bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical levocabastine is more effective than sodium cromoglycate for the prophylaxis and treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: Davies B. H. , Mullins J.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy, tolerability, and adverse‐effect profile of the recently developed, topical antihistamine levocabastine were compared with those of sodium cromoglycate in a 4‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in 95 patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. At the end of the trial, global therapeutic efficacy was considered to be excellent or good in 87% of levocabastine‐treated patients, as compared with 68% of sodium cromoglycate‐treated patients (P= 0.006) and 63% of those who received placebo (P= 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, levocabastine patients had experienced significantly greater relief from their most severe ocular symptom than patients in the sodium cromoglycate group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 37% of levocabastine‐treated patients were virtually symptom‐free for at least 75% of the treatment period, as compared with only 6% of patients in the sodium cromoglycate group (P < 0.01) and 4% of those who received placebo (P < 0.01). Moreover, this trend was maintained on days when the pollen count was high, when the corresponding figures were 33%, 6% (P= 0.02), and 4% (P= 0.02), respectively. Levocabastine was well tolerated. Indeed, the incidence of adverse reactions was no greater in the levocabastine group than in the placebo group. Topical levocabastine is an effective and well‐tolerated drug for the prophylaxis and treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Absence of specific IgE antibodies in allergic contact sensitivity to formaldehyde
Authors: Lidén S. , Scheynius A. , Fischer T. , Johansson S. G. O. , Ruhnek‐Forsbeck M. , Stejskal V.
Published: May 2007

Immunologic reactions are customarily divided into two broad categories, cell‐mediated and antibody‐mediated. An interplay between these two pathogenetic principles is indicated by reactions such as cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity, late‐phase reaction, and cutaneous lesions indistinguishable from regular allergic contact dermatitis lesions after sensitization with IgE antibodies against certain haptens. In the present study, 23 patients with a history of a positive epicutaneous test to formaldehyde participated. On retest, 15 showed a positive reaction. Eight patients were Phadiatop® positive, indicating an atopic diathesis, and eight had a history of or ongoing atopic dermatitis. On RAST test®, only two, nonatopic patients had specific IgE antibodies to formaldehyde. In the cellular infiltrates of biopsies from epicutaneous test sites, cells reactive with monoclonal antibodies against IgE were found in positive and negative formalin tests, both in atopies and nonatopics, as well as in control biopsies from nonlesional skin. Double immunofluorescence staining experiments showed that IgE occurred on Langerhans' cells. The proportion of IgE‐positive cells correlated to the level of serum IgE, but not to atopy. These cells were also found both in the epidermis and in the dermis in nonatopic patients. ICAM‐1 occurred on keratinocytes in all patient groups. This study does not support the hypothesis that specific IgE antibodies are active in the pathogenesis of contact sensitivity to formaldehyde either in atopic or in nonatopic patients.
Bronchial mucosal structure after histamine inhalation
Authors: Söderberg M. , Lundgren R. , Hellström S. , Hörstedt P. , Bergh A.
Published: May 2007

Previous studies have shown an increased number of inflammatory cells and an increased level of hyaluronan in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, 24 h after the inhalation of histamine. In the present report, the influence of histamine inhalation on the bronchial mucosa was, therefore, investigated in 20 subjects. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that small areas of the mucosal surface were altered or lacked cilia more frequently in the bronchial biopsies taken 24 h after the inhalation of histamine than in the control biopsies. In contrast, light and transmission electron microscopy revealed no increase in epithelial damage and no changes in the subepithelial morphology. The results indicate that inhalation of histamine does not significantly alter the structure of the bronchial mucosa, which means that bronchial biopsies can be taken for routine morphological examination within 24 h after a histamine test. When using the biopsies in research, one should consider the possible influence of the histamine test.
Comparison of fiberglass‐based histamine assay with a conventional automated fluorometric histamine assay, case history, skin prick test, and specific serum IgE in patients with milk and egg allergic reactions
Authors: Kleine‐Tebbe J. , Werfel S. , Roedsgaard D. , Nolte H. , Skov P. S. , Wahn U. , Kunkel G.
Published: May 2007

A microfiberglass‐based histamine assay (HRM) was compared with an automated flourometric histamine assay (HRA). Twenty‐four with and 24 without a case history (CH) of milk and/or egg allergy were tested by HRM and HRA, skin prick test (SPT), and specific serum IgE (RAST). Six different concentrations of milk, egg, and anti‐IgE to stimulate washed leukocytes (250 μ for HRA and whole blood samples (25 μ for HRM) in parallel. When we compared scores representing basophil senditivity, correlation coefficients (rs) were positive (r(anti‐IgE))=0.88, r(egg) = 0.95, r(milk) = 0.88, P< 0.001), but no significant correlation were found after found after exclusion of the negatives in both tests. In some individual dose‐response curves, the scores obtained by HRM were shifted to higher allergen and anti‐IgE concentrations. A high degree of concordance was found in positive and negative responses between the two: anti‐IgE 91%, egg 92%, milk 86%. Finally, we found a good concordance between, on one other, CH, SPT, and RAST (HRM vs. CH/SPT/RAST) 92/82/82%; milk 89/74/67%. We conclude that HRM is in good qualitative, but poor quantitative, agreement with the autoanalyzer‐based fluorometric histamine assay.
Basophil histamine release induced by anti‐IgE and concanavalin A Relation to the total plasma IgE content
Authors: Nielsen B. Windelborg , Hansen B. , Damsgaard T. M. E. , Herlin T. , Søderberg U. , Bjerke T. , Thestrup‐Pedersen K. , SchiØtz P. O.
Published: May 2007

The plant lectin concanavalin A (Con A) has been shown to induce basophil histamine release by an IgE‐receptor‐dependent process resembling that of anti‐IgE‐antibodies.

In this study, the concentration‐response for basophil histamine release from washed blood cells was analyzed in a population of blood samples from adults with a total plasma IgE content ranging from < 5 kU/l to > 18000 kU/l (n= 108), as well as 148 cord blood samples.

The concentration‐response‐curves for anti‐IgE in all adult blood samples were similar, despite the large variation in total plasma IgE ‐ only the cord blood samples showed a decreased sensitivity. In contrast, the optimal concentration of Con A was inversely related to plasma IgE, and this relation was most pronounced in the adult blood samples.

It is proposed that IgE‐receptor‐mediated histamine release may be dependent not only on the number of stimulatory, dimeric cross‐links formed between IgE‐receptors, but also on the molecular structure of the cross‐linking agent.
Efficacy of acrivastine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis during natural pollen exposure: onset of action
Authors: Nielsen L. , Johnsen C. R. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Poulsen L. K.
Published: May 2007

In a placebo‐controlled, randomized, and double‐blind 1–day field study, the efficacy and onset of action of capsule acrivastine 8 mg were evaluated in 42 patients suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis elicited by natural grass pollen exposure. Before and for 2 h after treatment, the patients scored the severity of five rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms every 10 min on a 0–5 scale (0 = no symptoms; 5 = very severe symptoms). The number of sneezes was recorded, and every 30 min, measurements of nasal peak flow were made. Before treatment, there was no difference in median total symptom score (mTSS) between the acrivastine group (A) and the placebo group (P) (12 and 12, respectively). Time of onset was estimated by an exponential decay model to be 19 min (95% confidence interval 0–39 min). A statistically significant difference in percent reduction of mTSS between A and P was observed for the first time 46 min after treatment start (A = 22%, P = 0%, P <0.05). A 50% reduction in total symptom score (TSS) was achieved within 60 min by 38% in A and 17% in P (NS), and within 80 min in 52% and 17%, respectively (P <0.05). The median time for 50% reduction in TSS (MT50) was 80 min for A and > 120 min for P (P <0.01). The symptom score of sneezing and number of sneezes were evaluated for periods of 30 min. The difference between A and P became statistically significant from 31–60 and 61–90 min, respectively (P <0.05 and P <0.01). Objective and subjective determinants in the different time intervals were well correlated. Improvement of nasal congestion was observed in A at 91–120 min, as measured by nasal peak flow.
Dose‐ranging, placebo‐controlled study of cetirizine nasal spray in adults with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Clement P. , Roovers M. H. W. , Francillon C. , Dodion P.
Published: May 2007

A total of 360 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis were randomized in a placebo‐controlled, dose‐finding study comparing three concentrations (0.06%, 0.125%, and 0.25%) of a cetirizine nasal spray, administered three times a day for 2 weeks. The primary criterion of efficacy was the percentage of days with no or only mild symptoms of rhinitis (PDMax1), as evaluated by the patients. The median PDMax1 were 16.7%, 30.8%, 42.9% and 26.7% for the placebo, 0.06%, 0.125%, and 0.25% groups, respectively. Although the global comparison among the four groups only approached statistical significance (P= 0.076), the difference (26.2%) between the placebo and 0.125% groups was clinically and statistically significant (P= 0.011). For the global evaluation by the investigator, the best results were seen in the 0.125% group (P= 0.03). The occurrence of adverse events did not differ among the four treatment groups and consisted mainly of nasal events, occurring in 22.5%, 17.1%, 12.9%, and 24.4% of the patients for the placebo, 0.06%, 0.125%, and 0.25% groups, respectively (P=0.184). These results indicate that the 0.125% concentration is significantly better than placebo and offers the best therapeutic ratio.
Effects of aerosol administration of a thromboxane receptor antagonist (S‐1452) on experimental asthma in guinea pigs
Authors: Saito M. , Fujimura M. , Mizuhashi K. , Shintani H. , Matsuda T.
Published: May 2007

The importance of thromboxane A2(TXA2), one of the arachidonate metabolites, in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma has been emphasized recently. Because aerosolized administration of antiasthmatic drugs is effective and safe, this study examined the effect of aerosolized TXA‐2 receptor antagonist (S‐1542) on allergic bronchoconstriction in passively sensitized and mechanically ventilated guinea pigs. Under the cover of antihistamine, antigen‐induced bronchoconstriction was markedly inhibited by pretreatment with aerosolized S‐1452 inhalation in a dose‐dependent manner. Although aerosolized S‐1452 itself provoked weak bronchoconstriction for its partial agonist effect, bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine did not change 10 min after S‐1452 inhalation. These results indicate that aerosolized S‐1452 may be useful in treating bronchial asthma.
Chironomidae hemoglobin allergy in Japanese, Swedish, and German populations
Authors: van Kampen V. , Liebers V. , Czuppon A. , Baur X.
Published: May 2007

Hemoglobins of the Diptera (insect) family Chironomidae have been identified as causative allergens in asthmatic patients. In this study, 229 Japanese, 17 Taiwanese, and 92 Swedish sera from atopic patients were tested for antibodies against Chi t I, the hemoglobin from the European midge species Chironomus thummi, and against crude extracts from the Japanese midges Tokunagayusurika akamusi (T. akamusi) and Cricotopus sylvestris (Cr. sylvestris). Nearly 40% of patients showed a positive reaction to Cr. sylvestris extract, which contains no hemoglobin. This result is probably due to the presence of other partially cross‐reacting allergens than hemoglobin. Nearly all tested Japanese serum samples showed cross‐reactivity between Chi t I and Cr. sylvestris, a finding which is evidence for common epitopes in both midge species. Furthermore, an overall good correlation between the amounts of IgE antibodies against Chi I I and Chi 1 I component III was found in sera from Swedish, Japanese, and German patients.
Time of onset of action of acrivastine in the skin of pollen‐allergic subjects
Authors: Petersen L. J. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Poulsen L. K. , Mailing H.‐J.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to assess the time of onset of action of acrivastine in suppressing the wheal response to histamine (10 mg/ml) and allergen (10000 and 100000 BU/ml) in the skin prick test. Ten subjects with a well‐documented allergy to pollen received single doses of 8 mg of acrivastine and placebo according to a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover treatment design. Duplicate skin prick tests were performed 0, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 60 min after medication. The results demonstrated a statistically significant suppression of the wheal reactions 15–20 min after medication, depending on the reaction producers used. The sum of all three producers showed a statistically significant effect on the wheal reaction 15 min after medication. The upper 95% confidence limit for time lag from dosing of acrivastine until reduction from placebo level commences was 6.5 min. The study substantiates that orally administered acrivastine has a rapid onset of action in the skin of allergic subjects. The results indicate that allergen SPT is a more sensitive tool for studying antihistaminergic activity than histamine SPT.
The surface membrane antigen phenotype of human blood basophils
Authors: Füreder W. , Agis H. , Sperr W. R. , Lechner K. , Valent P.
Published: May 2007

Basophils are effector cells of allergic reactions and express a unique profile of cellular antigens (Ag). Using a combined toluidine‐blue/immunofluorescence staining method, we were able to study the cell membrane Ag phenotype of normal human blood basophils with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against established and novel CD antigens. According to previous findings, basophils express CD9 (p24), CDlla (LFA‐1 alpha‐chain), CDllb (C3biR), CDllc (CR4), CD13 (aminopeptidase N), CDwl7 (lactosylceramide), CD18 (beta‐chain of β2), CD25 (IL‐2R alpha‐chain), CD26 (dipeptidylpeptidase), CD31 (PECAM), CD35 (CR1), CD38 (T10), CD43 (leukosialin), CD44 (Pgp‐1), CD45 (pan‐leukocyte Ag), and CD63 (basophil activation Ag). Various novel CD Ags were detected on basophils, including membrane cofactor protein (MCP) (CD46), the N‐linked glycan CD47, decay‐accelerating factor (DAF) (CD55), membrane attack complex inhibitory factor (MACIF) (CD59), LFA‐3 (CD58), ICAM‐2 (CD 102), ICAM‐3 (CD50), C5a receptor (CD88), MIC‐2/E2 (CD99), and the interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) R type II (CD121b). These data provide further evidence that basophils express a unique profile of surface membrane receptors for cytokines and immunomodulating compounds, as well as adhesion molecules and surface glycolipids.
Specific skin tests in subjects with chronic bronchitis exposed to pigeons
Authors: Carrillo T. , Rodriguez de Castro F. , Blanco C. , Castillo R. , Quiralte J. , Cuevas M.
Published: May 2007

We have studied the diagnostic reliability of the specific skin tests done in 30 subjects who presented with chronic bronchitis (CB) as the only clinical manifestation related to exposure to pigeons and in 21 subjects with CB and known risk factors. Additionally, two control groups were included (24 asymptomatic subjects exposed and sensitized to pigeons and 10 subjects not exposed and not sensitized to pigeons). The skin prick tests with pigeon scrum were negative in all the subjects tested. The intradermal skin tests showed an immediate positive reaction in 16 of the 30 CB‐affected patients and in six of the control group of exposed asymptomatic subjects (chi square: 3.376) (P<0.1; nearly significant); after 6 h, a positive reaction was recorded in 14 of the CB‐affected patients and in three subjects of the control group (chi square: 5.187) (P< 0.005). A delayed reaction was seen in 10/30 CB patients and in only three of the 24 subjects of the control group (chi square: 2.218) (nonsignificant). In the group of the 21 CB patients with known risk factors and not sensitized to pigeons, only two patients showed immediate skin reactivity; the remaining readings were negative. Lastly, in the control group of 10 unexposed, nonsensitized subjects, the intradermal skin tests in the different readings were negative. Our results show that although the skin tests with pigeon serum have low sensitivity, they can be a useful supplement in distinguishing cases of CB attributable to chronic pigeon exposure from those cases attributable to another cause, especially in the consideration of immediate and late readings.
Interferon therapy for atopic dermatitis reduces basophil histamine release, but does not reduce serum IgE or eosinophilic proteins
Authors: Nielsen B. Windelborg , Reimert C. M. , Hammer R. , Schiøtz P.O. , Thestrup‐Pedersen K.
Published: May 2007

Nine adult patients suffering from severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and increased total serum IgE were treated with recombinant human interferon‐alpha 2A (Roferon‐AR; IFN‐α‐2A) 3 × 106 units daily for 21 d to study the effect upon serum IgE, basophil histamine release (HR), eosinophil‐derived proteins in serum, and clinical symptoms. The skin disease was so severe that all patients needed topical treatment with glucocorticosteroid cream. Changes were not observed in total serum IgE or in eosinophil‐derived proteins, the latter being increased in six of nine patients. A significant reduction in basophil HR was found in six of nine patients after anti‐IgE and concanavalin A (Con A) stimulation, but not after A23187 stimulation. The clinical skin score was reduced in eight of nine patients at the end of therapy, but disease activity returned to pretreatment levels within 3 weeks despite continued topical treatment. rIFN‐α‐2A was well tolerated with few clinical side‐effects, and all patients completed the study. The short‐term therapy using IFN‐α‐2A neither brought a sustained clinical remission nor reduced total serum IgE or eosinophil‐derived proteins. However, a significant reduction in IgE‐receptor‐mediated basophil HR was observed in six of nine patients.
Baker's asthma related to soybean lecithin exposure
Authors: Lavaud F. , Perdu D. , Prévost A. , Vallerand H. , Cossart C. , Passemard F.
Published: May 2007

We report two cases of soybean‐lecithin‐induced asthma in bakers. The patients experienced clinical symptoms in relation to an occupational exposure to this additive. Skin tests were positive with soybean lecithin, RAST showed a sensitization to soybean, and bronchial challenge tests were positive for a dilution of 10‐3 with this allergen. The same tests remained negative among healthy and asthmatic controls. Soybean lecithin, a common additive in bakery, must be added to the list of numerous aeroallergens involved in baker's asthma.
Apple‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Añíbarro B. , Domínguez C. , Díaz J. M. , Martín M. F. , García‐Ara M. C. , Boyano M. T. , Ojeda J. A.
Published: May 2007

Añíbarro B, Domínguez C, Díaz JM, Martín MF, García‐Ara MC, Boyano MT, Ojeda JA. Apple‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis.
Fungal propagules in house dust. I.
Authors: Verhoeff A. P. , van Reenen‐Hoekstra E. S. , Samson R. A. , Brunekreef P. J. , van Wijnen J. H.
Published: May 2007

The presence of viable mold propagules in house dust was investigated by 10 different analytic methods, in order to determine to what extent different results are obtained when different analytic methods are used. Moreover, the value of this measurement as an estimator of the potential exposure to fungi in epidemiologic studies was assessed. Floor and mattress dust was sampled in 60 homes in The Netherlands during autumn 1990. For investigation of the variability in time, sampling was repeated in 20 homes after 6 weeks. Each analytic method is characterized by a unique combination of culture medium, suspension medium, and dilution step. The highest mean number of colony‐forming units (CFU)/g dust was obtained by suspension of at least 100 mg dust in a peptone or sucrose solution in a ratio of 1:50 (w/w), followed by 10‐fold dilution and plating on DG18 agar (geometric mean (GM) approximately 60000 CFU/g dust). The lowest mean number of CFU/g dust was obtained by direct plating of 30 mg dust on V8 agar (GM approximately 5300 CFU/g dust). The mean coefficient of variation of duplicate analyses varied from 11%, for suspension in sucrose and plating on DG18 agar, to 27%, for suspension and dilution in sucrose in combination with V8 agar. The highest mean number of species isolated was obtained by direct plating of 30 mg dust on DG18 agar (mean number of species: 17). Suspension and dilution on DG18 or V8 agars yielded an average of approximately six species. In duplicate analyses, the mean percentage of agreement for the species isolated varied from approximately 35%, for suspension and dilution, to 60%, for direct plating. The reproducibility of the number of CFU/g dust in time was better for mattress dust than for floor dust; however, also for mattress dust, the predictive value of a single measurement was rather low. The variability in time in species isolated was substantial, both for mattress dust and floor dust. We concluded that results of measurements of viable mold propagules in house dust, both quantitatively and qualitatively, depend greatly on the analytic methods used. Furthermore, a single measurement of fungal propagules in settled house dust does not provide a reliable measure of potential exposure to fungi in indoor environments.
A comparative study of three serine proteases from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae
Authors: Stewart G. A. , Kollinger M. R. , King C. M. , Thompson P. J.
Published: May 2007

Studies have shown that the dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae contain several serine proteases, two of which have been shown to be allergenic, and to include trypasin and chymotrypsin, corresponding to the groups III and VI mite allergens. However, mites also contain other serine proteases, and the data reported in this study show that an elastase‐like enzyme is present in both species. This enzyme was differentiated from the other serine proteases, particularly chymotrypsin, on the basis of charge, substrate specificity, and inhibition by copper and mercury cations. Its apparent mol. mass, as judged by gel filtration, was similar to those previously described for trypsain and chymotrypsin, i.e., 30 kDa. Several isoforms were detected by isoelectric focusing, but the isoelectric points of the major forms in both D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae were 10.5 and 9.8, respectively, contrasting with the acidic mite chymotrypsins. All three serine proteases were detected in whole mite and faecally enriched extracts, but the activities of trypsin and the elastase‐like enzyme were greater in the latter type of extract. These data were similar to those obtained by quantitative immunochemical analysis of the D. farinae group III allergen in appropriate extracts, suggesting that culture conditions may modulate protease production. A monoclonal antibody affinity matrix specific for the group III allergen from D. farinae was shown to bind mite trypsin. However, a small amount of mite chymotrypsin also bound, suggesting limited immunologic cross‐reactivity, a finding consistent with known sequence data.
Contamination of heparin by histamine: measurement and characterization by high‐performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay
Authors: Hermann K. , Frank G. , Ring J.
Published: May 2007

Plasma samples which were collected in the presence of heparin contained 12.83 ± 0.34 ng/ml histamine‐immunoreactive material (n= 10). In contrast, histamine‐immunoreactive material in plasma samples which were collected in the presence of EDTA/phenanthroline contained 0.32 ± 0.01 ng/ml (n= 10). Histamine‐immunoreactive material was found as a contaminant in three different heparin formulations with unrelated batch numbers. The concentrations of the histamine‐like material were 32.82, 81.93, and 280.23 ng/ml, respectively. Octadecasilyl‐silica (ODS) cartridges were used to purify histamine from other constituents in the heparin preparations. The histamine‐immunoreactive material in the three preparations could be characterized as histamine with cation‐exchange high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a TSK SP‐5 PW column with NaH2PO4, pH5.0, as a mobile phase and gradient elution. For the accurate measurement of histamine in plasma samples with heparin as an anticoagulant, one should be aware of a possible contamination of heparin formulations by histamine.
House‐dust mite exposure reduction in specially designed, mechanically ventilated “healthy” homes
Authors: Harving H. , Korsgaard J. , Dahl R.
Published: May 2007

Exposure to house‐dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp.) was investigated in 30 asthmatic patients before and after moving to homes with mechanical ventilation systems. Median house‐dust mite concentration was 110 mites per gram of mattress dust at the initial investigation and 20 mites per gram at the first follow‐up after a mean of 4.7 months in the new homes. This was lower (P < 0.05) than counts in a control group of 23 asthmatic patients that had unchanged counts. At a second follow‐up, after 15.0 months, mite counts in the study group were further reduced (P < 0.01) from initial values. Among 16 patients, with initial mite counts above the recommended threshold limit value (TLV) of 100 mites per gram of dust, the mite counts fell, in most cases, below this TLV. Air‐exchange rates increased (P < 0.001) from a median value of 0.40 air changes per hour (ach) to 1.52 ach at the second follow‐up investigation. Furthermore, a reduction (P < 0.01) was found in indoor absolute air humidity, with a median value of 5.6 g of water/kg. No such changes were found in the control group. The present study indicates that reduction of air humidity through an increased supply of fresh air may significantly diminish and, in some cases, even eliminate house‐dust mites in homes.
Association of allergic symptoms in children with those in their parents
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Y. M. , Bener A. , DeBuse P.
Published: May 2007

This study investigated the association of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in United Arab Emirates (UAE) schoolchildren with allergic conditions in their parents. A cross‐sectional, population‐based study among schoolchildren aged 6–14 years was conducted in Al‐Ain City, UAE. The field survey was conducted from October 1992 to May 1993. A questionnaire was distributed to 850 UAE government school students from representative, randomly selected schools with a majority of UAE nationals. The student and both or either of the parents were present during the interview. A detailed clinical history of asthma and wheezing in the target children and a history of asthma and allergic rhinitis in their parents and siblings were obtained. It was found that 13.1% of asthmatic children had mothers with asthma (relative risk (RR) = 2.67; 95% confidence intervals (CI)= 1.65–4.35), and 15.2% had fathers who were asthmatic (RR = 2.85; 95% CI = 1.81–4.49). This contrasted with 4.4% of nonasthmatic children who had fathers with asthma, and 4.1% who had mothers with asthma. A similar pattern was seen with symptoms of allergic rhinitis when it was found that 34.3% of children who had asthma had mothers with allergic rhinitis (RR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.90–3.94). The corresponding figure for fathers was 12.7% (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.5–1.7). The frequency of either parent of the asthmatic children having allergic rhinitis was 28.6%; for both parents, it was 14.5%. It was also found that asthmatic children had 12.5% of their fathers, 32.8% of their mothers, 26.4% of either of their parents, and 33.3% of both their parents suffering from allergic rhinitis. Siblings of the asthmatic children were also studied to establish the relationship between allergic conditions in the siblings and asthma in the study sample. It was found that in the asthmatic study population the frequency of siblings having asthma was 31.9%; of those having allergic rhinitis, 21.3%; and of those having eczema, 16.1%. Twenty‐nine percent of either of the parents of the children with eczema had the same condition, and the corresponding figure for allergic rhinitis was 36.5%. The prevalence rate of asthma in the schoolchildren studied increased dramatically to 22% when wheeze, asthma, or nocturnal cough were grouped together. When eczema and allergic rhinitis were also considered together along with the above, the rate increased to 31%. The size of the family did not seem to affect the parent/child association of allergic symptoms. Our findings indicate that there is a strong association between respiratory allergies and eczema in parents and in their asthmatic children, thereby indicating a strong genetic basis for the occurrence of asthma in particular and atopy in general.
Methodologic problems in establishing normal values for IgG subclass concentrations in a pediatric population; comparison of radial immunodiffusion and ELISA methods
Authors: Pressler T. , Mansa B. , Pedersen S. S. , Espersen F. , Høiby N. , Koch C.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to establish an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure IgG subclasses by means of monoclonal antibodies. The distribution of IgG subclass protein concentrations in sera from 227 healthy Danish children and 90 adults was measured. Furthermore, this newly established ELISA was compared with different assay systems for determination of IgG subclasses: two radial immunodiffusion methods (RID), one using polyclonal and one using monoclonal antibodies, as well as a commercially available ELISA kit. There was good agreement of results obtained by the different methods of measuring IgG3 and IgG4 concentrations. There was good correlation between results obtained by both RID methods. Despite good correlation between the assays, the ELISA kit showed higher levels of IgG1 in all investigated sera, and the ELISA kit showed no correlation with the other methods, when IgG2 was measured. Analysis of the normal ranges measured by ELISA developed in our laboratory and by RID with polyclonal antibodies showed that the levels obtained by RID were higher than those obtained by our ELISA in sera with low levels of both IgG1 and IgG2, and lower in sera with high concentrations of these two immunoglobulins. Our results emphasize the importance of establishing age‐related normal limits for any novel assay measuring IgG subclass concentrations.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial by the sublingual route of immunotherapy with a standardized grass pollen extract
Authors: Sabbah A. , Hassoun S. , Le Sellin J. , Andre C. , Sicard H.
Published: May 2007

Fifty‐eight patients with well‐documented history of seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis caused by grass pollens were allocated randomly on a double‐blind basis to receive either sublingual therapy with a solution of purified, standardized allergen preparation (Stallergenes) or a matched placebo for 17 weeks. The assessment of the effect of oral immunotherapy, done with drops of five‐grass allergen extract, was on the clinical symptoms and on the medication score of the authorized rescue treatments. The actively treated patients had significantly (P<0.05 to P<0.01) fewer symptoms of rhinitis (sneezing and rhinorrhea) and of conjunctivitis (redness and tears) during the pollen season than the placebo group. Consumption of nasal solution of sodium cromoglycate and of betamethasone and dexchlorpheniramine was significantly less in the desensitized group (P<0.01). Side‐effects were negligible. This study concludes that perlingual immunotherapy with grass pollen extract in grass‐pollen‐sensitive seasonal hay fever and conjunctivitis patients is effective, easy to perform, inexpensive, and safe.
Human α‐lactalbumin and bovine β‐lactoglobulin absorption in infants
Authors: Kuitunen M. , Savilahti E. , Sarnesto A.
Published: May 2007

We investigated gut permeability to human α‐lactalbumin (ALA) and bovine β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) in 20 infants from birth to 8 months or until weaning, before which they were on a strictly cow's‐milk‐free diet. We measured the proteins with a sensitive, solid‐phase, double‐sandwich immunofluorometric assay. Median (range) levels of serum ALA on days 3‐4 after birth, and at 1 and 2 months of age were 31 (12‐225), 6 (0–55), and 2 (0–16) μg/1 serum per g ALA given per kg body weight, respectively. At 3, 5, and 8 months of age, only trace amounts of ALA were found. One week after weaning, serum BLG was found in 5/13 infants (38%) and at 2 weeks in 3/14 infants (21°0), with median concentrations of 7 and 4 μg/1 serum per g BLG given per kg body weight, respectively. No ALA could be detected in any of these samples. In absorption of ALA, the four infants who had allergic symptoms did not differ from those without symptoms. Thus, systemic absorption of ALA and BLG does occur in infants. Absorption of ALA is greatest after birth, when 3 × 104 (median) of the given antigens are absorbed, but absorption decreases rapidly. The gut may often be transiently permeable to BLG when cow's‐milk‐based formula is started.
Synthetic glucocorticoids potentiate IgE synthesis
Authors: Nüsslein H. G. , Weber G. , Kalden J. R.
Published: May 2007

Recently, hydrocortisone (HC) has been shown significantly to enhance interleukin‐4 (IL‐4)‐induced in vitro IgE synthesis. For investigation of possible effects of synthetic corticosteroids but also of effects of other important human hormones, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were incubated with IL‐4 and various concentrations of the hormones. IgE secreted in the supernatant was determined after a 14‐d culture period. Like HC, all synthetic corticosteroids potentiated IgE secretion. A minor effect was noted for the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. No modulating effect on IL‐4‐induced IgE formation was observed for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), somatotropin (STH), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine, thyroxine, epinephrine, noradrenaline, insulin, and glue agon.
Medical treatment of asthmatic children before referral to a clinic for allergy
Authors: østergaard P. A. , Nielsen J. P.
Published: May 2007

The use of antiasthmatic agents in children before referral to a children's clinic for allergy was studied in two periods (1979–83 and 1988–91). In the latter period, in contrast to the former, significantly more children were treated with peroral (73 and 43%, respectively) or inhaled β2 ‐agonists (40 and 22%, respectively). In addition, considerably more children in the latter than the former period were or had been treated with inhaled steroids. On the other hand, most children used these agents either in short courses (41%) or on demand (30%). We conclude that, although there have been intensive educational programs specifically focusing on the proper use of antiasthmatic drugs during the last 10 years, still more information is needed by general practitioners.
Apple allergy: the IgE‐binding potency of apple strains is related to the occurrence of the 18‐kDa allergen
Authors: Vieths S. , Jankiewicz A. , Schöning B. , Aulepp H.
Published: May 2007

Low‐temperature, acetone powder extracts were prepared from mature fruit of 16 apple strains. SDS‐PAGE and immunoblot analysis revealed great variation in the relative amounts of the 18‐kDa apple allergen in these extracts. EAST (RAST) scores, measured with individual and pool sera from patients allergic to birch pollen and apples, ranged from 0.2 to 4.0 and were related to the relative amount of the 18‐kDa protein. These findings were confirmed by ELISA‐inhibition assays, dose‐related histamine release, semiquantitative evaluation of immunoblots by absorption/reflection densitometry, and skin prick tests with extracts of Golden Delicious, Boskoop, and Jamba apples (corresponding to a high, low, and very low 18‐kDa allergen content). Additional open oral challenge tests were performed with two apple‐allergic patients and 15 and 16 apple strains. With all methods, the deduced allergenic potency decreased in the following order: Golden Delicious>Boskoop>Jamba. Therefore, we concluded that the IgE‐binding potency of apple strains depends on the occurrence of the 18‐kDa allergen.
Rush desensitization in heparin hypersensitivity: a case report
Authors: Patriarca G. , Rossi M. , Schiavino D. , Schinco G. , Fais G. , Varano C. , Schiavello R.
Published: May 2007

Among all the known drug intolerances, adverse reactions to heparin are not very common. No desensitization in patients with heparin hypersensitivity has ever been attempted. We report the case of a 55–year‐old female patient with mitral stenosis and insufficiency, and tricuspid and aortic insufficiency. The patient underwent heparin treatment, and urticaria occurred with either s.c. calcium heparin or i.v. sodium heparin. Allergy testing (skin tests and patch tests) was negative. A pseudoallergic intolerance was diagnosed. Mitral valve replacement with the extracorporeal circulation method was necessary; therefore, heparin treatment was administered. A heparin rush desensitization together with antihistamine drugs (4 mg clorpheniramine maleate for 3 d) was started: 50 UI (0.5 mg) s.c. sodium heparin were first administered; within 4 d, 5000 UI (50 mg) sodium heparin was administered i.v. with no side‐effects. A full‐dosage heparin treatment was then administered and heart surgery was easily performed. During the postsurgical course, i.v. sodium heparin was smoothly replaced with s.c. calcium heparin (25000 UI s.c. per day) and with oral anticoagulants (sodium warfarin).
Allergy to cow's milk proteins in mother's milk or in hydrolyzed cow's milk infant formulas as assessed by intestinal permeability measurements
Authors: Barau E. , Dupont C.
Published: May 2007

An intestinal permeability test analyzing the differential urinary elimination of lactulose and mannitol orally ingested at the same dosage allowed us to establish a significant correlation between alterations of intestinal permeability and ingestion of reputedly hypoallergenic foods, breast milk, and hydrolyzed protein formulas in some infants with cow's milk allergy. In all, clinical disappearance of symptoms was observed after removal of milk from the mother's diet and/or elimination from the child's diet of any cow's‐milk‐based hypoallergenic formula.
Factors influencing serum immunoglobulin E levels in Greek children
Authors: Petridou E. , Kanariou M. , Liatsis M. , Spanou K. , Revinthi K. , Mandalenaki‐Lambrou K. , Trichopoulos D.
Published: May 2007

Serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) were determined by enzyme immunoassay in 414 Greek infants and children of both sexes, 1 month to 14 years old. The children were admitted to the “Aghia Sophia” Teaching Hospital for Children (Athens, Greece) for surgical corrections of minor anatomic abnormalities, but they were otherwise healthy. Statistical analysis was performed through multiple regression after logarithmic transformation of the immunoglobulin values. IgE levels increased significantly by about 80°, per year up to the age of 5 years, without noticeable impact of age on these levels thereafter. History of allergic disease showed a significant positive association with serum levels of IgE in both younger (less than 5 years) and older children. History of frequent infections was positively associated with IgE levels, although the relation was statistically significant only in the older age group. IgE levels in Greek children appear to be higher than the corresponding levels of children living in northern Europe, but much lower than those of children in Southeast Asia, a fact that may reflect different exposure level during childhood to infections known to influence IgE levels.
Antihistamine effects on actual driving performance in a standard test: a summary of Dutch experience, 1989‐94
Authors: O'Hanlon J. F. , Ramaekers J. G.
Published: May 2007

The review summarizes the major results of eight double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, volunteer studies undertaken by three independent institutions for showing the effects on actual driving performance of “sedating” and “nonsedating” antihistamines (respectively, triprolidine, diphenhydramine, clemastine and terfenadine, loratadine, cetirizine, acrivastine, mizolastine, and ebastine). A common, standardized test was used that measures driving impairment from vehicular “weaving” (i.e., standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP)). Logical relationships were found between impairment and dose, time after dosing, and repeated doses over 4–5 days. The newer drugs were generally less impairing, but differences existed among their effects, and none was unimpairing at doses 1–2 × the currently recommended levels. One or possibly two of the newer drugs possessed both performance‐enhancing and ‐impairing properties, depending on dose, suggesting two mechanisms of action.
Optimization of apple allergen preparation for in vivo and in vitro diagnostics
Authors: Rudeschko O. , Fahlbusch B. , Henzgen M. , Schlenvoigt G. , Herrmann D. , Jäger L.
Published: May 2007

The aim of our investigation was to obtain a well‐characterized active apple extract suitable for both in vivo and in vitro diagnostics by a technically simple method. For this purpose, apple extracts were prepared by homogenization in potassium phosphate buffer or by precipitation in organic solvents and resolubilization in potassium phosphate buffer in the presence or in the absence of enzyme inhibitors. These extracts were comparatively investigated by means of SDS‐PAGE, two‐dimensional electrophoresis, immunoblotting, RAST inhibition, and prick test. The in vitro investigations indicated that extracts prepared by precipitation in organic solvents (diacetone alcohol) at ‐20°C have a higher allergen activity than those prepared by extraction in aqueous solutions. From the in vivo tests (prick test), it was concluded that application of inhibitors of cytoplasmic enzymes (phenol oxidases, peroxidases, proteases) already during extraction is an essential precondition for active prick test solutions. Correspondingly, the extract obtained by solvent precipitation in the presence of enzyme inhibitors appeared to be most suitable for clinical application.
Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma due to Phoenix canariensis pollen allergy
Authors: Blanco C. , Carrillo T. , Quiralte J. , Pascual C. , Esteban M. Martin , Castillo R.
Published: May 2007

We report a case of occupational bronchial asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis caused by Phoenix canariensis (PC) pollen. The canary palm is a type of palm tree, belonging to the Arecaceae family, which is widely distributed in frost‐free regions as an ornamental tree. Our patient was referred because he suffered symptoms of bronchial asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and contact urticaria when pruning dried leaves from PC during the pollination months. The skin prick test (SPT) with a PC pollen extract was positive, as was the specific IgE to PC pollen determined by Phadezym RAST, indicating an IgE‐mediated sensitization. The nonspecific bronchial provocation test (BPT) performed with methacholine disclosed a mild bronchial hyperreactivity, and specific BPT with PC pollen elicited an immediate fall of 25% in FEV1 with respect to baseline. On RAST inhibition studies, a significant cross‐reactivity was found between PC pollen and date palm (P. dactylifera) pollen. These results suggest that PC pollen could be a potential allergen in PC‐growing areas.
Grass pollen immunotherapy induces highly cross‐reactive IgG antibodies to group V allergen from different grass species
Authors: van Ree R. , Brewczynski P. Z. , Tan K. Y. , Mulder‐Willems H. J. C. , Widjaja P. , Stapel S. O. , Aalberse R. C. , Kroon A. M.
Published: May 2007

Sera from two groups of patients receiving grass pollen immunotherapy were tested on IgG reactivity with group V allergen from six different grass species. One group of patients was treated with a mixture of 10 grass species, and the other with a mixture of five. Only Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, and Phleum pratense were present in both mixtures. Although Anthoxanthum odoratum and Secale cereale were absent from the mixture of five, IgG responses to Ant o V and Sec c V were comparable in both patient groups. This reactivity was inhibited for 92–99% with L. perenne extract, illustrating the cross‐reactive nature of the IgG antibodies. The presence of A. odoratum and S. cereale in the mixture resulted in only minor amounts of species‐specific anti‐group V IgG. These results indicate that application of just one grass species in immunotherapy might be sufficient to induce an IgG response that covers other relevant Gramineae species as well.
Contralateral differences among biomarkers determined by a modified nasal lavage technique after unilateral antigen challenge
Authors: Wihl J.‐Å. , Baumgarten C. R. , Petersson G.
Published: May 2007

The concentration of biomarkers from vessels and inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid reflects the degree of hyperresponsiveness in patients with allergic rhinitis. The lavage has usually been performed of both nasal cavities together after prewashings and administration of decongestants. To improve the technique, we introduced a modification involving lavage of the nasal cavities separately without any prewashings or decongestants. We challenged 20 rhinitic subjects sensitive to timothy unilaterally with timothy extract. In nasal lavages performed before, immediately after, and 6 h after the challenge, we determined the concentrations of albumin, histamine, bradykinin, TAME (TV‐α‐tosyl‐L‐arginine methyl ester)‐esterase, and leukotriene C4 (LTC4). In eight subjects, the procedure was repeated 1 and 2 weeks later. After the challenge, albumin, bradykinin, TAME‐esterase, and LTC4 in the nasal lavage fluid increased on the ipsilateral side but not on the Contralateral side. Histamine did not increase after antigen challenge. After 6 h, the biomarkers were not increased. The concentrations of biomarkers did not differ between sides before the challenge and not between visits. Thus, the modified nasal lavage technique is reliable and improved compared to previous methods because it involves reproducible determinations of different biomarkers, and it is simple and easy to perform.
Gastric mucosal mast cells in atopic subjects
Authors: Bagnato G. F. , Di Cesare E. , Caruso R. A. , Gulli S. , Cugliari A. , Morabito Lo Prete A. , Previti M. , Muscarà M. , Bottari M.
Published: May 2007

Intragastral allergen provocation under endoscopic control (IPEC) allows direct observation of gastric mucosa reactions after contact with inhalant allergens that reach the stomach. We selected patients with proved atopy to Parietaria but without clinical and endoscopic signs of gastric disease, and we tested them with the specific inhalant allergen during IPEC, recording gastric macroscopic reaction and mucosal mast‐cell changes in biopsy specimens. All atopic patients showed visible changes in gastric mucosa quantified as IPEC score. Mast‐cell numbers detected in atopic patients (135.4 ± 102.6/mm2 of stromal area) were significantly higher than in nonatopic subjects (59.8 ± 25.4/mm2; P<0.03) and were positively correlated to atopic IPEC score (P<0.01). In addition, 6/12 atopics who had both higher mast‐cell counts and IPEC score showed an intraepithelial distribution of gastric mast cells which displayed ultrastructural features of partial degranulation. It is likely that changes observed in our patients with allergy to Parietaria reflect a subclinical activation of mast cells in the gastric mucosa.