Search

The study of the I = 1, 0 ++ states with the OBELIX detector in the channel pp → K ±K 0 sπ ∓ at three different target densities is reported. We discuss in particular the results about a o (980) and the evidence of an extra scalar state with mass 1.29 ± 0.01 GeV/c 2 and width 0.080 ± 0.005 GeV/c 2

We report in this paper the results of the study of the ƒ 0 (1500)/ƒ 2 (1565) resonances in the in-flight annihilation reaction np → 2 π + π − , taking into account a possible dependence on the n momentum.

To evaluate the impact of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) histological subtypes on survival, we performed a retrospective multivariate analysis of survival in 361 patients with a NSCLC diagnosed in 1987 and 1988 at the University Hospital in Strasbourg, France. There were 262 (73%) squamous cell carcinomas (SQ), 59 (16%) adenocarcinomas other than bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (ADOBAC), 24 (7%) bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) and 16 (4%) large cell carcinomas (LC). The proportion of metastatic disease was significantly higher in the ADOBAC group than in the SQ group (30% vs. 15%, P < 0.001). In operated patients, only extent of disease and age were independent prognostic factors. In patients with unresectable NSCLC, extent of disease had also the heaviest impact on survival. However, in these unresected patients, ADOBAC had a pejorative impact on survival, in contrast to BAC which was of better prognosis. If these results are confirmed by prospective studies, this will support stratification according to histological subtypes in clinical trials involving inoperable NSCLC patients.

The study of the K±Kmiss0π∓π+π− channel (7016 events), from p p annihilations in a gaseous hydrogen target at NTP, with the OBELIX spectrometer at LEAR (CERN), is presented. A spin-parity analysis provides evidence for two axial vectors, one in the low K K π mass region, the well established f1(1285), decaying to a0(980)π, the second, the 1++ component of the old puzzling E l , the f1(1420), decaying mainly to K ∗ K , seen for the first time in p p annihilation at rest. The analysis confirms the dominant production of the pseudoscalar η(1405), decaying mainly to (Kπ) S K , and the existence of a second pseudoscalar in the same mass region, the η(1460), decaying mainly to K ∗ K .

Resume Les techniques de genie genetique appliquees aux allergenes ont permis de produire des allergenes recombinants. La validation des allergenes recombinants implique que leur activite immunologique et leur identite avec l'allergene naturel soient confirmees par des techniques in vitro et in vivo portant sur un nombre suffisamment important de sujets allergiques. Les resultats actuellement disponibles pour les principaux pneumallergenes sont ici rapportes. Ainsi, pour le bouleau, la validite de l'allergene recombinant Bet v 1 a ete confirmee par des tests in vitro, mais egalement par des tests cutanes et des tests de provocation nasale et bronchique. L'association de quatre allergenes recombinants de la phleole a permis la detection in vitro d'une sensibilisation aux pollens de graminees chez 94,5 p. cent de patients. Pour les acariens, la validite des allergenes recombinants du groupe 2 a ete confirmee. Des systemes d'expression permettant la glycosylation des proteines recombinantes ont ete necessaires pour valider les proteines recombinantes des allergenes du groupe I. L'allergene recombinant Blo t 5 a ete teste in vitro et in vivo, il s'est avere efficace dans la detection de la sensibilisation a Blomia tropicalis, allergene domestique des pays subtropicaux. Seul l'allergene recombinant Bla g 4 a ete teste in vitro et in vivo, les reactions etant positives chez pres de 50 p. cent des sujets sensibilises a la blatte. Le recombinant Asp f 1 a ete teste chez les sujets atteints d'aspergillose bronchopulmonaire allergique, il est positif dans 60 a 85 p. cent des cas. Des etudes sont egalement disponibles pour les allergenes recombinants de la phospholipase A2, allergene majeur du venin d'abeille. Les consequences de la mise au point d'allergenes recombinants sont ensuite analysees : obtention d'allergenes mieux standardises pour les tests diagnostiques, etude du spectre des specificites des IgE induites par un allergene, quantification des IgE specifiques, meilleure approche des allergies croisees a l'aide d'allergenes recombinants des principaux allergenes croisants. L'application des allergenes recombinants a la recherche fondamentale a conduit a la production d'allergenes recombinants modifies : synthese de polypeptides recombinants correspondant aux epitopes T, production d'allergenes recombinants d'isoformes a activite allergenique reduite, production d'allergenes recombinants de molecules allergeniques modifiees par des mutations dirigees. L'utilisation de ces allergenes recombinants modifies est une des voies de recherche pouvant conduire, dans le futur, a de nouvelles modalites de la desensibilisation specifique. D'autres voies sont egalement en cours d'investigation : inhibition des reaction antigenes-anticorps par l'utilisation de molecules recombinantes de Fab-bloquants, de molecules recombinantes d'haptenes immunodominants.

Small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCLC) represents about 25% of all lung cancers. Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma is a very uncommon feature, mostly described in the oesophagus. We report here a case of small cell carcinoma of the pleura with histopathological findings, clinical course and response to therapy typical of SCLC.

Data about antiprotons slowing down in gaseous targets at very low energies ({ital E}{lt}1 keV) show that the stopping power in D{sub 2} is lower than in H{sub 2}; the right way to explain this behavior seems to be through a nuclear stopping power derived from the classical Rutherford formula. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

Resume Les techniques de genie genetique appliquees aux allergenes ont permis de produire des allergenes recombinants. Les principes et les differents stades de la production des allergenes recombinants sont rappeles. Le clonage des allergenes permet la caracterisation de l'ensemble des allergenes presents dans un extrait. Il permet en outre la sequence de l'ADN complementaire, la determination de la structure primaire de la proteine, et la mise en evidence d'eventuelles homologies de structure entre des allergenes differents. L'etude des epitopes T et B des allergenes est egalement possible. La validation des allergenes recombinants doit s'assurer de la purete des allergenes recombinants, de leur absence de toxicite, de leur stabilite, mais surtout de leur activite immunologique et de leur identite avec l'allergene naturel, ce qui peut etre realise par differentes techniques in vivo et in vitro . Des exemples sont donnes a propos des allergenes recombinants Bet v 1 et Bet v 2. Le futur des allergenes recombinants dans la recherche fondamentale et dans la pratique allergologique, a la fois sur le plan diagnostique et sur le plan de la desensibilisation, est envisage.

The results of the analysis of 3940 (K K π)ππ events from a sample of 18 millions p p annihilations in the liquid hydrogen target of the OBELIX spectrometer at LEAR (CERN) are presented. The presence of two pseudoscalar states at 1.416±0.002GeV/c2, with width 0.050±0.004GeV/c2, and at 1.46±0.01GeV/c2, with width 0.105±0.015GeV/c2, is established. The lighter mass resonance decays mainly to K K π , possibly with final state interactions and a small contribution coming from a0π. The higher mass 0−+ state, which is seen for the first time in p p annihilation at rest, decays only to K ∗ K . Masses, widths and decay modes are in agreement with the analysis of J Ψ radiative decay performed by the Mark III Collaboration. From the fit the G-parity was determined to be +1. The dominant three-body decay mode of the lighter pseudoscalar is observed for the first time in this measurement.

This study investigated differences in prevalence and determinants of HIV infection, and in recent risk behaviour (previous 6 months) among injecting drug users (IDUs) who are in contact with different types of services for IDUs in Berlin. Participants (n = 557) were recruited from drug-free long-term treatment centres, a storefront agency and a syringe exchange bus. HIV seroprevalence was lowest (3.9%) at the treatment centres, and highest among IDUs at the storefront agency (20.7%). In logistic regression, independent risk factors for HIV infection were duration of injecting drug use, borrowing syringes in prison, sex with HIV-positive partners, and prostitution. Syringe sharing in prison was the most important independent determinant of HIV infection among all three subpopulations of IDUs. Participants entering long-term treatment were most likely, and IDUs at the syringe exchange bus were least likely to have borrowed and passed on syringes in the previous 6 months. In logistic regression, site of recruitment was independently associated with recent borrowing of syringes, but not with condom use. Injection of drugs other than heroin only, and injecting in prisons, were also independent predictors of recent borrowing. The results indicate that IDUs entering treatment form an important target group for health education. There is a need for AIDS prevention measures in prisons. The comparatively low levels of recent injection risk behaviour among IDUs at the syringe exchange bus suggest that this type of intervention may be effective in harm reduction.

BACKGROUND--The use of lung sound monitoring during bronchial provocation testing has not been clearly demonstrated. The appearance of wheeze and changes in inspiratory breath sound intensity have been analysed and related to changes in spirometric parameters and to airways hyperresponsiveness. METHODS--Lung sounds were recorded in 38 patients undergoing a routine carbachol airway challenge (CAC) test. Spirometric testing was performed before and after the inhalation of each of five cumulative doses of 320 micrograms carbachol; a fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) by 20% or more was considered as significant. Lung sound analysis was carried out using a computerised system. RESULTS--The CAC test was positive (CAC+) in 21 patients and negative (CAC-) in 17. At the final stage of the challenge, wheeze was identified in 10 positive patients (48%) and in one negative patient (6%); in non-wheezers the inspiratory breath sound intensity decreased significantly from baseline in 11 CAC+ patients (mean (SD) change -35 (24%)) but not in 16 CAC- patients (mean (SD) change 5 (24%)). In all non-wheezers a linear relationship was found between breath sound intensity and the squared inspiratory airflow (r = 0.53-0.92) which became looser after the inhalation of carbachol. CONCLUSION--When unertaking bronchial provocation testing the accurate identification of wheeze may prove useful in avoiding or shortening the test because of the presumed relationship between wheeze and airways hyperresponsiveness. Changes in breath sound intensity may also be useful, but further studies are required to define the threshold for significant changes in this index.

The measurement of different reactions of p d annihilation at rest in a gaseous target has been performed using the OBELIX spectrometer at LEAR (CERN). A strong deviation from the OZI-rule prediction was found from the measurement of the ratio R = φπ ωπ in two regions of proton momenta, P c and P > 400 MeV/ c : R( φπ − ωπ − ) = (133 ± 26) × 10 −3 and (113 ± 30) × 10 −3 , respectively. These values are about 30 times greater than the theoretical prediction. For the first time the excitation of the †-resonance was observed among the final-state products of p d annihilation. The existence of a broad enhancement in the 4π invariant mass at m ≈ 1480 MeV, seen in previous experiments, was confirmed. A ≈ 100 MeV downward shift of the bump position, when the proton momentum increased up to P > 400 MeV/ c , was also observed, while the positions of ω, ϱ and f 2 (1270) did not change with the proton momentum. The following branching ratios were measured: BR( p d → π − φ p ) = (6.62 ± 0.49) × 10 −4 , for P c ; BR( p d → π − φ p ) = (0.95 ± 0.22) × 10 −4 , for P > 400 MeV/ c ; BR( p d → π − ω p ) = (49.7 ± 8.9) × 10 −4 , for P c ; BR( p d → π − ω p ) = (8.38 ± 1.09) × 10 −4 , for P > 400 MeV/ c ; BR( p d → 2π − π + p ) = (150 ± 6) × 10 −4 , for P c ; BR( p d → 2π − π + p ) = (16.6 ± 0.9) × 10 −4 , for P > 400 MeV/ c ; BR( p d → 3π − 2π + p ) = (326 ± 12) × 10 −4 , for P c ; BR( p d → 3π − 2π + p ) = (44 ± 7) × 10 −4 , for P > 400 MeV/ c ; BR( p d → Λ K + π − ) = (0.96 ± 0.19) × 10 −4 , for P > 400 MeV/ c ; BR( p d → Λ K + π − π 0 ) = (3.5 ± 0.8) × 10 −4 , for P > 400 MeV/ c ; BR( p p → 2π − 2π + ) = (540 ± 20) × 10 −4 ; BR( p p → 3π − 3π + ) = (251 ± 21) × 10 −4 .

We report stopping powers of hydrogen and helium for antiprotons of kinetic energies ranging from about 0.5 keV to 1.1 MeV. The Barkas effect, i.e., a difference in the stopping power for antiprotons and protons of the same energy in the same material, shows up clearly in either of the gases. Moreover, below [approx]0.5 keV there is indirect evidence for an increase of the antiproton stopping power. This nuclear'' effect, i.e., energy losses in quasimolecular interactions, shows up in fair agreement with theoretical predictions.

The authors describe an unusual case of LTP allergy. A 35 years old patient presented repeated episodes of angiooedema after food intake and complained 10 years ago of contact urticaria and rhinoconjunctivitis when exposed to cannabis leaves and to marijuana smoke. The suspected responsible foods, such as wheat flour in bread, are known to contain LTR Oral syndrome occurred after ingestion of walnuts. Cutaneous tests confirmed immediate responses to several flours and nuts and also to cannabis leaf and flower. A few months later he had similar accidents following peach ingestion and drinking of beer and several wines which all induced positive skin tests. Serological investigations using ImmunoCAP and ISAC microarray confirmed IgE positivity for n Pru p3, r Cor a 8 and n Art v3. It was assumed that sensitization to LTP, the major allergen of cannabis, was responsible of the primary sensitization and induced further LTP food allergies.

The association of food allergies and pollinosis are numerous, implicating tree, grass and weed pollens on one hand and on the other, several plant foods which after ingestion can induce an oral syndrome or more severe reactions such as urticaria, Quincke's edema, asthma and even anaphylactic shock.The molecular basis of cross reactions between pollens and vegetable food allergens is increasingly understood. The principal allergens involved are those of the Bet v 1 family, and profilins found in all pollens as well as in many fruits and vegetables; these two groups of allergens are denatured by high temperatures and by gastric enzymes, in contrast to LTP, which is only found in weeds and some tree pollens. Other molecules can be involved in cross reactions such as Bet v 6 (an isoflavone reductase), 1 beta glucanases and thaumatine-like proteins. Inhibition experiments confirmed that the epitopes responsible for primary sensitization come mainly from pollen allergens; the cross-reactive molecular allergen is related to the geographic environment of the patients.The practical aspects of managing these patients are underlined: explanations of co-sensitization, explanations for the lack of efficacy of some extracts, usefulness of a molecular diagnosis obtained either by CAP or microarray, prediction of severe clinical reactions induced by specific molecular allergens and the effectiveness of pollen immunotherapy on the cross-related food allergy.

The possibility of selecting the initial angular-momentum state from which antiproton-proton annihilation at rest can occur can be a fundamental tool in meson spectroscopy. With the OBELIX detector different target systems have been employed, ranging fromS-wave toP-wave dominance. The preliminary results both on meson spectroscopy and branching ratio measurements are discussed.

A preliminary study of\(\bar np\) three-prong annihilations into the channels K− K+ π+ and π− π+ π+ π0 is presented for ∼ 100–297 MeV/c\(\bar n\) momenta. The extracted φπ+/ωπ+ production ratio shows that also in this channel, never measured before using an\(\bar np\) beam, the OZI rule is strongly violated.

A study of\(\bar np\) in-flight annihilations is presented. The 4π invariant mass spectrum resulting from the analysis of the five-prong exclusive events, following the annihilation of ∼ (100–297) MeV/c\(\bar n\), reveals, besides a large structure centred at ∼ 1500 MeV/c2, some evidences for a new state around 1660 MeV/c2.

The annihilation frequency of the reaction p p → π 0 π 0 has been measured, for the first time by stopping antiprotons in a NTP hydrogen target. The obtained result ƒ(π 0 π 0 ) NTP = (12.7±0.5±2.0)×10 −4 is discussed in the frame of the study of the initial angular momentum of the pp system.

The annihilation frequency of the reaction pp → π0π0 has been measured, for the first time by stopping antiprotons in a NTP hydrogen target. The obtained result ƒ(π0π0)NTP = (12.7±0.5±2.0)×10−4 is discussed in the frame of the study of the initial angular momentum of the p̄p system.

We report the first measurement of the K+K−, π+π− frequencies for p annihilations at rest in a gaseous H2 target at low pressure (5 mbar). We have obtained: fππ = (4.26±0.11)×10−3, fKK = (0.46±0.03)×10−3. The ratio R = fKK/fππ has also been measured at a pressure of 2 mbar. Comparison with previous measurements shows that fKK decreases monotonically with the target density but its value at 5 mbar is still higher than the value with L X-ray in coincidence.

Wheeze detection has been proposed as an indicator of bronchial responsiveness during airway provocation challenge (APC) test. However, there is evidence that wheeze may be occasionally absent in subjects whose APC is positive by spirometry. We tested the hypothesis that, in this case, inspiratory breath sound intensity (BSI) over the chest is noticeably decreased. Six patients (3 asthmatics and 3 patients with atopic rhinitis) were selected, whose forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) fell by 20% or more at the end point of the challenge in the absence of concurrent wheezing. Lung sounds were recorded at the right posterior lung base and analysed by computer. Inspiratory BSI at the end point of the challenge was markedly decreased in all patients, a change almost completely reverted by the inhalation of 200 micrograms of salbutamol in all of them but one. These results support the view that BSI monitoring is potentially useful as an indicator of bronchoconstriction during bronchial provocation testing. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Mite allergens from the Pyroglyphidae family are the most frequent and potent sources of perennial asthma and rhinitis. Since 1988 molecular knowledge has considerably increased and structures and functions have been determined for most of them. Of the 22 denominated allergens, Der p 1 and Der p 2 are major allergens recognized by more than 80% of lgE from Dpt allergic patients in Europe. Der p 4, Der p 5 and Der p 7 appeared to be intermediate allergens. The binding of IgE to groups 3, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 20 is constantly low. Most of the allergens can be identified by amino-acid sequences and the tertiary structure of the major allergens has been solved. Most Dpt mite allergens are proteolytic enzymes: Der p 1 for instance is a cysteine protease. Der p 2 has structural homology with MD-2, a co-receptor of the Toll-like receptor (TLR4) whose ligand is LPS. Knowledge of the mite allergens structure has allowed a better interpretation of cross reactions between allergens from the same family or from more distant families. From a practical point of view molecular epidemiology has allowed a better choice of allergen molecules useful for diagnosis. Finally, new concepts of immunotherapy based on genetically engineered hypoallergenic variants of major allergens, used alone or in combination, can be considered.

Cow's milk is one of the most common causes of food allergy. In two-thirds of patients, adverse symptoms following milk ingestion are caused by IgE-mediated allergic reactions, whereas for one-third, the mechanisms are unknown. Aim of this study was to investigate whether patients suffering from non-IgE-mediated cow's milk protein intolerance can be distinguished from persons without cow's milk protein intolerance based on serological measurement of IgG and IgA specific for purified cow's milk antigens.We determined IgG(1-4) subclass and IgA antibody levels to purified recombinant αS1-casein, αS2-casein, β-casein, κ-casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin in four patient groups by ELISA: Patients with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA, n=25), patients with non-IgE-mediated cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI, n=19), patients with gastrointestinal symptoms not associated with cow's milk ingestion (GI, n=15) and control persons without gastrointestinal problems (C, n=26). Cow's milk-specific IgE levels were determined by ImmunoCAP.Only CMA patients had IgE antibodies to cow's milk. Cow's milk allergic patients mounted the highest IgG(1) and IgG(4) antibody levels to αS1-casein, αS2-casein, β-casein, κ-casein, and α-lactalbumin. No elevated levels of IgG(4) , IgA, and complement-binding IgG subclasses (IgG(1) , IgG(2) , IgG(3) ) to purified cow's milk allergens were found within the CMPI patients compared to persons without cow's milk protein intolerance (GI and C groups).Cow's milk protein intolerant patients cannot be distinguished from persons without cow's milk protein intolerance on the basis of IgG subclass or IgA reactivity to cow's milk allergens.

Subcutaneous immunotherapy is a well-documented treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The major limitation is the risk of anaphylactic side effects. The documentation of clinical efficacy is based on crude allergenic extracts sometimes containing varying amounts of individual allergens including allergens to which the patient may not be sensitized. The introduction of recombinant allergens offer a possibility to use well-defined molecules with consistent pharmaceutical quality defined in mass units. The proof-of-concept of the clinical efficacy of recombinant allergens is based on two studies published as full articles. One study applied a mixture of five Phleum pratense major allergens in a maximum dose of 40 μg protein. The clinical efficacy showed a significant efficacy with about 40% reduction in disease severity. The second study compared a commercial birch extract with both recombinant Bet v 1 and purified Bet v 1 in dosages of 15 μg allergen. The clinical effect was around 60% additional efficacy. Systemic side effects occurred more frequently with grass allergens. A third study used hypoallergenic fragments and a trimer of Bet v 1. The study did not show efficacy and a rather high frequency of systemic side effects. The advantages of using recombinant allergens for immunotherapy are obvious but more large-scale clinical studies are needed before the overall value in terms of efficacy and safety can be determined.

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 151 consecutive patients diagnosed as small cell lung cancer in our department and who had at least one course of chemotherapy. Nineteen patients died during the first 2 months, of the probability were reported to construct a receiver operating characteristic curve i.e. 13% of the population. The probability of dying within 2 months was investigated through a stepwise logistic regression. A performance status ⩽ 70 (Karnofsky index), an age > 60, a platelet count ⩽ 150 000/mm 3 , elevated alkaline phosphatase and a sodium ⩽ 135 mmol/l were independent predictors of a very short term survival and contributed to the equation for the probability of dying within a 2-month period. Sensitivity and specificity for various cutoff points characteristic curve allowing one to determine for a given patient his risk of being a very short term survivor. Such an approach could prevent inclusion of patients with high risk of early death in clinical trials and help to choose appropriate treatments for such poor risk patients.

The first measurement of the neutron form factor in the time-like region has been performed by the FENICE experiment at the ADONE e + e − storage ring. Results at q 2 = 4.0 and 4.4 (GeV/ c ) 2 , together with a new measurement of the proton form factor are presented here.

The stopping power of H, for p S was measured in the p energy interval 1 keV + 120 keV using a low density gas target ( p pρ ≈ l0 −3 + 10 −2 ÷ pρ being the Hz density at STP) with the OBELIX spectrometer at the LEAR of CEBN. Furthermore, the formation of metastable states in the p 4 He interaction at rest, having a mean life of the order of 3 μs, was investigated at six target gas pressures (3 atm and 400,250,200,150,50 mbar). The influence of contaminants (like Ha, Ne, Ar, N2 and Xe) on the life of such metastable states was examined at the target gas pressure of 3 atm.

A new measurement of the branching ratio of J ψ→n n , B n n =(1.90±0.55)×10 −3 , has been achieved by the FENICE detector at the e+e− storage ring ADONE in Frascati.

House dust mite allergens from the Pyroglyphidae family are one of the most frequent and potent causes of allergic sensitatisation. Since 1988, molecular knowledge has increased considerably and structures and functions have been determined for most of them.Of the 22 defined allergens, the major IgE-binding has been reported for groups 1 and 2 accounting for 40-60% of the anti-house dust mite titres. Der p 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 allergens account for about 80% of the IgE-response. Der p 4, 5, 7, 11, 14, 15 have a prevalence of sensitization of about 10% each. The IgE-binding to groups 3, 8, 10, 20 is low. Most of the allergens can be identified by amino-acid sequences and the tertiary structures of the major allergens have been solved. Most allergens are proteolytic enzymes: Der p1 for instance is a cysteine protease. Der p 2 has structural homology with MD-2, a co-receptor of the Toll-like receptor (TLR4) whose ligand is LPS. Knowledge of the structure of mite allergens has allowed better interpretation of cross-reactions between allergens from the same family or from more distant families.From a practical point of view: the occurrence of multisensitisation is better explained and molecular epidemiology has allowed a better choice of allergen molecules useful for diagnosis. Finally, new concepts of immunotherapy based on genetically engineered hypoallergenic variants of major allergens, used alone or in combination, may lead to useful therapeutic approach.

Since tropomyosin is cross reactive in many arthropods, it was assumed that this highly conserved protein could be responsible for cross reactions in house dust mite (HDM) allergic patients who experienced adverse reactions after crustacean and mollusc ingestion. Here we report two clinical cases where the role of tropomyosin is a matter of debate. In the first case, the clinical history, as well as the results of in vivo and in vitro investigations, are in favour of a shrimp allergy without any snail allergy in a patient sensitized to HDM. In the second, the clinical history and the cutaneous tests are in favour of an allergy to snails without any allergy to shrimps in a patient suffering from HDM allergies. The clinical presentation is different in shrimp and snail allergies. In shrimp allergy, symptoms are mainly urticaria or angio-oedema. In snail allergies, adverse reactions are especially severe asthma. Shrimp tropomyosin is a dominant allergen in crustaceans whereas has a much less prominent role in HDM sensitization. Cross reactivities between HDM and snails have been confirmed by inhibition experiments. However, tropomyosin appears to be a minor allergen or even is not involved in snail allergy. It is necessary to clarify the allergens shared between HDMI and snails. The effects of HDM immunotherapy in snail allergy are questioned. Knowledge of taxonomy can contribute to more precise evaluation of cross reactivities between crustaceans and molluscs.

Rare allergens in indoor environment are insufficiently recognized. The sources are diverse: they include animal, namely acaride, insect and mammalian allergens or vegetable allergens. The prevalence of sensitization to rare allergens depends on geographical and climatological characteristics, on people's habits and overall on dwelling specificities. Sensitizations to new rare allergens should be confirmed by documented clinical history, by immunological tests, and by the beneficial effects of avoidance. A review of rare and/or new allergens likely to be present in indoor environment is presented.

An in vitro model of interferon (IFN) induction in HIV infection was established. IFN are induced by a cooperative mechanism, involving monocytes/macrophages (M/M) as well as lymphocytes. M/M non-lytically infected with HTLV-IIIB did not produce IFN, but were able to induce high titres of IFN activity when cocultured with peripheral blood lymphocytes, cell-cell contact being required. IFN alpha as well as IFN gamma were induced, as shown by neutralization with specific antisera. The antiviral activity of HIV-induced IFN was shown by infectivity reduction assays, and the immune-modulating capacity was demonstrated by activation of M/M leading to neopterin release.

Occupational asthma (OA), with a latency period induced by multiple exposures, is characterized by immunological sensitization to the responsible agent, based on both an IgE mediated mechanisms and non specific bronchial hyper responsiveness.In the diagnosis of OA, the medical history is obviously the starting-point. Onset of respiratory symptoms at work and resolution on vacation are indications of the diagnosis. After analysis of several publications, this element appears to have the best level of proof (grade 2+) according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine. A visit of the workplace, with the cooperation of the industrial physician, is essential to characterize the nature of the exposure. Positive immunological tests (skin tests and/or specific IgE) associated with objective criteria of symptoms related to work (modification of PEFR, lung function and/or nonspecific bronchial hyper responsiveness) will confirm the aetiological diagnosis of OA. Specific bronchial provocation tests performed in the laboratory allow the identification of new agents involved in OA and are necessary when other investigations are discordant or unavailable. OA needs a stepwise approach including induced sputum eosinophilic counts and measurements of exhaled nitric oxide.OA requires removal from the workplace because persistence of exposure to respiratory sensitisers may lead to an increase and prolongation of asthma symptoms. However, removal from the workplace can have tremendous professional, financial and social consequences, and sometimes a compromise must be found with reduction of exposure by various methods combined with adequate treatment. The pharmacological treatment of patients with OA should be the same as for patients with non OA, the use of bronchodilators and corticoids depending on the severity of asthma. Concerning the medico-legal aspects, OA can be recognised as an occupational disease. In France OA is included in several tables of work-related diseases.

A national surveillance programme (ONAP project) was created in France in 1996 by two professional societies to estimate the incidence and identity the characteristics of occupational asthma.In 2001 and 2002 chest physicians and occupational physicians in Alsace were intensively solicited for better voluntary reporting of cases of occupational asthma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the consequences of such a procedure on the number of cases reported, with a view to collecting comprehensive data.The mean annual incidence of occupational asthma was estimated at 126 cases per million workers with a female predominance (52.4%). Flours and isocyanates represented 40% of the suspected agents. Isocyanate asthma (21% of the total) was reported mainly in workers in the car supply industry, and seems to be a specific feature of the region. Persulfates represented 5.3% of the cases; latex and aldehydes 2.6%. The study also points to emergent aetiologies and work risks, i.e. quaternary ammonium compounds in disinfecting detergent products used by cleaners and healthcare workers.This study, which allowed better assessment of the real incidence of OA in Alsace and better detection of substances and occupations at risk, is an incentive to continue our Surveillance programme.

Preliminary results of experiment FENICE performed at Adone e + e 2212 storage ring in Frascati are presented here. The J/ψ braching ratios have been determined. At q2 = 4.4GEV2 a new measurement of the proton form factor has been pero≼rmed and at q2 = 4.0 GeV2 a first, preliminary value of the neutron form factor G n =(0.42±0.06) is obtained, assuming |G E | |G M |.

Im Auftrag der Bundesanstalt fur Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin hat das Institut fur Betriebliche Gesundheitsforderung BGF GmbH in Koln, eine Tochter der AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, einen Leitfaden fur den gesunden Wiedereinstieg in den Altenpflegeberuf entwickelt. Anlass war die Feststellung, dass Wiedereinsteigerinnen nach ihrer Babypause haufig wegen psychischer Storungen arbeitsunfahig wurden und vergleichsweise viele dieser Frauen mit Burnout-Syndromen sogar ganz aus dem Pflegeberuf ausstiegen.

Context: Continuous oral contraception may better suppress the ovary and endometrium, lending itself to the treatment of other medical conditions. Objective: Our objective was to determine the effects of continuous vs. cyclical oral contraception. Design: This was a randomized double-blind trial. Setting: This trial was performed at an academic medical center in Pennsylvania. Patients: A total of 62 healthy women with regular menses were included in the study. Intervention: Cyclical oral contraception (21-d active/7-d placebo given for six consecutive 28-d cycles) vs. continuous (168-d active pill) therapy using a monophasic pill (20 μg ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg norethindrone acetate) was examined. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was vaginal bleeding, and secondary outcomes included hormonal, pelvic ultrasound, quality of life, and safety measures. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the number of total bleeding days between groups, but moderate/heavy bleeding was significantly greater with the cyclical regimen [mean 11.0 d (sd 8.5) vs. continuous 5.2 d (sd 6.8); P = 0.005], with both groups decreasing over time. Endogenous serum and urinary estrogens measured over six cycles were significantly lower (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively) in the continuous group than the cyclical group. Women in the continuous group also had a smaller ovarian volume and lead follicle size over the course of the trial by serial ultrasound examinations. The Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire showed that women on continuous therapy had less associated menstrual pain (P = 0.01) and favorable improvements in behavior (P = 0.04) during the premenstrual period. Conclusions: Continuous oral contraception does not result in a reduction of bleeding days over a 168-d period of observation but provides greater suppression of the ovary and endometrium. These effects are associated with improved patient symptomatology.

Tropomyosin has been described as cross-reacting allergen between mite, cockroach and shrimp.In 13 patients with asthma and/or rhinitis sensitized to mite and/or German cockroach and presenting urticaria, oral allergy syndrome or angio-edema upon eating shrimp and/or crab, we measured specific IgE to mite, cockroach, crab and shrimp tropomyosin.Ten patients had specific IgE to tropomyosin from mite, 8 from shrimp, 6 from crab and 5 from cockroach. AST inhibition tests indicated that mite allergen is a primary sensitizer and is cross-reacting with shrimp, crab and cockroach allergens.Tropomyosin could be the cross-reacting allergen relevant for clinical symptoms to mite, cockroach, shrimp and crab.

Hemostatic disorders can be found in approximately 90% of cancer patients, but clinical expression in only 15%. Hemorrhagic complications are more frequent in acute leukaemia; solid tumors are often associated with deep venous thromboses (DVP). Disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DICS) can be latent or acute, and has various clinical presentations, occurring in the course of many serious conditions including cancer. Patients have higher morbidity and mortality. Irrespective of the etiology, DICS can be revealed by a wide variety of clinical manifestations, from mild biological hemostasis disorders, to intravascular or extravascular microthromboses or lethal hemorrhagic events. We report the case of a 45-year-old female with non-small-cell lung cancer with metastases at diagnosis. The patient developed and finally died of numberous thromboembolic events subsequent to DICS. This case illustrates some rather rare complications of DICS and offers the opportunity to discuss the main therapeutic goal in this situation, i.e. to modulate the disproportionate production of thrombin, inducing thromboses and/or hemorrhages by consumption of the cellular and plasmatic coagulation factors. This means a symptomatic and mostly etiologic treatment, especially chemotherapy which can in itself provoke thromboembolic events.

The epidemic West Nile Virus (WNV) infections observed in the last years, particularly those in the USA in 1999 and the following years, have led to an increasing interest in this zoonotic infection. Here, the most prominent aspects of WNV biology and epidemiology are presented. Clinical signs observed in men and horses are described, as well as the current state of diagnostics and immunoprophylaxis. Preliminary results of investigations on the prevalence of WNV in Germany show that migrating birds have been in contact with WNV; there is however no indication for the presence of this virus. While WNV is endemic in many parts of the "Old World", thus inducing "natural immunity" in (migrating) birds and vertebrates, a susceptible bird population with no existing immunity against this virus was exposed in the "New World".

The results of measuring the ratio R = Y(φπ + π − ) Y(ωπ + π − ) for antiproton annihilation at rest in a gaseous and a liquid hydrogen target are presented. It was found that the value of this ratio increases with the decrease of the dipion mass, which demonstrates the difference between the φ and ω production mechanisms. An indication of the momentum transfer dependence of the apparent OZI rule violation for the φ production from the 3S1 initial state was found.