bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post–Plaza intervention in the DEM/USD exchange rate
Authors: Fatum Rasmus 
Published: March 2003

In this paper, whether specific methods of conducting central bank interventions increase the likelihood of achieving its objectives in analysed. Daily Bundesbank and Fed intervention data covering the entire Post–Plaza period are used to estimate binary choice models over the sample of observations when at least one of the two central banks were intervening. The results suggest that central banks can, in fact, improve the likelihood of success primarily through coordination and that unilateral intervention conducted by the Bundesbank appears to have been destabilizing. Furthermore, it is shown that relatively infrequent intervention has a higher likelihood of success. JEL classification: E58, F31, F42, G15 Intervention dans le monde du taux de change dollar/mark après l’Accord de Plaza. Ce mémoire explore la question à savoir si des méthodes spécifiques d’intervention par la banque centrale accroissent la probabilité que les objectifs soient atteints. A l’aide de données sur l’impact des interventions de la Bundesbank et de la Federal Reserve pour toute la période qui a suivi l’Accord de Plaza, on calibre les modèles de choix binaires pour l’échantillon des données quand au moins l’une des deux banques centrales est intervenue. Les résultats suggèrent que les banques centrales peuvent en fait améliorer la probabilité de succès dans la poursuite des objectifs via la collaboration et que les interventions unilatérales de la Bundesbank semblent avoirété déstabilisantes. De plus, il semble que des inteerventions relativement moinsfréquentes ont une plus grande probabilité de succès.
Leukotriene (LT)‐receptor antagonist is more effective in asthmatic patients with a low baseline ratio of urinary LTE4 to 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐prostaglandin (PG)F1α
Authors: Tanaka H , Saitoh T , Kurokawa K , Teramoto S , Miyazaki N , Kaneko S , Hashimoto M , Abe S 
Published: March 2003

Background: To test the hypothesis that urinary levels of arachidonic acid metabolites may be a predicting factor of the effects of pranlukast, a selective leukotriene (LT) antagonist, on chronic adult asthma, we investigated the relationship between its clinical efficacy and urinary eicosanoid levels. Methods: An open, multicenter trial was conducted involving 38 stable moderate and severe asthmatic patients (mean percent predicted FEV1 was 71%). All patients received pranlukast (225 mg twice daily) for 4 weeks after a 2‐week run‐in period. Urinary levels of LTE4, 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane (TX) B2, 2,3‐ dinor‐6‐keto‐prostaglandin (PG) F1α, and creatinine were measured in 3‐h urine collected on day 1 of the treatment. The responder was defined by an improvement of asthma symptom scores and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Results: One patient was excluded because of an adverse effect, nausea. Thirteen out of 37 subjects were responders and 24 were nonresponders. There were no significant differences in patients' backgrounds and urinary arachidonate levels between the two groups. The urinary LTE4 to 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1α ratio in the responder was significantly lower (P=0.01) than that in the nonresponder. In all patients, a significant inverse correlation was revealed between the baseline urinary LTE4/2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1α ratio and the improvement of PEFR in the morning (r=−0.43, P=0.007). Conclusions: These data suggested that the urinary ratio of LTE4 to 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1α might be one of the predictive markers of the clinical efficacy of this LT‐receptor antagonist in asthmatic subjects.
Measurement of interstitial cetirizine concentrations in human skin: correlation of drug levels with inhibition of histamine‐induced skin responses
Authors: Petersen LJ , Church MK , Rihoux J‐P , Skov PS 
Published: March 2003

Background: The purpose of the present study was to measure the concentrations of cetirizine in the extracellular water compartment in intact human skin and assess simultaneously inhibition of histamine‐induced wheal and flare reactions. Methods: Skin cetirizine levels were collected by the microdialysis technique and analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. Skin levels in 20 subjects were compared to plasma levels for 4 h after a single oral dose of 10 or 20 mg of cetirizine. Skin prick tests were performed with histamine 100 mg/ml. Results: Plasma cetirizine levels increased within 30 min to reach peak values of 315±10 and 786±45 ng/ml 90–120 min after administration of 10 and 20 mg of cetirizine. This was followed by a slow decline. In the skin, dialysate cetirizine levels (non‐protein‐bound fraction only) peaked at 1.6±0.1 and 2.4±0.3 ng/ml at 120–180 min. In vivo recovery of cetirizine was 14.4±4.3%. It was estimated that the non‐protein‐bound concentration of cetirizine in the skin was 50–70% of corresponding plasma values. Both 10‐ and 20‐mg doses of cetirizine inhibited wheal and flare reactions over 240 min. The time vs concentration profile of cetirizine in skin dialysate paralleled the inhibition of skin reactions, but no significant correlations were found between individual cetirizine levels in skin or plasma with wheal and flare reactions. Conclusions: Cetirizine concentrations in the skin could be monitored by the microdialysis technique. The results indicate no simple linear correlation between cetirizine skin levels and inhibition of skin reactions.
Fatty acids in substitute formulas for cow's milk allergy
Authors: Kaila M , Salo Mk , Isolauri E 
Published: March 2003

Background: The role of dietary fats in food‐related allergic symptoms is increasingly being investigated, since the pivotal role of fat‐derived inflammatory substances, e.g., leukotrienes, has been realized. The objective of this study was to describe the fatty acid composition of several commercially available infant formulas that are used as substitutes for adapted cow's milk formulas.Methods: Samples of nine formulas (two soy, two extensively hydrolyzed casein, three extensively hydrolyzed whey, and two amino‐acid‐based formulas) and human milk as control were analyzed by gas chromatography.Results: The quantity of fatty acids in the formulas was within the breast‐milk range. The percentage of energy derived from fat was below the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition recommendations in two cases, but, in the others, it roughly met the recommendations. The percentage of energy derived from linoleic acid was as recommended in all but two cases, where it was higher than recommended. As indicated by a quality indicator, the linoleic to α‐linolenic acid ratio, altogether four formulas were within either the recommendations or the analyzed breast‐milk range. In three cases, it was 1.5–2.5 and in two cases 4–5 times higher than recommended.Conclusions: There are recommendations for infant formulas to meet nutritional requirements of fat intake, and the analyzed formulas are in most cases within the suggested ranges. However, little is known of requirements in allergic or inflammatory conditions, and whether these described fatty acid compositions are pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory.
Occurrence of allergic conditions in asthmatics with analgesic intolerance
Authors: Kalyoncu AF , Karakaya G , Şahin AA , Barış Yİ 
Published: March 2003

Background: The study aimed to determine whether allergic conditions accompany analgesic intolerance. Methods: A total of 132 analgesic‐intolerant patients with bronchial asthma admitted to the adult allergy unit from January 1991 to October 1997 and 103 patients with bronchial asthma randomly selected from among the asthmatics referred to our department between January and October 1997 were enrolled in the study. Those having analgesic intolerance and bronchial asthma were accepted as group I; patients having only asthma were accepted as group II. A standard questionnaire was completed for all the patients. Physical examination, routine skin prick tests, determination of total IgE levels and blood type, and oral analgesic provocation tests were also performed. Results: The results showed that some allergic conditions were significantly more common in group I (22.7% and 7.8% for food allergy/intolerance [P<0.05], 16.7% and 7.8% for antibiotic allergy, 16.7% and 2.9% for dermographism, 9.8% and 1.0% for metal allergy, and 9.1% and 1.0% for chronic urticaria for groups I and II, respectively [P<0.001]). In addition, the mean of the total IgE level in the serum was higher in group I than group II (77.6 and 53.7 IU/ml; P<0.05), and the cumulative analgesic consumption was more in group I (14.2±17.1 and 9.1±12.5 boxes; P<0.05). Conclusions: Dermographism; chronic urticaria; antibiotic, metal, and food allergy; high levels of total IgE; and a high amount of cumulative analgesic consumption may be the conditions accompanying analgesic intolerance in asthmatics.
Occurrence of dog, cat, and mite allergens in public transport vehicles
Authors: Partti‐Pellinen K. , Marttila O. , Mäkinen‐Kiljunen S. , Haahtela T. 
Published: March 2003

Background and methods: Helsinki City Transport buses, trams, and underground trains carry 687 000 passengers on a weekday. Of the passengers, 0.13% travel with a pet. We interviewed passengers and measured allergen levels in vehicles to study what difficulties allergens cause to passengers with allergy and asthma. Results: Of 2021 interviewed passengers, 14% complained about inconvenience caused by pets, usually health problems. Of 324 adult passengers with allergy or asthma, 53% had experienced symptoms in public transport; the corresponding figure for 75 children was 32%. The median concentration of the main dog allergen, Can f 1, in dust from seats and floors in public transport vehicles was 2400 ng per g of dust (range 20–8.500 ng/g). For the main cat allergen, Fel d 1, the median was 870 ng/g (range 3–2.600 ng/g). These levels can be regarded as low or moderate, and cause symptoms in sensitive persons. Concentrations of mite allergens were undetectable or low. Allergen levels were lower in vehicles where pets were not allowed than in vehicles where pets were allowed, lower in dust from uncovered seats than in dust from seats with a covering, and lower after cleaning vehicle floors and seats than before cleaning. Conclusions: Dog and cat allergens are present in public transport vehicles in Helsinki at levels that cause symptoms in sensitive persons. Prohibiting pets would probably bring only a modest reduction in levels, as few pets are carried, and much allergen contamination comes from passengers' clothes.
Different airway responsiveness profiles in atopic asthma, nonatopic asthma, and Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Lúdvíksdóttir D. , Janson C. , Björnsson E. , Stålenheim G. , Boman G. ,   BHR Study Group, Hedenström H. , Venge P. , Gudbjörnsson B. , Valtýsdóttir S. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Different mechanisms may underlie bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in different diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the bronchial responsiveness profile produced by three different challenge tests, methacholine, a direct simulus, and two indirect stimuli, adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) and cold air, in subjects with asthma and patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Methods: The study population comprised 40 adult patients with asthma, 18 subjects with Sjögren's syndrome, and 20 controls. Blood samples were collected before each challenge for measurements of serum eosinophil peroxidase (S‐EPO) and eosinophil cationic protein (S‐ECP). The investigated subjects recorded peak expiratory flow and kept a symptom diary. Results: Atopic subjects with asthma were significantly more hyperresponsive to AMP than nonatopic subjects with asthma (P=0.01) and subjects with Sjögren's syndrome (P=0.02). No difference was seen between atopic and nonatopic subjects with asthma in the case of challenges with methacholine or cold air. In atopic subjects with asthma, a significant correlation was found between challenges with methacholine and AMP (r=0.91, P=0.0001) and methacholine and cold air (r=0.83, P=0.004), but, in nonatopic subjects with asthma, no significant correlation was seen between methacholine and AMP or cold air challenges. In atopic subjects with asthma, the dose‐response slope for AMP was correlated to S‐EPO (r=−0.56; P=0.01) and S‐ECP (r=−0.51, P=0.02), while no correlation between BHR and inflammation markers was found in the two other patient groups. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that patients with asthma and subjects with Sjögren's syndrome display different bronchial responsiveness profiles for different challenge agents. Atopic subjects with asthma are more hyperresponsive to AMP than nonatopic subjects and patients with Sjögren's syndrome. More than one challenge may be required to detect different aspects of bronchial responsiveness.
Short communication. Cetirizine inhibits bradykinin‐induced cutaneous wheal and flare in atopic and healthy subjects
Authors: Fadel R. , Ramboer I. , Chatterjee N. , Rihoux J‐P. , Derde M‐P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Kinins are vasoactive mediators involved in allergic reactions. When applied on the skin or in the nose, bradykinin (BK) elicits inflammation that is poorly affected by previous H1‐blockade. The aim of this study was to compare the possible effect of cetirizine (an H1‐antagonist) on wheal and flare responses to BK, histamine, and compound 48/80 in atopic and healthy subjects. Methods In a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study, eight atopic and eight healthy subjects received cetirizine (10 mg/day) or placebo for 3 days before cutaneous tests. Intradermal tests (IDT) and prick tests (PT) were performed with BK (20 nmol/ml for IDT and 20 µmol/ml for PT), histamine (100 µg/ml IDT and 100 mg/ml PT), and compound 48/80 (100 µg/ml IDT and 100 mg/ml PT) as positive controls and saline as negative control. The skin responses were monitored by measurement of wheal and flare areas. Results: BK, histamine, and 48/80 induced wheal and flare reactions in all placebo‐treated subjects. Histamine elicited larger wheal and flare reactions than BK and 48/80. IDT with BK induced four‐ to six‐fold larger wheal and flare reaction than PT. No differences in BK‐induced wheal and flare were observed between atopic and healthy subjects. In atopic subjects, cetirizine induced a significant reduction of flare reactions after the BK test (80% for IDT, and 94% for PT [P<0.01]). Moreover, cetirizine reduced significantly BK‐induced wheals by 70% for IDT (P<0.01) and 65% for PT (P<0.01). A similar inhibiting effect of cetirizine was also observed in healthy subjects. Conclusions: These findings showed that the wheal and flare reactions induced by BK challenge were markedly inhibited by previous intake of cetirizine. The mechanism by which this effect is mediated cannot be established at present.
Monoclonal antibody‐based method to quantify Gly m 1. Its application to assess environmental exposure to soybean dust
Authors: González R. , Duffort O. , Calabozo B. , Barber D. , Carreira J. , Polo F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The demonstration that some asthma epidemics have been caused by allergens of soybean‐hull dust prompted us to develop a two‐site ELISA, suitable for the quantification of the major allergen (Gly m 1), to be used for the prevention of new episodes. Methods: BALB/c mice were injected with Gly m 1 purified from soybean hulls. After fusion and screening, 10 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were obtained that were shown to be specific for Gly m 1. Two of them (6G1 as the capture antibody; 1G10 as the tracer) were selected to develop a quantitative two‐site ELISA for the indoor and outdoor determination of Gly m 1. Results: The two‐site ELISA developed is very sensitive, with a detection limit of less than 0.2 ng/ml and a practical working range of 0.4–10 ng/ml. The assay is also highly reproducible with an intra‐assay coefficient of variation of 3.5% and an interassay coefficient of variation of 12.5%. The method was applied to measure the concentration of Gly m 1 in air‐sampler filters and in house‐dust samples. Our results illustrate that there is a good correlation between the content of Gly m 1 in a number of samples and the allergenic activity as measured by ELISA inhibition. Conclusions: A specific and sensitive method is presented that can be used for the quantification of Gly m 1. The application of this method may allow the establishment of risk limits for soybean dust, and thus may contribute to the control of environmental contamination and to the prevention of new asthma epidemics.
Early effect of ultrarush venom immunotherapy on the IgG antibody response
Authors: Michils A. , Baldassarre S. , Ledent C. , Mairesse M. , Gossart B. , Duchateau J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We have previously shown in several allergy models that allergic and tolerance status with respect to allergens is associated with a somewhat different dominant specificity of IgG antibodies. The objective was to test this hypothesis in the compelling model of ultrarush venom immunotherapy (VIT), which induces clinical tolerance after only a few hours of treatment.Methods: Antibody titers and specificity were evaluated through solid‐phase ELISA using streptavidin‐biotin technology in 12 patients allergic to wasp venom before and during the ultrarush procedure (at 12 h, 24 h, and 15 days). The results were compared with those from another group of 20 patients treated with venom injections for at least 2 years.Results: No significant change was observed in IgG titers during the early phase of VIT. The capacity of individual sera to prevent the antigen binding of pooled IgG from allergic patients changed rapidly, with mean percentage inhibitions falling from 80±15%, before starting VIT, to 26±14%, 35±15%, and 34±5% after 12 h, 24 h, and 15 days of treatment, respectively (P<0.001 by one‐way ANOVA). The capacity of individual sera to prevent the antigen binding of pooled IgG from patients receiving prolonged VIT changed, with mean percent inhibitions increasing from 47±8%, before starting VIT, to 76±7%, 83±6%, and 87±6% after 12 h, 24 h, and 15 days of treatment, respectively (P<0.001 by one‐way ANOVA).Conclusions: During the initial phase of ultrarush VIT, a change in IgG specificity, i.e., a change in the set of epitopes dominantly recognized by IgG on wasp‐venom antigens, occurred concomitantly with early clinical tolerance and was already detectable a few hours after the onset of treatment. Although it may be an epiphenomenon, this change represents the earliest humoral modification described so far during this procedure. The mechanism is unknown, but it appears to be a selective depletion of the highest avidity antibody fraction by the venom injected in large doses at this stage of therapy. Finally, our data now show the previously documented association between a particular IgG specificity and the clinical status (allergy vs tolerance) to be true also with ultrarush VIT, a model in which the clinical ability to display allergic symptoms is rapidly reversed.
Distribution of dust‐mite allergens (Lep d 2, Der p 1, Der f 1, Der 2) in pig‐farming environments and sensitization of the respective farmers
Authors: Radon K. , Schottky A. , Garz S. , Koops F. , Szadkowski D. , Nowak D. , Radon K. , Nowak D. , Luczynska C. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of mite allergens in pig‐farming environments in comparison to urban homes and the relationship between exposure to mite allergens and sensitization to the respective allergens in 100 pig farmers with work‐related respiratory symptoms. Methods: The concentration of storage mite (Lep d 2) and house‐dust‐mite (Der p 1, and Der f 1, Der 2) allergens in dust collected from five different sampling sites (floor, wall, grain mill, transit floor, and farmers' mattresses) was studied in relationship to the respective sensitization rates. Allergen concentrations in the mattresses were compared to those determined in mattresses from 22 urban dwellers. Results: Median concentrations of Der p 1 and Der 2 in the mattresses of the farmers were significantly higher than in the urban dwellers' samples (53.4 μg/g dust vs 1.05 μg/g dust, P=0.001; 19.6 μg/g dust vs 2.2 μg/g dust, P<0.0001, respectively). Allergen concentrations in the transit areas were strongly related to bedroom exposure. In a multiple logistic regression model, a weak but significant relationship between Der p 1 exposure and sensitization to Der p 1 was found. Despite these findings, the prevalence of sensitization to mite allergens in the farmers (18%) was comparable to the prevalence in the general population. Conclusions: Allergen exposure at the work place is strongly related to the concentration of allergens in farmers' beds. Exposure to domestic mite allergens should be taken into account when assessing occupational exposure to allergens and the respiratory health of farmers.
Severe hypersensitivity syndrome to lamotrigine confirmed by lymphocyte stimulation in vitro
Authors: Schaub N. , Bircher A. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The anticonvulsant lamotrigine has been associated with severe adverse events such as the hypersensitivity syndrome and severe bullous reactions. So far, specific immunologic tests have rarely been performed to demonstrate specific sensitization. Methods: A 36‐year‐old man suffering from epilepsy was concomitantly treated with high doses of sodium valproate and lamotrigine. About 1 month later, a severe hypersensitivity syndrome occurred affecting skin, lymph nodes, and liver. Three months later, skin tests and lymphocyte stimulation tests with anticonvulsants were performed. Results: Skin tests were negative with all drugs; lymphocyte stimulation tests were twice positive with lamotrigine. Later re‐exposure to sodium valproate was tolerated. Conclusions: Lamotrigine may elicit a severe hypersensitivity syndrome. Particularly high initial doses and concomitant treatment with sodium valproate increase the risk of cutaneous reactions. The lymphocyte stimulation test was used to identify the culprit drug. Lymphocyte sensitization to the drug or a metabolite may be involved in the pathogenesis.
Increased interleukin‐10 and macrophage inflammatoryprotein‐1α release from blood monocytes ex vivo duringlate‐phase response to allergen in asthma
Authors: Lim S. , John M. , Seybold J. , Taylor D. , Witt C. , Barnes P. J. , Chung K. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background:We determined the effect of late‐phase responses to allergen challenge of mildly allergic asthmatic patients on the expression and release of the cytokines IL‐10 and MIP‐1α from peripheral blood monocytes.Methods:Sixteen mildly allergic asthmatics were exposed to increasing concentrations of allergen aerosol. Nine demonstrated an early response alone (single responders), while seven had an early followed by a late response (dual responders). Monocytes were isolated from venous blood before and 24 h after allergen challenge, and placed in short‐term culture for determination ofIL‐10 mRNA expression by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reactionand protein release. MIP‐1α protein release was measured byradioimmunoassay.Results:IL‐10 mRNA expression was significantly higher in dual responders than early responders alone, for unstimulated monocytes or for monocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide or IL‐1β. In addition, the release of IL‐10 and MIP‐1α from monocytes of dual responders was also enhanced.Conclusions:Circulating monocytes are primed to release more of the cytokines, IL‐10 and MIP‐1α, in dual but not in single responders, at 24 h afterallergen. They may contribute to allergen‐induced inflammatory responsesin the airways.