bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor environmental factors associated with house‐dust‐mite allergen (Der p i) levels in south‐eastern Australian houses
Authors: Garrett M. H. , Hooper B. M. , Hooper M. A.
Published: May 2007

Background Eighty households in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia, were sampled for house‐dust‐mite allergen (Der p 1). Allergen levels vary greatly between houses within climate regions. The reasons for this are not well understood.

Methods House‐dust‐mite allergen samples were collected on six occasions between March 1994 and February 1995, All participating households contained at least one child between 7 and 14 years with a total of 148 subjects, 53 of whom were asthmatic. A detailed house survey was performed during every sampling visit, and a dwelling questionnaire was completed. Relative humidity was measured at the time of sample collection.

Results The median bed allergen level was 30 ng/g during the first sampling period. Significantly higher allergen levels were associated with wool bedding and inner‐spring mattresses (p < 0.001). As estimated from a multiple linear regression model, up to 70% reduction in bed allergen levels may be achieved by avoiding wool bedding and inner‐spring mattresses. Other risk factors for high allergen levels included high indoor relative humidity, presence of substantial visible mould growth, brick cladding, and concrete slab foundation of the house.

Conclusions Avoiding wool bedding and replacing inner‐spring mattresses with foam could substantially reduce bed allergen levels.
Alveolar macrophage interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐12 production in atopic asthma
Authors: Magnan A. , Pee D. van , Bongrand P. , Vervloet D.
Published: May 2007

Inflammation in asthma is characterized by a Th2 response. In many experimental systems, this response can be regulated by interleukin (IL)‐IO and IL‐12. IL‐10 deactivates T cells, and IL‐12 reorients the response toward a Till pattern. Alveolar macrophages (AM) can secrete both of these cytokines, and thus regulate T‐cell behavior in asthma. They can enhance the Tli2 response by turning off their secretion of IL‐10 and IL‐12. or tend to downregulate it by producing these cytokines. To elucidate that point, we assayed the AM IL‐10 and IL‐12 from 11 asthmatic patients and four controls. Six asthmatics were treated by inhaled corticosteroids. AM were recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). They were isolated and cultured for 24 h without stimulation or in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL‐10 and the p40 subunit of IL‐12 were assayed in the BAL fluid and i n AM culture supernatants by ELISA. Spontaneous AM IL‐10 production was higher in asthmatics, particularly in the treated group. The AM IL‐10 production after stimulation by LPS was also elevated in asthmatics, but was mainly so in untreated patients. IL‐12 levels were higher in BAL fluids from untreated patients than from controls. The IL‐12 production of LPS‐stitnulated‐AM from these patients was increased. These results show that AM are at least primed for the production of IL‐10 and IL‐12 in asthma, and suggest that these cells could be involved in the resolution of the asthmatic inflammation.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and Anisakis
Authors: Gómez1 B. , Tabar A. I. , Tuñón T. , Larrinaga B. , Alvarez M. J. , Garcia B. E. , Olaguibel J. M.
Published: May 2007

Background The differential diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) includes, among other diseases, parasitic infections such as anisakiasis, which has acquired worldwide importance.

Methods We reviewed all patients referred to our allergy service who had been diagnosed as having primary EG to determine the possible role of Anisakis simplex in the etiopathology of the disease. All patients (n= 10) were studied and diagnosed as having primary EG between 1989 and 1996, inclusive. Two different groups of subjects were used as controls: group A (149 subjects without digestive disorder) and group B (10 subjects with digestive disorder different from EG). Cutaneous prick tests were performed with the main foods, aeroallergens, and commercial extract of A. simplex. Total and specific serum IgE was measured in all patients. Gastric or gut histologic specimens were re‐examined in five cases.

Results Peripheral eosinophilia was detected in 40% of the patients with EG, and sensitization to A. simplex was detected in 80% of these. In both control groups, the rate of sensitization to A. simplex was 10%. Sensitization to A. simplex in EG patients with respect to control groups A and B showed odds ratios (OR) of 36 and 40, respectively. In one case, serialization of the histologic section allowed us to observe a whole Anisakis larva.

Conclusions Immunologic methods to detect specific antibodies against Anisakis should be used routinely before diagnosing EG as primary disorder. Preventive measures are of capital importance.
Priming effect of RANTES on eosinophil oxidative metabolism
Authors: Chihara J. , Yamada H. , Yamamoto T. , Kurachi D. , Hayashi‐Kameda N. , Honda K. , Kayaba H. , Urayama O.
Published: May 2007

Background RANTES has been shown to possess chemotactic activity for eosinophils, which have also been considered to play a role in allergic inflammation through reactive oxygen species. Thus, in this study, we examined the effect of RANTES on radical oxygen products from eosinophils.

Methods Purified eosinophils by CD16‐negative selection or an eosinophilic cell line (EoL‐1) were incubated with or without RANTES (2.5 x 10−6). To the mixture of eosinophils and luminol, calcium ionophore (A23187) or opsonized zymosan (OZ) was added, and radical oxygen products were determined by luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence for 600 s.

Results Eosinophil‐mediated radical oxygen products of untreated eosinophils produced with A23187 gave a peak value of 14.09 + 2.40 (mean±SE, n = 12) relative light units (RLU) and an integrated value of 3232.20 + 513.09 RLU. However, with treatment with RANTES, a peak value of 18.66 + 2.40 RLU and an integrated value of 5301.05 ±561.02 RLU were obtained. Eosinophil oxidative metabolism‐induced A23187 or OZ was apparently augmented by the preincubation with RANTES. In addition, the radical oxygen products of EoL‐1 showed similar results.

Conclusions Thus, we concluded that RANTES may play an important role the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation through its involvement in eosinophil activation, as evidenced by oxygen products, as well as in selective eosinophil infiltration as selective eosinophil chemoattractant.
Allergy to feathers
Authors: Kilpiö K. , Mäkinen‐Kiljunen S. , Haahtela T. , Hannuksela M.
Published: May 2007

Skin prick test reactivity to commercial and self‐made feather‐allergen extracts was examined in 269 consecutive adult patients with suspected allergic cutaneous or respiratory symptoms who had been referred to a university clinic. Some 177 subjects reacted to any inhalant allergen. Twentyfour (9% of the whole group and 14% of those positive to any inhalant allergen) reacted to commercial feather extracts from ALK (Hørsholm. Denmark), and 51 to any of the seven feather extracts used. Feather‐mix RAST (Pharmacia, Sweden) was positive in three cases only. Skin prick test or CAP‐RAST or both to house‐dust mite were positive in 16 of those 24 subjects positive to the commercial feather extracts, but in only 23 of the 150 other atopic subjects (P<0.001). A nasal challenge with a feather extract was made in 20 cases, always with negative result. In immunospot studies, concomitant allergy to feather‐allergen extracts and house‐dust mite could be demonstrated. Mite allergens in feather extracts were verified in RASTinhibition studies. A clinically significant feather allergy was found in one patient only. The results suggest that true feather allergy is very rare, and most of the positive reactions seen in skin prick tests to feather extracts are probably caused by mite allergens present in feathers.
Airborne grass (Poaceae) pollen in southern Spain. Results of a 10‐year study (1987–96)
Authors: Minero F. J. González , Candau P. , Tomás C. , Morales J.
Published: May 2007

This work reports an exhaustive study of the aerobiology of the Gramineae in Seville, Spain, which is typical of coastal Mediterranean areas. Sampling was done with a Cour trap installed on the roof terrace of the School of Pharmacy, Seville, from 1987 to 1996, both inclusive. The climatic pattern of that period was characterized by two exceptionally wet years (1989 and 1996), between which were 5 consecutive years of drought (1990–5). This typieally Mediterranean climate affects grass aerobiology. The annual amounts of total grass pollen are low, never exceeding 25(X) grains/m3. The start, length, and intensity of the pollen season are significantly correlated with preseasonal meteorologic factors (precipitation and temperature), but intraseasonal meteorologic conditions have no effect on the three variables. The relationships are stated by three equations that, while further years of observations are anticipated, can be considered models to forecast the characteristics of the pollen season: the starting date depends on the mean temperatures of January and February, and the length and intensity of the season depend on the rainfall between the beginning of January and the starting date of the season. For the study period, the weekly concentrations (pollen curves) throughout the year showed no typical pattern of variation over the years, so that it was impossible to make mid‐ and long‐term forecasts of the variation in weekly concentration. The most noteworthy aspects of grass pollen curves are a long pollen season, which starts in February or March and lasts until September or October; peaks of higher concentration (>1(K) grains/m3) in May and June, associated with increases in temperature and absence of precipitation; and other peaks in the summer months that may be as high as the spring peaks.
Milk hypersensitivity – key to poorly defined gastrointestinal symptoms in adults
Authors: Pelto L. , Salminen S. , Lilius E.‐M. , Nuutila J. , Isolauri E.
Published: May 2007

Lactose intolerance is a common adverse reaction to milk in adults, while milk hypersensitivity is a disorder of infancy. We hypothesized that milk hypersensitivity may cause many unspecific gastrointestinal disorders in adults. Twenty adults were subjected to double‐blind, placebo‐controlled milk challenge. Phagocyte activity, and Fcγ and complement receptor expression of phagocytes were assayed, and serum total IgE. milk‐specific IgE, and serum reactivity to milk protein were determined. The challenge increased phagocyte activity and complement receptor expression of phagocytes in subjects designated miUc‐hypersensitive, who had gastrointestinal symptoms from milk ingestion but normal lactose tolerance. The increase was not detected in lactose‐intolerant or control subjects. The milk‐hypersensitive group was also distinguished from the lactose‐intolerant group by enhanced serum reactivity to milk protein. Only two out of nine milk‐hypersensitive subjects had detectable milk‐specific serum IgE. It is concluded that milk hypersensitivity in adults, occurring as gastrointestinal reactions, may be more common than previously thought.
Efficacy and onset of action of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray on nasal symptoms, eosinophil count, and mediator release after nasal allergen challenge in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wang D. , Duyck F. , Smitz J. , Clement P.
Published: May 2007

We studied the effect and onset of action of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) on mediator release and eosinophil accumulation in nasal secretions and on nasal symptoms of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis after nasal allergen challenge (NAC). At the end of the pollen season, 28 patients were randomized in a double‐blind and crossover design to receive 7 days' treatment with FPANS (200 μg, once daily) and matching placebo. NACs were performed before and at 6 h and 1. 2. 3. and 7 days during treatment with FPANS or placebo. Nasal secretions were collected for a quantitative determination of mediators and eosinophil count before and 5 min after each challenge. Nasal symptoms were assessed by scales grading the severity of symptoms at the same time. Results showed that for mediator concentrations there was a significant decrease of leukotriene C4 (P<0.001) at 7 days after the first administration of FPANS as compared to placebo. Two days after FPANS. both eosinophil counts and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) concentrations were lower than those of placebo (eosinophils; f=0.032; ECP; F=0.038). The onset became even more important at day 7 (eosinophils; P=0.001; ECP; P=0.009) during the FPANS treatment period. For the subjective nasal symptoms, a significant reduction of symptom scores for nasal obstruction occurred also at day 3 (F=0.017) and for sneezing at day 7 (f=0.003). There was not yet any significant improvement of the objective nasal airway resistance after the different NACs during the study period. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that topical fluticasone propionate is effective in the treatment of mucosal inflammation induced by NAC. For optimal control of nasal symptoms induced by repeated maximal allergen challenges, a treatment period of more than 1 week is required.
Cross‐reactivity between Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) and natural rubber latex
Authors: Brehler R. , Abrams E. , Sedlmayr S.
Published: May 2007

The importance of hypersensitivity to Ficiis allergens is reported, Cross‐sensitization between fig (Ficus carica), weeping fig (F. benjamina [Fb]), and natural rubber latex (NRL) was confirmed by RAST inhibition. We performed skin prick tests with fresh Fb tree sap and NRL extracts in 346 consecutive patients and in 151 patients with immediate‐type hypersensitivity to NRL, Total serum IgE and IgE antibodies to NRL and Ficus spp. were analyzed in sera. By the RAST‐inhibition method, we studied cross‐reactivity among latex, fig. and weeping fig, Sensitization to Fb was diagnosed in 23 of the 346 consecutive patients, and the simultaneous presence of latex‐specific IgE was highly significant. Of 151 NRL‐allergic patients, 35 were also sensitized to Fb. Cross‐reacting IgE antibodies recognizing latex and Ficus allergens were demonstrated by RAST inhibition. The present study reinforces the importance of Fb as an indoor allergen. Cross‐reacting IgE antibodies to NRL and Ficus spp, allergens frequently found in the sera of atopic patients. Development of commercially available standardized extracts for skin tests is urgently necessary.
Prevalence of sensitization to the storage mites Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, and Lepidoglyphus destructor in allergic patients with different degrees of sensitization to the house‐dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: van der Heide S. , Niemeijer N. R. , Hovenga H. , de Monchy J. G. R. , Dubois A. E. J. , Kauffman H. F.
Published: May 2007

The prevalence of sensitization to the storage mites Acarus siro (AS), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP), and Lepidoglyphus destructor (LD) was studied in 250 sera of patients with different degrees of sensitization to the house‐dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) by measuring IgE binding to extracts of the storage mites. Additionally, allergenic cross‐reactivity between DP and the storage mite species was studied by RAST inhibition with five individual sera (and a pool of these sera) with moderate IgE levels to all three storage mites and to DP. Increased serum IgE to storage mites was found in 46% of the 200 patients sensitized to DP. Increased prevalence rates of IgE titers to storage mites were associated with higher IgE levels to DP In 50 sera without sensitization to DP, only five sera showed increased IgE to one of the storage mites. Extracts of TP almost completely inhibited the IgE binding to AS, and vice versa. DP inhibited IgE binding to all storage mites up to 60%, whereas IgE binding to DP was only minimally inhibited by extracts of storage mites. In conclusion, cosensitization to storage mites is a frequent finding in patients sensitized to DP. Although this is largely the result of cross‐reactivity between different mite species, it may nevertheless be of clinical significance in patients exposed to storage mites.
Results of wearing test with two different latex gloves with and without the use of skin‐protection cream
Authors: Baur X. , Chen Z. , Allmers H. , Raulf‐Heimsoth M.
Published: May 2007

A total of 109 subjects reporting symptoms indicating type I hypersensitivity reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves was included in this study, and 66 of them had latex‐specific IgE antibodies. They underwent provocation tests by wearing two types of NRL gloves with high (n=103) and low (n=75) allergen contents. The first glove type caused positive skin reactions in 30% of IgE‐positive and in 3% of IgE‐negative subjects. After application of a commercially available skin protection (barrier) cream, the frequencies of positive skin responses in wearing tests increased to 41% and 7%, respectively. The gloves with low allergen content did not cause hypersensitivity without skin‐protection cream but induced responses in 5% of IgE‐positive subjects when this cream was applied. Corresponding findings were obtained in intraindividual comparisons of test results, which were possible in 69 cases. Of all wearing‐test responders. 92% had latex‐specific IgE antibodies. Our results demonstrate that high allergen contents in latex gloves frequently elicite skin responses in NRL‐sensitized subjects, and that skin‐protection creams may favor the uptake of allergens from gloves, thus increasing allergic reactions. The stipulation of a legally binding threshold limit value (TLV) for allergens in NRL products is urgently needed. This TLV should not be set above 2 ng allergen/g rubber.
Characterized allergens causing bakers' asthma
Authors: Baur X. , Posch A.
Published: May 2007

Although airborne allergens in bakeries and confectioneries cause one of the most common forms of occupational asthma, namely, bakers' asthma, only a few of them are known in detail so far. Here we summarize current knowledge of bakery allergens and describe our own two‐dimensional (2‐D) immunoelectrophoresis studies of wheat‐flour allergens as well as the allergenic baking enzyme Asp o 2. Out of approximately 700 soluble wheat polypeptides, 70 show IgE binding; the following wheat‐flour allergens could be identified and characterized: members of the a‐amylase inhibitor family (14–18 kDa), acyl‐CoA oxidase (26 kDa), peroxidase (36 kDa), and fructose‐bisphosphate aldolase (37 kDa). However, the great majority ofthe soluble wheat‐flour allergens, mainly located in the 27‐, 55‐, and 70‐kDa areas of the 2‐D immunoblots with pi values of 5.8–6.8, 5.9–6.5, and 5.5–6.1, respectively, are not known at present. Asp o 2, to which approximately 25% of all bakers with respiratory symptoms are sensitized, is a well‐characterized starch‐cleaving enzyme. We conclude that great effort is still needed to describe all major wheat‐flour allergens. As shown by Asp o 2, knowledge of the causative allergens and their characteristics enables us to initiate very effective preventive measures such as the introduction of granulated allergenic products.
Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizoniea) pollen allergens. Identification of crossreactive periodate‐resistant and ‐sensitive epitopes with monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Barletta B. , Tinghino R. , Corinti S. , Afferni C. , Iacovacci P. , Mari A. , Pini C. , Di Felice G.
Published: May 2007

Species of the Cupressaceae family are a worldwide cause of respiratory allergies. We used monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to investigate the presence and the nature of cross‐reacting epitopes shared by various components within Cupressus arizoniea pollen extract (CaE) or by CaE and pollen extract from C. sempervirens (CsE). mAbs were produced in mice immunized with whole CaE (4A6 and 5E6) or with the major allergen components (2D5). Their reactivity was investigated by ELISA and immunoblotting before and after CaE periodate treatment. Cross‐reactivity was evaluated by ELISA inhibition and immunoblotting. mAbs 2D5 and 4A6 recognized periodate‐resistant epitopes, whereas the mAb 5E6 reacted with a periodate‐sensitive determinant. The former mAbs recognized epitopes present on CaE major allergen and also shared by other components. mAb 5E6 showed a spread reactivity on CaE, with exclusion of the major allergen. When the three mAbs were tested with CsE, a restricted pattern of reactivity to mAbs 2D5 and 4A6 was obtained, whereas mAb 5E6 maintained a spread reactivity. The CaE major allergen is represented by two components recognized by human IgE and sharing common epitopes, as proven by mAbs reactivity. The use of these mAbs demonstrates that cross‐reactivity within CaE components and between CaE and CsE is due to the presence of periodate‐sensitive as well as ‐resistant epitopes.
Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled evaluation of sublingual immunotherapy with standardized olive pollen extract in pediatric patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and mild asthma due to olive pollen sensitization
Authors: Vourdas D. , Syrigou E. , Potamianou P. , Carat F. , Batard T. , André C. , Papageorgiou P. S.
Published: May 2007

For evaluation of the efficacy and the safety of specific sublingual immunotherapy with high allergen dose, 66 children with seasonal asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis due to sensitization to olive pollen were enrolled in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study between October 1994 and October 1996 in Greece. Thirty‐four patients were randomly allocated to the active group, and 32 received placebo. Immunotherapy consisted of olive‐allergen extracts (Stallergenes SA) administered sublingually pre‐ and coseasonally from January to July for 2 consecutive years. Serial concentrations from 1 to 300 IR were used up to the maintenance dose of 20 drops of 300 IR daily. The cumulative dose for each patient was 300 times higher than in parenteral immunotherapy, and the cumulative dose of the major allergen Ole e 1 was 8.1 mg/2 years. The patients were assessed by clinical parameters (symptom and medication scores from patients' daily diaries) and immunologic measurements (specific IgE. lgG4. eosinophil cationic protein [ECP]) were performed. The actively treated patients had a significantly lower score for dyspnea (P<0.04 during the first season; P<0.03 during the second season). At the poUinic peak during the second year, a lower score of conjunctivitis was recorded (P<0.05) in the actively treated patients. The analysis of intragroup evolution showed that the total score of rhinitis increased significantly during the pollinic peak in the group under placebo, whereas there was no symptomatic peak for the same period in the group under active treatment. However, the difference between the groups was not significant. The medication score did not differ significantly between the groups. Oral steroids were the only variables with a P value near the significance level (P=0.06) in favor of the actively treated group. A significant decrease in skin reactivity was recorded in the active group after 2 years of treatment. No significant variation in specific IgE and IgG4 was detected. A significantly lower level of serum ECP was observed at the pollinic peak in the actively treated patients during the first pollen season (P=0.01), but this was not confirmed the second year when the ECP levels doubled in both groups without correlation to the clinical findings. Tolerance was excellent with only a few minor side‐effects reported. In conclusion, high‐dose specific sublingual immunotherapy appears to be safe and effective in improving mild seasonal asthma and conjunctivitis linked to olive‐pollen sensitization.
Efficacy and safety relative to placebo of an oral formulation of cetirizine and sustained‐release pseudoephedrine in the management of nasal congestion
Authors: Horak F. , Toth J. , Marks B. , Stübner U. P. , Berger U. E. , Jäger S. , Burtin B. , Duby C.
Published: May 2007

Background The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of an oral formulation of cetirizine 5 mg with sustained‐release pseudoephedrine (PSE) 120 mg relative to placebo in patients with nasal congestion. Methods Twenty‐four patients with perennial rhinitis due to house‐dust‐mite (HDM) allergy were recruited in this crossover study. A treatment period of 1 week, in which cetirizine/PSE was administered twice daily, was followed by a washout period of at least 2 weeks and a further period of 1 week in which the alternative treatment was given to each patient. Immediately after the first dose of each medication (day 1), nasal congestion and related symptoms were assessed during a 7‐h challenge with HDM feces, with the Vienna Challenge Chamber (VCC), to investigate onset of action of the preparation. A second challenge of 3‐h duration, carried out at least 12 h after the final dose, was undertaken after 1 week (mean) of twice‐daily treatment to assess residual effects of the formulation after achievement of steady state.

Results The oral formulation of cetirizine/PSE was significantly (p <0.001) superior to placebo in improving nasal obstruction during both challenges. The improvement in nasal airflow and nasal patency was significantly greater with cetirizine/PSE than with placebo (P<0.02). In addition, subjective assessment of nasal symptoms showed that cetirizine/PSE was significantly superior to placebo in both challenges for the sum of nasal obstruction scores (P<0.01). Both medications were well tolerated, and no serious adverse events occurred during the study.

Conclusions In this study, cetirizine/PSE relieved nasal congestion and other objective and subjective symptoms to a significantly greater extent than placebo. No serious adverse events occurred, and both regimens were equally well tolerated.
Age at symptom onset and distribution by sex and symptoms in patients sensitized to different allergens
Authors: Guerra S. , Allegra L. , Blasi F , Cottini M.
Published: May 2007

The aim of our study was to analyze the clinical features, particularly the age at symptom onset, of allergic subjects (asthma and/or rhinitis) on the basis of the etiologic elements (sensitization to various allergens). We identified a group of monosensitized patients and a group of polysensitized patients. Within these groups, we identified subgroups of subjects monosensitized to one of the five main allergenic mixes (mites, Gramineae, trees, Parietaria, and Artemisia) and five subgroups of patients sensitized nonexclusively, that is, polysensitized, to the same allergens. The comparison between the two groups and among the various subgroups enabled us to conclude that:

mono‐ and polysensitized patients present some clinical features so different as to constitute two clearly distinct clinical groups

analysis of the clinical features associated with the sensitization to a specific allergen brings us to significantly different conclusions when we consider subgroups of monosensitized or polysensitized patients

the parameter “age at symptom onset” shows great heterogeneity among both the mono‐ and the polysensitized subgroups ‐ in particular, the great differences in mean age among the monosensitized subgroups (trees>y4rtemi.s(fl>Pflrie/flria>Gramineae>mites) appear very interesting and are open to various interpretative hypotheses

unlike the polysensitized group, in the monosensitized group and subgroups, mean age is similar between men and women and, only for tree‐ and parietaria‐monosensitive patients, also between asthmatic and rhinitic subjects.
Clinical efficacy of sublingual‐swallow immunotherapy: a double‐blind, olacebo‐controlled trial of a standardized five‐grass‐pollen extract in rhinitis
Authors: Clavel R. , Bousquet J. , André C.
Published: May 2007

Sublingual‐swallow immunotherapy (SLIT) using high doses of standardized allergen extracts has been found to be effective in reducing allergic symptoms and medication needs. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was carried out in a large number of patients to determine whether medication needs can be reduced by SLIT. Some 136 patients with grass‐pollen rhinitis with or without mild asthma were studied. Patients received either placebo or SLIT with a standardized grass‐pollen extract administered daily with increasing doses up to 300 IR (index of reactivity) from January to the end of July 1994. During the grass‐pollen season, patients were instructed to use medications as required and to visit their doctors in case of asthma. Symptom‐medications scores were assessed during the pollen season, and serum‐specific IgG4 was measured before and at the end of SLIT. In the SLIT group, drug consumption dropped significantly throughout the pollen season (P<0.02). Moreover, at the peak of the pollen season, betamethasone consumption was significantly reduced in the SLIT group (P<0.02). Only one patient in the SLIT group had an asthma attack compared to eight patients in the placebo group (P<0.02). IgG4 levels increased significantly in the SLIT group (P<0.001) but without correlation with symptoms. Side‐effects were comparable in both groups. This study indicates that SLIT in grass‐pollen rhinitis is well tolerated, improves overall clinical symptoms, and reduces drug consumption and the need for oral corticosteroids.
IgE, IgA, and IgG responses to common yeasts in atopic patients
Authors: Savolainen J. , Kortekangas‐Savolainen O. , Nermes M. , Viander M. , Koivikko A. , Kalimo K. , Terho E. O.
Published: May 2007

This study was undertaken to analyze the differences in exposure and sensitization to five common environmental yeasts. The responses of IgG, IgA. and IgE to Candida albicans. C. utilis, Cryptococcus albidus, Rhodotorula rubra, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and purified S. cerevisiae enolase were analyzed by immunoblotting (IgE‐1B), and the cross‐reactivity of their IgE‐binding components by IgE‐1B inhibition. Twenty atopic subjects, with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis were included. In skin prick tests (SPT), 12 of the patients showed simultaneous reactivity to at least two of the five yeasts, four reacted to one of the yeasts, and four had no responses. Antigens run in SDS‐PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose were probed with enzyme‐labeled IgA‐, IgG‐, and IgE‐specific antibodies. The IgE immunoblotting revealed most IgE‐binding bands in C. albicans (11 bands) followed by C. utilis (eight bands), S. cerevisiae (five bands), R. rubra (five bands), and Cr. albidus (four bands). Six of the IgE‐binding bands of C. albicans and C. utilis shared molecular weight, and only two bands shared molecular weight with other yeasts. These were the 46‐kDa band, shared by all five yeasts, and a 13‐kDa band shared by four yeasts. Prominent IgE binding was seen to a 46‐kDa band of C. albicans (seven patients), C. utilis (five patients), and S. cerevisiae (one patient) and to corresponding weak bands of Cr. albidus and R. rubra (one patient). The possible cross‐reactivity of the 46‐kDa band was analyzed by IgE‐IB inhibition and densitometry, revealing clear C albicans inhibition of C. utilis (80%) and enolase (98%) (autoinhibition 100%). The strongest IgG responses were seen against S. cerevisiae and C albicans. The responses were mainly against mannans of C. albicans and S. cerevisiae, suggesting that most of the exposure is to these yeasts. Yeasts with different types of exposure, from saprophytic growth on human mucous membranes to exposure by air and food, were shown to cross‐react at the allergenic level. Atopic patients primarily sensitized by C albicans and S. cerevisiae may develop allergic symptoms by exposure to other environmental yeasts due to cross‐reacting IgE antibodies.
Olive‐pollen profilin. Molecular and immunologic properties
Authors: Ledesma A. , Rodríguez R. , Villalba M.
Published: May 2007

Olive‐pollen profilin has been isolated and characterized as a significant allergen. Its molecular properties, such as a molecular mass of 15 kDa; amino‐acid composition; and secondary repetitive structure percentages of 15%α‐helix, 33%β‐strand, 20%β‐turn, and 32% random coil, have been determined. Its allergenic capability, a recognition frequency estimated at 24% of olive‐hypersensitive patients, and high cross‐reactivity with all the pollen used have been found. The presence of conformational epitopes in the olive profilin, as well as a high structural and immunologic similarity to other pollen sources such as birch and ash, can be established from these studies.
Mild asthma: an expert review on epidemiology, clinical characteristics and treatment recommendations
Authors: Dusser D. , Montani D. , Chanez P. , De Blic J. , Delacourt C. , Deschildre A. , Devillier P. , Didier A. , Leroyer C. , Marguet C. , Martinat Y. , Piquet J. , Raherison C. , Serrier P. , Tillie‐Leblond I. , Tonnel A.‐B. , Lara M. T. de , Humbert M.
Published: May 2007

This review is the synthesis of a working group on mild asthma. Mild asthma includes intermittent and persistent mild asthma according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) classification, and affects between 50% and 75% of asthmatic patients. Mild asthma is more frequent, more symptomatic, and less well controlled in children than in adults. Cohort studies from childhood to adulthood show that asthma severity usually remains stable over time. Nevertheless, mild asthma can lead to severe exacerbations, with a frequency ranging from 0.12 to 0.77 per patient‐year. Severe exacerbations in mild asthma represent 30–40% of asthma exacerbations requiring emergency consultation. In mild asthma, inflammation and structural remodelling are constant, of varying intensity, but nonspecific. Therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) decreases bronchial inflammation, but has only a slight effect on structural remodelling, and, when stopped, inflammation immediately recurs. Permanent low‐dose ICS therapy is the reference treatment for persistent mild asthma. Effectiveness is to be reassessed at 3 months, and if it is insufficient the patient is no longer considered mildly asthmatic, and treatment has to be stepped up. As mild asthma is the most frequent form of the disease, diagnosis and management require physicians’ particular attention.
Optimizing a Diode Array VIS/NIR Spectrometer System to Detect Plant Stress in the Field
Authors: Behrens T. , Müller J. , Diepenbrock W.
Published: May 2007

Several spectrometer types for the detection of plant stress symptoms by measuring reflectance of crop canopies have been described in the literature. Only a few of them were field‐portable and combine both the visual (VIS) and near‐infrared (NIR) spectral ranges. In particular, NIR spectra enable considerable improvements in assessing crop properties. In the current study, a diode array two‐channel VIS/NIR spectrometer combination was adapted from laboratory to field application and optimized with regard to measuring configuration and procedure. Two plant canopies representing two extremes of morphological differentiation were studied. They consisted of a winter oilseed rape and a grass turf canopy of high vs. low morphological complexity. Derived from grass turf and winter oilseed rape canopy reflectance in the VIS and NIR spectral range vegetation indices (REIP, R850 and SRWI) were calculated. It was shown that the choice of sensor head configuration mainly affected sensitivity and accuracy of measurements, whereas the vegetation indices were mainly influenced by sensor‐target angle, sensor‐target distance, daytime of measurement and cloud coverage. However, most impairments were substantially reduced by using a continuous referencation. Best results were obtained using an open fibre optic cable, sensor‐target distance of 1 m in nadir direction and a measurement interval between 12.00 and 16.00 h at clear sky conditions. To show the applicability of the proposed configuration and measurement protocol, growth traits of a winter oilseed rape canopy were investigated at an early stage of development. Based upon vegetation indices, reductions in shoot dry matter, shoot‐N concentration and shoot water concentration were reliably detected. Conclusively, this paper studies the effect of sensor head configuration, sensor‐target angle, sensor‐target distance and daytime of measurement on observed canopy reflectance in the VIS and NIR spectral range. Additionally, it presents, for the first time, a comprehensive and integrated analysis of the way in which these factors affect vegetation indices (REIP, R850 and SRWI) derived from VIS and NIR spectra. The optimized procedure reduced interferences, expanded operation time and enabled high‐resolution reflectance measurements in the field.
Gerbera jamesonii, Osteospermum sp. and Argyranthemum frutescens: New Hosts of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. chrysanthemi
Authors: Minuto A. , Gullino M. L. , Garibaldi A.
Published: May 2007

The pathogenicity of five isolates of Fusarium oxysporum obtained from infected gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium), Paris daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) and African daisy (Osteospermum sp.) plants was tested on some varieties of the following Compositae hosts: C. morifolium, G. jamesonii, Argyranthemum frutescens (Paris daisy) and Osteospermum sp. and compared with the host range and pathogenicity of an isolate of F. oxysporum f. sp. chrysanthemi obtained from the ATCC collection. The results indicated that isolates of F. oxysporum from G. jamesonii as well as those from A. frutescens and Osteospermum sp. belong to the forma specialischrysanthemi. The isolate from gerbera was virulent on all tested varieties of gerbera, C. morifolium, A. frutescens and Osteospermumsp. Similar results were obtained testing the isolates obtained from A. frutescens and Osteospermumsp. The strain from C. morifolium infected cultivar of gerbera, A. frutescens and Osteospermum sp. The pathogenicity of isolate of F. oxysporum f. sp. chrysanthemi obtained from the ATCC showed a different cultivar range particularly in the case of chrysanthemum and gerbera.
γ‐Amino Butyric Acid Control of Arginine Vasopressin Release from the Ewe Hypothalamus In Vitro: Sensitivity to Oestradiol
Authors: Ghuman SPS , Prabhakar S , Smith RF , Dobson H
Published: May 2007

Contents

The present study aims to ascertain the influence of γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA)A or B receptors on arginine vasopressin (AVP) release in vitro and determine whether E2 modulates GABA–AVP interaction. Within 10 min of ewe killing, saggital midline hypothalamic slices (from the anterior preoptic area to the mediobasal hypothalamus along with the median eminence, 2‐mm thick, two per ewe) were dissected, placed in oxygenated minimum essential media (MEM)‐α at 4°C and within 2 h were singly perifused at 37°C with oxygenated MEM‐α (pH 7.4; flow rate 0.15 ml/min), either with or without E2 (24 pg/ml). After 4‐h equilibration, 10‐min fractions were collected for 4 h interposed with a 10‐min exposure at 60 min to a specific GABAA or B receptor agonist or antagonist at various doses (0.1–10 mm). GABAA (muscimol; no E2, n = 7 perifusion chambers, with E2, n = 11) or GABAB (baclofen; no E2, n = 8, with E2, n = 15) agonists (10 mm) did not influence AVP concentrations. However, AVP release increased (p < 0.05) 20–30 min after exposure to 10 mm GABAA or B antagonists (bicuculline, no E2, n = 7: from 4.6 ± 0.7 to 33.0 ± 0.4, with E2, n = 17: from 11.9 ± 1.4 to 32.8 ± 6.0; CGP52432, with E2, n = 14: from 14.0 ± 2.6 to 28.8 ± 3.9 pg/ml). At the end of the collection period, hypothalamic slices responded to KCl (100 mm) with AVP efflux (p < 0.05). GABAB but not GABAA antagonist‐stimulated AVP release was enhanced in the presence of E2. In summary, AVP release is under the inhibitory influence of GABA input with further potentiation by E2 through GABAB receptors in vitro.
Effect of cholesterol, cholic acid and cholestyramine administration on the intestinal mRNA expressions related to cholesterol and bile acid metabolism in the rat
Authors: Kamisako Toshinori , Ogawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Kazuo
Published: May 2007

Background and Aim: To evaluate the importance of cholesterol and bile acid concentrations in the intestinal lumen to cholesterol homeostasis, we investigated the effect of cholesterol‐, bile salt‐ or cholestyramine‐administration on the regulation of intestinal mRNA related to cholesterol and bile acid metabolism.

Methods: Male Wistar rats fed on standard laboratory chow (AIN‐93) were allocated into four experimental groups: (i) control group; (ii) cholesterol group (CH), which was fed cholesterol in diet (2% [w/w]) for 14 days; (iii) cholic acid (CA) group, which was fed CA in diet (1% [w/w]) for 14 days; (iv) cholestyramine (CT) group, which was fed CT in diet (5% [w/w]) for 14 days. Blood, liver and small intestine were obtained after 14 days. Serum lipids and bile acids were measured by colorimetric assays, and hepatic and intestinal mRNA relating to lipid and bile acid metabolism was studied by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Intestinal ABCG8, liver X receptor α, small heterodimer partner (SHP) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) mRNA expressions were markedly increased in the CH group. Intestinal multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP) 2 and MRP3 mRNA expressions were markedly increased in the CA group. In the CT group intestinal MRP2, ABCG5, ABCG8, SHP and SREBP‐1c mRNA expressions were markedly decreased.

Conclusion: The bile acid availability in the intestinal lumen alters the expression of various intestinal mRNA relating to not only bile acid metabolism, but also lipid metabolism. Though the mechanism of the intestinal SHP elevation is unclear, cholesterol feeding may affect the intestinal bile acid metabolism via intestinal SHP expression.
The effects of immigration and environmental variability on the persistence of an inferior competitor
Authors: Long Zachary T. , Petchey Owen L. , Holt Robert D.
Published: May 2007

We tested the hypothesis that temporally autocorrelated variation should increase the abundance of an inferior competitor sustained by immigration. Temporally autocorrelated variability can increase abundance of the inferior species through effects on demography, the strength of competition, and the mean and variance in the abundance of competing species. We allowed the competitive inferior to immigrate into habitats with constant, variable, or temporally autocorrelated temperature regimes. In the absence of immigration, competitive exclusion occurred, in both constant and variable environments. Immigration permitted persistence of the inferior species, and increased immigration rates led to increased abundance. Temporally autocorrelated variability enhanced this effect of immigration. This ‘inflationary’ effect suggests that the interplay of immigration and environmental variability can jointly influence the outcome of competitive interactions. Our results suggest that an increase in temporal autocorrelation of environmental variability will cause regional processes to increasingly influence local interactions.
Global negative vegetation feedback to climate warming responses of leaf litter decomposition rates in cold biomes
Authors: Cornelissen Johannes H.C. , Van Bodegom Peter M. , Aerts Rien , Callaghan Terry V. , Van Logtestijn Richard S.P. , Alatalo Juha , Stuart Chapin F. , Gerdol Renato , Gudmundsson Jon , Gwynn‐Jones Dylan , Hartley Anne E. , Hik David S. , Hofgaard Annika , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg S. , Karlsson Staffan , Klein Julia A. , Laundre Jim , Magnusson Borgthor , Michelsen Anders , Molau Ulf , Onipchenko Vladimir G. , Quested Helen M. , Sandvik Sylvi M. , Schmidt Inger K. , Shaver Gus R. , Solheim Bjørn , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. , Stenström Anna , Tolvanen Anne , Totland Ørjan , Wada Naoya , Welker Jeffrey M. , Zhao Xinquan ,   M.O.L. Team
Published: May 2007

Whether climate change will turn cold biomes from large long‐term carbon sinks into sources is hotly debated because of the great potential for ecosystem‐mediated feedbacks to global climate. Critical are the direction, magnitude and generality of climate responses of plant litter decomposition. Here, we present the first quantitative analysis of the major climate‐change‐related drivers of litter decomposition rates in cold northern biomes worldwide. Leaf litters collected from the predominant species in 33 global change manipulation experiments in circum‐arctic‐alpine ecosystems were incubated simultaneously in two contrasting arctic life zones. We demonstrate that longer‐term, large‐scale changes to leaf litter decomposition will be driven primarily by both direct warming effects and concomitant shifts in plant growth form composition, with a much smaller role for changes in litter quality within species. Specifically, the ongoing warming‐induced expansion of shrubs with recalcitrant leaf litter across cold biomes would constitute a negative feedback to global warming. Depending on the strength of other (previously reported) positive feedbacks of shrub expansion on soil carbon turnover, this may partly counteract direct warming enhancement of litter decomposition.
Diversity, relative abundance and metabolic potential of bacterial endosymbionts in three Bathymodiolus mussel species from cold seeps in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Duperron Sébastien , Sibuet Myriam , MacGregor Barbara J. , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Fisher Chuck R. , Dubilier Nicole
Published: May 2007

Cold seeps in the Gulf of Mexico are often dominated by mussels of the genus Bathymodiolus that harbour symbiotic bacteria in their gills. In this study, we analysed symbiont diversity, abundance and metabolic potential in three mussel species from the northern Gulf of Mexico: Bathymodiolus heckerae from the West Florida Escarpment, Bathymodiolus brooksi from Atwater Valley and Alaminos Canyon, and ‘Bathymodiolus’ childressi, which co‐occurs with B. brooksi in Alaminos Canyon. Comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis confirmed a single methanotroph‐related symbiont in ‘B.’ childressi and a dual symbiosis with a methanotroph‐ and thiotroph‐related symbiont in B. brooksi. A previously unknown diversity of four co‐occurring symbionts was discovered in B. heckerae: a methanotroph, two phylogenetically distinct thiotrophs and a methylotroph‐related phylotype not previously described from any marine invertebrate symbiosis. A gene characteristic of methane‐oxidzing bacteria, pmoA, was identified in all three mussel species confirming the methanotrophic potential of their symbionts. Stable isotope analyses of lipids and whole tissue also confirmed the importance of methanotrophy in the carbon nutrition of all of the mussels. Analyses of absolute and relative symbiont abundance in B. heckerae and B. brooksi using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and rRNA slot blot hybridization indicated a clear dominance of methanotrophic over thiotrophic symbionts in their gill tissues. A site‐dependent variability in total symbiont abundance was observed in B. brooksi, with specimens from Alaminos Canyon harbouring much lower densities than those from Atwater Valley. This shows that symbiont abundance is not species‐specific but can vary considerably between populations.