein. No such activity was detectable in either the two extensive casein hydrolysates tested or the aminoacid based formula. The polyclonal antiserum proved to be more suitable than monoclonals for detecting residual antigenic activity in the hydrolysates. The monoclonal antibodies were directed against epitopes expressed on different casein components.Conclusions
In this study the ELISA inhibition assay with polyclonal antibodies specific for casein components of cow milk proved to be a sensitive method for estimating residual antigenicity in the hydrolysed formulas commercially available for infants with cow milk allergy suggesting their potential application for the quality control of hypoallergenic infant formulas.
Determination of independent risk factors and comparative analysis of diagnostic methods for immediate type latex allergy in spina bifida patients
Authors: DE SWERT L. F. A. , VAN LAER K. M. I. A. , VERPOORTEN C. M. A. , VAN HOEYVELD E. M. , CADOT P. , STEVENS E. A. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Development of allergy to natural rubber latex in spina bifida patients is determined by several risk factors, such as age, number of interventions and atopic disease that are, however, interdependent. Furthermore, several diagnostic procedures have been analysed, but a comprehensive analysis of their diagnostic significance is lacking.Objective
To determine the independent major risk factor(s) for development of natural rubber latex allergy and the most valuable diagnostic procedure.Methods
In aselectively collected spina bifida patients, we correlated existing natural rubber latex allergy with age, sex, atopy and the number of hospitalizations and of surgical interventions in appropriately matched subgroups. Allergy to natural rubber latex was established by application of a latex glove fragment on the skin. Skin‐prick tests with glove eluate, a natural latex extract and a commercial latex extract were carried out as were specific IgE measurements by radioimmuno assay (RAST‐CAP). The results of the latex application test are compared with the other diagnostic methods.Results
Out of 74 fully evaluated patients, 17 had a positive application test. The number of surgical interventions correlates strongly with the presence of natural rubber latex allergy (P < 0.0002), independent of age, sex and presence of atopy. Skin‐prick tests with unstandardized allergens made from known high allergenic latex gloves represent the most sensitive diagnostic method, with the highest negative predictive value and a specificity of 0.95. RAST‐CAP was the next best method with a specificity of 0.93, a sensitivity of 0.89 and a negative predictive value of 0.97.Conclusion
The number of surgical interventions is the major independent determining factor for allergy to natural rubber latex in spina bifida patients. Unstandardized skin‐prick tests are the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tool, but RAST‐CAP is almost equally performant and therefore a valid alternative.
Effects of levocetirizine as add‐on therapy to fluticasone in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Barnes M. L. , Ward J. H. , Fardon T. C. , Lipworth B. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Addition of H1 antagonists to intranasal corticosteroid treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) is common in clinical practice and recommended by guidelines, despite some evidence that the additive benefits are negligible.Objective
To assess additional benefits of 5 mg levocetirizine dihydrochloride in seasonal AR patients using 200 mcg fluticasone propionate nasal spray once daily.Methods
In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover study of 27 patients, following 2 weeks without treatment, subjects used fluticasone with levocetirizine or identical placebo for 2 weeks each. Assessments were the Juniper mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire (mini‐RQLQ), domiciliary peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), total nasal symptoms (TNS) scores and nasal nitric oxide concentrations. Effects were interpreted and tested against minimal clinically important differences.Results
Add‐on effects for levocetirizine vs. placebo excluded any clinically significant benefits: mean effects (one sided 95% confidence intervals) were mini‐RQLQ −0.11 (−0.34), PNIF +0.57 (+5.23), and TNS −0.11 (−0.60). Numbers needed to treat (95% confidence intervals) by outcome were mini‐RQLQ 14 (5 to 49), PNIF 4 (3–7), and TNS 3 (2–6). No significant within or between treatment effects were seen for nasal nitric oxide.Conclusion
Contrary to current practice, the present results demonstrate that for the majority of patients, antihistamine add‐on to effective nasal steroid treatment is inappropriate. Further work is required to confirm that this is also true in the most severe cases, and the available evidence needs to be put into guidelines and implemented.
Is the effect of probiotics on atopic dermatitis confined to food sensitized children?
Authors: Sistek D. , Kelly R. , Wickens K. , Stanley T. , Fitzharris P. , Crane J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Probiotics have previously been shown to reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants and children.Objective
To examine the effect of two probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacteria lactis) on established AD in children.Subjects and methods
Atopic children with current dermatitis received 2 × 1010 colony forming units/g of probiotic (n=29) or placebo (n=30). Both were given daily as a powder mixed with food or water. SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD; developed by the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis) a measure of the extent and severity of AD, was assessed at baseline, 2 and 12 weeks after starting treatment and 4 weeks after treatment was discontinued.Results
SCORAD geometric mean score at baseline was 26.0 (21.9–30.8) in the probiotic group and 35.1 (28.9–42.8) in the placebo group (P=0.02). After adjustment for these between‐group baseline differences there was no significant improvement in AD at 12 weeks, SCORAD geometric mean ratio: 0.80 (95% confidence level (CI) 0.62–1.04, P=0.10). Among the food sensitized children, there was an improvement in those treated with probiotics, SCORAD geometric mean ratio: 0.73 (95% CI 0.54–1.00, P=0.047).Conclusion
In this study a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacteria lactis improved AD only in food sensitized children.
Smoking and occupational asthma
Authors: Siracusa A. , Marabini A. , Folletti I. , Moscato G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryCigarette smoking is a known risk factor for many chronic illnesses such as coronary heart and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Smoking is often described as a risk factor for occupational asthma even though its effect on the development of asthma is still under debate and the links between smoking and occupational asthma, occupational rhinitis or occupational sensitization are elusive, controversial and contradictory. This review describes these relationships in a wide range of occupations, from laboratory, farm, brewery and hospital workers, to bakers, printers, cleaners, fish processors and others as observed in cross‐sectional, cohort, and case‐control studies published over the past thirty‐five years i.e. from 1970 to 2005. Surprisingly, the data show there is little to support the view that the risk of occupational asthma is increased in workers who are smokers. However, evidence emerges of an increased risk of occupational sensitization in smoking workers exposed to several high and low molecular weight agents. This in‐depth review confirms the relationship between smoking and occupational asthma is complex and contradictory. It deserves more attention and further studies, which need to be conducted without being influenced by selection bias or by the justifiable prejudice against smoking.
Treatment of erythrasma with miconazole
Authors: PITCHER D.G. , NOBLE W.C. , SEVILLE R.H. 
Published: April 2006

Summary
Miconazole cream was compared with Whitfield's Ointment in a single blind trial for the treatment of erythrasma amongst patients in a hospital for the mentally subnormal. There was no significant difference in the effectiveness of the preparations when applied twice daily; more than 90% of all sites were cleared, although miconazole cream was much less irritating than Whitfield's Ointment.
Photochemotherapy for psoriasis remission times. Psoralens and UV-A and combined photochemotherapy with anthralin
Authors: CRIPPS D.J. , LOWE N.J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryOral methoxsalen and long-wave ultraviolet light (PUVA) was evaluated in 187 psoriatics, with emphasis on remission and recurrence after therapy. The mean number of years psoriasis had been present was 18.3, the mean psoriatic involvement 34.8% the dose at the time of maximum clearance was 11.8 J/cm2, and the mean number of treatments to achieve maximum clearance was 175. Complete clearance was achieved in sixty-one patients and in this group the average number of treatments to achieve maximum clearance was 16.8, the initial remission times ranged from 4 to 64 weeks, with an average of 21.6 weeks. In patients subsequently retreated, the remission time was only 12.4 weeks (57%), but the mean number of treatments to achieve maximum clearance was reduced (11.4) and patients responded more easily to treatment. Sixteen patients were treated in addition to PUVA, with anthralin in Lassars' paste with clearing achieved between six and fifteen treatments, a mean of 9.5.Combinations of PUVA with other forms of psoriatic treatment may also help to reduce the cumulative PUVA exposures.
GRAVITY EFFECT OF EARTH TIDES*
Authors: BAARS B. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe gravity effect of earth tides was measured simultaneously at 26 stations, with 2 instruments at 3 of the stations. After a description of the stations, the corrections on the measurements are described. The results for the separate measurements are given and it can be stated that, within the accuracy of the measurements is very probably constant and has a value of 1.22. If this value is combined with Nishimura's value 0.66 for (1 − h + k), it can be shown that Takeuchi's earth models fit these values provided a value of 2.7 is taken for the surface density of the earth. The importance of a constant value for in gravity surveys is pointed out.
APPLICATION OF VERTICAL GRADIENTS AND COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT GEOPHYSICAL METHODS IN A DIFFICULT AREA*
Authors: SELEM A. M. , MONNET C. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSeismic reflection, telluric and gravity results are given for the lifted area of Ferrara, in Northern Italy. The agreement is shown between the available shallow seismic data and the gravity evidences. For a portion of the above area where seismic results are particularly poor the vertical gradients method gives a resolution of a gravity anomaly and confirms the telluric information. The residual gravity values, the vertical gradients and the telluric data along a seismic line crossing the zone are compared with seismic results and with evidences from adjacent wells.
SOME PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF INTERPRETATION OF TELLURIC METHODS IN LANGUEDOC (SOUTH‐EASTERN FRANCE)*
Authors: MAINGUY M. , GREPIN A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn the region covered by the paper, electrical methods have been applied in four different zones:

Ales‐Maruejols Basin (resistive lower Oligocene blanketed by conductive Upper Oligocene);
Ledignan and Vaunage‐Lunel anticlines (faulted structures in the marly and limy Cretaceous, with different resistivities;
Camargue (thick series of conductive sediments);
Beziers Basin (highly complicated structures in the Mesozoic, widely blanketed by conductive Miocene).

It may be assumed that electrical methods can yield valuable information enabling one to define the rugged subsurface topography of resistive strata burried under a reasonably thick cover of conductive sediments especially when a part of the lower formation outcrops even if the part exposed be small. Faults may be delineated and much, more information is obtainable than can be expected from gravity meter survey at a price not very much higher.
A COMPARISON OF THE SECOND DERIVATIVE METHOD OF GRAVITY INTERPRETATION WITH REFLECTION SEISMICS AND GEOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN THE OFFENBURG AREA*
Authors: ROSENBACH OTTO , KOEHLER R. , WIRTH E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present investigation is to examine the significance of the second derivative for the purpose of the prospective determination of the geological properties of the district of Offenburg, which are relatively wellknown as a result of both reflection seismic and bore profile findings.The calculation of the second derivative is carried out by means of three approximation formulae, which are compared with each other. In contrast to the isogam map the second derivative shows some additional characteristics, whose structural significance illuminates the comparison with the results of reflection seismics.A geological profile constructed on the basis of 6 wells completely confirms the geophysical findings.
EXTENSION TO THREEDIMENSIONAL PROBLEMS CONCERNING AN APPROXIMATE CORRECTION METHOD FOR REFRACTION IN REFLECTION SEISMIC PROSPECTING*
Authors: KREY TH. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe formulas derived by the author in a preliminary paper for taking into consideration refraction when dealing with the problem of a vertical plane are extended to the three‐dimensional case. Vector analysis is extensively applied. Among others it is shown that in the general case the 3 horizontal twodimensional vectors, i.e.

the gradient of the time of reflection
the direction of true dip
the vector from the shot point to the projection of the reflecting point, point into 3 different directions.
DIE ABHÄNGIGKEIT DES SCHEINBAREN WIDERSTANDES VOM SONDENABSTAND BEI DER VIERPUNKT‐METHODE*
Authors: DEPPERMANN K. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe dependence of the apparent resistivity on the distance between the potential electrodes is examined and a numerical method is described permitting quantitative calculations. Such a numerical relation is also established for the transformation of Wenner graphs into Schlumberger graphs.In addition it is shown, in which manner the jumps in observed Schlumberger curves, that result from changing the probe spacing, must be smoothed out.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON SEISMIC WEATHERING CORRECTIONS
Authors: KOEFOED O. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWhen a rather extensive network of short distance refraction profiles was shot the following two observations were made. Firstly, the wave velocity in the weathered layer showed a quite considerable fluctuation in horizontal direction, the extreme values being of the order of 300 and 700 m/sec. A practical result of this scattering of the velocities is that an uncertainty of about 10% is introduced in the computation of the weathering corrections. The second observation is that, in the majority of cases, the travel time curve does not pass through the origin. It could be ascertained that this observation was not caused by errors in the method of observation. A probable explanation of the phenomenon is found in a theory that has been developed by Gassmann, who derived the velocity distribution for a hexagonal packing of spherical solid bodies. According to this theory extremely low velocities would occur in the first few centimeters of the crust of the earth. Qualitatively, our observations are in agreement with the theory of Gassmann.
A REMARK CONCERNING THE PROBLEM OF HOW TO PLACE THE REFERENCE PLANE (DATUM LEVEL) IN REFLECTION SEISMIC PROSPECTING*
Authors: KREY T. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIt has been shown in a paper by L. Y. Faust that the wave velocity in rock depends on the depth below the ground surface according to a specified equation. It follows that the attitude of the planes of equal velocity is influenced by the topographic relief. Under these conditions the problem arises of how to place the reference plane in such a manner, that the fluctuations of the planes of equal velocity, that result from the fluctuations in the topography, shall not affect the results of the depth computations. In the present paper an analytical solution of this problem is given.
MESURE DU BRUIT ET SISMOS MULTIPLES (etude experimentale dans les Landes)*
Authors: RICHARD HENRI , RIMBAUT MARCEL 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTTo improve the ratio of signal to noise resulting from the shot, seismologists have increased the number of geophones in each recording channel and have also increased the length of each spread. As a rule, however, the effectiveness of this multiple recording is based on theoretical considerations, and it appeared desirable to carry out an experimental investigation to obtain a direct measurement of the reduction in noise as a function of the geophone pattern etc. The work was done in the Landes where experience had shown that recording was difficult.The experimental arrangement, which allowed the accurate measurement of the noise without interference from reflected energy, is described.Shots, repeated under apparently identical conditions, revealed the random nature of the noise and pointed to the necessity of a large number of experiments to yield an accurate result. Two geophone patterns were employed, one of 12 geophones in a straight line and the other of two parallel lines of geophones, the directions of the geophone lines being either along the shot line, perpendicular to the shot line or at some intermediate angle.The results obtained, in two widely spaced locations were in good agreement and allowed definite conclusions to be drawn. When the 12 geophone line is long enough the noise is reduced by a factor of 0.36 and with two lines, each 55 metres long and containing 12 geophones, the reduction was 0.29, if the lines were sufficiently widely separated. The results agree with the factor K N‐½ for the reduction in noise where N is the number of geophones per trace and K is a factor close to unity. The results also show the influence of the length of the geophone line its orientation and its mean distance from the shot.