bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The interaction of tumour necrosis factor alpha and endothelin‐1 in pathogenetic models of asthma
Authors: XU J. , ZHONG* N. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground There is evidence that tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) may be an important mediator in initiating asthmatic airway inflammation. It has been proposed that endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is involved in bronchoconstriction and airway remodelling in asthma. It is not known, however, if there is any interaction between TNFα and ET in perpetuating airway inflammation in asthma.Objective The present study aimed to determine the activities of ET‐1 and TNFα in ovalbumin‐sensitized guinea pigs and their roles in the development of airway inflammation.Method Twelve guinea pigs were sensitized by ovalbumin injection and aerosol inhalation. ET‐1 levels were measured in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma by 125‐labelled endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) radioimmunoassay. The TNFα activity released from alveolar macrophage (AM) in BALF was estimated by ELISA. Cultured bovine airway smooth muscle cells (BASMCs) were treated with TNFα (1000 units/5 ± 104 cells) for different times. ET‐1 levels in harvested medium from these cells were measured by radioimmunoassay. Cultured human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFLFs) were incubated with ET‐1(10–8–10–6M), then 3HTdR incorporation to these cells and cell counting were performed. The effects of ET‐1 stimulation on the granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM CSF) gene expression in HFLFs were estimated by using RT‐ PCR method.Results ET‐1 levels in both plasma and BALF were significantly higher in ovalbumin‐ sensitized guinea‐pigs compared with those in controls (422.27 × 175.0pg/mL vs 277.311 × 88.0pg/mL, P < 0.05, 81.22 × 16.15 vs 49.81 × 12.64pg/mL, P < 0.05) while TNFα activity was also significantly increased in the OVA‐sensitized group compared with that in the control group (6010 ± 1900pg/mL vs 2810 × 450 pg/mL, P < 0.05). The ET‐1 level in harvested medium of BASMCs rose significantly in 12 h in the TNF‐α treated group (from < 5pg/mL to53.72 × 14.3pg/mL, P < 0.001), and remained at a similar level for 24 h in the TNFα treated group. It was shown that ET‐1 not only stimulated cell proliferation but also induced GM‐CSF mRNA expression in HFLFs.Conclusion ET‐1 levels in both plasma and BALF and TNFα release from macrophage are increased significantly in ovalbumin‐sensitized guinea‐pigs. TNFα stimulates ET‐1 secretion from cultured BASMCsw; ET‐1 accelerates cell proliferation and induces GM‐ CSF mRNA expression in the human fetal lung fibroblast.
Sensitivity to bee and wasp venoms: association with specific IgE responses to the bee and wasp venom and HLA DRB1 and DPB1
Authors: FAUX J. A. , MOFFATT M. F. , LALVANI A. , DEKKER J. , WARRELL D. A. , COOKSON W. O. C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Stings from bees and wasps can cause systemic reactions which can be fatal in some individuals. In these venom‐sensitive patients, specific IgE to the venom is produced and is considered to participate in the adverse reactions. This immune response requires antigen presentation by human leucocyte antigens (HLA) class II molecules, which includes DR and DP, which are present on antigen presenting cells.Objective To test for associations between HLA class II DRB1 and DPB1 alleles and life‐ threatening sensitivity to both bee and wasp venoms. To establish further whether any associations are independent of the atopy phenotype.Methods A total of 33 bee‐ and 44 wasp‐venom‐sensitive patients was studied. DRB1 genotypes were determined by single stranded oligonucleotide (SSO) probing of PCR products, and DPB1 genotypes by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. Total and specific IgE were measured using the Pharmacia Immunocap, FEIA. Patients with specific IgE to the venom antigens only were termed monosensitive and those with additional specific IgE to HDM and/or GP were termed polysensitive.Results Allele frequencies were compared to an unrelated control population. The 33 bee‐ sensitive patients had a greater prevalence of DRB 1*07 alleles than the control subjects, 26% vs 14%, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.1 (95%CI, 1.2–3.7, P= 0.015, corrected for multiple comparisons, pc > = ns). This association was confined to the 15 monosensitive bee patients, who had a 43% DRB 1*07 allele frequency when compared with 11% in the 18 polysensitive bee patients, OR 6.1 (95%CI, 1.73–22, P= 0.004, pc= 0.05), and when compared with a control group of non‐venom subjects, 43% vs 16%, OR 3.9 (95% CI, 1.72–9.0, P= 0.002, pc= 0.02). The 44 wasp‐sensitive patients had an increase in the DRB1*11 allele when compared with the control subjects, 13% vs 6%, with an OR 2.2 (95%CI, 1.0–4.6, P= 0.04, pc= NS), and a decreased prevalence of DRB 1*04 alleles, 10% vs 19%, with an OR 0.33 (95%CI, 0.24–0.99, P= 0.04, pc= NS), but these were not significant when multiple comparisons were taken into account. The DPB1 alleles were not significantly different between the venom sensitive patients and the controls.Conclusion Patients monosensitive to bee venom had a significantly greater prevalence of DRB 1 *07 alleles than the non‐venom, control population suggesting that IgE responses in these patients may, in part be controlled by immune response HLA class II genes. These results are also suggestive of wasp‐sensitive patients having a higher prevalence of DRB1*11 and a lower prevalence of DRB 1*04 than the control population.
Cell surface expression of two major yeast allergens in the Pityrosporum genus
Authors: ZARGARI A. , EMILSON A. , HALLDÉN G. , JOHANSSON S. , SCHEYNIUS A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground We have previously identified two major allergens of Pityrosporum orbiculare and characterized these as 37 kDa and 67 kDa proteins.Objective In the present study we have investigated the presence and subcellular location of the 37 kDa and 67 kDa allergen components in various members of the genus Pityrosporum as well as in Candida albicans. Candida parapsilosis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods To detect both cell surface and intracellular expression of the allergens, flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used. The cells were stained with indirect immunofluorescent (IIP) or alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase (APAAP) methods using mouse monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs)Results Ninety‐five per cent of the P. orbiculare (P. ovale) cells cultured for 4 days showed cell surface‐binding of the anti‐37 kDa MoAb and 88% of the cells bound the anti‐ 67 kDa MoAb when analysed with IIF and flow cytometry. It was found that the members of the genus Pityrosporum (Malassezia). P. pachydermatis and M. sympodialis, expressed the 37 kDa and 67 kDa allergens to a similar extent as did P. orbiculare. Less than 5% of the cells of the genus Candida and S. cerevisiae showed positive staining with the MoAbs, The CLSM revealed that the 37 kDa and the 67 kDa components were located to the cell wall and could not be detected inside the acetone fixed and APAAP stained yeast cells of the genus Pityrosporum. When the yeast cells were cultured for more than 4 days the expression of both allergens decreased significantly.Conclusion All three members of the genus Pityrosporum express the 37 kDa and 67 kDa major allergens on the cell surface, whereas these proteins could virtually not be detected in the Candida genus and S. cerevisiae.
Wheat flour peroxidase is a prominent allergen associated with baker's asthma
Authors: SÁNCHEZ‐MONGE R. , GARCÍA‐CASADO G. , LÓPEZ‐OTÍN† C. , ARMENTIA A. , SALCEDO G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Putative wheat allergens with molecular sizes around 35kDa have been repeatedly detected in immunoblots using sera from patients with baker's asthma. However, none of these allergens had been previously isolated.Objective
To purify and characterize a major component of the 35 kDa aliergenic band which seems to be present in flour from diploid. tetraploid (pasta) and hexaploid (bread) wheats.Methods
Gel‐filtration chromatography followed by RP‐HPLC have allowed the purification of a new wheat allergen. Immunodetection with sera from allergic patients and with a specific serum for asparagine‐linked complex glycans, as well as amino acid sequencing, were used to identify the isolated protein.Results
A 36 kDa allergen has been purified from wheat flour. Its N‐terminal and internal sequences, N‐linked glycans, and enzymatic activity indicated that this allergen is a seed‐specific peroxidase. Sera from six out of 10 patients hypersensitive to wheat flour displayed positive reactions when assayed against the purified dot‐blotted allergen.Conclusion
Seed‐specific peroxidases from cereals (flours) seem to be important allergens in hypersensitive diseases associated with the manipulation of these plant materials. A new enzyme has thus been involved in IgE‐mediated diseases.
Induced sputum to assess airway inflammation: a study of reproducibility
Authors: SPANEVELLO A. , MIGLIORI G. B. , SHARARA A. , BALLARDlNI L. , BRIDGE P. , PISATT P. , NERI M. , IND P. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Infiltration of the airways mucosa with activated inflammatory cells appears to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of asthma and other airway diseases. Examination of sputum provides a direct method to investigate airway inflammation non‐invasively.Objectives
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproducibility of cell counts on cytospins and fluid phase (eosinophil cationic protein, ECP) measurements in a selected portion of induced sputum. We aimed to confirm the validity of the tecnique by comparing measurements between stable asthmatics, allergic rhinithis and healthy subjects.Methods
Sputum was induced with hypertonic saline (4.5%) twice within one week in 53 stable asthmatics, 16 subjects with seasonal rhinitis (out of the pollen season), and 19 healthy subjects. Reproducibility was examined within sample (two different plugs of the same sample) between sample (two specimens of induced sputum obtained within one week) and between examiners on stable subjects taking into account sample size, number of examinations per patients and Confidence Interval (CI) of the estimates.Results
We have found that the method is highly reproducible within sample and between examiners for all types of cells and fluid phase measurements of ECP. It is reproducible between sample for eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils and ECP, but not for lymphocytes and weakly for epithelial cells. Sputum from asthmatics, in comparison with the sputum of healthy subjects and subjects with rhinitis had higher eosinophils (asthmatics: 12.2%± 12.9, rhinitis: 0.4 ± 0.8, normals: 0.4 ± 0.7(%) and ECP (asthmatics: 827 ± 491 μg/L, rhinitis: 127 ± 82 normals: 157 ± 203). No significant differences were found between healthy subjects and subjects with rhinitis. Eosinophil counts were inversely correlated with FEV1 (r=−0.37) expressed as percentage of predicted, but not significantly correlated with PC20 methacholine (r =−0.28) or blood eosinophils (r = 0.26).Conclusions
The importance of this study is the confirmation, within important statistical guidelines for a study of reproducibility, that the methods examined are reproducible and valid.
Loratadine treatment of rhinitis due to pollen allergy reduces epithelial ICAM‐1 expression
Authors: CIPRANDI G. , PRONZATO C. , RICCA V. , PASSALACQUA G. , DANZIG M. , CANONICA G. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Loratadine and cetirizine are new generation antihistamines, which are clinically effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Objective
The aim of the study was to evaluate antiallergic activity of loratadine compared with cetirizine, over a 2 week period under natural allergen exposure, in a double‐blind parallel groups, randomized, controlled trial.Methods
Twenty patients, sensitized to grass and/or Parietaria pollen, were subdivided into two groups, one receiving loratadine the other cetirizine respectively. Both were dosed at 10 mg/day. Evaluated parameters were: clinical symptoms, nasal inflammatory cell (such as neutrophil, eosinophil and metachromatic cells) counts, ICAM‐1 expression on nasal epithelial cells, and nasal mediators (e.g. histamine, ECP, EPO and MPO).Results
Loratadine and cetirizine significantly improved symptoms (P < 0.002), significantly reduced eosinophil (P < 0.016) and metachromatic cell (P < 0.01) infiltration, levels of ECP (F < 0.002), EPO (P < 0.006) and histamine (P < 0.01) and ICAM‐1 expression on nasal epithelial cells (P < 0.02). No difference was demonstrated between the two drugs.Conclusion
The antiallergic activity of loratadine and cetirizine is documented by their actions on the inflammatory and clinical parameters, especially ICAM‐1 modulation.
Malnutrition and experimental lung allergy
Authors: CUNHA M. G. , NASPITZ C. K. , MACEDO‐SOARES F. , AMÂNCIO O. M. , JANCAR S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Although it is commonly accepted that the immune response is affected by malnutrition there are very few data about its effect in allergie diseases.Objective
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of malnutrition in allergic lung inflammation.Methods
An anaphylactic reaction was induced in rat lungs and the increased vascular permeability was measured in the trachea, internal and external bronchi and parenchyma by the Evans blue extravasation method. These studies were conducted in two dietary groups: one fed a normoproteic diet (18%) and the other a hypoproteie diet (4.5%). When the animals were 60 days old the group fed the hypoproteie diet presented a reduction of 77.86% in bodyweight, 63.3% in food intake and 36% in plasma protein concentration characterizing a severe protein‐calorie malnutrition.Results
The anaphylactic reaction in the lungs induced a significant increase in vascular permeability in the trachea and bronchi of both dietary groups. However, the intensity of this effect was significantly lower in the malnourished group. Analysis of immunoglobulin isotypes in the serum by ELISA showed that whereas IgG1 and IgG2a levels were similar in both groups, the levels of IgE were significantly lower in the malnourished animals. Moreover, the levels of antigen‐specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgE were all significantly inhibited by the protein‐calorie malnutrition. When antibodies were passively transfered to the malnourished rats, they developed a reaction as intense as the normoproteic group.Conclusions
These results suggest that the capacity to release infiammatory mediators and the vascular response to these mediators is not affected by this type of malnutrition and, therefore, the diminished response of the airways reported here is probably due to the lower levels of anaphylactie antibodies produeed by the malnourished rats.
Wasp venom immunotherapy changes IgG antibody specificity
Authors: MICHILS A. , LEDENT C. , MAIRESSE M. , GOSSART B. , DUCHATEAU J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The evolution of the IgG response during venom immunotherapy (VIT) has been previously investigated in terms of antibody titres and subclasses.Objectives
The present work studied the evolution of IgG antibody fine specificity in wasp allergic patients treated with rush VIT.Methods
Antibody specificity was evaluated in 51 wasp allergic patients in competitive ELISA using streptavidin biotin technology. Patients were tested before and during specific rush immunotherapy (at 15 days, 6 months, 12 months) and compared with 44 patients treated by venom injections for at least 2 years.Results
The capacity of sera to prevent the antigen binding of pooled IgG from allergic patients changed rapidly with mean percentage inhibitions (± sd) falling from 70 ± 11–51 ± 18% after 15 days of treatment (P < 0.001 by one way anova). Similarly, the antigen binding capacity of pooled IgG from VIT patients was differently prevented by sera with mean percentage inhibitions increasing from 37 ± 12–65 ± 8 after 15 days of treatment (P < 0.0001 by one‐way anova).Conclusions
The immunodominance pattern of IgG epitopes recognized on wasp venom antigens by sera from wasp allergic patients changes soon after initiating rush VIT. Further studies will indicate whether, instead of measuring IgG titres, this marked change could be used as the basis of a new test for monitoring the outcome of VIT.
Bronchial and cutaneous responses in atopic dermatitis patients after allergen inhalation challenge
Authors: BRINKMAN L. , ASLANDER M. M. , RAAIJMAKERS J. A. M. , LAMMERS J.‐W. J. , KOENDERMAN L. , BRUIJNZEEL‐KOOMEN C. A. F. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is often associated with allergic asthma (AA). Inhalation of allergens influences the activity of AA but the effect on the skin in AD is unclear.Objectives
We evaluated the degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in eight AD patients with AA (AD+) and eight AD patients without AA (AD–) and studied bronchial and cutaneous responses after allergen inhalation challenge.Methods
All patients were treated in hospital for their eczema with tar ointment (pix liquida) and orally administered antihistamines (mean hospital stay 37 days). After clearing of the skin lesions allergen inhalation challenge was performed. Cutaneous responses were studied by measuring the‘Costa’ score before and 24 h after allergen inhalation challenge.Results
The median value of the provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall (PC20 Mch) in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was significantly higher in the AD– group compared to the AD+ group with median values of 10.70 and 0.60mg/mL, respectively. These values did not change significantly in both groups during hospital stay. After challenge all AD+ patients showed early and late asthmatic responses whereas only four AD– patients showed early asthmatic responses (mean values of the maximal fall in FEVl during the EAR 37%/16% and in PEF during the LAR 27%/4% for AD+ and AD–patients, respectively). The‘Costa’ score increased in both groups (mean score before 19.1/ 24.4 and after challenge 26.8/26.9 for AD+ and AD+ patients, respectively). The increase in the AD– group was significantly higher compared with the AD– group (P= 0.016).Conclusion
We conclude that allergen inhalation challenge causes a flare up of the skin lesions in atopic dermatitis patients. This was more prominent in atopic dermatitis patients who already suffered from an IgE‐mediated allergic inflammation in the lung.
Respiratory atopic disease, Ascaris‐immunoglobulin E and tuberculin testing in urban South African children
Authors: Obihara C. C. , Beyers N. , Gie R. P. , Hoekstra M. O. , Fincham J. E. , Marais B. J. , Lombard C. J. , Dini L. A. , Kimpen J. L. L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Epidemiological relation of intestinal helminth infection and atopic disease, both associated with a T‐helper (Th) 2 immune response, is controversial, as it has been reported that helminth infection may either suppress or pre‐dispose to atopic disease. This relation has not been tested in an area with a high burden of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, a known Th1‐stimulating infection.Objective
To study the association of intestinal helminth infection and atopic disease in a community where helminth infection is endemic and MTB infection is high.Methods
Three‐hundred and fifty‐nine randomly selected children aged 6–14 years from a poor urban suburb were tested with allergy questionnaire, skin prick test (SPT) to common aeroallergens, Ascaris‐specific IgE (Ascaris‐sIgE), fecal examination for pathogenic intestinal helminths and tuberculin skin testing (TST). Histamine bronchoprovocation was tested in the group of children aged 10 years and older. Results were corrected for demographic variables, socioeconomic status, parental allergy, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in the household, recent anthelminthic treatment and for clustering in the sampling unit.Results
Ascaris‐sIgE was elevated in 48% of children, Ascaris eggs were found in 15% and TST was positive in 53%. Children with elevated Ascaris‐sIgE had significantly increased risk of positive SPT to aeroallergens, particularly house dust mite, atopic asthma (ever and recent), atopic rhinitis (ever and recent) and increased atopy‐related bronchial hyper‐responsiveness. In children with negative TST (<10 mm), elevated Ascaris‐sIgE was associated with significantly increased risk of atopic symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 6.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9–22.4), whereas in those with positive TST (10 mm) this association disappeared (ORadj 0.96; 95% CI 0.4–2.8).Conclusions
These results suggest that immune response to Ascaris (Ascaris‐sIgE) may be a risk factor of atopic disease in populations exposed to mild Ascaris infection and that MTB infection may be protective against this risk, probably by stimulation of anti‐inflammatory networks.
POSSIBILITIES OF CONSTRUCTING TRUE RAY PATHS IN REFLECTION SEISMIC INTERPRETATION*
Authors: DÜRBAUM H. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractInvestigations into reflection seismic on the salt structure of Heide raised the following questions:

How can the different directions of trend of a series of layers be established?
How are the contour maps of reflecting horizons to be constructed if there is no general trend of the layers?

To answer these questions, the case of the subsoil consisting of a series of layers with plane reflecting beds and constant layer‐velocities is treated strictly. The strike lines of the reflecting planes may be at any angle whatever. However, formulas for constructing contour maps of the reflecting planes have been derived. With these formulas, the problem quoted under 1) has also been solved.The construction of contour maps is given.For special cases, formulas are obtained which have already been proved by others.
THE INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS OF VERTICAL VARIOMETERS*
Authors: BRUCKSHAW J. M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractUsing a comprehensive theory of the vertical force variometer, it is shown that the mean of the two readings taken in azimuths 180 degrees apart only eliminates the error of misorientation and of inclination of the knife edge if these factors are sufficiently small. The necessary accuracy in the 180 degree rotation and in the readjustment of the levels are investigated and a practical test is developed to allow the initial adjustments to be determined. Finally, a brief description of a new variometer tripod is given.
AN ATTEMPT TO INTERPRET THE GRAVIMETRIC MAP OF THE NORTHERN PART OF THE MOROCCAN BASIN OF GHARB. MAPS OF RESIDUAL ANOMALY AND FIRST DERIVATIVE*
Authors:   SOCIETE CHERIFIENNE DES PETROLES, AYNARD C. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe main features of the gravimetric map of the Gharb can be related to the shape of the basement, covered by cretaceous and miocene layers, with a total maximum thickness of 13,000 feet. For the interpretation of local features, in the northern part of the basin, first a regional anomaly has been drawn, then the map of the first derivative has been established.Both maps are compared with geological maps and seismic and electrical surveys. The results are the following:As for method, the advantages and limitations of both processes are outlined.As for geological interpretation, it is suggested that most of the local features of the gravimetric map are due to the preriffan tectonics.
A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE OF AN ANISOTROPIC VELOCITY‐LAYER*
Authors: HAGEDOORN J. G. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe results obtained from a number of seismic velocity well‐logging surveys and adjacent refraction sections are compared. The velocities derived by these two methods for a certain layer are found to differ appreciably. This is shown by presenting the time‐depth relations of the well‐surveys and the time‐d stance relations of the refraction sections at three locations, plotted on graphs with sloping depth‐ and distance axes.