bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood markers of early and late airway responses to allergen in asthmatic subjects. Relationship with functional findings
Authors: Bancalari L , Dente F. L. , Cianchetti S. , Prontera C. , Taccola M. , Bacci E. , Carletti A. , Franco A. Di , Giannini D. , Vagaggini B. , Ferdeghini M. , Paggiaro P. L.
Published: May 2007

We evaluated the relationship between blood markers of mast‐cell (plasma histamine and serum level of heat‐stable neutrophil chemotactic activity [NCA]) and eosinophil (serum eosinophil cationic protein [ECP]) activation during early airway response (EAR) and late airway response (LAR) to allergen inhalation in 24 asthmatic subjects. After EAR, 14 subjects showed significant LAR (FEV1 fall: 25%), while 10 subjects showed equivocal LAR (FEV1 fall: 15–20%). A significant increase from baseline value was observed in plasma histamine and in serum NCA during both EAR and LAR, while serum ECP significantly increased only during LAR. The sensitivity of different markers to detect significant FEV1 fall during EAR and LAR was low, except for NCA. Changes in blood mediators were similar in both groups with significant and equivocal LAR. There was a significant relationship between the increase in NCA during EAR and the severity of LAR. Stepwise regression between changes in different blood markers showed a significant relationship between histamine increase during EAR and ECP increase during LAR. Thus, serum NCA is a more sensitive marker of EAR and LAR than plasma histamine and serum ECP, and its increase during EAR seems predictive of the severity of the subsequent LAR.
A computer program based on parallel line assay for analysis of skin tests
Authors: Martin S. , Cuesta P. , Rico P. , Cortés C.
Published: May 2007

A computer program for the analysis of differences or changes in skin sensitivity has been developed. It is based on parallel line assay, and its main features are its ability to conduct a validation process which ensures that the data from skin tests conform to the conditions imposed by the analysis which is carried out (regression, parallelism, etc.), the estimation of the difference or change in skin sensitivity, and the determination of the 95% and 99% confidence intervals of this estimation. This program is capable of managing data from independent groups, as well as paired data, and it may be applied to the comparison of allergen extracts, with the aim of determining their biologic activity, as well as to the analysis of changes in skin sensitivity appearing as a consequence of treatment such as immunotherapy.
Bronchial epithelial cells in asthma
Authors: Campbell A. M.
Published: May 2007

Campbell AM. Bronchial epithelial cells in asthma.
Cross‐reactivity between IgE‐binding proteins from Anisakis German cockroach, and chironomids
Authors: Pascual C. Y. , Crespo J. F. , Martin S. San , Ornia N. , Ortega N. , Caballero T. , Muñoz‐Pereira M. , Martin‐Esteban M.
Published: May 2007

Pascual CY, Crespo JF, San Martin S, Ornia N, Ortega N, Caballero T, Munoz‐Pereira M, Martin‐Estaban M. Cross‐reactivity between IgE‐binding proteins from Anisakis German cockroach, and chironomids.

Anisakis simplex larvae parasitize animals used as seafood and can produce a specific immune response in man. The ingestion of seafood contaminated with stage three of A. simplex larvae can induce a specific IgE response with clinical symptoms, usually urticaria, even if the fish is cooked before ingestion and the invasive infestation power destroyed by heating. Our preliminary studies showed a strong association of A. simplex sensitization with Ascaris lumbricoides, Daphnia chironomid spp., Atlantic shrimp ‘Pandalus borealis’ and German cockroach ‘Blattella germanica’. We conducted the cross‐reactivity study with cockroach, a ubiquitous insect, and Chironomidae ‘red mosquito larvae’, a work‐related allergen, without any possibility of Anisakis contamination. Serum samples were collected from 60 pediatric patients, with serum specific IgE to A. simplex. Both specific‐IgE and immunoblot‐inhibition studies, with a serum pool from 18 patients, were performed to determine whether the association of sensitizations to nematodes and arthropods was due to immunologic cross‐reactivity. In addition, serum samples from 21 of 60 patients who showed also sensitization to German cockroach were used for individual immunoblot studies. In the serum pool, dose‐dependent inhibition of B. germanica and Chironomus spp. was observed after preincubation with the A. simplex extract. Immunoblot of Anisakis inhibited with Chironomus and German cockroach, yielded a partial blot inhibition but mainly on bands below 41 kDa. Blot inhibition of German cockroach and Chironomus with Anisakis was dose related. The band patterns in individual blots were heterogeneous, but most of them had bands of 30–43 kDa. None of these sera recognized allergens in the 14–kDa area. In our study, CAP‐inhibition and immunoblot‐inhibition analysis of Anisakis showed that several IgE‐binding components could be shared by the three allergens.
Physical capacity and dyspnea in patients with asthma‐like symptoms but negative asthma tests
Authors: Ringsberg K. C. , Wetterqvist H. , Löwhagen O. , Sivik T.
Published: May 2007

Ringsberg KC, Wetterqvist H, Löwhagen O, Sivik T. Physical capacity and dyspnea in patients with asthma‐like symptoms but negative asthma tests.

Ten female patients with asthma‐like symptoms but negative asthma tests ‘study group’ were compared with 10 female asthmatics in an exercise test with and without pretreatment with β2‐stimulants. The aim was to determine whether the asthma‐like symptoms in the patients of the study group could be explained by bronchoconstriction, circulatory abnormalities, or physical unfitness when provoked physically, and whether the exercise test could be used to distinguish these patients from asthmatics. Without pretreatment, the asthma group reacted with bronchoconstriction, as indicated by postexercise systematic changes in PEFR, FEV1, FVC, and Sao2, which were not seen in the study group. The groups differed in the ratings of “difficulty in getting air”, as only the asthma group had significantly lower ratings when pretreated. The study group's mean test performance was 94 W; the asthma group's was 106 W. The low performance was not explained by disturbances in heart rate, electrocardiogram, or blood pressure or physical unfitness. The exercise test was found to distinguish between the groups, especially for bronchoconstriction, oxygen saturation, and ratings of dyspnea. It could be used complementary to lung function tests to eliminate bronchoconstriction, circulatory abnormalities, and physical unfitness as a cause of the asthma‐like symptoms.
Periodate treatment of Anisakis simplex allergens
Authors: Moneo I. , Audicana M. T. , Alday E. , Curiel G. , del Pozo M. D. , Garcia M.
Published: May 2007

Moneo I, Audicana MT, Alday E, Curiel G, del Pozo MD, García M. Periodate treatment of Anisakis simplex allergens.

Anaphylactic reactions after parasitized fish consumption are mediated by an IgE response. However, positive skin tests and specific IgE can also be found in many asymptomatic subjects who recognize a single medium mol.‐wt. antigen by IgE immunoblot. The study aimed to find out whether this unspecificity was due to the carbohydrate moieties of parasite antigens. Sixty‐two patients with suspected parasite allergy, 51 blood donors, 18 bakers, and 38 atopic patients were studied by blotting. Parasite proteins were treated with periodate. Several selected sera were inhibited with a crude wheat extract and fungal amylase. Twelve patients ‘19%’, eight donors ‘16%’, six bakers ‘33%’, and one atopic patient ‘3%’ recognized a single mediummol.‐wt. band in blotting and should be considered false‐positive. This band was periodate‐sensitive, but specific IgE to this allergen could not be inhibited by a wheat extract nor by fungal amylase and was clinically irrelevant. Diagnosis of Anisakis simplex hypersensitivity by skin tests and/ or specific IgE values should always be confirmed by specific IgE immunoblotting in order to detect the presence of clinically unrelated antibodies directed to periodate‐sensitive allergens. These allergens are probably not a carbohydrate moiety of a parasite glycoprotein.
Prevalence and incidence of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in Swedish teenagers
Authors: Norrman E. , Nyström L. , Jönssö E. , Stjernberg N.
Published: May 2007

In 1987. we studied the prevalence of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in 1112 grade‐eight students in the town of Umeå. northern Sweden. The present study IS based on the same cohort, reinvestigated in 1991. We aimed to estimate the changes in the prevalence of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis and to examine some presumed risk factors of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis. A postal questionnaire on present asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, symptoms from the upper and lower airways, and the need for medication was used. Questions about living conditions, smoking and present education were also included. The questionnaire was answered by 89% (990) of the subjects. The prevalence of self‐reported asthma was 10.8% (boys 7.9%. girls 13.7%). The incidence rate/year was 1.1%, the remission rate/year was 5.7%, and the relapse rate/year was 10%. The risk factors for developing asthma appeared to be atopy, having a family history of asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis. and smoking. The prevalence of selfreported rhinoconjunctivitis was 14.3% (boys 15.6%, girls 13.1%). The incidence rate/year was 1%, the remission rate/year was 22%, and the relapse rate/year was 11%. Stopping smoking and having no family history of rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma appeared to favor remission in rhinoconjunctivitis.
Recognition of an extensive range of IgE‐reactive proteins in cod extract
Authors: Dory D. , Chopin C. , Aimone‐Gastin I. , Gueant J. L. , Guerin L. , Sainte‐Laudy J. , Moneret‐Vautrin D. A. , Fleurence J.
Published: May 2007

Allergy to fish is one of the most common food allergies. Gad c 1 is the only fish allergen which has been purified and characterized. Other allergens have been detected by Western blot in cod extracts. We have now improved the Western‐blot procedure in order to characterize fish IgE‐reactive proteins from extracts prepared under different conditions: pre‐rigor mortis and postrigor mortis. EDTA addition or not. and DEAE ion‐exchange chromatography. Several IgE‐reactive protein bands have been identified over a wide molecular‐weight range. In particular, the 104‐ and 130‐kDa IgEreactive protein bands were detected. These new bands may correspond to aggregates, as EDTA increased the relative amount of the 60‐, 67‐, 104‐, and 130‐kDa IgE‐reactive protein bands in Western blot. All these bands were also detected by an antiparvalbumin monoclonal antibody, specific to the first calcium‐binding site. The longer period of storage increased the relative amounts of the 41‐, 80‐, 104‐. and 130‐kDa IgE‐reactive protein bands. The 18‐kDa band was detected only in fish stored for several days. In conclusion, we have described IgE‐reactive protein bands over a wide molecular‐weight range (12–130 kDa) in Western blot of cod extract, and shown that EDTA and storage conditions may influence the relative distribution of IgE‐reactive protein bands.
Measurement of natural rubber latex allergen levels in medical gloves by allergen‐specific IgE‐ELISA inhibition, RAST inhibition, and skin prick test
Authors: Palosuo T. , Mäkinen‐Kiljunen S. , Alenius H. , Reunala T. , Yip E. , Turjanmaa K.
Published: May 2007

Exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) medical gloves poses risks to patients sensitized to NRL and to users of protective gloves. Previous studies have shown that extractable allergen levels of the gloves vary widely. Since most of the available laboratory methods of NRL allergen measurement lack adequate validation, we wanted to evaluate the performance of a recently developed competitive IgE‐ELISA‐inhibition method in relation to the skin prick test (SPT) and RAST inhibition, as well as to extractable protein quantification and an immunochemical latex antigen assay (LEAP). Twenty samples of surgical (n = l4) and examination gloves (n=6), covering >90% of medical gloves marketed in Finland in 1994–5. were collected by the Finnish National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health, coded, extracted, and analyzed by the five methods. The IgE‐ELISA inhibition correlated highly significantly with SPT (r=0.94) and RAST inhibition (r=0.96). Likewise, ELISA inhibition and RAST inhibition showed highly significant correlation (P=0.96, P<0.0001 in all three instances). Protein quantification by a modified Lowry method also correlated highly significantly with SPT (r=0.80). RAST inhibition (r=0.82), and ELISA inhibition (r=0.81. P<O.OOOI in all three instances). Clearly weaker correlation, though statistically significant (r=0.48. P=0.03), was found between SPT and the LEAP assay. An NRL standard preparation was assigned an arbitrary content of 100OOO allergen units (AU) per ml. In relation to this standard, the NRL allergen level was considered low (<10 AU/ml) in 11. moderate (10–100 AU/ml) in two, and high (>100 AU/ml) in seven of the 20 glove brands analyzed. In conclusion, the results of a novel IgE‐ELISA‐inhibition method of measuring NRL allergen levels in medical gloves correlated highly significantly with those of SPT TTie ELISA method was found to be sensitive, reproducible, technically easy, inexpensive, and suitable for the analysis of large numbers of NRL products. The results of extensive market surveys in 1994 and 1995, communicated to the medical community in Finland, appear to have had a clear effect in moving glove purchasing policies toward the use of low‐allergen gloves.
Decreased peripheral blood γδ T cells in patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Krejsek J. , Král B. , Vokurková D. , Derner V. , Toušková M. , Paráková Z. , Kopecký O.
Published: May 2007

Many cell populations are thought to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma. We examined by flow cytometry the relative and absolute number of CD3*, CD4*, CD8*γδ TcR* T cells. CD19* B cells; and CD56* natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood of 26 adult patients with difficult‐to‐control asthma (DCA) and 22 patients with minimally symptomatic asthma (MSA). Statistically higher relative and absolute numbers of NK cells (18.39±10.67% and 0.38±0.17×109/l) in comparison with healthy controls (ll.77±8.06% and 0.25±0.19×109/l) and significantly decreased relative and absolute numbers of γδ T cells (3.02±2.16% and 0.06±0.04×109/l) in comparison with controls (5.65+2.90% and 0.13±0.08×109/l) in the DCA patient group were found. After pooling of data from both MSA and DCA patients and dividing the patients according to the presence of allergy, the relative and absolute numbers of 78 T celts were found to be diminished in both the allergy (3.77±2.98 and O.O7±0.O5 ×109/l) and nonallergy (3.06±1.78% and 0.06±0.03 ×109/l) groups in comparison with healthy controls. The reason for the low number of 78 T cells in the peripheral blood of patients suffering from bronchial asthma is under investigation.
Cyclosporin A treatment and airways inflammation in corticosteroid‐dependent asthma
Authors: Redington A. E. , Hardinge F. M. , Madden J. , Holgate S. T. , Howarth P. H.
Published: May 2007

Cyclosporin A is a potent immunosuppressive agent which inhibits activation of T cells and other inflammatory ceils. It has been shown to be of clinical benefit in patients with corticosteroid dependent asthma, but there are no data on its in vivo effects on airways inflammation. In this report, we describe the case of a 47‐year‐old man with chronic severe corticosteroid‐dependent asthma who made a dramatic clinical response to therapy with cyclosporin

A. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and endobronchial biopsy were performed before and after a 12‐month period of treatment with cyclosporin A and demonstrated a concomitant reduction in airway inflammatory indices.
Carnoy's fixative reduces the number of chymase‐positive cells in immunocytochemical staining of cord‐blood‐derived human cultured mast cells
Authors: Kanbe N. , Kurosawa M. , Miyachi Y , Kanbe M. , Kempurap D. , Tachimoto H. , Saito H.
Published: May 2007

KleinJan et al, (Allergy 1996;51:614‐20) reported that Carnoy's fixative reduced the number of chymase‐positive mast cells in the nasal mucosa. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether Carnoy's fixative reduces the number of chymase‐positive cells from cord‐blood‐derived human cultured mast cells when compared with other types of fixatives. Human mast cells were obtained by culturing cord‐blood‐derived CD34‐positive cells in the presence of stem cell factor and interleukin‐6. Staining procedures of the cells in fixation with Carnoy's fixative and with other fixatives gave no differences among the number of tryptase‐positive cells, whereas fixation with Carnoy's fixative for 15 min gave a significant decrease i n the number of chymase‐positive cells compared with acetone for 10 min. The number of chymase‐positive cells decreased in a time‐dependent manner under fixation with Carnoy's fixative, indicating that Carnoy's fixative had a negative effect on the number of chymase‐positive cells from cord‐blood derived human cultured mast cells.
Diagnostic value of nasal provocation challenge with allergens in children
Authors: Jean R. , Rufin P. , Pfister A. , Landais P. , Waernessyckle S. , Blic J. de , Scheinmann P.
Published: May 2007

A total of 106 children suffering from perennial rhinitis and/or asthma, and all allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), underwent nasal provocation challenge (NPC) with DP to determine the best method of diagnosis. Posterior rhinomanometry was uninterpretable in 17 patients and gave negative results in 31. Clinical scores for sneezing and rhinorrhea were more effective but did not diagnose the disorder in 11 children. However, nine of the 11 had significant increases in eosinophil count in the late phase. Clinical scores and cytology were also useful for assessing whether NPC with allergens was positive in children. The feasibility and safety of NPC with DP are high for rhinitic and stable asthmatic patients, but mild reactions may occur during the late phase.
In vitro effects of the pyrethroid S‐bioallethrin on lymphocytes and basophils from atopic and nonatopic subjects
Authors: Diel F. , Detscher M. , Schock B. , Ennis M.
Published: May 2007

Synthetic pyrethroids are increasingly used as insecticides and marketed as having relatively low human toxicity. The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro effects of the synthetic pyrethroid S‐bioallethrin on human blood lymphocytes and basophils in atopic individuals and nonatopic control subjects. S‐bioallethrin caused inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation after a 72‐h culture period in a concentration‐dependent manner. The inhibition of the lymphocyte proliferation by S‐bioallethrin at the concentration 6.5 nM correlated well with the total serum IgE values (r=‐0.89, f < 0.001). Samples from atopic subjects were more sensitive to this inhibition than those from nonatopic volunteers. The regulatory interleukin‐4/interferon‐gamma (JL‐4/ IFN‐y) balance showed a significant difference between atopic and nonatopic subjects after a short‐term culture period (24 h) in the presence of the same concentration range of S‐bioallethrin (P<0.001). Additionally, IFN‐y secretion was consistently lower in cells from the atopic donors. Furthermore, S‐bioallethrin induced histamine release from human basophils in a concentration‐dependent manner. Although the effect was small compared to histamine liberators such as N‐formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe and anti‐IgE, the response to S‐bioallethrin was significantly different in atopic donors from nonatopic (p = 0.0431). These findings are the first demonstration of the immunotoxicologic properties of the synthetic pyrethroid S‐bioallethrin by this combined in vitro approach with human lymphocytes and basophils. Further studies will investigate the responses of lymphocytes from patients who are sensitive to these agents.
Eosinophil leukocyte degranulation in response to serum‐opsonized beads: C5a and platelet‐activating factor enhance ECP release, with roles for protein kinases A and C
Authors: Egesten A. , Malm J.
Published: May 2007

Background Eosinophils have a typical content of granule‐bound, cytotoxic, cationic proteins which may. when released to the external milieu, play roles i n diseases such as asthma and parasitic infestation. Therefore, we have investigated possible mechanisms by which their release is regulated in eosinophils.

Methods The enzyme‐linked immunosorhent assay (ELISA) was used to detect released eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Release of ECP was induced by serum‐opsonized, nonphagocytosable Sephadex beads (SOS). Results The complement fragment C5a and platelet‐activating factor (PAF) were found to enhance ECP release in response to SOS in a dose‐dependent fashion, and, contrary to previous reports, they were not found to act as secretagogues themselves on eosinophils in suspension. The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in eosinophil degranulation has been controversial. We found that ECP release induced by SOS was inhibited by the PKC inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C. Activation of protein kinase A (PKA). by raising cAMP, also inhibited ECP release. Furthermore, pertussis toxin decreased ECP release on opsonized beads, indicating the involvement of pertussis‐toxin‐sensitive G proteins.

Conclusions C5a. and PAF enhance granule release, rather than acting as secretagogues themselves. PKC and PKA have opposing roles in the regulation of ECP release in response to SOS.
Prevalence of occupational asthma among automobile and furniture painters in the center of Eskisehir (Turkey): the effects of atopy and smoking habits on occupational asthma
Authors: Ucgun I. , Özdemir N. , Metintaş M. , Metintaş S. , Erginel S. , Kolsuz M.
Published: May 2007

Background Occupational asthma (OA) is a respiratory disorder characterized by airway hyperreactivity caused by agents present in the workplace. For determination of the prevalence of OA among car and furniture painters exposed to isocyanate in the center of Eskisehir, Turkey, a clinical and epidemiologic prospective study in three phases was done, incorporating 312 (89.4%) of the painters.

Methods Of these subjects, 190 (61%) were furniture painters and 122 (39%) automobile painters. In the first phase of the study, a modified questionnaire and pulmonary function test (PFT) were done. During the second phase, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was monitored in 52 subjects whose complaints were confirmed and who agreed to a month of such monitoring. In the third phase, nonspecific bronchial provocation tests (NSBPT) with histamine were done on 23 of the PEFR‐monitored workers. Results Finally, through questionnaire, typical history, PFT, PEFR monitoring, and NSBPT. 30 workers (9.6%) were diagnosed as having OA. Smoking habits and atopy in the OA‐diagnosed workers were found to be statistically significantly high in comparison to the other workers.

Conclusions It was concluded that OA is a common disorder among automobile and furniture painters, and smoking habits and atopy were seen t o have a significant effect on OA occurrence.
Detection of IgE antibody to a radiocontrast medium
Authors: Mita H. , Tadokoro K. , Akiyama K.
Published: May 2007

Background Very little is known about the mechanistns underlying adverse reactions to radiocontrast medium. On the basis of the clinical features of the adverse reactions, il has generally been considered that an IgE‐dependent mechanism is not involved in these adverse reactions, and only a few studies have demonstrated the presence of IgE antibody to radiocontrast medium iti patient sera.

Methods We assayed for IgE antibody to ioxaglie acid (Hexabrix®), a representative radiocontrast medium, in the sera of patients who had developed adverse reactions to ioxaglie acid. A conjugate was prepared by coupling succinyl ioxaglie acid to human serum albumin. Enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay for the detection of IgE antibody to ioxaglie acid in patient sera were constructed by physical adsorption or by eovalent eoupling of the conjugate on solid supports.

Results When the radioactivity or the absorbance exceeding the mean plus 3 SD for normal healthy subjects was regarded as positive, IgE antibody was detected in the sera of 47.1% of the patients who had a past history of adverse reactions to ioxaglie acid and 16.2% of those who had experienced adverse reactions to ioxaglie acid within 24 h before the blood collection, although the IgE antibody levels were low. On the other hand, IgE antibody to ioxaglie acid was not detected in the sera of patients with no history of adverse reaetions to ioxaglie acid. Inhibition experiments revealed the presenee of IgE antibody speeific to ioxaglie acid in the serum defined as positive for IgE antibody to ioxaglie acid. The presenee of IgE antibody to ioxaghe acid did not always eorrelate with the activation of mast eells due t o the occurrence of adverse reaelions to ioxaglie acid.

Conclusions A small amount of IgE antibody to ioxaglie acid was detected n i the sera of some patients with a history of adverse reactions to ioxaglie acid, and these adverse reactions may be partly explained by the presence of IgE antibody in the serum of at least some patients.
In vitro lymphocyte proliferation in the diagnosis of allergy to phenoxymethylpenicillin
Authors: Cederbrant K. , Steiskal V. , Broman P. , Lindkvist L. , Sundell K.
Published: May 2007

Background The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro lymphocyte proliferation in the diagnosis of allergy to phenoxymethylpenicillin (PcV), comparing chemically reactive PcV, added to cell cultures in unconjugated form, to a PcV‐PLL (poly‐L‐lysine) conjugate as antigens. Side‐chain specificity of lymphoproliferative responses was investigated with reactive benzylf)enicillin (PcG) and bacampicillin.

Methods Seventeen patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions in connection with PcV treatment were studied by means of the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT), the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). skin tests (prick and intracutaneous), and oral challenge with PcV. LTT was also performed in 20 control subjects exposed to PcV therapeutically, and in eight subjects with occupational exposure to this penicillin.

Results Nine patients had a positive in vivo test to PcV (five by oral challenge, three by intracutaneous test, and one by both tests), and six were challenge‐negative. When reactive PcV was used as antigen in LTT, positive LTT responses were observed in five of the nine patients with a positive in vivo test, and two of them were also side‐chain specific. Positive LTT responses with reactive PcV also correlated with a positive RAST infiveof seven subjects. None of the six patients with a negative challenge test, and only one of the 28 controls showed a positive LTT result with reactive PcV. Thus, the specificity of LTT with reactive PcV was 96%. In contrast, when PLL‐conjugated PcV served as antigen, four challenge‐negative subjects and 11 controls were LTT‐positive.

Conclusions The results of this study indicate that LTT with chemically reactive PcV could be useful as an in vitro complement in the diagnosis of PcV allergy and as a tool to reveal the side‐chain specificity of peripheral blood lymphocytes. A positive LTT to PLL‐conjugated PcV may be an indicator of immunization, but not necessarily allergy, to the penicilloyl structure.
Blood eosinophils from asymptomatic allergies have a reduced capacity to produce oxygen‐free radicals
Authors: Woschnagg C. , Rak S. , Venge P.
Published: May 2007

Background The eosinophil granulocyte is an inflammatory cell that plays an active part in diseases such as asthma and rhinitis. This study aimed to investigate oxidative metabolism by blood eosinophils taken from allergic rhinitis patients, asthmatics, and nonallergic controls before and during the birch‐pollen season.

Methods Twenty patients with allergy to birch pollen and seasonal symptoms of rhinitis, some of whom were also asthmatic, were followed before and during the birch‐pollen season in Sweden. The cells were purified using a Percoll gradient and the MACS system. Eosinophil purity in all samples was >95%. Oxidative metabolism was measured by a chemiluminescence (CL) assay, with luminol and lucigenin acting as enhancers, and PMA, serum‐treated zymosan (STZ), interleukin (IL)‐5. or RANTES as stimuli. Results The allergic subjects showed reduced luminol CL when activated before the season with PMA (P = 0.40) or STZ (P = 0.0055). This was not seen during pollen exposure. STZ‐activated lucigenin CL was also reduced before the season (P = 0.0027). The reduction was most evident in the group with asymptomatic rhinitis. In terms of eosinophil stimulation. IL‐5 and RANTES were equally effective in allergic and nonallergic subjects, both before and during the pollen season.

Conclusions Blood eosinophils from asymptomatic allergies may have a lower capacity to produce oxygen‐free radicals than eosinophils from nonallergics.
Blood eosinophils and serum IgE as predictors for prognosis of interferongamma therapy in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Noh G.W. , Lee K.Y.
Published: May 2007

Background Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) therapy has been reported to be effective in atopic dermatitis. However, IFN‐γ therapy in atopic dermatitis has not yet been well established, ln this study, immunologic variables were evaluated as predictors for the prognosis of IFN‐γ therapy in atopic dermatitis

Methods Sixty‐eight atopic dermatitis patients were each treated 18 times with 2 X 106 units/m2 IFN‐γ. Blood IgE level, eosinophil percentage, eosinophil count, and levels of IFN‐γ, interIeukin‐4 (IL‐4), IL‐5, and IL‐10 were investigated. According to clinical responses, patients were classified into three groups: patients with improved clinical severity scores of over 20% were included in group A; those with improved scores of 20% or less in group B; and those with no improvement in group C.

Results Serum IgE levels and blood eosinophil percentages were the lowest n group A. Most atopic dermatitis patients with an eosinophil percentage over 9% and IgE level over 1500 lU/ml did not respond to IFN‐γ therapy. Initial IL‐10 levels were the highest in group A. IL‐4 levels in group A, and IL‐5 and IL‐10 levels in all groups were significantly decreased by IFN‐γ therapy.

Conciusions WN‐y therapy may be recommended for atopic dermatitis patients with blood eosinophil percentages less than 9% and serum IgE levels less than 1500 lU/ml.
Sensory hyperreactivity – a possible mechanism underlying cough and asthma‐like symptoms
Authors: Millqvist E. , Bende M. , Löwhagen O.
Published: May 2007

Background Investigations of patients referred for suspected asthma have revealed a little‐known group with symptoms suggesting hyperreactive airways in whom provocation with methacholine does not lead to bronchial obstruction. The underlying mechanisms are not known, and no objective diagnostic method has been available.

Methods Provocations by inhalation of capsaicin solutions in stepwise increasing concentrations were used. Ten patients with asthma‐like symptoms after exposure to nonspecific irritating stimuli, but without IgE‐mediated allergy or demonstrable bronchial obstruction, were compared to 10 patients with verified bronchial asthma and 28 healthy controls. Results The patients with asthma‐like symptoms reacted with cough in a dose‐dependent way. The number of coughs was significantly greater than in asthmatic patients and healthy controls. The latter two groups did not differ significantly.

Conclusions The capsaicin provocation test may be a valuable method for showing not only a greater cough sensitivity, but also asthma‐like symptoms. The pathophysiology underlying the symptoms may be related to increased sensitivity of free, overactive nerve endings in the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, we suggest that this overreaction in the lower airways be called “sensory hyperreactivity”.
Delayed‐type hypersensitivity to a nonionic, radiopaque contrast medium
Authors: Courvoisier S. , Bircher A. J.
Published: May 2007

Background True allergic reactions to iodinated radiocontrast media are rare, and only a few well‐documented cases of delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions caused by contrast media have been described.

Methods We report a 61‐year‐old patient in whom percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed with iopamidol, a nonionic contrast medium. Seven days later, the patient developed generalized maculopapular exanthema. Repeated patch tests with several iodinated agents were performed.

Results A first patch test with iopamidol was positive. Repetition of the patch tests showed positive results to iopamidol as well as to iohexol and ioversol. two other nonionic contrast media, but not to other iodinated substances. Three months later, PTCA was repeated, and iopamidol was used again. Despite premedication. pruritic macular exanthema developed 1 day later. Whether iopamidol or trometamol ‐ an additive substance in the contrast medium ‐ was causative could not be determined, since a third set of patch tests was negative.

Conclusions Delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated contrast media are rare. We recommend that patients with delayed exanthematous reactions undergo patch or intradermal tests with different contrast media and their additives, and that readings be performed immediately and later at days 2 and 3.
Aeroallergens and viable microbes in sandstorm dust
Authors: Kwaasi A. A. A. , Parhar V. R. S. , Al‐Mohanna F. A. A. , Harfi H. A. , Collison K. S. , Al‐Sedairy S. T.
Published: May 2007

Aeroallergens and antigens in sandstorm dust, extracts of which were skin prick test (SPT) positive in allergic patients, were detected by roeket immunoelectrophoresis and ELISA. Fungi and bacteria isolated by agar settle plates and soil dilution and soil washing methods were enumerated and identified. Cat dander. Acacia, Alternaria. Aspergillus. Chenopodium. Ciadosporium, Bermuda grass, Pitheceilobiiim, Prosopis. Rumex, cultivated rye. and Washingtonia palm allergens were detected by both methods. Viable microbes including 1892±325 eolony‐forming units (cfu) of bacteria, and 869±75 cfu of fungi were isolated per gram of dust by the soil dilution method. Randomly selected microbial colonies on streaking and subculture were found to consist of between two and seven mixed colonies. Fungi including Alternaria, Aspergiiius, Botrytis, Ciadosporium, Mortierelia, Mucor, Mycelia sterilia, Peniciilium, Pythium, Uiodadium, Verticiliium, and some yeasts were isolated. Actinomyces, Bacillus, Pseudomonas. and mostly coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus species were identified, but the bulk of unidentified bacterial isolates were mainly mixed colonies of rods, cocci, coccobacilli. and some filamentous types. Six‐hour agar settle‐plate counts during sandstorms were 1(X) and 40% higher for bacteria and fungi, respectively, than without sandstorms. The most abundant aeroallergens were those of Acacia, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Bermuda grass, Ciadosporium, cultivated rye, Prosopis, and cat dander. Pithecellobium duke, Rumex crispus, and Washingtonia palm allergens were detectable for the first time in Riyadh. IgE reactivities ofthe dust in man were demonstrated by ELISA using sera from atopic, exposed, and normal subjects. These results indicate that sandstorm dust is a prolific source of potential triggers of allergic and nonallergic respiratory ailments, and the methods mentioned here should be routinely used for quick sampling of the environment.
Allergen‐Specific increase in interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐5 secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear cells during birch‐pollen immunotherapy
Authors: Movérare R. , Rak S. , Elfman L.
Published: May 2007

The mechanisms behind the effects of immunotherapy (IT) with birch‐pollen extract are largely unknown. In this pilot study, we measured the cytokine secretion in vitro from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from birch‐pollen‐allergic patients undergoing IT treatment (n=4) or placebo administration (n=4), collected before treatment, 1 and 4 weeks after start of treatment, and during and just after the pollen season (12–14 weeks after start of treatment). The PBMC were stimulated with birch‐pollen extract in vitro for 7 days, followed by restimulation with the mitogens phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) for 24 h, to enhance the production of cytokines. The supernatants were analyzed with ELISA and radioimmunoassay for interferon‐gamma (IFN‐y), interleukin (IL)‐4, and IL‐5. In the therapy group, we noted an increased secretion of IL‐4 and IL‐5 from PBMC collected at 4 weeks after the start of treatment (IL‐4: 29±21 pg/ml [day 0] to 3741448 pg/ml [week 4], mean± SD; IL‐5: 95+48 pg/ml to 11471697 pg/ml). No increase was seen in the placebo group. During the pollen season, we noted a trend toward increased IL‐4 and IL‐5 secretion in both groups. We conclude that the temporary increase in serum IgE observed in many IT studies may be a consequence of increased IL‐4 production due to the allergen exposure.
Isolation and immunobiochemical characterization of a major allergen (65 kDa) from Fusarium equiseti
Authors: Verma J. , Sridhara S. , Rai D. , Gangal S. V.
Published: May 2007

Fusarium equiseti is one of the most important species in the class Deuteromycetes (Fungi Imperfecti). For proper diagnosis and immunotherapy, isolation and characterization of allergens of F. equiseti are necessary. In the present study, culture filtrate (CF) extract of F. equiseti was resolved into 35–37 bands on isoelectric focusing pi (3–9) and SDS‐PAGE (mol. wt. 10–100 kDa). Most of them were glycoproteins, as identified by PAS staining. F. equiseti CF revealed 15 allergenic proteins on immunoblot with an allergic serum pool. It was fractionated into nine fractions (I–IX) on a Superose‐12 column by FPLC. Fraction IV (65 kDa) and fraction VI (25 kDa) were found to be highly allergenic by IgE ELISA. A 65‐kDa protein was observed as a major allergen because it was recognized by most of the patient sera on immunoblot. After elution from SDS‐PAGE gel, it gave two bands of pi 7.4 and 6.0. Inhibition in IgE‐binding components of F. equiseti CF with CF extracts of F. soiani and F. moniliforme by immunoprint inhibition assay indicated the allergenicity shared between the extracts of Fusarium species. Data suggested that the 65‐kDa is the major allergen in the Fusarium species and can he used for the treatment of allergic patients.
Reproducibility of skin prick test results in epidemiologic studies: a comparison of two devices
Authors: Illi S. , Garcia‐Marcos L. , Hernando V. , Guillen J. J. , Liese A. , von Mutius E.
Published: May 2007

The reproducibility of skin prick tests under field conditions is essential for comparing prevalences between centers in epidemiologic multicenter studies. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the reproducibility of two widely used skin prick test devices: the Multi‐Test and the ALK lancet. The subjects were 28 children, aged 6–14 years, with known sensitivities Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pter). Both devices were applied to each subject on two occasions, 1 week apart, by different, randomly assigned fieldworkers, using histamine, negative control, and the D. pter. allergen extract. For all three tested solutions, mean wheal sizes were larger for the Multi‐Test than for the ALK lancet. The coefficient of variation for histamine was 21.8% for the Multi‐Test and 17.3% for the ALK lancet. The coefficients of variation for the allergen D. pter. amounted to 47.4% for the Multi‐Test and to 24.6% for the ALK lancet. The percentage of concordant test results was 92.6% for the Multi‐Test and 100.0% for the ALK lancet for a cutoff point of wheal size equal to or greater than 1 mm. The results of this study suggest that the single ALK lancet performs slightly better than the Multi‐Test device with respect to reproducibility under conditions of epidemiologic field studies.
Effects of topical budesonide and levocabastine on nasal symptoms and plasma exudation responses in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Svensson C. , Andersson M. , Greiff L , Blychert L‐O. , Persson C. G. A.
Published: May 2007

This study compares the effects of two topical nasal treatments for allergic rhinitis, budesonide and levocabastine, on symptom development during seasonal pollen exposure. Additionally, the protective effects of drug treatments on allergen‐challenge‐induced responses (symptoms and microvascular exudation of plasma) are examined late into the pollen season. Forty‐four patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis to birch pollen participated in this single‐blind, randomized, and placebo‐controlled study. Topical nasal treatment with either levocabastine (200 p.g b.i.d.: n = 16), budesonide (200 μg b.i.d.; n = 16), or placebo (n= 12) was instituted before the start of the pollen season and continued for 5 weeks until the end of the birch pollen season. The participants kept diaries for scores of nasal and ocular symptoms. Nasal allergen challenges with increasing doses of a birch pollen extract (102, 103 and lC SQ‐U) were carried out both before, when patients were asymptomatic and without treatment, and late into the pollen season. A nasal lavage followed each challenge, and the lavage fluid levels of albumin were measured as an index of the acute inflammatory response of the allergic mucosa. The birch pollen season was rather mild, producing only small increases in nasal symptoms. Budesonide treatment reduced the total nasal symptoms compared to placebo (P<0.01) and to levocabastine (P<0.05), while levocabastine treatment did not differ significantly from placebo. Ocular symptoms and use of rescue medication did not differ between placebo and the active treatments. At the end of the pollen season, both treatments reduced allergen‐challenge‐induced nasal symptoms compared to placebo (P<0.01). Only budesonide reduced allergen‐challenge‐ induced increments of albumin levels in postchallenge nasal lavage fluids (P<0.05, in comparison with placebo). The results suggest that budesonide reduces both seasonal and allergen‐challenge‐induced nasal symptoms, while levocabastine is effective against allergen‐challenge‐induced symptoms also during the season. In addition, the topical steroid treatment, but not the antihistamine, inhibits the inflammatory exudation evoked by allergen challenge in patients with active seasonal disease.
Indoor allergen levels and other environmental risk factors for sensitization in Estonian homes
Authors: Julge K. , Munir A. K. M. , Vasar M. , Björkstén B.
Published: May 2007

The prevalence of allergic disease is low in Eastern Europe for reasons that are poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the levels of exposure to indoor allergens and living conditions among Estonian infants in relation to sensitization. Dust samples were collected during four winter months in 1993/94 from the homes of 197 infants participating in a prospective study of sensitization. Information about living conditions was collected through home visit and interviewing the mothers when the children were 6 weeks old. Three dust samples were collected from each home: i.e., from the infant's mattress, bedroom floor, and living‐room carpet. The levels of allergens were determined by ELISA with monoclonal antibodies. The highest allergen level in a home was regarded as the peak value. The peak geometric mean values (±SD) of Der p 1 and Der f 1 were 0.3 (0.07–1.4) μg/g dust, of Can 1, 0.86 (0.23–3.12) μg/g dust, and of Fel d 1, 0.1 (0.01–0.9) μg/g dust. In 12 homes (9%), the peak value of house‐dust mite (HDM) allergens exceeded 2 μg/g dust, with Der p 1 as the dominating allergen. Multivariate analyses indicated that high levels of HDM allergens were more common in apartments that were on the ground floor or first floor, that were heated with stoves, and/or that had a dampness problem. The mean allergen levels at home were similar in children sensitized to HDM (n = 17. 0.29 v.s 0.3 μg/g dust), dog (n=5, 0.55 vs 1.06 μg/g dust, and cat (n= 18, 0.21 vs 0.09 μg/g dust) and in children who were not sensitized to these allergens. Most of the sensitized children were exposed to relatively low allergen levels at home; i.e., below 1 μg/g dust. This level was exceeded in the homes of 4/17 mite‐, 5/18 cat‐, and 0/5 dog‐sensitized children. The similar levels of the major indoor allergens in Estonia and in Scandinavia indicate that the large differences in atopy prevalence among children and young adults in the two regions are not due to differences in allergen exposure. No allergen threshold level for sensitization was identified.
Growth inhibition of fibroblasts from nasal polyps and normal skin by lysine acetylsalicylate
Authors: Bruzzese N. , Sica G. , Iacopino F. , Paludetti G. , Schiavino D. , Nucera E. , Scarano E. , Patriarca G.
Published: May 2007

Some authors have shown that lysine acetylsalicylate (LAS) may help prevent nasal polyp relapses. As some anti‐inflammatory drugs have been found to regulate cell growth, we investigated the antiproliferative effect of LAS on fibroblasts derived from nasal polyps. Moreover, we studied the effect of LAS on the growth of fibroblasts derived from normal skin to determine whether the response was similar to that obtained in the above‐mentioned cells. Fibroblasts were obtaitied from tissue samples of nasal polyps from two aspirin‐tolerant and two aspirin‐intolerant patients, and from the normal skin of a healthy donor. The cells were treated with LAS (20–2000 μg/ml of culture medium). Cell growth and viability were evaluated after 3 and 6 days of culture. LAS had a growth‐inhibitory effect on cells independently of their derivation. A reduction in cell growth was seen at the coticentrations of LAS tested, which correspond to those used in the local treatment of nasal polyposis.
Clinical effects of benzyl benzoate in the prevention of house‐dust‐mite allergy
Authors: Kroidl R. F. , Göbel D. , Balzer D. , Trendelenburg F. , Schwichtenberg U.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy of the acaricide benzyl benzoate as an additive to a chemically and technically defined cleaning substance (Acarosan®) was tested in a multicentric, prospective, randomized, controlled study on 118 outpatients with bronchial asthma due to house‐dust‐mite allergy. Subjective reports from patients and doctors revealed an improvement in clinical complaints in more than 50%. with only small differences between the verum and the placebo group. Objective parameters such as titrated skin tests, RAST. and bronchial challenge tests with histamine and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pt.) did not reveal any significant changes either during the year of testing or between the two groups. A clinical improvement as observed in either group could not be assessed by objective parameters. Additional questions as to the merits of the possible prophylactic use of benzyl benzoate over more than 1 year remain unanswered.