bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appearance of basophils in the sputum of patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: KIMURA IKURO , TANIZAKI YOSHIRO , SAITO KATSUYOSHI , TAKAHASHI KIYOSHI , UEDA NOBUO , SATO SHUICHI
Published: April 2006

A total of 108 samples of sputum obtained from twenty patients with bronchial asthma were examined for appearance of basophils and eosinophils. Both cell types are present in sputum during an asthmatic attack and disappear at the conclusion of the attack. Their presence correlates with the severity of the disease. It has previously been demonstrated that the blood basophils count falls during attacks of bronchial asthma, and the present study suggests that basophils move from the blood stream into bronchial tissue during the acute phase of an asthmatic attack.
Asthma due to inhaled chemical agents‐the macrolide antibiotic Spiramycin
Authors: DAVIES R. J. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

One year after starting work in the pharmaceutical industry a 35‐year‐old non‐atopic maintenance engineer developed attacks of sneezing, coughing and breathlessness. These occurred at home during the evening and early morning, never at work during the day. His employment involved contact with a wide variety of chemical agents including the macrolide antibiotic spiramycin.

Inhalation challenge tests carried out in hospital with gradually increasing quantities of spiramycin reproduced his symptoms and led to the development of late asthmatic reactions, during which the FEV1 fell by 25% and the FEV1/FVC ratio by 15%. No change occurred in the single breath CO transfer factor nor were crepitations heard over the lung fields which remained normal on chest X‐ray. The patient showed positive immediate skin prick tests to spiramycin and developed blood eosinophilia during the late asthma attacks.

Inhalation of sodium cromoglycate either before, or before and hourly after the provocation challenge for 6 hr, failed to prevent the late asthma, although its onset was further delayed.

On leaving the pharmaceutical industry the patient's symptoms improved but did not finally clear until his wife, who had worked in a clerical capacity in the same factory also ceased her employment.
The correlation between skin tests, bronchial provocation tests and the serum level of IgE specific for common allergens in patients with asthma
Authors: BRYANT D. H. , BURNS M. W. , LAZARUS L.
Published: April 2006

Cutaneous and bronchial immediate allergic reactivity and the serum level of IgE specific for each of four common inhalant allergens were determined for 153 asthmatic patients. Positive bronchial reactivity to an extract was not detected in any of the patients with a negative prick test reaction to that extract but did occur in 9% of the patients in whom the serum tests results for IgE specific to that allergen fell within the range regarded as negative. Highly significant correlation coefficients between the degree of bronchial and cutaneous allergic reactivity to the allergen extracts were found and these were slightly but significantly less than the correlation between the serum level of allergen specific IgE and the degree of bronchial allergic reactivity to the allergen extracts. These findings indicate that the results both of prick testing with appropriate extracts and estimation of the serum level of allergen specific IgE can be used to predict not only the presence of detectable bronchial reactivity to inhalant allergens but also the degree of this reactivity. However, for the routine investigation of asthmatic patients measurement of the serum level of allergen specific IgE would appear to have little advantage over properly performed prick tests.
A comparison of mite populations in mattress dust from hospital and from private houses in Cardiff, Wales
Authors: RAO V. R. M. , DEAN B. V. , SEATON A. , WILLIAMS D. A.
Published: April 2006

Fifty mattress dust samples from private houses were examined—all were mite infested. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus occurred in all samples and accounted for 81% of all mites.

In thirty‐two paired samples the total mite population of bedroom floor dust was only 10% of that found in the corresponding mattress dust. D. pteronyssinus was the dominant species in both and the population of this mite amounted to 7.5% of that found in the mattress dust.

An analysis of mattress dust from 100 hospital beds showed that ninety‐four mattresses were mite free; the other six contained only seven mites, all D. pteronyssinus.

It is suggested that frequent changing and washing of bed linen and brushing and cleaning of mattresses were the main factors in preventing mite infestation in the Cardiff hospitals.
Cross‐reacting antibodies to Micropolyspora faeni in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection‡
Authors: DAVIES BRIAN H. , EDWARDS JOHN H. , SEATON ANTHONY
Published: April 2006

Two cases are described of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in whom cross‐reacting antibodies developed to a glycopeptide antigen of Micropolyspora faeni. The antibodies were predominantly IgG, although some IgM was detected. Precipitin responses to M. faeni were detected for 4 months after the initial illness in one case, and 1 month in the second case. The cross‐reacting antibodies were closely related to the antibodies responsible for the complement fixation reaction to M. pneumoniae. It is suggested that a common potysaccharide antigen may exist on the surface membranes of M. pneumoniae and M. faeni. Initial studies of the frequency of the development of cross‐reacting antibodies in M. pneumoniae infection suggest it is uncommon. Atypical cases of farmer's lung should be investigated to exclude M. pneumoniae infection.
IgE, IgG and patient‐self tests during slow hyposensitization to grass pollen
Authors: BLAIR H. , EZEOKE A. , HOBBS J. R.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐two patients with severe hay fever unrelieved by antihistamines in previous years were slowly hyposensitized with alum‐precipitated pyridine grass pollen extracts. Their responses were objectively assessed as very good (55%), good (18%) or improved (23%). Two mechanisms were detected: (i) an increase in serum blocking activity in 59% and (ii) the prevention in 59% of the serum IgE elevation expected in the pollen season.
Study of 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate in perennial rhinitis assessed by subjective and objective parameters
Authors: GIRARD J. P. , BERTRAND J.
Published: April 2006

The efficacy of a 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate has been assessed in the treatment of chronic perennial rhinitis by a double‐blind group comparative trial over a period of 4 weeks. The solution was administered to the nose as a fine spray delivered by a metered device at a frequency of six times a day; thus the daily dose of active drug was approximately 31.2 mg.

The patients' response was measured by both subjective and objective parameters; in addition nasal smears were examined for eosinophils before and after treatment.

Analyses of the subjective data demonstrated a significant difference between the active and placebo solutions at the end of the trial. The objective data was obtained by measurement of nasal resistance and flow at weekly intervals; there was a highly significant difference between the two treatment groups compared to the baseline measurements after only 1 week's treatment. There was a reduction of eosinophils in the nasal smears in those patients allocated the SCG solution, there was virtually no change in those who received placebo; the difference was significant.

This study has demonstrated that a 2% solution of SCG is effective in the treatment of perennial rhinitis. It has been shown that measurements of nasal airways resistance and flow are sensitive indices of changes in the mucous membrane of the nose and that beneficial effects of SCG solution can be detected after 7 days treatment.
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to rat serum proteins
Authors: CARROLL K. B. , PEPYS J. , LONGBOTTOM. JOAN L. , HUGHES D. T. D. , BENSON H. G.
Published: April 2006

In a research assistant with recurrent episodes of extrinsic allergic alveolitis on exposure to rats, typical systemic and pulmonary reactions on inhalation and positive reaction on prick testing were elicited only by tests with rat serum; precipitins were present against rat serum and rat pelt, but not rat fur, and were also present against rat urine, which may contain large amounts of serum protein and which may haw been a main source of antigenic exposure.
Serum IgE levels in healthy children quantified by a sandwich technique (PRIST*)
Authors: KJELLMAN N‐I. M. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , ROTH A.
Published: April 2006

Serum IgE was estimated in 226 healthy children aged 0–14 years without obvious atopic disease in their first degree relatives. A paper disc radioimmunoassay technique (PRIST) was used. A number of criteria for selection of cases were established. This led to the exclusion of forty‐two potentially atopic children. The remaining group of 184 children is considered representative of normal children and may therefore be used for reference purposes. The IgE levels were found to be lower than in previous investigations, and this is attributed to the refined technique and the method of selection.
Asthma due to non‐occupational exposure to toluene (tolylene) di‐isocyanate
Authors: CARROLL K. B. , SECOMBE C. J. P. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

The production of asthma by toluene di‐isocyanate, aspirated into the ventilating system and emanating from the exhausts of a neighbouring factory, was established in three otherwise non‐exposed clerical workers. Occupational‐type exposure tests with a polyurethane varnish/toluene di‐isocyanate mixture elicited vigorous and prolonged non‐immediate asthmatic reactions, thus enabling identification of the otherwise, obscure etiological cause of their asthma.
Allergy and parasites: the measurement of total and specific IgE levels in urban and rural communities in Rhodesia
Authors: MERRETT T. G. , MERRETT J. , COOKSON J. B.
Published: April 2006

Eighty adult asthmatics living in an African city had a significantly higher serum IgE level (799 u/ml) than the control group (350 u/ml). A high proportion (78·7%) of the asthmatics had demonstrable circulating mite‐specific IgE antibodies. The rural population of a filariasis endemic region was investigated and although no allergic subjects were identified, the group had a significantly higher IgE level (1613 u/ml) than the asthmatics and also showed a relatively high incidence of grass pollen‐specific IgE antibodies (35%). The discrepancy between clinical history and laboratory results supports the mast cell saturation hypothesis and suggests: (a) an explanation for the susceptibility to allergy of African and Asian immigrants to Great Britain, and (b) a practical approach for preventing allergic reactions in vivo.
The diagnosis of aspirin idiosyncrasy by analgesic challenge
Authors: DELANEY J. C.
Published: April 2006

Analgesic challenge was employed to identify fifty patients with aspirin idiosyncrasy. No serious reactions were observed using the method described. Patients with a history of the condition were highly sensitive and reacted to small doses of aspirin or to paracetamol. Patients with a positive challenge test, but previously unaware of aspirin idiosyncrasy, were less sensitive: they required larger challenge doses of aspirin and did not respond to paracetamol challenge. In the absence of an in vitro test, analgesic challenge is the only means of confirming the presence of aspirin idiosyncrasy.
Factors in allergen‐induced asthma: relevance of the intensity of the airways allergic reaction and non‐specific bronchial reactivity
Authors: KILLIAN D. , COCKCROFT D. W. , HARGREAVE F. E. , DOLOVICH J.
Published: April 2006

Early asthmatic responses (EAR) of similar severity were produced by allergen inhalation challenges in nine asthmatic subjects. The severity of the airways allergic reaction was estimated by measuring the skin test weal size produced by the same dilution of allergen which caused the EAR. The non‐specific bronchial reactivity was assessed by inhalation of increasing concentrations of histamine acid phosphate. Possible relationships between the severity of the airways allergic reaction, the level of non‐specific bronchial hyper‐reactivity and the pattern of asthmatic response were examined.

There was a marked inverse correlation between the required severity of the airways allergic reaction and the non‐specific bronchial reactivity (log10) of the individual (r =−0·96, P < 0·001). The EAR was followed by a late asthmatic response (LAR) in five subjects. There was no evident correlation between the magnitude of the EAR and that of the LAR. In addition, no correlation was obtained between the pattern of response in terms of EAR or LAR and the severity of the allergic reaction, or the level of non‐specific bronchial reactivity. These results indicate that the allergic reaction and the non‐specific bronchial reactivity are interrelated in the production of allergen‐induced asthma. Thus a mild allergic reaction will induce an EAR in patients with markedly increased non‐specific bronchial reactivity, whereas a severe allergic reaction is required to produce an EAR in those with only slightly increased non‐specific reactivity. The lack of correlation between the occurrence of the LAR and the intensity of the airways allergic reaction, the non‐specific bronchial reactivity and the intensity of the EAR indicates that other factors are involved in the development of LAR.
Allergy to a tetracycline preparation—a case report
Authors: FAWCETT I. W. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Immediate asthmatic and urticarial reactions were provoked in an affected subject by ingestion of a commercial combination of three tetracylines. No reactions were elicited by the tetracyclines given separately or prepared together as a powder; this was perhaps due to tachyphylaxis, since a test with the commercial preparation 2 months later elicited the reactions again. No reactions were elicited by the blue coating of the commercial preparation or by tartrazine.
Identification of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in the sera of African asthmatics
Authors: COOKSON J. B. , MERRETT J. , MERRETT T. G.
Published: April 2006

Of eighty African asthmatics, sixty‐three had significant levels of specific IgE against the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. By contrast, grass‐specific IgE was found in six patients and mould‐specific IgE in none. Sixty‐three patients also had symptoms predominantly during the rainy season.

Positive skin tests against D. pteronyssinus correlated well with the presence of mite‐specific IgE, as did the size of these skin test weals with the amount of specific IgE. For grass pollen and moulds there was no such relationship. There was no correlation between a history of sensitivity to house dust and either skin tests or specific IgE against D. pteronyssinus.

The results support previous findings that it is allergy to house dust mite and not to grass pollens or moulds which is important in producing the seasonal symptoms in our patients.
Asthma due to inhaled chemical agents—persulphate salts and henna in hairdressers
Authors: PEPYS J. , HUTCHCROFT B. J. , BRESLIN A. B. X.
Published: April 2006

Occupational type exposure tests in two female hairdressers with occupational asthma gave, in one, an immediate asthmatic reaction to the mixing of a bleach containing potassium persulphate with hydrogen peroxide and also immediate skin test reactions to sodium and potassium persulphate, and in the other a non‐immediate asthmatic reaction and negative skin tests to the persulphate preparations and also immediate skin and bronchial reactions to an extract of henna.
Allergens of mammalian origin. V.
Authors: OHMAN J. L. , LOWELL F. C. , BLOCH K. J. , KENDALL S.
Published: April 2006

Eight commercial cat dander extracts and two pelt extracts derived from mongrel and Siamese cats were compared. Cat allergen 1 and cat albumin were measured by radial immunodiffusion. Allergenic activity was evaluated by prick test and a modified radioallergosorbent test. In the latter, the dilution of each extract that produced 50% inhibition of binding of IgE antibodies to insolubilized cat allergen 1 (RAST 1) and insolubilized cat serum (RAST 2) was determined. The total non‐dialysable solid content of the extracts did not correlate with any other parameter. Cat allergen 1 content determined by radial immunodiffusion correlated with average prick test results in ten cat‐sensitive subjects and with RAST 1 activity. Cat albumin content correlated weakly with RAST 2 activity but not with any other measure of allergenic activity. Absorption of each extract with the γ‐globulin fraction of rabbit antiserum to cat allergen 1 significantly reduced prick test reactivity and RAST 1 activity, but not RAST 2 activity. These results indicate that cat allergen 1 is an important allergen in cat dander extracts and its measurement may be used to standardize the allergenic activity of such extracts.
Studies on vasculitis
Authors: PARISH W. E.
Published: April 2006

Previous findings were confirmed that C‐reactive protein (C‐RP) occurs in some vasculitis lesions, particularly those infiltrated mainly by neutrophils (necrotizing vasculitis). The C‐RP was usually in lesions also containing complement C1 or C3c, and in some, IgG was present.

Using a procedure that reliably detected 200 ng C‐RP/ml serum, C‐RP was found in sera of many normal persons, and the amount was influenced by the occupation of the donor. Sera of thirty‐one persons with vasculitis with mainly mononuclear cell‐infiltrated lesions had about four‐fold more C‐RP (mean 28, 200 ng/ml serum) than found in normal persons, and sera of thirty‐nine persons with mainly neutrophil‐infiltrated lesions had eight times the normal amount (mean 56,400 ng C‐RP/ml). The amount of C‐RP was influenced by the severity, extent and duration of the disorder in most patients.

Experimental data suggests that C‐RP may contribute to the perpetuation of inflammation in chronic vasculitis.
A new immunodiagnostic test in onchocerciasis*
Authors: SOMORIN A. O. , HEINER D. C.
Published: April 2006

The radioallergosorbent (RAST) technique was used as a diagnostic test for onchocerciasis. IgE antibodies for Dirofilaria immitis antigen were found in thirty‐one of fifty‐seven (54%) affected patients.
Specific and total serum IgE measurements in the diagnosis of penicillin allergy. A long term follow‐up study
Authors: KRAFT D. , ROTH A. , MISCHER P. , PICHLER H. , EBNER H.
Published: April 2006

Sera from 204 patients with acute or former reactions following penicillin treatment were investigated by RAST with specificity for benzylpenicilloyl and phenoxymethyl‐penicilloyl. The IgE antibody levels were followed up for of more than 2 years. Positive results could be observed at the time of the acute reactions and the weeks following; later on the amounts of specific IgE decreased, with negative RAST results after months or years in many cases. Occasionally negative RAST results occurred within 30 days; on the other hand high levels of specific IgE persisted for years in some patients. Total serum IgE measured by RIST and the RAST results showed similar patterns, with mean levels of 568 u/ml between 0 and 30 days after the penicillin allergic reaction, 286 u/ml between 30 days and 1 year, and 195 u/ml in cases after 1 year corresponded well with the observed decline in specific IgE.

Skin tests performed with penicilloyl‐polylysine in 118 patients showed an overall correlation of 91.5% with the RAST results. Differences between the two test systems were observed in patients with a long interval between the test and the last allergic attack. None of the patients with proved penicillin allergy had atopic diseases or a history of atopy.

On the basis of these findings it is suggested that the determination of both circulating specific IgE and total IgE should be of great value for diagnostic purposes during acute drug reactions and in the months immediately afterwards.
Plasma complement changes during bronchospasm provoked in asthmatic patients*
Authors: ARROYAVE C. M. , STEVENSON D. D. , VAUGHAN J. H. , TAN E. M.
Published: April 2006

Two different groups of asthmatic patients were studied. The first group of seven reagin‐mediated asthmatic patients underwent bronchial inhalation challenges with skin test positive antigen (STPA), skin test negative antigen (STNA) and methacholine. Three patients undergoing inhalation challenge with STPA showed a drop in plasma complement. In this group the drop in plasma complement was found only when the patient was challenged with STPA but not with STNA or methacholine. The second group consisted of seventeen patients, seven of whom were intolerant of aspirin (ASA) and ten asthmatic patients who experienced no untoward effects to ASA. The second group of seventeen patients was challenged with oral ASA. Venous blood samples collected during the challenges, showed a decrease in plasma complement in five patients intolerant to ASA. The ASA intolerant asthmatic patients were challenged also with either Maalox® or sodium salicylate. Only patients who ingested sodium salicylate showed a decrease in plasma complement. Activation of the alternative pathway was demonstrated in some patients. These studies demonstrated that complement activation occurred during STPA or aspirin challenges in asthmatic individuals. The role of the complement system is not clear, but it may participate in some of the pathogenetic mechanisms regulating bronchospasm through the mediations of its split products.
A trial of ICI 74,917 in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: BLAIR H.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐four patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were treated in a randomized double‐blind trial of 6 weeks’ duration, using either ICI 74,917 (0.5 mg in each nostril four times a day) or an identical placebo aerosol. Four patients receiving placebo were withdrawn from the trial because of the deterioration in their rhinitis. The twelve patients using ICI 74,917 were protected as assessed by a combined total symptom score, which was statistically significant (P <0.05), from weeks 1 to 4 when the pollen counts were highest.
Familial human short‐term sensitizing (IgG S‐TS) antibody
Authors: BERRY J. B. , BRIGHTON W. D.
Published: April 2006

Skin tests on a middle‐aged English housewife (the initial case) with a history of seasonal grass pollen rhinitis and asthma showed strong immediate and late reactions to grass pollens. Early in the grass pollen season, 1976, RAST showed normal levels of IgE antibodies in the serum. Passive transfer in Rhesus monkey skin was also negative for heat‐labile IgE but gave a very vigorous reaction for short‐term sensitizing heat‐stable IgG antibody (IgG S‐TS Ab). Skin tests and studies on sera from other members of the family showed that another five also formed IgG S‐TS Ab, and indicated that the ability to form this antibody was familial. One member of the family had only an immediate reaction on skin testing, and much IgE to grass pollen. Towards the end of the grass pollen season the IgE titre in the initial case had been tripled and the IgG S‐TS Ab had disappeared. By September the specific IgE titre had risen even further.
A dietary free from additives in the management of allergic disease
Authors: FREEDMAN B. J.
Published: April 2006

Some patients who suffer from asthma, rhinitis or urticaria undergo exacerbation of symptoms following ingestion of foods or beverages containing azo dyes, sulphur dioxide or benzoates, which are used as preservatives. These patients may be mistakenly thought to be suffering from specific food allergies. A dietary is presented which is free from these additives. Drugs and their coatings and capsules may also contain azo dyes and these should be avoided by patients on an additive‐free diet. Four cases are reported illustrating recovery, one from asthma and three from chronic urticaria after commencing this diet.
Analysis of immunological features of intrinsic and extrinsic asthma and clinical response to DSCG
Authors: CUEVAS M. , MARMIER S. , GIRARD J.‐P.
Published: April 2006

A large range of immunological investigations in patients with extrinsic or intrinsic asthma showed higher leucocyte counts in intrinsic asthma. Blood sputum eosinophilia were almost equally frequent.

Immediate skin responses to inhalant antigens are seldom present in intrinsic asthma, but delayed responses to bacterial antigens, endotoxins, Candida albicans and aspiryl–PPL are frequently positive. This correlates with the frequent presence of precipitins and in vitro stimulation of lymphocytes, and the production of macrophage migration inhibition factor by most of these substances. These results suggest that bacterial factors may play a prominent role as aetiological agents in at least some cases of intrinsic asthma. In intrinsic asthma there was a high incidence of tissue autoantibodies, whereas the incidence was negligible in patients with atopic asthma.

The level of serum immunoglobulins was not statistically different between the two groups of patients except for IgE.

The patients with intrinsic asthma showed a favorable response to sodium cromoglycate.
Human dander in house dust allergy
Authors: BRIGHTON W. D. , TOPPING M. D.
Published: April 2006

The possible role of human dander in house dust allergy was investigated. Naturally shed human mite‐free skin squames were collected from bedding and used to prepare a human dander extract. When the extract was coupled to cyanogen bromide‐activated paper discs, and used in the RAST assay, IgE titres to the skin extract were observed in the sera from several patients with house dust allergy. The sera with IgE to the skin extract also had high IgE titres to either house dust, D. pteronyssinus or cat fur. RAST inhibition studies revealed cross‐reaction between the human skin extract and both a D. pteronyssinus extract and a cat fur extract.
Elimination of bagassosis in Louisiana paper manufacturing plant workers
Authors: LEHRER S. B. , TURER E. , WEILL H. , SALVAGGIO J. E.
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of bagassosis was investigated in a Louisiana paper mill, which in the past had considerable numbers of workers with the disease. Based on negative clinical histories and the low number of positive serological reactions of the workers' serum with Thermoactinomyces sacchari antigen, it was concluded that bagassosis was no longer present. This was thought to be due to a different method of storage of bagasse, which retards microbial decay and reduces airborne organic dust, and to the increased awareness of plant management resulting in greater safety measures.
Rice hypersensitivity associated with serum complement depression
Authors: STRUNK R. C. , PINNAS J. L. , JOHN T. J. , HANSEN R. C. , BLAZOVICH JULIE L.
Published: April 2006

We have studied an infant who had flushing, vomiting and diarrhoea after the first and seven subsequent feedings of rice, from 2 to 25 months of age. Serum histamine was elevated 1 and 8 hr after challenge. Anti‐rice IgE antibodies were demonstrated by radioallergosorbent and Prausnitz‐Kustner testing, but not to soy. Rice fluorescent antibody spot tests for anti‐rice antibody were positive for IgE, but negative for IgG, IgA and IgM. Precipitation and passive haemagglutination antibody studies were negative for rice and soy. Early in the course serum complement (C) was depressed, increasing to normal only after soy and rice were eliminated. Incubation of patient's serum with rice extract resulted in depressions of haemolytic CH50, C4 and C3 (23, 39 and 28%, respectively). Incubation with soy extract resulted in depression of CH50 and C3 only (22 and 27%). Sera from two non‐allergic controls produced comparable results. C activation may have occurred in vivo following absorption of insufficiently digested foods across an immature gastrointestinal tract. Lethargy and unresponsiveness also occurred early in the course, following ingestion of rice as well as soy.
Tyrophagus putrescentiae: an allergenically important mite
Authors: GREEN W. F. , WOOLCOCK A. J.
Published: April 2006

The incidence of positive skin tests to the mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae was measured and compared with skin reactions to Dermatophagoides pteronyssimu and other allergens in Australian and New Guinean populations, and mite counts were determined in Sydney and New Guinea houses. Positive reactions to T. putrescentiae were as frequent as those for D. pteronyssinus in asthmatics in Sydney and were the commonest positive reactions in the normal New Guinea population. T. putrescentiae‐specific serum IgE levels were determined and some IgG cross‐reactions of D. pteronyssinus and T. putrescentiae antigens were demonstrated.

It is suggested that T. putrescentiae is an important source of allergen and should be considered whenever D. pteronyssinus is thought to be a problem. A convenient method for culturing and isolating T. putrescentiae is described.
Cellular histamine release, specific and total serum IgE levels in hay fever patients and controls
Authors: WEYER A. , DAVID B. , LAURENT M. , HENOCQ E.
Published: April 2006

The amount of histamine released from blood leucocytes by allergen, the amount of allergen required to release 50% histamine and the total IgE and IgE specific for Dactyits glomerata are compared in nine hay fever patients and five control individuals. The variation with time of total IgE. of specific IgE and of the percentage of histamine released at a fixed allergen concentration, corresponding to the cellular sensitivity, is shown for one control individual with positive in vitro and skin tests, but without clinical symptoms. For four patients with a low total IgE level the evolution of these parameters during a 1 year treatment period is presented.
Effect of reagins and allergen extracts on radioallergosorbent assays for mite allergen
Authors: TOVEY E. R. , VANDENBERG R. A.
Published: April 2006

The reproducibility of the radicallororbent (RAST) inhibition and direct binding assays with mite allergen were investigated in the presence of heterogeneous extracts and non‐mite‐sensitive atopic sera. Both contain components similar to potential contaminants which would occur in the assay of mite allergen and dust allergen extracts. The standardized inhibition and direct binding assays employed had a day to day (n= 4) coefficient of variation [(s.d. ± 100)/mean] of 15% and 24% respectively. The inhibition assay for mite allergen was reproducible in the presence of protein concentrations of added plant, fungal, arthropod and animal extracts in excess of the protein concentrations that occur under the operational mite assay conditions. The mite inhibition assay was also reproducible in the presence of non‐mite allergen extracts, with and without additional sera containing IgE specific for the non‐mite allergens. The binding of a constant quantity of mite allergen to the activated solid phase in the direct binding assay was reproducible in the presence of added bovine serum albumin, and of a fungal or arthropod extract, representing the heterogeneous components of an allergen extract at the concentrations of total protein known to occur in the direct binding assay of mite extracts.
Comparative serological and clinical findings in subjects exposed to environmental allergens
Authors: HOW M. J. , GOODWIN B. F. J. , JUNIPER C. P. , KINSHOTT A. K.
Published: April 2006

Serological tests of healthy atopic and non‐atopic subjects were carried out during medical surveillance of 288 workers in detergent and food manufacturing factories in the same highly industrialized area. Correlations between the serological parameters and various aspects of the clinical history were compared for subgroups in these and control populations. The value of serological tests as aids in the diagnosis of allergic reactivity to the detergent enzyme Alcalase was given particular attention.

There was no indication that employment in the detergent factory significantly increased the amount of serum total IgG, IgA or IgM. There was a positive correlation between the amount of serum total IgE and atopy as defined. The need for new standards of normality in the amount of serum total α1‐antitrypsin in women receiving oral contraceptives was confirmed. No subjects had a homozygous deficiency of α1‐antitrypsin.

There was a statistically significant correlation between the level of allergen‐specific antibody measured by the RAST and skin prick test weals of 3·0 mm diameter or greater, which were obtained using standardized skin prick test procedure and reagents. The significance of small skin prick test reactions has been evaluated critically.

The results of various tests for allergen‐specific precipitating antibodies indicated the need for caution in interpreting the results of such tests with allergens such as Alcalase, which contain several antigenic components. Alcalase‐specific IgG antibodies were only detected in the sera of persons exposed to enzyme dusts in factories. They were evidence of exposure to the antigens, not of a clinical allergic response, and probably reflect the natural formation of antibody shown to occur with numerous environmental antigens.
The effect of orally administered sodium cromoglycate on allergic reactions caused by food allergens
Authors: DAHL R. , ZETTERSTRÖM O.
Published: April 2006

In five patients who exhibited allergic reactions, four with asthma and one with angioneurotic oedema, to orally administered soybean flour, the protective effect of orally administered sodium cromoglycate has been investigated. Protection from reactions in soybean provocation tests has been achieved with doses ranging from 400 mg to 600 mg given four times daily.
The use of the radioallergosorbent test in the diagnosis of Hymenoptera anaphylaxis
Authors: BUSSE W. W. , YUNGINGER J. W.
Published: April 2006

IgE antibody levels to Hymenoptera (honey bee, hornet, wasp or yellow jacket) venom or venom sac were measured in the serum of ninety‐six patients with a history of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to these insect stings. Normal levels of IgE antibody were found in fourty‐four of these patients tested. The severity of the systemic reaction was similar in those patients with normal and elevated IgE antibody levels, and the interval from the systemic reaction to antibody determination was also similar. In twelve patients with a definite reaction to honey bee venom, the IgE antibody was elevated in all and correlated with a positive venom skin test in nine out of the twelve. It is not possible to determine if the other patients with normal IgE antibody and a systemic reaction represent a false negative RAST value, loss of sensitivity to the Hymenoptera venom, or a lack of RAST sensitivity with some venom or venom sac antigens. Without the ready availability of venom skin tests to all Hymenoptera antigens or other in vitro tests, a definite assessment of insect anaphylaxis remains in doubt for the patient and physician.
Measurement of nasal patency using a Vitalograph
Authors: DAVIES H. J.
Published: April 2006

A standard Vitalograph was used to measure the volume or air inspired through the mouth (M‐FIV0.5) and nose (N‐FIV0.5) in 0.5 sec. The ratio or these parameters was used as a nasal patency index (NPI) and the characteristics of NPI and N‐FIV0.5 investigated in terms of reproducibility and sensitivity. Both indices were significantly reduced by intranasal histamine (100μg and 200 μg) and it is concluded that NPI and N‐FIV0.5 are reproducible and sensitive indices of nasal patency.
RAST atopy screen
Authors: MERRETT J. , MERRETT T. G.
Published: April 2006

A single in vitro screening test for atopic allergy is described. It uses the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) principle, and has been applied to screening sera from U.K. patients with possible atopic symptoms.

When compared with the Phadebas RAST, the test sensitivity was 97% and the specificity 100%, and these results suggest that it is useful in any preliminary allergy investigation.
Allergen‐specific IgE and IgG antibodies in pollen‐allergic children given immunotherapy for 2‐6 years
Authors: FOUCARD T. , JOHANSSON S. G. O.
Published: April 2006

Ninety‐five children with pollen hay fever were treated for 46 months (16‐74 months) with extracts of birch pollen (seventy‐two children) and/or grass pollen (fifty‐nine children).

During the first 2 months of this immunotherapy the serum concentration of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies doubled or tripled, but the concentration of IgG‘blocking’antibodies increased even more.

With time the IgE antibody activity decreased in 80% of the children, but only in slightly more than 50% did it fall to below the initial level, and the mean concentration at the end of the study was 2‐3 times the initial value. The IgG antibody activity remained high in about 50% of the children and showed a tendency to decrease in the other children, in spite of monthly allergen injections.

Eighty‐three out of the ninety‐five children reported a moderate to marked improvement. At the end of the study the eighteen almost symptom‐free children had a higher IgG/IgE antibody ratio than the twelve children who had not improved, but this difference was not significant.

After treatment, thirteen children tolerated ten to 10,000 times more allergen than before by naso‐conjunctival challenge tests. Ten of the children reacted to the same allergen dilution as before and two reacted to a ten times weaker extract. Clinical improvement was accompanied by increased tolerance in most patients.
The effect of ICI 74,917 on asthma and bronchial provocation tests
Authors: MUITTARI A. , AHONEN A. , KELLOMÄKI L. , KUUSISTO P. , LEHTINEN J. , VENESKOSKI T.
Published: April 2006

A study was made of the protective action of the anti‐allergic drug ICI 74,917, a phenanthroline derivative, in specific allergen provocation tests and in combating clinical symptoms in thirteen asthmatic out‐patients. It was found that ICI 74,917 was able to diminish allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction significantly (P< 0.01) during both the placebo period and during chronic treatment with ICI 74,917 for 4 weeks. The results obtained during these two periods did not differ significantly. There was not, however, any statistically significant difference in the symptom scores or PEF rates during the treatment with ICI 74,917 or placebo for 1 month. This may indicate that although ICI 74,197 is able to prevent bronchoconstriction in an allergen provocation test, it failed to improve asthma clinically. No signs of the phenomenon of tachyphylaxis were observed in the present study.

The Student's t‐test was used in the statistical analysis.
Activity units for allergen extracts
Authors: BRIGHTON W. D. , TOPPING M. D. , HENOCQ E.
Published: April 2006

The two present systems of units for the strength of allergen extracts, Noon and p.n.u. are both unsatisfactory. A new activity unit, based on skin prick in humans, is described, and its relationship to in vitro tests is explored. Potency limits for provocation materials used for skin prick tests are suggested.
Acute asthma compared with exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: changes in complement
Authors: MONIE R. D. H. , FIFIELD R. , DAVIES B. H.
Published: April 2006

Complement levels were measured on admission and at 1 and 7 days following admission in twenty patients with acute severe asthma and ten patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

Although no evidence of hypocomplementaemia was found in any patient, there was a mean fall within the normal range of the individual complement components, C4, C3 and factor B in both groups. The mean fall occurred earlier in the bronchitics than in the asthmatics and this may be related to infection or the administration of corticosteroids. There was a significant fall in C3 (P<0.05) in the bronchitics compared with the asthmatics at 24 hr.

From our study, however, we could find no evidence of excessive utilization of complement in acute asthma.
Investigations with the ‘Individual Pollen Collector’ and the ‘Burkard trap’ with reference to hay fever patients
Authors: LEUSCHNER RUTH M. , BOEHM G.
Published: April 2006

Pollen collecting devices such as the ‘Hirst’ trap and the ‘Burkard’ apparatus provide information on average pollen content in the air during a certain time in a certain volume of air (e.g. 24 hr in 1 m3 air).

They give no idea, however, of the allergenic particles to which individual hay fever patients are exposed in the course of a day. An ‘Individual Pollen Collector’, attached to the patient's clothing, showed that the counts varied considerably in different persons in the same place. They differed—quantitatively and qualitatively—from the values with the ‘Burkard’ pollen and spore traps at two places in Switzerland. The slides from the ‘Individual Pollen Collector’ frequently show ‘clouds’ of certain kinds of pollen grains, which could be responsible for hay fever attacks in moderately sensitized subjects.
Atopic disease in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Authors: PUGH S. M. , RHODES J. , MAYBERRY J. F. , ROBERTS D. L. , HEATLEY R. V. , NEWCOMBE R. G.
Published: April 2006

Three hundred patients with ulcerative colitis, 200 with Crohn's disease and matched control subjects completed questionnaires about atopic disease. They were asked whether they had ever suffered from asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis or eczema; in ulcerative colitis all of these features occurred with twice the frequency, but in Crohn's disease only eczema was more common than in controls.
Non‐specific reactions caused by diluents containing glycerol in nasal and bronchial challenge tests
Authors: HAAHTELA T. , LAHDENSUO A.
Published: April 2006

Sixty‐one patients hospitalized because of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis were given nasal and bronchial challenge tests with diluents containing gylcerol. 62% of the patients with rhinitis and 37% of those with asthma gave positive reactions. Glycerol should therefore not be used in allergen extracts which are meant for challenge tests. The non‐specific effect of glycerol seems to be cumulative with increasing dose.
Intravenous NAB 365 (clenbuterol) and terbutaline in exercise‐induced bronchospasm (EIB)
Authors: DEL BONO N. , QUARTIERI F. , VIBELLI C.
Published: April 2006

In a single‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study, the effects of intravenous 20 μg NAB 365 (clenbuterol) and intravenous 250 μg terbutaline were compared in nine asthmatic patients with bronchospasm induced by exercise. The exercise consisted of treadmill running. The two beta‐adrenergic bronchodilator drugs effectively prevented post‐exercise bronchospasm in eight of the nine patients. The effects were superior to those in the untreated group and in the placebo‐treated group. Six of the patients treated with terbutaline complained of adverse reactions (tremor, palpitation, tachycardia). No adverse reactions were observed after clenbuterol.
A prospective study of respiratory infection in adult asthmatics and their normal spouses
Authors: TARLO S. , BRODER I. , SPENCE L.
Published: April 2006

A prospective study of respiratory infections was performed in nineteen married asthmatics and their normal spouses who were examined at monthly intervals during a 1‐year period. The colds described were associated with nasal symptoms, sore throat and usually malaise, fever, cough and hoarseness. The asthmatics reported a larger number of these symptomatic episodes that the non‐asthmatics but significantly fewer of the episodes in the asthmatics were objectively confirmed by viral isolation or rise in serum titre of viral antibody. The frequency of respiratory infections was not influenced by the long term use of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate and oral corticosteroid drugs. Less than 10% of the exacerbations of asthma were associated with respiratory infection. The disability resulting from respiratory infections in the asthmatics did not significantly exceed that in the non‐asthmatics.
Observations on the aetiology and natural history of stinging insect sensitivity: application of measurements of venom‐specific IgE
Authors: REISMAN R. E. , ARBESMAN C. E. , LAZELL M.
Published: April 2006

Measurements of serum venom specific IgE were used to gain further insight into the aetiology and natural history of stinging insect allergy. Several aspects were studied.

(a) Following sting reactions, sequential sera were examined in the absence of venom immunotherapy. There was a marked individual patient variation in the persistence of venom specific IgE. In nine patients, antibody levels dropped to insignificant levels, suggesting the possibility that sensitivity can be lost spontaneously.

(b) Details of four patients with anamnestic IgE antibody responses after sting reactions are presented. These responses occurred even when prior antibody titres were negligible, suggesting that patients mentioned above (No. 1) will require careful monitoring. The anamnestic responses are insect specific.

(c) Eighteen patients were studied who had typical insect sting anaphylaxis and subsequent insignificant serum levels of venom specific IgE. One third also had negative direct skin tests with venom. These observations suggest that the possibility for a non‐IgE pathogenesis for some insect sting reactions may have to be considered.

(d) One patient was identified who became sensitized to non‐venom protein in whole body insect extracts as the result of whole body extract therapy.
Prevalence of asthma: a comparative study of urban and rural Xhosa children
Authors: VAN NIEKERK C. H. , WEINBERG E. G. , SHORE S. C. , HEESE H. DE V. , VAN SCHALKWYK D. J.
Published: April 2006

An epidemiological study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of asthma in young urban and rural black (Xhosa) children. One thousand three hundred and seventy five children were studied, 694 from a Cape Town african township and 671 from a rural area in Transkei. The exercise tolerance test which required free range running at maximum effort for 6 min was used to identify asthmatic subjects. A fall of 15% or more in the post‐exercise FEV1 and PEFR values was regarded as a positive result. Twenty‐three children were found to be asthmatic, twenty‐two from the city area, but only one from the country, giving a prevalence figure for asthma of 3.17% in the first group and 0.14% for the second. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed.

The exercise tolerance test was found to be a useful tool for epidemiological studies of asthma.
Species specific grass pollen sensitivity: diagnosis and treatment with single grass species Allpyral vaccines
Authors: BROWN H. MORROW , THANTREY NAZRA , JACKSON FELICITY
Published: April 2006

Skin test titrations and nasal provocation tests in sixty patients with hay fever showed specific reactions to extracts of individual grass species. There was, however, no correlation between skin and nasal sensitivity. Repeat testing after treatment with Allpyral vaccines consisting of only the grass species to which the nasal reaction was most severe, or only one of several pollens to which reactions were equally severe, showed marked diminution of skin and nasal sensitivity not only to the single pollen used for immuno‐therapy but to all five common pollens used in the Allpyral grass mix. Clinical results seemed much improved as compared with results in the same year for Allpyral five grass mix vaccines, especially in the case of patients treated with Timothy, rye, or cocksfoot. It was concluded that these three grasses were to be preferred for treatment in England, and that these grasses contain common allergens.
Airflow obstruction in asthma induced by inhalation of small minimum doses of allergen
Authors: KURIMOTO Y. , KURIMOTO S.
Published: April 2006

In order to define allergen‐induced bronchial responses, sixteen asthmatics, assessed as mild (twelve cases) and moderate (four cases) were tested by inhalation of small doses of house dust allergen. The minimum dose was first determined in each patient. It caused no abnormal respiratory sensation, while a fall of V̇max50 air with no change or slight decrease of V̇max50 He‐O2 and a rise of density dependence ratio were observed. Inhalation tests with multiples of the minimum dose were made and showed that the minimum dose was dependent on the individual, his condition and induced airflow obstruction in a dose‐related fashion.