bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the AK model still alive? The long‐run relation between growth and investment re‐examined
Authors: Li Dajin 
Published: March 2003

To explore the empirical validity of AK‐type endogenous growth models, the long‐run relation between growth and investment is examined. Contrary to Jones’s (1995) findings, the broadly measured rate of investment exerts a long‐run positive effect on the growth rate. This result is supported by evidence from twenty‐four OECD countries, 1950–92, and five major industrialized countries, 1870–1987. The panel‐data evidence from OECD countries also supports an extended AK model based on the Uzawa (1965) / Lucas (1988) two‐sector model with transitional dynamics. These findings suggest that the long‐run relation between growth and investment is consistent the AK model. JEL Classification: O4 Est‐ce que le modèle AK est encore en vie? Un autre coup d’œil sur la relation à long terme entre croissance et investissement. Pour explorer la validité empirique des modèles de croissance endogène de type AK, l’auteur jette un autre coup d’œil sur la relation à long terme entre croissance et investissement. Contrairement à ce que suggèrent les résultats de l’étude de Jones (1995), le taux d’investissement mesuré d’une manière assez compréhensive exerce un effet positif sur le taux de croissance à long terme. Ce résultat est supporté par les données récoltées pour vingt‐quatre pays de l’OCDE entre 1950 et 1992, et pour cinq pays industrialisés importants entre 1870 et 1987. Les résultats tirés des études longitudinales des pays de l’OCDE supportent aussi une version générale du modèle AK fondée sur le modèle à deux secteurs à la Uzawa (1965) / Lucas (1988) avec dynamique de transition. Ces résultats suggèrent que la relation en longue période entre croissance et investissement est consistante avec le modèle AK.
Tax–preferred savings accounts and marginal tax rates: evidence on RRSP participation
Authors: Milligan Kevin 
Published: March 2003

The effect of taxes on participation in Registered Retirement Savings Plans between 1982 and 1996 is studied. Interprovincial changes in the tax structure over this period provide identifying variation. Using this variation, I find that taxes influence households’ participation decisions, but more weakly than previously estimated. A 10 percentage point increase in the marginal tax rate is estimated to increase the probability of participation by 8 per cent. This explains only 5.1 per cent of the trend in participation. I also find suggestive evidence that the carryforward mechanism may be used as an instrument for tax base smoothing. JEL Classification: H24 Comptes d’épargne fiscalement privilégiés et taux marginaux d’imposition : résultats sur la participation aux régimes enregistrés d’épargne retraite (REER). Ce mémoire étudie les effets du régime d’imposition sur la participation aux régimes enregistrés d’épargne retraite (REER) entre 1982 et 1996. Les changements dans la structure d’imposition d’une province à l’autre au cours de la période fournissent un éventail de possibilités. Utilisant cet éventail, l’auteur découvre que le régime fiscal influence les décisions de participer des ménages, mais plus faiblement qu’on l’avait estimé précédemment. Un accroissement de 10 pour cent dans le taux marginal d’imposition accroît la probabilité de participation de 8 pour cent. Voilà qui explique seulement 5,1 pour cent de la tendance dans la participation. L’auteur découvre aussi que le mécanisme de report dans le temps de la portion inutilisée de la contribution aux REER peut être utilisé comme instrument de lissage de la base de revenus imposables.
Price rigidity, the mark–up, and the dynamics of the current account
Authors: Lombardo Giovanni 
Published: March 2003

The degree of competition affects the current account response to nominal shocks. The mechanism hinges on the relationship between the mark–up and the degree of real rigidity of prices. In a model with intermediate goods, the degree of real rigidity increases in the mark–up. A weaker response of prices to nominal shocks strengthens the ‘expenditure switching’ effect of the devaluation to the benefit of the current account. We analyse the relationship between the mark–up and the real rigidity in a simple closed economy model and show numerically how the mark–up can affect the response of the current account to monetary shocks in an open economy. JEL Classification: F32, E32 Rigidité des prix, marges bénéficiaires et la dynamique du compte courant. Ce mémoire montre que le degré de concurrence affecte la réaction du compte courant aux chocs nominaux. Le mécanisme dépend de la relation entre la marge beńéficiaire et le degré de rigidité réelle des prix. Dans un modèle qui prend en compte les biens intermédiaires, le degré de rigidité réelle des prix s’accroît avec la marge bénéficiaire. Une réponse plus faible des prix aux chocs nominaux renforce l’effet de « déplacement de la dépense » de la dévaluation au bénéfice du compte courant. On analyse d’abord la relation entre la marge bénéficiaire et la rigidité réelle des prix dans un modèle simple d'économie fermée. On montre ensuite en chiffres comment la marge bénéficiaire peut affecter la réaction du compte courant aux chocs monétaires.
Monthly measurements of indoor allergens and the influence of housing type in a northeastern US city
Authors: Chew G.L. , Higgins K.M. , Gold D.R. , Muilenberg M.L. , Burge H.A. , Gold D.R. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We examined seasonal variation of dust‐mite (Der f 1 and Der p 1), cat (Fel d 1), and cockroach (Bla g 1) allergens in Boston, while adjusting for other covariates. Limited data are available on seasonal patterns of indoor allergen concentrations for different geographic regions in the USA. Understanding within‐home seasonal variation of allergens is important epidemiologically and clinically.Methods: From June 1995 to June 1996, dust samples were vacuumed monthly from the bed, bedroom floor, and kitchen of 20 homes. Indoor temperatures were measured monthly and used in calculating relative and absolute humidity. Monthly home characteristics questionnaires were completed by an adult resident of each home. Dust samples were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.Results: Der f 1 and Der p 1 in beds and floors peaked in the autumn months, Fel d 1 peaked in winter and spring, and Bla g 1 was highest in summer. Dust‐mite allergen concentrations were 1.9–2.4 times higher in autumn than spring, but the levels in beds were 19–31 times higher in houses than those in apartments. Although Fel d 1 levels in beds were 2.4 times higher in spring than summer, homes with cats had levels 224 times higher than those without cats. Similarly, Bla g 1 levels in kitchens were 2.1 times higher in summer than winter, but apartments had levels five times higher than those of houses.Conclusions: Sampling season is a source of within‐home dust‐mite, cat, and cockroach allergen variation in the northeastern USA. However, the influence of housing type and owning a cat far outweighed the seasonal variation of these indoor allergens.Abbreviations: SD: standard deviation; ELISA: enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; Aw: water activity; mAb: monoclonal antibody; BSA: bovine serum albumin; PBS: phosphate‐buffered saline; T: Tween 20 solution; BBS: borate‐buffered saline; LOD: limit of detection.
Increased occurrence of IgE+ and FcεRI+ cells in adenoids from atopic children
Authors: Papatziamos G. , Hemlin C. , Van Der Ploeg I , Patwardhan A , Scheynius A 
Published: March 2003

Background: To examine the influence of atopy on the different cell populations in adenoids, we investigated the presence of IgE+ cells, cells expressing the high‐affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI), and various other cell populations in adenoid tissue, in atopic and nonatopic children with otitis media with effusion (OME) or adenoid hyperplasia (AH). Methods: Cryostat sections of adenoids from 14 atopic and 16 nonatopic children suffering from long‐lasting OME (n=15) or obstructive AH (n=15) were investigated with immunohistochemical markers for T‐cell subsets, mast cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, CD25, CD1a, IgE, and FcεRI. Results: Sensitization to allergens was correlated to an increase of IgE+ cells in the epithelium (P<0.01), the extrafollicular area (P<0.0001), and the follicles (P<0.001) of the adenoids and an increase of FcεRI+ cells in the extrafollicular area (P<0.01). A minority of the IgE+ cells were plasma cells. No significant differences in cells stained for IgE, FcεRI, or the other markers were observed between patients with OME and AH. Conclusions: Atopy is associated with increased numbers of IgE+ and FcεRI+ cells in adenoids irrespective of whether the child has OME or AH.
Dietary assessment in five cases of allergic reactions due to gastroallergic anisakiasis
Authors: Alonso A , Moreno‐Ancillo A , Daschner A , López‐Serrano M 
Published: March 2003

Background: Anisakis simplex can cause allergic reactions in sensitized patients. Some of these reactions are related to acute parasitism, as is shown in gastroallergic anisakiasis (anisakiasis with digestive and predominantly allergic symptoms). At present, a nonseafood diet is recommended for all patients with any kind of A. simplex allergy. We wished to confirm the clinical suspicion that patients with allergic symptoms after ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood who are sensitized to A. simplex, and diagnosed with gastroallergic anisakiasis, can tolerate the ingestion of seafood when the parasites are dead and noninfective. Methods: We included patients diagnosed with gastroallergic anisakiasis (positive skin prick test or/and serum specific IgE to A. simplex, with one or more parasites found by gastroscopy in the stomach). Patients included in the study gave written, informed consent. Specimens of A. simplex about 2 cm long were selected, placed in capsules, and frozen at −20°C for more than 48 h to make them noninfective. We administered 11 specimens to every patient at the hospital. If they tolerated the larvae, they were told to eat well‐frozen seafood (−20°C at least 48 h). After 6 months, the patients were re‐evaluated. Results: Five patients accepted the challenge with noninfective A. simplex larvae. All tolerated the noninfective larvae. After eating deep‐frozen seafood for 6 months, no patient suffered a reaction. Conclusions: In gastroallergic anisakiasis, the antigens of the live parasite probably cause the allergic symptoms. Patients with this disease can tolerate deep‐frozen seafood, in which the parasites are dead.
Sublingual‐swallow immunotherapy (SLIT) with a standardized five‐grass‐pollen extract (drops and sublingual tablets) versus placebo in seasonal rhinitis
Authors: Pradalier A , Basset D , Couturier P , Claudel A , Wessel F , Galvain S , André C 
Published: March 2003

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of sublingual‐swallow immunotherapy (SLIT) in seasonal and perennial rhinitis. Sublingual administration of solutions is not convenient for all patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy administered sublingually, initially as drops, and then as tablets during maintenance therapy. Methods: A total of 126 patients with grass‐pollen seasonal rhinitis were included in this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. During the progression of doses phase, the five‐grass extract was given as sublingual drops from 1 to 100 IR/ml. Once the 100 IR dose was reached, the drops were replaced by a single 100‐IR sublingual tablet per day. Results: Throughout the grass‐pollen season, patients in the active treatment group had significantly lower (P<0.05) total conjunctivitis and ocular redness scores. Rhinitis symptoms were not significantly different between the two groups. Patients given the active treatment were significantly (P<0.02) less likely to have asthma symptoms. The global medication score showed no significant difference between the two groups. A highly significant difference in favor of the active treatment group was seen in inhaled salbutamol use (P<0.01). Conclusions: Clinical benefits achieved during the present study included significant improvements in conjunctivitis symptoms and prevention of asthma symptoms. The overall safety profile of the active treatment (drops or tablets) was good.
Prenatal factors and occurrence of rhinitis and eczema among offspring
Authors: Xu B , Pekkanen J , Järvelin M‐r 
Published: March 2003

Background: It has recently been suggested that an atopic phenotype may already be programmed in utero. We examine here the association between prenatal factors and the subsequent development of allergic rhinitis and eczema among offspring. Methods: The analyses were based on 8088 children in a population‐based prospective birth cohort started in northern Finland in 1985–6. Results: The prevalences of allergic rhinitis and allergic eczema by the age of 7 years among 8088 children were 3.3% and 6.7%, respectively. The results indicate that low parity, febrile infections in pregnancy, and the use of contraceptives before pregnancy increased the risk of allergic disorders among children. Bleeding in the first trimester and a greater weight gain during pregnancy appeared to be risk factors for rhinitis only. Children whose mothers experienced infections in the first trimester had ORs of 2.65 (95% CI 1.50–4.69) for rhinitis and 1.63(95%CI1.00–2.69) for eczema after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions: Obstetric complications and infection in pregnancy may increase the risk of allergic disorders among the offspring.
Evaluation of acoustic rhinometry in a nasal provocation test with allergen
Authors: Ganslmayer M. , Spertini F. , Terrien M.‐H. , Leimgruber A. , Rahm F. , Mosimann B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The objective was to validate acoustic rhinometry (AR) in a nasal challenge with allergen. Methods: Nasal response to allergen provocation was based on clinical and symptom scores, cross‐sectional changes of the nasal mucosa as measured by AR with the Rhinoklack® system, and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), in atopic and nonatopic volunteers. Results: After allergen challenge, mean variation in minimal cross‐sectional area (ΔMCA), as measured by AR, or in peak nasal inspiratory flow (ΔPNIF) in nonatopic volunteers, was −0.4±14.3% and 5.2±15.7%, respectively, compared to baseline. This allowed the determination of a reaction threshold of −29% for ΔMCA and of −26% for ΔPNIF. All but one of the 30 atopic patients reached the AR reaction threshold, whereas all patients reached the PNIF reaction threshold. AR and PNIF closely correlated with clinical and symptom scores for nasal congestion, since there was no significant difference at reaction threshold between both methods. Conclusions: In an allergen provocation test, AR appears to be as specific and sensitive as peak nasal inspiratory flow, with the advantage of being independent of the patient's active cooperation. Discrepancies between both methods emphasize the role of nasal cavity anatomy in measuring nasal congestion by AR.
Comparison of methods to assess airborne rat and mouse allergen levels. II. Factors influencing antigen detection
Authors: Renström A , Gordon S , Hollander A , Spithoven J , Larsson PH , Venables KM , Heederik D , Malmberg P 
Published: March 2003

Potential factors influencing antigen detection in immunoassays for measuring rat or mouse aeroallergen (i.e., assay setup, antigen specificities, standard extracts used, and antigen decay) were investigated in a three‐country study (the UK, The Netherlands, Sweden). An inhibition enzyme immunoassay (EIA) setup gave nominal rat urinary allergen (RUA) sample values seven times higher than a sandwich EIA setup utilizing identical antibodies and standards. In immunoblotting experiments, pooled patient serum and polyclonal rabbit antibodies partly detected different rat antigens; monoclonal antibody specificity could not be determined. Immunoblot detection of mouse urinary antigens (MUA) by the polyclonal rabbit antibodies from all laboratories was similar. In both the RUA and the MUA assays, urinary antigen standards were detected with similar potency, except purified Rat n 1, which was an inefficient inhibitor in the RUA RAST inhibition. In the sandwich EIA RUA assays, a rat room‐dust extract was detected with 700–800‐fold less sensitivity than rat urine, whereas in the RAST RUA assay, dust inhibited equally with rat urine. Simulated decay did not decrease the potency of urinary antigen in any assay. Thus, assay setup and choice of detection antibodies strongly influence the nominal allergen levels. We recommend the use of standardized and characterized antibodies and standard extracts in sandwich EIAs to measure airborne rodent urinary allergens. Abbreviations: NHLI: National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK; WAU: Wageningen Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands; NIWL: National Institute for Working Life, Solna, Sweden; Ab: antibody; mAb: monoclonal antibody; EIA: enzyme immunoassay; RAST: radioallergosorbent test; RIA: radioimmunoassay; MUA: mouse urinary allergen; RUA: rat urinary allergen; BSA: bovine serum albumin; HSA: human serum albumin; PBS: phosphate‐buffered saline; PTFE: polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon); TBS: Tris‐buffered saline.
Increased risk of allergy in children due to formaldehyde exposure in homes
Authors: Garrett MH , Hooper MA , Hooper BM , Rayment PR , Abramson MJ 
Published: March 2003

Background: Formaldehyde levels were measured in 80 houses in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia. An association between exposure to formaldehyde and sensitization to common aeroallergens has been suggested from animal trials, but no epidemiologic studies have tested this hypothesis. Methods: A total of 148 children 7–14 years of age were included in the study, 53 of whom were asthmatic. Formaldehyde measurements were performed on four occasions between March 1994 and February 1995 with passive samplers. A respiratory questionnaire was completed, and skin prick tests were performed. Results: The median indoor formaldehyde level was 15.8 μg/m3(12.6 ppb), with a maximum of 139 μg/m3 (111 ppb). There was an association between formaldehyde exposure and atopy, and the adjusted odds ratio was 1.40 (0.98–2.00, 95% CI) with an increase in bedroom formaldehyde levels of 10 μg/m3. Furthermore, more severe allergic sensitization was demonstrated with increasing formaldehyde exposure. On the other hand, there was no significant increase in the adjusted risk of asthma or respiratory symptoms with formaldehyde exposure. However, among children suffering from respiratory symptoms, more frequent symptoms were noted in those exposed to higher formaldehyde levels. Conclusions: Low‐level exposure to indoor formaldehyde may increase the risk of allergic sensitization to common aeroallergens in children.
Analysis of hsp70 gene polymorphism in allergic asthma
Authors: Aron Y , Busson M , Polla BS , Dusser D , Lockhart A , Swierczewski E , Favatier F 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergic asthma is a multifactorial and probably multigenic inflammatory disease of the upper airways, and has been associated with the HLA class II alleles DR4 and DR7. Here we investigated possible associations with other polymorphic susceptibility/resistance genes located within the major histocompatibility complex, i.e., the genes coding the major 70‐kDa heat‐shock proteins (HSP; Hsp70) hsp70–1, hsp70–2, and hsp70‐HOM, whose products are overexpressed in the bronchi of asthmatic patients. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes or buccal epithelial cells of 48 patients with allergic asthma and 31 selected nonatopic control subjects, in whom we previously reported a strong association of atopy with DR4/DR7 alleles.Results: No evidence was found for an independent role of hsp70 gene polymorphism in susceptibility to allergic asthma. However, hsp70 alleles might be involved in extended haplotypes of HLA markers. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Hsp70 overexpression in asthma results from complex interactions between environmental exposures and genetic background rather than from specific genetic variations in hsp70 genes.
Continuous antihistamine treatment controls allergic inflammation and reduces respiratory morbidity in children with mite allergy
Authors: Ciprandi G , Tosca M , Passalacqua G , Canonica GW , Ricca V , Landi M 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergic reaction is characterized by a complex inflammatory process. Some of the new antihistamines have antiallergic effects and can affect the inflammatory cell recruitment via adhesion molecule downregulation. We aimed to assess in a 12‐month study whether continuous treatment with an antihistamine (terfenadine) can reduce respiratory symptoms and local inflammation in children with mite allergy. Methods: The study was double‐blind and placebo‐controlled: it involved two parallel groups of children suffering from rhinoconjunctivitis and/or mild intermittent asthma due to mite allergy. They received either terfenadine (1 mg/kg per body weight per day) or placebo for 1 year. Nasal, conjunctival, and bronchial symptoms were recorded by diary cards; at each of the programmed control visits, a nasal scraping for inflammatory cells and ICAM‐1 was performed. Some additional clinical parameters were also recorded: days of school absence, extra visits for acute respiratory symptoms, and days of hospital admission. Results: Only children treated with terfenadine achieved significant control of symptoms (P<0.05 in 8 out of 12 months) and allergic inflammation, as shown by inflammatory cell infiltrate and ICAM‐1 expression at nasal level (P<0.001), and had significantly fewer extra visits and school absences than the placebo group (P<0.03). No side‐effects were reported in either group. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that continuous terfenadine treatment (1 mg/kg body weight per day) could decrease respiratory symptoms and allergic inflammation, and it had an additional antiallergic effect in reducing ICAM‐1 expression on nasal epithelial cells. Therefore, the present results confirm the efficacy of a long‐term therapeutic strategy in controlling allergic inflammation.
Identification of bovine IgG as a major cross‐reactive vertebrate meat allergen
Authors: Ayuso R. , Lehrer S. B. , Lopez M. , Reese G. , Ibañez M. D. , Esteban M. Martin , Ownby D. R. , Schwartz H. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Although beef is a main source of protein in Western diets, very little has been published on allergic reactions to beef or the main allergens implicated in these reactions. The aim was to evaluate the IgE antibody response to beef in suspected meat‐allergic subjects and assess cross‐reactivity of beef with other vertebrate meats. Methods: Fifty‐seven sera from suspected meat‐allergic subjects were tested by grid blot for specific IgE antibodies to vertebrate meats (beef, lamb, pork, venison, and chicken), and the patterns of recognition of meat proteins were assessed by immunoblot studies. Results: A 160‐kDa band, identified as bovine IgG, was detected in raw beef in 83% (10/12) of beef‐allergic subjects but in only 24% of the beef‐tolerant subjects. IgE reactivity to a band of similar mol. mass was detected also in lamb and venison, but rarely in pork or chicken. Complete inhibition of the IgE reactivity to the bovine IgG was obtained with lamb, venison, and milk. IgE reactivity to this band also completely disappeared when beef or lamb extracts were separated under reducing conditions, indicating conformational epitopes. Conclusions: Bovine IgG appears to be a major cross‐reacting meat allergen that could predict beef allergy. Further studies with oral IgG challenges should be performed to document the conclusion that in vitro reactivity correlates with clinical hypersensitivity. The role of bovine IgG in other bovine products such as milk, dander, or hair must also be studied, and the hypothesis that it is a cross‐reacting allergen with other mammalian products validated.