bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of total serum IgE determination in screening of Iranian Russian thistle pollen hypersensitive individuals
Authors: SHAFIEE A. , JAMALI F. , BAYAT B.
Published: April 2006

Total serum IgE concentrations of normal and Russian thistle (Salsola pestifer) pollen hypersensitive individuals were determined in an Iranian population, using the solid phase radioimmunoassay technique. The mean values were 963.7 and 885.3 ng/ml, respectively, which are much higher than normal values given for non‐Iranian populations. In addition, no significant differences were found between observed values (P= 0.1) for normal and allergic individuals. The effect of common parasitic infestation in the Iranian population in causing high serum IgE levels is discussed.
Assessing the value of skin prick tests
Authors: LESSOF M. H. , BUISSERET P. D. , MERRETT J. , MERRETT T. G. , WRAITH D. G.
Published: April 2006

Skin test materials vary in their potency and specificity. Although 3 mm reactions are often regarded as diagnostic of a type I allergy, a study based on 100 allergy clinic patients with food intolerance showed that thirteen out of fifteen patients with a 3 mm reaction to common inhalant allergens had no RAST‐detectable allergen‐specific IgE.

Three millimetre reactions were significant for milk and egg extracts. Food intolerance was clinically demonstrable in six out of seven patients giving a 4 mm skin reaction and in ten out of thirteen with a 3 mm reaction. There was, however, a ‘clinically false positive’ reaction of 3 mm or more in 3.8% of allergy clinic patients for milk and 2.8% for egg.

In fifteen out of nineteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of fish allergy, the diagnosis was supported by a skin test reaction of 5 mm or more. However, seven patients with no history of intolerance to fish gave a 4 mm reaction to the same extract. Reactions of less than 5 mm were thus unhelpful clinically.
PGF2α challenge test in asthma and chronic bronchitis
Authors: PARANTAINEN J. , RITALA K. , LAHDENSUO A.
Published: April 2006

PGF2SaL challenge tests were performed in twenty‐three patients with bronchial asthma and six patients with chronic bronchitis; two patients with allergic rhinitis and four healthy volunteers also participated in the trial. FEV1 measurements were used in assessing the reactions. PGE2α challenge proved safe and practical in clinical use. A wide scattering in PGF2α reactivity was seen, but sensitivity to PGF2α did not correlate to several clinical criteria. Comparison with an ordinary histamine challenge revealed that the sensitivity of the patients to PGF2α and histamine was not uniform.
Comparison of a low and high dose ACTH gel in the treatment of hay fever
Authors: PARR E. J. , DAVIES B. H.
Published: April 2006

The present data show that in fourteen patients treated with 200 iu Acthar gel, hay fever symptoms were less during the period of peak pollen challenge during June, than those experienced by an equivalent group treated with 80 iu. Analysis of the data showed that in the seven worst sufferers in both groups the difference between treatments was statistically significant (P= 0.033, estimated by analysis of covariance of the symptom scores over the period of peak pollen challenge). No serious side effects were noted in patients from either group.
A comparative trial of intra‐nasal beclomethasone dipropionate and sodium cromoglycate in patients with chronic perennial rhinitis
Authors: HILLAS JENNIE , BOOTH R. J. , SOMERFIELD S. , MORTON R. , AVERY J. , WILSON J. D.
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind crossover study has compared intra‐nasal sodium cromoglycate (SCG) with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), and both drugs with placebo, in fifty‐two chronic perennial rhinitis patients, BDP was significantly more effective in relieving symptoms than SCG (76.9% and 50% of the patients improved respectively, P<0.01). Both drugs were more active than placebos but while BDP was very clearly more effective (P<0.0005) SCG was only marginally better than its placebo (P<0.05, Fisher; P=0.068, χ2). BDP was selected by 56% of the patients as the best agent for continuing therapy at the end of the trial. By contrast SCG was preferred by the same number of patients as chose the two placebos (11.5%).
The effect of proxicromil, a new oral chromone derivative, in antigen challenge tests in asthmatic patients
Authors: GIRARD J. P. , SULLIVAN T. J.
Published: April 2006

Proxicromil is a compound shown in biological tests to have anti‐allergic properties. It is well absorbed in humans after oral administration. In order to assess its anti‐allergic activity in humans, experiments were carried out in asthmatic patients to investigate its inhibitory effects upon the bronchoconstrictor response to antigen challenge.

Two controlled experiments were carried out according to randomized double blind crossover designs, in each of which ten selected patients were pretreated orally with proxicromil before being challenged with inhaled doses of antigen. Inhibition of the immediate response to antigen challenge by single and repeated doses was measured by intermittent recordings of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) for 30 minutes after challenge. The duration of action of proxicromil and studied by varying the time between administration of the last dose given and inhalation of the antigen.

The results showed that proxicromil significantly protected patients against the immediate response to challenge, and possessed a long duration of action of at least 12 hours.
Extrinsic and intrinsic asthma: influence of classification on family history of asthma and allergic disease
Authors: SIBBALD BONNIE
Published: April 2006

The distributions of asthma, hay fever and eczema were examined in the first degree relatives of 516 asthmatics grouped according to atopic status, history of hay fever/eczema and history of asthma provoked by pollens, dust or animals. The prevalences of both asthma and eczema in relatives were strongly correlated with the presence of hay fever/eczema in probands and to a lesser extent with their atopic status. The prevalence of hay fever in relatives was strongly correlated with both the presence of hay fever/eczema and the degree of atopy in probands. In contrast, allergic provocation of asthma in probands did not influence the prevalences of asthma, hay fever or eczema.

These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that there is an increased risk of asthma in relatives of atopic asthmatics which may arise from the enhanced susceptibility to asthma of individuals who inherit both a predisposition to asthma and a predisposition to atopy.
The correlation between increased reactivity of the bronchi and of mediator releasing cells in asthma
Authors: NEIJENS H. J. , DEGENHART H. J. , RAATGEEP R. , KERREBIJN K. F.
Published: April 2006

The hypothesis that increased reactivity in asthma is not always limited to the bronchi but also exists in the mediator releasing system was investigated in forty‐five asthmatic children, approximately half of whom had exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). The bronchial threshold to histamine was measured as an indicator of the reactivity of the bronchi and the histamine release from leucocytes without adding allergen (spontaneous histamine release) was considered as an indicator of the reactivity of the basophil leucocytes. There was a significant correlation between the histamine threshold and spontaneous histamine release and between these and EIB. These findings support the hypothesis.
Comparison of bronchial reactivity to histamine and methacholine in asthmatics
Authors: SALOME C. M. , SCHOEFFEL R. E. , WOOLCOCK A. J.
Published: April 2006

Eight subjects with asthma underwent bronchial challenge with histamine and methacholine. Dose‐response curves were drawn on a scale which made the dosages equivalent in molecular weight. The results were analysed in terms of both the slope of the dose‐response curve and the dose required to elicit a 20% fall in FEV1. No significant difference between methacholine and histamine was found in either measurement. Because of the similarity of the responses we conclude that the two agents are similar in action and may be used with equal effectiveness in bronchial challenges.
Effect of corticosteroid on lymphocyte responsiveness in pigeon breeder's lung
Authors: TOOGOOD J. H. , KHAN R. H. , BASKERVILLE J. C. , JENNINGS BARBARA H.
Published: April 2006

Four patients with pigeon breeder's lung and positive lymphocyte transformation tests to pigeon antigen were given 250 mg hydrocortisone intravenously, after which the test was repeated at 6, 24, and 30 hr. A significant reduction in lymphocyte responsiveness to pigeon antigen was evident 6 hr after the steroid dose, which reversed within 24 hr after the treatment. This was associated with transient ‘false negative’ lymphocyte transformation tests in two of the four patients, so this effect of steroid treatment may influence the reliability of this test, if used in the diagnosis of patients with allergic alveolitis. Phytohaemagglutinin responsiveness was not affected by the hydrocortisone treatment. This may indicate differences between the cell populations that respond, after steroid treatment, to antigen and to mitogenic stimulation.
A comparison of cell‐mediated immunity and suppressor T‐cell function in asthmatic and normal children
Authors: HARPER T. B. , GAUMER H. R. , WARING W. , BRANNON R. B. , SALVAGGIO J. E.
Published: April 2006

The role of general and suppressor T‐cell function was investigated in a group of twelve children with atopic asthma and ten non‐atopic control children. Studies of active E rosettes, lymphocyte stimulation, and delayed type skin responsiveness revealed no statistically significant group differences. Data obtained employing a concanavalin A‐induced, suppressor T‐cell assay revealed that the asthmatics generated significantly less suppressor cell activity than did the normal control group. There was no correlation between lack of suppressor cell function and serum IgE levels. The results of this study support the concept of suppressor T‐cell dysfunction in atopic disease.
Serial IgE levels in allergic farmers related to the mite content of their hay
Authors: CUTHBERT O. D. , BRIGHTON W. D. , JEFFREY I. G. , McNEIL HELEN B.
Published: April 2006

Asthma and allergic rhinitis in farmers has been shown to be associated with the large numbers of ‘storage mites’ present in stored hay (Cuthbert et al., 1979). During the year July 1977 to June 1978, studies were undertaken to compare the IgE levels to specific storage mites in the sera of five farming and one control subject, with the numbers of mites present in their hay. Samples of hay were collected at monthly intervals and the total number of mites per gram of hay in each sample recorded. Species were identified and approximate estimates of the number of two of these, Tyrophagus longior and Acarus farris, were made for two of the farms Crook and Queenalia, respectively. Blood samples were also taken at monthly intervals from all the subjects and assayed by radioallergosorbet test for specific IgE to five storage mite species and to the house‐dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).

Mite numbers, both in respect of total counts and specific estimates, showed a rapid increase to a peak during the month of October with a subsequent fall in November and a partial recovery in December, after which numbers tended to even out. Only two of the farmers showed consistently raised levels of specific IgE to any of the storage mite species and these tended to follow the fluctuations of the mite numbers during the months to January 1978, after which one farmer (J.M. from Crook) showed a fall in his positive IgE titre to T. longior, whilst the other (W.W. of Queenalia) who was positive to A. farris showed a sudden rise in titre to this species. High titres to the house‐dust mite (D. pteronyssinus) were recorded in the sera of three of the farmers.

One farmer (J.M.) whilst giving a persistently high titre of IgE to T. longior, gave only a low one of less than twice normal to Tyrophagus putrescentiae, demonstrating a specificity of sensitization to the more commonly occuring of two of the species of a single genus.
The allergenic importance of house dust and storage mites in asthmatics in Brunei, S.E. Asia
Authors: WOODCOCK A. A. , CUNNINGTON A. M.
Published: April 2006

Examination of dust from sleeping areas showed that storage mites, especially Glycyphagid species, were predominant in Brunei house dust.

On skin testing sixty asthmatics with 1% extracts of six mite species, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was found to provoke the greatest number of positive skin reactions (66.7%), but positive reactions for Tyrophagus putrescentiae (50%), Acarus siro (35%), Glycyphagus domesticus (40%), and Lepidoglyphus destructor (45%) demonstrated that storage mites are also significant allergens. The role of storage mites in the causation of asthma in the tropics may have been underestimated.
Extrinsic allergic bronchiolo‐alveolitis in children
Authors: EL‐HEFNY A. , EKLADIOUS E. M. , EL‐SHARKAWY S. , EL‐GHADBAN H. , EL‐HENEIDY F. , FRANKLAND A. W.
Published: April 2006

Fifteen children, 6–14 years old, who were heavily exposed to pigeon droppings, presented with cough, chills and breathlessnes on mild exertion. Twelve gave immediate positive skin test reactions to pigeon droppings. Ten of the fifteen also gave a late (Arthus) reaction, and seven gave a positive delayed reaction which was maximal at 24–72 hr. Nine children had precipitins against avian droppings. In ten patients who were tested for lymphocyte transformation, five gave positive responses to both serum and pigeon droppings. Radiological findings of the chest showed parenchymatous infiltrations and diffuse interstitial reticulations, suggestive of extrinsic allergic alveolitis. In a control group of fifteen heavily‐exposed children who had no symptoms, immediate and late skin reactions occurred respectively in five and two. One only had a positive precipitin test, and one of five tested had a positive lymphoblastic transformation. In a non‐exposed comparable group of children, all tests were negative except for one immediate positive skin response. Children heavily exposed to the inhalation of avian antigens can develop extrinsic allergic bronchiolo‐alveolitis.
In vitro stimulation of lymphocytes in patients with chronic urticaria induced by additives and food
Authors: VALVERDE E. , VICH J. M. , GARCÍA‐CALDERÓN J. V. , GARCÍA‐CALDERÓN P. A.
Published: April 2006

We studied the stimulation of lymphocytes in 258 patients with urticaria and/or angioedema using a series of food extracts and additives. Of this group, 238 revealed a positive response index (RI). There was a positive RI to additives in 18.4% of the cases, to food extracts in 35.2% and to both extracts and additives in 46.6% of the cases. A positive RI to both aspirin and tartrazine was revealed in 25% and to all the additives tested in 11% of the cases.

Diets from which food extracts and additives were excluded achieved total remission in 159 (61.1%), partial remission in fifty‐seven cases (22%) and no remission in forty‐two (16.2).
The in vitro effect of levamisole on lymphocyte proliferation, polymorphonuclear leucocyte chemotaxis, basophil histamine release and platelet serotonin release in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: O'CONNOR R. D. , RING J. , JALOWAYSKI A. A. , HAMBURGER R. N.
Published: April 2006

The in vitro effect of levamisole (LMS) on lymphocyte, neutrophil, basophil and platelet function was investigated in patients with severe atopic dermatitis and hyper‐immunoglobulinaemia E. Lymphocyte stimulation by several concentrations of PHA, con A and PWM, polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis and basophil histamine release were unaffected by LMS (10 μg/ml). Platelet serotonin release induced by iodipamide was decreased in patient and control groups by LMS but release induced by methacholine, epinephrine and thrombin was not.
Clinical study of a new orally active chromone in asthma—proxicromil (FPL 57787)
Authors: DAHL R.
Published: April 2006

The efficacy and safety of a new orally‐active chromone, proxicromil, has been assessed in a single‐blind controlled study in perennial extrinsic asthma. Patients entered into the study were currently requiring treatment with sodium cromoglycate (Intal; Lomudal) which was confirmed by deterioration of their asthma when changed to a placebo preparation of identical appearance. Proxicromil was administered for two consecutive 3‐week periods using a dosage regimen of 18 mg twice per day for the first period followed by 18 mg four times per day for the second period. Patients improved during the 6 weeks' treatment with proxicromil. This improvement could be detected by the majority of patients by the end of the first week. When patient treatment was changed to a corresponding placebo for a final period of three weeks their asthma deteriorated. No abnormal laboratory findings of significance were detected on haematological, liver function or urinalysis examination. The side effects noted relate mainly to gastro‐intestinal disturbances and generally were of a mild nature.
Asthma from plexiglas powders
Authors: KENNES B. , GARCIA‐HERREROS P. , DIERCKX P.
Published: April 2006

A patient with severe asthma induced by the inhalation of plexiglas dusts is reported. Inhalation testing against various industrial products to which he was exposed at work, showed a specific and reproducible asthmatic reaction to plexiglas dusts. Complete pulmonary investigations after positive challenge excluded associated alveolitis and demonstrated an immediate and a late obstructive response. The patient was not atopic and his clinical history did not suggest occupational disease due to chronic exposure. Reduction of the plexiglas dust exposure resulted in progressive improvement.
Inhibition of allergen‐induced asthma by three forms of sodium cromoglycate
Authors: FRITH P. A. , RUFFIN R. E. , JUNIPER E. F. , DOLOVICH J. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

The effect of three forms of sodium cromoglycate (SCG), 20 mg, on allergen‐induced early asthmatic responses was examined in ten stable asthmatics. Dose response allergen inhalation tests were performed on five occasions at intervals of from 1 to 2 weeks to determine the provocation concentration producing a 20% reduction (PC20 allergen) in FEV1. Placebo was given before the first and the last tests to determine the reproducibility of responses to allergen over the study period; reduced responsiveness was observed in eight of the ten subjects. Major changes in levels‐of specific serum antibodies of the IgE and IgG classes did not serve to explain the changes in bronchial responses although there was a trend which suggested IgG‐related desensitization. The observed changes in bronchial responses and antibody levels illustrate the requirement for tests of reproducibility of responses by the use of placebo controls at the beginning and end of a series of allergen inhalation challenges.

SCG as (i) a micronized powder with lactose, (ii) micropellets without lactose, or (iii) an aerosol, were inhaled double‐blind, in random order, 5 min before the additional three allergen inhalation tests. PC20 allergen was reduced following SCG in seven subjects; the differences were statistically significant for the group. There was no observed difference in efficacy between the different forms of SCG. In this study, the efficacy of SCG could not be related to age, atopic status, the initial level of allergen‐specific IgE antibody, baseline FEV1, level of bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine or an effect of SCG on responsiveness to histamine.
A comparison of spirometric measurements in allergen bronchial challenge testing
Authors: MURRAY A. B. , FERGUSON A. C.
Published: April 2006

We compared the usefulness of several spirometric measurements in detecting asthmatic reactions after allergen bronchial challenge in fourteen asthmatic children. All of the children had a history suggesting mite‐induced asthma and eleven had a 3 mm or larger diameter weal on prick testing with Dermatophagoides farinae extract. On bronchial challenge testing with dilutions of this extract twelve children had an early asthmatic reaction and nine had a late asthmatic reaction. In decreasing order of sensitivity for detecting the early asthmatic reaction the tests ranked as follows: FEV1, FEF50%, FEF25‐75%, PEFR and FVC. For the late asthmatic reaction the order was FEF50% FEV1, FEF25‐75%, PEFR and FVC. No single test identified all the early or all the late reactions but the FEV1, a test useful for indicating large airways obstruction, when combined with the FEF25‐75%, a test influenced by small airways obstruction, detected all early and late asthmatic reactions. The FEF50%, was a sensitive test but was the only one to become falsely positive. It became falsely positive in four patients. Although the FEV1, was the most useful single test the results suggest that it is, by itself, an inadequate indicator of the asthmatic reaction and that it should be used with the FEF25‐75%, to ensure the detection of all asthmatic reactions induced by allergen bronchial challenge testing.
Measurement of alum precipitated allergen extracts by RAST inhibition methods
Authors: PUTTONEN E. , MAASCH J.
Published: April 2006

The feasibility of measuring the allergenic activities of alum precipitated pollen extracts by means of the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was investigated. Different batches of aqueous and alum precipitated birch and mixed grass pollen extracts were used as antigens. The alum precipitates could be readily dissolved with 0.1 m EDTA (pH 9.0) without any loss in allergenicity. No significant differences in RAST activities of undissolved and dissolved alum precipitated allergen extracts could be detected in terms of ability to inhibit the binding of allergen specific IgE to solid‐phase allergens.
Chronic excretion of enteropathogenic bacteria in the faeces–a possible association with allergy to cows' milk
Authors: WITHRINGTON R. H. , BAYLIS J. M. , CHALLACOMBE D. N.
Published: April 2006

Two children with protracted gastrointestinal symptoms were found to be chronically excreting enteropathogenic bacteria in their faeces. Withdrawal of cows' milk protein from their diets resulted in clinical recovery and stool cultures became negative, suggesting that allergy to cows' milk may have contributed to their bacterial carrier state.
Inhalation challenge in humidifier fever
Authors: EDWARDS J. H. , COCKCROFT A.
Published: April 2006

When exposed to an amount of contaminated humidifier water roughly equivalent to that inhaled over an 8‐hour period at their work place, four out of six subjects developed symptoms of humidifier fever. Two non‐exposed subjects failed to react to the same challenge.

Characteristic lung function, temperature and leucocyte changes were recorded: however, a fall in gas transfer previously reported was not seen.

That the reaction was immunologically mediated and not due to endotoxin activity was shown by a negative pyrogen response in rabbits inoculated intravenously with concentrated humidifier water. The nature of the immune response has not as yet been evaluated but it does not reside with the ability of humidifier fever antigens to activate complement.

Skin testing produced an immediate weal and flare in the four subjects with precipitins and may reflect the presence of short‐term anaphylactic IgG antibody.
Lung function changes by ethanol inhalation
Authors: ŽUŠKIN E. , BOUHUYS A. , ŠARI M.
Published: April 2006

The acute effect of ethanol inhalation on ventilatory capacity was studied in a group of six healthy volunteers and the results were compared to those obtained after the inhalation of a saline solution. There was a significant decrease in flow rates on partial expiratory flow‐volume (PEFV) curves up to 90 min after ethanol inhalation. FEV1 values did not change significantly, either after ethanol or saline aerosol. Pretreatment with atropine did not prevent the acute reductions in flow rates in comparison with the reductions without atropine. Pretreatment with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) considerably diminished the acute reductions of flow rates caused by ethanol inhalation. These results suggest that ethanol in some persons may act, at least partly, through releasing mediators with bronchoconstrictive action.
Mediators of hypersensitivity in the sputum of young, symptomatic cigarette smokers
Authors: LEITCH A. G. , LUMB ELIZABETH M. , KAY A. B.
Published: April 2006

We have measured the concentrations of mediators of hypersensitivity in the sputum of twenty‐five young, symptomatic cigarette smokers who regularly expectorated and twenty‐three matched non‐smokers with a respiratory infection. The measurements included sputum and blood eosinophils, IgE, IgG, IgA and IgM and also sputum histamine. We found a significant increase of sputum histamine, and a higher sputum/serum ratio of IgE in smokers when compared to non‐smokers. These findings support the view that the bronchial inflammatory response in smokers, as in chronic bronchitis, involves the participation of mediators of hypersensitivity.
The prevalence of immediate positive skin tests in Nepalese children
Authors: HOPE R. A. , BANGHAM C. R. M.
Published: April 2006

Two hundred and ninety‐three normal schoolchildren between 5 and 15 years old living in the hills of Eastern Nepal were tested by the skin prick method for sensitivity to six allergens: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium notatum, mixed pollens and mixed threshings. These children were also questioned and examined for symptoms and signs relating to allergic disease.

Of the children, 20% were skin‐prick positive to at least one of the allergens, and 20% had symptoms of allergic disease, but there was no relationship between the symptoms and the prick test results.

No relationship was found between the prick test results and any of the following: the length of time a child was breast‐fed; the age of the child and his month of birth. Of the boys, 19% admitted to smoking cigarettes, as did 11% of the girls.
Exercise‐induced asthma in Nepalese children
Authors: BANGHAM C. R. M. , HOPE R. A.
Published: April 2006

Three hundred and one children between 5 and 15 years old in the hills of east Nepal were studied to determine the prevalence and the main causes of asthma and atopy. Asthma was diagnosed on the basis of history, clinical examination and the results of a 6‐min exercise test (step test).

Asthma was diagnosed in six children, none of whom was skin prick test positive. We present here normal values of baseline peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and the exercise‐induced changes in PEFR in normals, asthmatics, other wheezy children and others with atopic histories. The results of the skin prick tests are presented with the atopic histories in another paper.
Nasal provocation and passive anterior rhinomanometry (PAR)
Authors: CLEMENT P. A. R. , VAN DISHOECK A. , VAN de WAL J. , STOOP P. , HOEK T. , VAN STRICK R.
Published: April 2006

A rapid and convenient method of nasal provocation (aerosol provocation combined with passive anterior rhinomanometry) is described. A comparative study between skin tests, bronchial provocations and nasal provocations highlights the usefulness of this method.
Relationship between the results of skin, conjunctival and bronchial tests and RAST with Candida albicans in patients with asthma
Authors: AKIYAMA K. , YUI Y. , SHIDA T. , MIYAMOTO T.
Published: April 2006

The results of the skin, conjunctival and inhalation tests and RAST with Candida antigen were compared with each other in patients with bronchial asthma. The correlation coefficient between the skin test and RAST was 0‐50 (P<0.01). The correlation coefficient between the skin test, RAST and the inhalation tests was 0.36 (P < 0.01) and 0 57 (P < 0.01). The positive agreement of the inhalation test to the skin test, RAST and the conjunctival test was 77, 86 and 93%, respectively. In this study the conjunctival test was thought to be the best method in place of the inhalation test. There was no significant relation between the serum IgE concentration and the endpoint of the skin titration testing, and a low correlation was noticed between the serum IgE concentration and RAST counts (r= 0.36).
Suppressor T‐lymphocyte activity in wheezy children with and without treatment by hyposensitization
Authors: RIVLIN J. , KUPERMAN O. , FREIER S. , GODFREY S.
Published: April 2006

The suppressor cell activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes was investigated in wheezy children by determining the ability of concanavalin A induced suppressor cells to inhibit a mitogen provoked proliferative response. The activity was compared with that of eighteen healthy controls. Often infants aged from 5 months to 4½ years, with recurrent wheezy bronchitis, three had much reduced suppressor cell activity (2 s.d. or more below that of controls). Of twelve asthmatic children aged from 4½ to 12 years, seven had much reduced suppressor cell activity. The remaining five asthmatic children with normal suppressor cell activity had all received hyposensitization therapy. We speculate that immune hyposensitization therapy might act by stimulating lymphocyte suppressor activity.
The simplified oscillation method for measuring nasal resistance during provocation with allergens
Authors: BERDEL D. , GAST R. , HUBER B.
Published: April 2006

The simplified oscillation method was adapted to register nasal resistance because complicated and difficult procedures limited other known rhinomanometric tests. An initial study of thirty‐nine subjects compared the effect of different‐sized masks, revealing that the smaller the face mask, the smaller the capacitance and the higher the effective resistance. After an initial measurement, a second study group of twenty healthy and twenty pollinosis patients aged from 4 to 40 years underwent nasal provocation with grass pollen extract. Both study groups showed that despite high resistance, reactances were minor. This occurs because the nose acts as an aperture and an aperture has minimal reactances. With increasing concentrations of pollen extract, the nasal resistance of pollinosis subjects increased steadily, whereas the controls showed no change. Passive anterior rhinomanometry was measured for comparison and results contrasted sharply with the oscillation method: prior to provocation, initial values of control and pollinosis groups were already significantly different; after provocation, there was a statistically significant rise in resistance amongst the control as well as the pollinosis subjects. Further, the oscillation method for measuring nasal resistance proved to be simple, effective, and suitable for children.
Colophony‐induced asthma in a poultry vender
Authors: SO S. Y. , LAM W. K. , YU D.
Published: April 2006

A vender developed an immediate asthmatic reaction while removing feathers from poultry using a heated colophony‐based mixture. Occupational‐type provocation tests confirmed that he reacted to fumes of colophony alone.
The effect of calcium antagonist, nifedipine in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: PATEL K. R.
Published: April 2006

The effect of nifedipine was studied in fifteen patients with exercise‐induced asthma. Nifedipine inhibited the exercise‐induced fall in FEV1 almost completely in four patients, offered partial protection in a further nine patients and had no effect in the remaining two patients. It is suggested that mediator release which is dependent on free calcium ions may play an important role in exercise‐induced asthma and calcium antagonists may inhibit post‐exercise bronchoconstriction by their blocking effect on calcium channels of the mast cells.
The effect of verapamil on histamine and methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: PATEL K. R.
Published: April 2006

Calcium antagonist, verapamil given by inhalation did not alter histamine bronchial hyper‐reactivity in ten patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma and similarly did not modify methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction in further five patients. In eight non‐asthmatic subjects verapamil reduced histamine sensitivity with increase in PC20H from 8.07(±2.33) to 12.10(±2.71, P < 0.05) but failed to have an effect on methacholine sensitivity in five controls.

The failure of inhaled verapamil to modify histamine and methacholine bronchial hyper‐reactivity in asthmatic patients and the beneficial effect of calcium antagonists in exercise asthma suggests that these agents may act predominantly on the mast cell degranulation rather than the bronchial smooth muscle.
An automated particle‐counting immunoassay (PACaIA) for serum IgE
Authors: MAGNUSSON C. G. M. , OLLET‐CASSART D. C , MERRETT T. G. , MASSON P. L.
Published: April 2006

Total IgE was determined in 107 sera using a novel, automated, non‐isotopic immunoassay called PACIA (particle‐counting immunoassay) based on agglutination of anti‐IgE coated latex particles by IgE. The IgE values ranged from 10 to 50 000 iu/ml and were compared with results obtained by a conventional radioimmunoassay (RIA) which used a fast double antibody separation technique the coefficient of correlation was 0.985 and the regression line r = 0‐82 x+ 130.00.

PACIA had several advantages over the RIA technique: using a sampling rate of 50.hr. results were obtained in 35 min compared to 16‐20 hr. no labelled IgE was required and the separation step, which relied on measuring the number of non‐agglutinated particles by an optical cell counter, was fully automated. The threshold of sensitivity was 10 iu/ml and the maximal coefficient of variation for between assay precision was 12‐9%.
Allergy to castor bean in The Sudan: measurement of serum IgE and specific IgE antibodies
Authors: KEMENY D. M. , FRANKLAND A. W. , FAHKRI Z. I. , TRULL A. K.
Published: April 2006

Allergy to castor bean was diagnosed in thirty‐nine dockworkers from Port Sudan, on the basis of rhinitis and/or asthma provoked by castor bean dust, together with a positive prick test to a high dilution of castor bean extract. These were compared to twelve non‐allergic dockworkers from Port Sudan and forty‐three other Port Sudan residents. The castor bean allergic group had significantly higher IgE levels (mean 902 iu/ml) than the non‐allergic dock workers (mean 245 iu/ml) or the Port Sudan residents (mean 404 iu/ml) P<0.01, IgE antibody to castor bean was detected in all the castor bean‐allergic group, and also in 25‐35% of the Port Sudan resident group, but at a much lower level.

No evidence was found to support the view that parasitic infestation (evidenced by IgE antibodies to Ascaris lumbricoides) prevented sensitization to castor bean or any other allergen. There was a higher incidence of IgE antibodies to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in the castor bean‐allergic dockworkers (18/36) than in the non‐allergic Port Sudan residents (5/43), although we were unable to show that sensitivity to other inhalant allergens pre‐disposed to castor bean allergy.
Oxatomide in the management of hay fever–a placebo‐controlled double‐blind study in general practice
Authors: WOOD S. F. , BARBER J. H.
Published: April 2006

Sixty‐three patients completed a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study of oral oxatomide (30 mg t.d.s.) in the management of seasonal allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis. Hay fever symptom scores were significantly lower for oxatomide‐treated patients than for the placebo group on the majority of days during periods of high pollen counts. Moreover, on days when pollen counts were 10/m3 or more, a statistically significant positive correlation between symptom score and pollen count was demonstrated for the placebo group but not for the oxatomide group. Oxatomide also appeared to be superior to placebo in terms of patients' requirements for supplementary mepyramine (Anthisan) tablets, and the doctor's global assessment. Side‐effects were reported by four patients in the oxatomide group and by three receiving placebo.
IgE responses to environmental antigens in atopic children
Authors: HILL D. J. , BALLOCH A. , HOSKING C. S.
Published: April 2006

The levels of IgE antibodies to inhaled and dietary antigens and total serum IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE were studied in two highly selected populations of children who had either severe asthma and no history of eczema, or severe asthma and generalized eczema. These populations were age‐matched with a healthy control population. The results showed that the eczematous children had significantly higher levels of IgE antibodies to common environmental antigens than the non‐eczematous patients with severe asthma. Both patient groups had significantly higher IgE antigen specific antibody levels than the control population to these antigens. Minor differences in total IgG, IgA and IgM levels were noted between the groups. The variations in total IgE levels between the groups showed the same pattern as for specific IgE antibodies.
Prevention of asthma
Authors: KAUFMAN H. S. , FRICK O. L.
Published: April 2006

Infants born of allergic mothers but normal fathers, who had eczema and who were fed cows' milk, had a significantly greater incidence of asthma (P < 0.001) than infants with a similar history but who were breast‐fed. An analysis of all breast‐fed infants in the study showed that they were less likely to develop asthma than those who were bottle‐fed (P < 0.06).

There was a lower incidence of allergy in infants born of families with allergic mothers and normal fathers, than in families in which both parents were allergic (P < 0.02).

In skin tests of both breast or bottle‐fed babies, the two most common allergens eliciting reactions were egg and cat dander.
Autoantibodies in cystic fibrosis
Authors: HODSON MARGARET E. , TURNER‐WARWICK MARGARET
Published: April 2006

Autoantibodies to smooth muscle were found more frequently (21%) in the sera of patients with cystic fibrosis than in age‐ and sex‐matched controls. This appears to be associated with liver involvement. There was no increase in the frequency of occurrence of antibodies to ‘reticulin’ or cell nuclei in the sera of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Atopy and cystic fibrosis
Authors: REEN D. J. , CARSON J. , MAGUIRE O. , FITZGERALD M. X. , TEMPANY E.
Published: April 2006

We have investigated the prevalence of atopy within families of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and compared its frequence in CF patients, their parents and their non‐CF siblings. By studying families with two CF patients it was also possible to evaluate the factors influencing the development of atopy in one CF patient relative to the other patient within the same family. A significant correlation with age (P < 0.001) for skin test positivity to common allergens within CF sibling pairs was observed. In 14/18 families studied, only the older CF patient was atopic. The presence of atopy in CF patients was independent of the atopic status of their parents.
Comparison of oral and inhaled metaproterenol for prevention of exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: KÖNIG P. , EGGLESTON P. A. , SERBY C. W.
Published: April 2006

The effectiveness of inhaled versus oral metaproterenol in preventing exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) was studied.

Inhaled metaproterenol given 10 min before the exercise significantly reduced the degree of EIA in a group of twenty‐four patients, and in 75% of them completely prevented it. The mean percentage decrease in FEV1 was 6‐5% with the inhaler and 30.1%, with placebo. When inhaled 1 hr before the exercise, metaproterenol was still better than placebo but its effectiveness was considerably lower. Metaproterenol tablets had a slight protective effect given I hr before, and none when administered 2 hr before exercise.

There was no correlation between the protective effect against EIA and the bronchodilating effect obtained before exercise. Metaproterenol administered by metered‐dose inhaler is a very effective prophylactic medication against clinically troublesome EIA, while metaproterenol tablets should not be recommended for this purpose.
Staphylococcal and human dander IgE antibodies in superinfected atopic dermatitis
Authors: HENOCQ E. , HEWITT B. , GUERIN B.
Published: April 2006

Ten patients (Group 1) with Staphylococcus aureus superinfected atopic dermatitis (SAD) were compared with three control groups without SAD. One control group (Group 2) was comprised of ten atopic patients with total IgE levels of > 1000 u/ml, another control group, of six atopic patients (Group 3) with total IgE levels of < 1000. u/ml and a third group, often non‐atopics (Group 4), five of whom were infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Total and specific anti‐staphylococcal IgE levels and anti‐human dander IgE were high in Group 1. Specific IgE levels to S. aureus were slightly increased in some Group 2 patients but were normal (< 7%) for Group 3. No specific IgE to human dander antigen was detected in either Group 2 or Group 3.

In the non‐atopic control group (Group 4), six out of ten patients had both low total, and specific IgE antibodies to both Staphylococcal, and human dander antigens. Two had increased total IgE and specific anti‐staphylococcal IgE antibodies, and two more with a severe, chronic infection, also had anti‐staphylococcal IgE antibodies.

In SAD patients, a good correlation was seen between cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity and high specific IgE antibodies against Staphylococcal and human dander allergens. Delayed type hypersensitivity reactions to Staphylococcal antigen were negative or poorly positive in the SAD group by comparison to controls.

A paradoxical anaphylactic type of response to the offending bacterial agent in SAD patients, associated with ‘auto‐atopy’ to human dander, is discussed.
Ligand binding properties of the basophilic IgE receptor of normal and allergic individuals
Authors: WEICHMAN B. M. , MUCCITELLI ROSEANNA M.
Published: April 2006

The interaction of [125I]‐human myeloma IgE with the human basophilic IgE receptor of normal and allergic individuals was quantitated by direct ligand binding analysis after removal of endogenous IgE. Using a mixed leucocyte preparation containing 2 to 5% basophils, the [125I]‐IgE binding was specific for human IgE, paralleled the presence of basophils in the cell preparation, and was described by a time course similar to that reported for passive sensitization experiments. The Kd values were 4.0 to 13.2 nM for the normal individuals with 1.5 to 8.4 × 105 receptors per basophil, while the IgE receptor of allergic individuals was described by Kd values of 4.2 to 11.7 nM and 3.0 to 4.7 × 105 sites per basophil. Based upon the eleven individuals studied, these results suggest that the binding properties of the IgE receptor of normal and allergic individuals are similar.
Polymorph function in asthma
Authors: FAULKNER J. , THOMPSON R. A. , MORRISON‐SMITH J.
Published: April 2006

In vitro polymorph movement, phagocytosis and bactericidal activity were compared in asthmatics, patients with bacterial infection and control subjects. No gross defects were observed, but statistical analysis indicated that asthmatics have depressed polymorph movement (P>0.05) and lower augmentation of an intracellular enzyme activity (NBT reduction), associated with bactericidal function (P>0–01). As expected, polymorphs from patients with bacterial infection are capable of increased NBT reduction (P>0.001).

Correlations between a wide range of clinical and laboratory data were also performed by computer analysis. Among significant findings were indications that atopic extrinsic asthmatics, in comparison with intrinsic asthmatics, have raised unstimulated NBT activity (P>0.05) and lower augmentation in response to endotoxin (P<0.05), as well as increased IgE and cosinophil counts (P< 0.002). These findings suggest that in extrinsic asthmatics there may be some impairment of polymorph function which would account for an increased tendency to respiratory infections or to a prolonged recovery from such infections.
Beneficial effects of propylene and polyethylene glycol and saline in the treatment of perennial rhinitis
Authors: SPECTOR S. L. , TOSHENER D. , GAY I. , ROSENMAN E.
Published: April 2006

Although propylene‐and‐polyethylene‐glycol and saline have been used in clinical studies as placebos, their possible therapeutic role as welling agents in the treatment of perennial rhinitis was investigated. Clinical and laboratory response to these agents was measured in eighteen patients during a 2‐week baseline period and with 4 weeks of active treatment in a double blind randomized study. After 2 and 4 weeks there was a significant improvement compared to baseline in nasal function (P<0.05) and blockage index (P<0.01) combining both groups, with no difference between treatments. Patients had less sneezing at 2 and 4 weeks (P< 0.01), and less stuffiness at 4 weeks (P< 0.01). There was a significant correlation between improvement in blockage index and nasal biopsies when both were judged independently of the other. This study has demonstrated that wetting agents offer both subjective and objective improvement in the treatment of perennial rhinitis and merit consideration prior to (or along with) other agents with known systemic side effects.
Abuse of salbutamol inhalers in young people
Authors: PRATT HELENOR F.
Published: April 2006

When children wheeze Would no one please provide their medicine blindly: for this might ease their young demise and that would be unkindly.

Excessive use of salbutamol inhalers is described in two young people with asthma, a girl and a boy both aged 15 years. These cases and others quoted indicate that dependence on pressurized aerosol bronchodilators can and does occur in young people. Known side‐effects of salbutamol are described. Where over‐usage occurs a state of diminished airways response seems to result: it is also possible that the convulsions which occurred in one case may be related to such abuse. Responsibility for the provision and use of these inhalers in young people is discussed and suggestions made towards their greater control.
Diagnostic significance of late cutaneous allergic responses and their correlation with radioallergosorbent test
Authors: AGARWAL K. , ZETTERSTRÖM O.
Published: April 2006

In order to study the clinical significance of late cutaneous allergic responses 178 intracutaneous tests were done on the forearm of forty‐three allergic patients with perennial allergy and twelve patients with pollen allergy. The allergen concentration was chosen to give a moderate immediate response with a weal diameter of about 15 mm. Late cutaneous allergic responses (LCAR) were elicited in eighty‐two intracu‐taneous tests in thirty‐one patients with perennial allergy and in nine intracutaneous tests in eight patients with pollen allergy, with almost all the allergens Frequently responsible for allergy in this area. Their occurrence was found to be related to the size of the immediate reaction. Almost all the patients showing LCAR had positive provocation tests and were clinically sensitive to the corresponding allergen.
The role of basophils in asthma
Authors: CHURCH M. K.
Published: April 2006

The increased plasma‐histamine levels observed after provocation of asthmatic subjects with antigen or exercise may result from the release of this granule‐associated mediator from either mast cells or basophil leucocytes. In this preliminary study. designed to ilucidate the source and role of mediators in asthma, the effects of sodium cromoglycate on basophil‐histamine release has been assessed, Basophil histamine‐release in vitro was not inhibited by 0.01‐100 μg/ml sodium cromoglycate. When administered by inhalation at a dose of 20 mg every 8 hr to six subjects, the drug did not modify the ability of basophils lo synthesize and store histamine or to release histamine on incubation with antigen. As sodium cromoglycate reduces IgE‐dependent histamine release from human mast‐cells, these results suggest that lung mast‐cells, rather than circulating basophils, are source of mediators in exacerbations of asthma and following exercise or antigen bronchial‐provocation in asthmatic subjects.