bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of a population of house dust mite in its natural environment
Authors: HUGHES A. MARGARET , MAUNSELL KATE
Published: April 2006

A study was made of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, in its natural surroundings for a year. Records of the relative humidity inside and outside the bed and of the temperature outside the bed were kept. An estimate of the number of mites on the surface of the mattress was made by brushing the mattress dust into a container at monthly intervals and then counting the mites. Suction cleaning of the mattress was also carried out to ascertain whether it is possible to control the number of mites by such measures. It was found that suction cleaning and brushing of the mattress considerably reduced the numbers of live and dead mites. The number of live mites remained low during the winter, but increased during the late spring and summer when temperature and relative humidity became higher. It is suggested that, for effective control, cleaning of mattresses should be carried out more frequently in the spring and summer than in the winter.

Records of the relative humidity inside and outside the bed confirmed the fact that when a bed is occupied the relative humidity falls, but attains equilibrium with the surrounding air again soon after the occupant has left the bed.
Follow‐up of a group of workers exposed to dusts containing derivatives of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: WATT A. , MORLEY R. , GREENBERG M. , FOX A. J.
Published: April 2006

Six rounds of investigations at 6‐monthly intervals of ventilatory capacity, skin sensitivity and respiratory symptoms were carried out together with serological studies on a group of workers intermittently exposed to Bacillus subtilis derivatives containing proteolytic enzyme while compounding washing powder. 369 sets of readings of ventilatory capacity were made on seventy‐seven males and 180 sets of readings on forty‐one females. Overall, with change of employment and improvement in industrial hygiene, ventilatory capacity measurements improved.

Subjects who became prick test positive, as a group showed a decrease in the ratio of observed to expected FEV1 significantly greater than for the prick test negative group.

There was no significant excess of symptoms developing in the prick test positive group during the course of the survey though smokers and those with previous dust exposure had a higher number of symptoms than non‐smokers and those not exposed to other dusts respectively.

A serological study of nine subjects initially prick test positive to B. subtilis who subsequently varied their skin reactions, showed them to have low levels of IgE and predominantly normal ventilatory capacities.
Hyposensitization with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in house dust allergy: a controlled study of clinical and immunological effects
Authors: D'SOUZA M. F. , PEPYS J. , WELLS I. D. , TAI E. , PALMER F. , OVERELL B. G. , McGRATH I. T. , MEGSON M.
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind statistically controlled study was carried out on ninety‐six patients with Type I allergy to D. pteronyssinus and a history of perennial asthma and/or rhinitis. Forty‐eight received injections of an extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and forty‐eight controls received injections of carbol saline. Both groups were closely comparable in all respects. Ninety‐one were available for assessment, forty‐six controls, and forty‐five treated.

The D. pteronyssinus treated group showed a statistically significant decrease in nasal sensitivity to the mite extract after treatment and recorded less asthma, less use of drugs and an increased clinical tolerance of household dust.

A significant rise in specific IgE to D. pteronyssinus was found in twenty‐three out of forty (58%) of the treated compared with eight out of forty‐one (20%) of the controls and a rise in total IgE in twenty out of forty (50%) of the treated compared with nine out of thirty‐nine (23%) of the control group.

Specific IgG antibodies to D. pteronyssinus were found prior to treatment in twelve out of thirty‐nine (30%) of controls and twelve out of forty (31%) of the treated group. There was a significant increase in the number of patients with specific IgG antibody after injections of D. pteronyssinus extract as compared with the controls. This increase was associated with clinical improvement which occurred mainly in subjects who showed a decrease, little change or an increase of less than 30% in specific IgE antibody. In those with an increase of more than 30% in specific IgE antibody there was no evidence of clinical improvement even if specific IgG was produced.

Diminished release of histamine from leucocytes was found after treatment in six out of ten treated compared with three out of eleven controls. There were, however, no differences between treatment and control groups in lymphocyte transformation and the liberation of leucocyte inhibitory agents.

Clinical improvement was significantly better in those treated patients who gave strong nasal and skin reactions before treatment than in those with weak nasal and skin reactivity, who were no different from the controls.
Treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis with 2% sodium cromoglycate (BP) solution
Authors: BLAIR HENRY , HERBERT RODNEY L.
Published: April 2006

Forty patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, not responding to antihistamines, were treated for 6 weeks, beginning 1 June 1972, with either a 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate or placebo in a double blind group comparative trial. The solution was administered intranasally by means of a spray pack. There was a statistical significance in favour of the active material (P<0.025) with regard to the success or failure.
Relationship between rifampicin‐dependent antibody scores, serum rifampicin concentrations and symptoms in patients with adverse reactions to intermittent rifampicin treatment
Authors: O'MAHONY MARY GABRIEL , KAR CHEW WING
Published: April 2006

Twelve patients receiving intermittent treatment with rifampicin for pulmonary tuberculosis, who had developed rifampicin‐dependent antibodies were studied. Ten of the twelve patients had also developed adverse reactions to the drug at the time the study was done. After a dose of the drug, blood samples were taken from each patient at regular intervals for the assessment of rifampicin‐dependent antibodies by a semi‐quantitative method, and for the measurement of serum rifampicin concentrations. Clinical details of any adverse reactions which occurred were also recorded at these set times. Serum rifampicin concentrations were at their highest from 1 to 12 hr after a dose, and during this same period the rifampicin‐dependent antibody score was reduced. Adverse reactions, when they occurred, coincided with the period of high serum rifampicin concentration and low antibody score. Whether or not these findings are of immunological significance is discussed.
The airways response to phenylephrine after blockade of alpha and beta receptors in extrinsic bronchial asthma
Authors: PATEL K. R. , KERR JAMES W.
Published: April 2006

Phenylephrine, a powerful alpha receptor stimulant, has been shown to cause a significant fall in the FEV1 and SGaw in six patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma after prior beta blockade with propranolol. In contrast, propranolol or phenylephrine after prior beta blockade failed to effect a significant change in the FEV1 and SGaw in five normal subjects. The phenylephrine effect can be completely inhibited by alpha receptor blocking drugs, phenoxybenzamine and thymoxamine. These observations suggest that the bronchomotor tone in asthma is largely controlled by the sympathetic activity and that there are alpha receptors in the human airways which in the presence of beta blockade can be stimulated to give bronchoconstriction.
Genetics of atopic allergy and reagin production
Authors: LEVINE B. B.
Published: April 2006

Certain allergic diseases appear to be associated in certain individuals and families. These are asthma (both allergic and intrinsic), allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema and possibly vasomotor rhinitis, urticaria and bonafide food allergy. Multiple factors, both genetic and environmental are involved in the generation of these diseases.

Recent studies have demonstrated two distinct kinds of genetic controls of IgE antibody formation in inbred mice. One of these has also been shown to exist in man, and appears necessary but not sufficient for the generation of ragweed hay fever. This is the Ir‐antigen E gene(s) which permits the individual to recognize low concentrations of antigen E as antigens.

Atopic diseases are based on many genetic and environmental factors. Some factors are unique for individual diseases, and some (one or a small number) are probably common to all. The latter are not clearly appreciated as yet, although mucosal permeability factors and B‐adrenergic blockade factors have been suggested.

Understanding of the genetic controls of atopy will require studies on the many individual factors involved in atopy, their function, their genetic transmission and their interplay in the causation of atopic diseases.
A double blind controlled trial of house mite fortified house dust vaccine in childhood asthma
Authors: TAYLOR BRENT , SANDERS STUART S. , NORMAN A. P.
Published: April 2006

A double blind controlled trial of a house mile fortified house dust vaccine was carried out in forty‐two asthmatic patients between the ages of 6 and 15 years. Improvement in height and weight was shown in eight of twenty‐one children receiving the active therapy compared with one of twenty‐one children receiving placebo injections. No difference between the two groups was shown by respiratory function testing or chest examination.
Experimental extrinsic allergic alveolitis induced in the guinea‐pig with Streptomyces olivaceus
Authors: BLACKBURN C. R. B. , GREEN W. F.
Published: April 2006

Streptomyces olivaceus was isolated from the roof‐thatch of New Guinea huts, and a soluble extract was prepared from it. Using sera from New Guinea natives as a source of precipitating antibody, the S. olivaceus antigen showed a reaction of partial identity with antigens in crude roof‐thatch extracts.

The inhalation of aerosols of S. olivaceus antigen by guinea‐pigs, previously given parenteral doses of the same antigenic solution, induced extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
Weather and the grass pollen content of the air
Authors: DAVIES R. R. , SMITH L. P.
Published: April 2006

Meteorological factors affecting the grass pollen content of the air‐streams over London during the period 1961–70 are examined. Seasonal variations in pollen catch are eliminated by translating pollen concentrations into pollen units, and the elfect of rain, temperature, sunshine, convection, wind direction and strength examined independently by the adjustment of the other parameters to standard values. Rainfall of 2 mm or more on the day of observation reduces the pollen count. Wind direction and pollen catch are correlated with the areas of grassland in the ‘home counties’. It is shown that airborne grass pollen concentrations are positively correlated with day maximum temperature and hours of bright sunshine when the pattern of pollen release is taken into account. Strong wind and convection decrease pollen concentrations since the pollen cloud is distributed through a deeper layer of air.
The role of Penicillium frequentans in suberosis (Respiratory disease in workers in the cork industry)
Authors: ÁVILA R. , LACEY J.
Published: April 2006

The widespread occurrence of spores of Penicillium frequentans in the air of a Portuguese cork factory was associated with the presence of precipilins against it in 3%, of exposed workers and a high incidence of radiological and functional changes in their lungs.

Patients with suberosis gave positive reactions in skin tests with extracts of the fungus, and their inhalation as aerosols provoked characteristic symptoms.

Cork particles were less numerous in the air and larger than P. frequenyansn spores, hut numbers were correlated with the incidence of precipilins in workers and it is suggested that they may have a role in sensitization and the pathology of the disease. However, P. frequentans seems to be the source of antigens in suherosis and accounts for the antigenicity of mouldy cork.
The epidemiological and allergic features of asthma in the New Guinea Highlands
Authors: ANDERSON H. R.
Published: April 2006

Asthma in the New Guinea Highlands is of interest because of its reported rarity. In the Eastern Highlands, seventy‐one cases of asthma were investigated over a 12 month period. In addition, a whole village community of 2000 people was examined for wheezing illness. In children and adolescents asthma was extremely uncommon with no case being identified in the community study and the youngest hospital case being 10 years old. The prevalence of active asthma in adults was estimated to be 0.2–0.3%. Compared with European countries, the age at onset was much later with 58% starling after the age of 30 years. The sex ratio was almost equal.

Cutaneous sensitivity to allergens was assessed using the prick lest. In asthmatics, reactions to D. pteronyssinus were positive in all cases. Multiple sensitivities were common and did not diminish with increasing age at onset. In 335 unselected controls of all ages, 19% were positive to allergens, 14% of them to D. pteronyssinus. D. pteronyssinus was identified in ail house dust samples from both village and urban dwellings. Asthma occurred in both traditional and European‐influenced environments, but the importance of social change remains uncertain.
Anaphylactic sensitivity to human seminal fluid
Authors: FRANKLAND A. W. , PARISH W. E.
Published: April 2006

A patient is described who had generalized allergic symptoms due to a specific allergy to her second husband's seminal fluid. The woman's serum contained a heat labile reaginic IgE antibody that conferred anaphylactic sensitivity on human and monkey skin. The antigen is a glycoprotein of the seminal plasma.
The relationship of leucocyte adenyl cyclase activity and airways response to beta blockade and allergen challenge in extrinsic asthma
Authors: PATLL K. R. , LSTON W. C. A , KERR J. W.
Published: April 2006

Six patients with active extrinsic bronchial asthma showed a diminished leucocyte adenyl cyclase response to isoproterenol whereas seven patients in remission showed a significant increase in cyclic AMP when their cells were stimulated with isoproterenol. A significant difference in the control (basal) values of leucocyte adenyl cyclase activity between the patients with active asthma and those in remission suggests that in the active phase of asthma beta adrenergic receptors are maximally stimulated by circulating endogenous catecholamines and further stimulation with sympathomimetic amines becomes increasingly difficult. In this situation, the minor alpha receptor stimulating effect of adrenaline may become dominant and cause adrenaline reversal which is commonly observed in status asthmaticus. The leucocyte adenyl cyclase activity and its responsiveness to catecholamines did not relate to airways response induced by beta blockade or allergen challenge, nor was there any correlation between the activity of this enzyme and the total circulating reagins. These results together with the observations of reduced metabolic responses to adrenaline administration in patients with severe degree of asthma suggest that the reduced beta receptor function in asthma may reflect a failing counter‐regulatory mechanism rather than be considered the cause of bronchial hyper‐reactivity and atopic state in asthma. The airways response to beta blockade and allergen challenge depends on the initial or basal bronchomolor lone. The differing airways response to beta blockade in patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis may be of clinical importance in classifying patients with obstructive airways disease.
Intra‐nasal beclomethasone dipropionate and intra‐nasal sodium cromoglycate: a comparative trial
Authors: CHATTERJEE S. S. , NASSAR W. Y. , WILSON OLIVE , BUTLER A. G.
Published: April 2006

Ten patients with either seasonal allergic or perennial rhinitis were treated with intra‐nasal beclomethasone dipropionate B.P. (Beconase) and nine comparable patients were treated with sodium cromoglycate B.P. (Rynacrom). The beclomethasone dipropionate was administered as 50 μg per puff into each nostril three times a day and the sodium cromoglycate as one capsule insufflated into each nostril four times a day. Treatments were allocated on a randomized basis and each patient received a course of treatment lasting 2 weeks during the summer of 1973 when the pollen counts were high. Utilizing patient daily symptom diary cards, physician's assessment and by examination of the nasal mucosa prior to and at the end of treatment, it was concluded that both intra‐nasal beclomethasone dipropionate and intra‐nasal sodium cromoglycate effect a reduction in the symptoms associated with rhinitis. No side effects of importance were noted, nor were there any adverse changes observed in the state of the nasal mucosa.
The radioallergosorbent test in the in vitro diagnosis of multiple reaginic allergy
Authors: HAVNEN J. , APOLD J. , HVATUM M. , OSEID S. , AAS K.
Published: April 2006

The results of skin and bronchial tests and of the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) with allergen extract preparations from two different producers were compared. Eleven allergic children were tested with dog allergens and, with one exception, with birch and timothy pollen allergens. Both types of allergen extract preparation were standardized with respect to their allergenic activity. A good correlation was found between the results of the clinical diagnostic tests and the results of RAST. RAST and skin testing were equally effective as a supplement to case history for predicting the presence or absence of clinical allergy to the particular allergens. A good agreement was obtained in the results with the two different extract preparations. It was concluded that different preparations of allergen extracts may be used interchangeably in the in vivo and the in vitro systems on condition that all extract preparations have been standardized with respect to biological allcrgenic activity.
Observations on biphasic bronchial reactions due to inhalation of enzymes of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: DIJKMAN J. H.
Published: April 2006

The effect of disodium cromoglycate, thiazinamium and prednisone on immediate and late type allergic bronchial reactions was studied in four patients with biphasic bronchial obstruction due to inhalation of Bacillus subtilis enzymes. The immediate reaction (type 1 allergy) was not influenced by any of these drugs. Disodium cromoglycate seemed to ameliorate the late reaction, which was very much depressed by prednisone. Thiazinamium, an antihistamine drug, did not alter the immediate nor the late phase of the reaction. The data suggest that the pathogenetical mechanism involved in Bacillus subtilis allergy may differ from that initiating bronchial reactions to pollen or house dust.
Treatment of nasal polyps with intranasal beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol
Authors: MYGIND N. , PEDERSEN C. BRAKE , PRYTZ S. , SØRENSEN H.
Published: April 2006

In a double‐blind trial thirty‐five patients with moderately‐severe nasal polyposis were treated with intranasal beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol for 3 weeks. The dose given (400 γg/day) had only local effect on the symptoms. Judged by diary card scores the nasal symptoms were reduced to 52% of the pre‐trial level for the whole group. Corrected for the placebo effect the percentage was 68. The reduction of symptoms was equally apportioned to the three symptoms, sneezing, nasal secretion and blockage.

The treatment was tolerated well, and it is concluded that intranasal treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol offers most patients with nasal polyps a good response without any risk of systemic steroid side‐effects.
Investigations of allergic status and blood counts in Chinese patients receiving daily or intermittent rifampicin in Hong Kong
Authors:   A HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT SERVICES/BRITISH MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL INVESTIGATION
Published: April 2006

In a controlled trial in Hong Kong, 575 Chinese patients with pulmonary tuberculosis whose treatment with first‐line regimens had failed were allocated at random to the following retreatment regimens of chemotherapy.

(1) Rifampicin plus ethambutol daily (ER7).

(2) Rifampicin plus ethambutol twice a week (ER2).

(3) Rifampicin plus ethambutol once a week (ER1).

(4) Rifampicin plus ethambutol daily for 2 months and then once a week (ER7ER1).

(5) Ethionamide plus pyrazinamide plus cycloserine daily for 6 months and then ethionamide plus pyrazinamide daily (EtZC), as a control regimen.

Answers to a questionnaire on allergic disease, the results of prick tests with standard allergens, ABO blood grouping, size of tuberculin response during chemotherapy, and a rifampicin patch test showed no associations with the occurrence of adverse reactions to daily or intermittent rifampicin.

Mantoux testing during chemotherapy provided no evidence of an immuno‐suppressive effect of rifampicin.

Mean platelet counts at 12 months were significantly lower than those at 3 months on the two once‐weekly regimens (ER1, ER7ER1) and on the control regimen (EtZC), although still within normal limits. At 3 months, but not at 12 months, mean platelet counts on the two once‐weekly regimens were significantly lower 6 hr after a dose of the regimen than they were before the dose.
Asthma and IgE levels in rural and urban communities of The Gambia
Authors: GODFREY R. C.
Published: April 2006

Two hundred and thirty‐one randomly selected schoolchildren and adults from rural Gambian villages showed no evidence of asthma, nor could any case of asthma be found in three rural villages with a total population of over 1200. In contrast, asthmatic patients were identified without difficulty in the capital town. The geometric mean serum IgE level of 131 rural schoolchildren was 962 u/ml, whereas that of sixty age‐matched urban schoolchildren was 368 u/ml (P<0.001). Forty‐four asthmatics, all from the capital town, had a mean serum IgE level of 405 u/ml, not significantly different from that of urban schoolchildren.

Twenty‐one asthmatics showed skin sensitivity to house dust mite antigen, but their IgE levels were not significantly higher than asthmatics without skin sensitivity. The incidence of positive skin tests to mite antigen amongst normal Gambians, both rural and urban, was around 1%.

The findings are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that parasite‐induced IgE may prevent the development of atopic illness.
The effect of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol on allergen induced nasal stenosis
Authors: VILSVIK JAN SVERRE , JENSSEN ARNE OLAV , WALSTAD ROLF
Published: April 2006

Nasal resistance to air flow has been used to evaluate the effect of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol on allergen induced nasal stenosis. Sixteen patients with allergic‐rhinitis due to pollen were investigated in a randomized double‐blind cross‐over study with beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol and placebo aerosol. Only patients reacting to challenge were chosen. The study was carried out in the pollen‐free season.

After I week on either active or placebo aerosol a basic resistance value was determined followed by allergen challenge.

Nasal resistance was determined 15 min and 7 hr after challenge. The aerosols were changed and after another week the procedure was repeated. There was significant preference (P<0.01) for beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol.
A comparison of intranasal betamethasone valerate and sodium cromoglycate in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: FRANKLAND A. W. , WALKER S. R.
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind comparison of betamethasone valerate and sodium cromoglycate both given by the nasal route was carried out in forty patients with seasonal rhinitis caused by grass pollen. All patients kept daily symptom score cards, and half of them measured both oral and nasal peak expiratory flow rates twice daily. Adrenal function was monitored in thirty‐one patients and found to be normal throughout. Sixteen of those patients receiving the steroid aerosol recorded success and two failure of treatment. By contrast, of those receiving sodium cromoglycate there were only two treatment successes and twelve failures. The total symptom score recorded in the group receiving betamethasone valerate was about half that recorded by the sodium cromoglycate group (P<0.01).

No difference was observed between the two treatments in respect of nasal peak flow rate; specific IgE blood levels and weal sizes following prick tests were not significantly altered throughout the period of the trial, although total IgE was significantly increased. These results suggest that nasal betamethasone valerate offers patients with allergic rhinitis marked symptomatic benefit without the disadvantages previously associated with steroids.
Vitamin C metabolism and atopic allergy
Authors: WILSON C. W. M. , LOH H. S. , WATTERS K.
Published: April 2006

The procedure tor carrying out the Leucocyte Ascorbic Acid Uptake Direct Antigen Challenge Test (LAADACT) is described. Leucocytes from normal individuals, when incubated in a buffered medium containing ascorbic acid, increase their ascorbic acid concentration by about 80%. When leucocytes from atopic individuals are incubated in a medium containing the antigen to which they are sensitive, as shown by positive skin tests, the leucocyte uptake of ascorbic acid is significantly reduced. Addition of antigen, to which atopic or normal individuals are not sensitive, to the incubation mixture does not reduce leucocyte ascorbic acid uptake. Measurement of ascorbic‐acid uptake into leucocytes is a relatively simple, routine, laboratory procedure. The LAADACT, therefore, provides a quick and accurate blood test for diagnosing sensitivity to specific antigens, and measuring relative anligenic sensitivities. The underlying mechanism of the LAADACT is discussed.
Clinical and immunological studies of beekeepers
Authors: LIGHT WILMA C. , REISMAN ROBERT E. , WYPYCH JOHN I. , ARBESMAN CARL E.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐four beekeepers were interviewed and their blood assayed for the presence of antibodies reacting with bee venom, bee venom phospholipase A (PLA), and whole bee body extract. Following a bee sting, most beekeepers experienced only minimal local tissue reaction. Their serum contained high levels of total antibodies (primarily IgG) reacting to bee venom and phospholipase A. These antibody titres correlated with the frequency of bee stings.

Bee venom and PLA specific IgE antibodies were present in serum of some beekeepers. Beekeepers who had experienced allergic reactions were characterized by low total antibody and high venom specific IgE antibody titres. Bee body IgE antibodies were found in varying degree and did not correlate with levels of venom IgE antibodies. There was no difference in the titres of bee body IgE in the sera of beekeepers with and without systemic reactions.

The data suggest that allergic reactions are mediated by venom specific IgE and immunity is at least in part a function of other antibodies, probably primarily IgG.
Late onset asthma due to inhalation of Aspergillus niger
Authors: JOHNSON THOMAS F. , REISMAN ROBERT E. , ARBESMAN CARL E.
Published: April 2006

Clinical observations and immunological evidence are presented to support a diagnosis of late onset asthma due to exposureto Aspergillus niger in a 70‐year‐old man. Asthma occurred on only three occasions, each time approximately 6 hr after exposure to an area containing Aspergillus niger. His sputum culture contained the same organism. Immunological correlates using the Aspergillus niger extract included positive immediate and late skin tests, histamine release from leukocytes, and serum precipitins.
Pigeon breeders' disease—a prevalence study and review
Authors: CHRISTENSEN LORIMER T. , SCHMIDT C. DUWAYNE , ROBBINS LAMAR
Published: April 2006

Among fifty‐three Salt Lake City. Utah area pigeon fanciers, 21% were found to have the clinical picture of pigeon breeders disease. This is a much higher frequency than has been observed previously. Abnormal spirometry and increased skin reactivity to pigeon sera were found more often, statistically significantly, in symptomatic than in exposed asymptomatic fanciers. Pigeon breeders' disease is associated with a variety of abnormal findings; skin test, precipitins, pulmonary function changes and radio‐graphic derangements: but unfortunately none of these are diagnostic. Pigeon breeders' disease is best identified by clinical criteria.
Pigeon breeder's disease. II. Pigeon antigen induced proliferation of lymphocytes from symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects
Authors: SCHATZ MICHAEL , PATTERSON ROY , FINK JORDAN , MOORE VERNON
Published: April 2006

Lymphocyte reactivity to pigeon antigens was demonstrated in a patient with severe symptomatic pigeon breeder's disease (PBD). The reactivity of the lymphocytes declined subsequent to cessation of exposure to antigen and in parallel with clinical improvement. Lymphocyte reactivity was also demonstrated in another patient with PBD, in a pigeon breeder with no evidence of PBD, and in a laboratory investigator with a history of exposure to birds other than pigeons. Lymphocyte reactivity in the latter subject increased following cutaneous injection of pigeon serum with the development of delayed‐type cutaneous reactivity. Although lymphocyte reactivity to pigeon antigens may be a necessary immunologic feature for production of PBD, this reactivity does not occur only in symptomatic subjects.
Dependence of immediate hypersensitivity on the month of birth
Authors: BJÖRKSTÉN F. , SUONIEMI I.
Published: April 2006

This report describes a retrospective study of 1421 patients allergic to pollens and 728 patients allergic to animal epithelia. In males, but not in females, the month‐of‐birth distribution differed significantly from that in the total population of Finland (P < 0·01 in pollen allergy and P < 0·05 in epithelium allergy). The phenomenon was most clearly apparent in boys aged 10–14 born in 1960–4 (P < 0·01 in pollen allergy and P < 0·001 in epithelium allergy). When the relative risk of immediate hypersensitivity was plotted as a function of the month of birth, a two‐phasic curve with maxima in March–May and September–November was obtained for both pollen allergy and animal epithelium allergy. The results indicate that boys, but perhaps not girls, have a sensitive period early in life during which one or more environmental factor and seasonal variations in this factor influence the development of subsequent immediate hypersensitivity.
The IgG subclasses of antibodies to grass pollen allergens produced in hay fever patients during hyposensitization
Authors: DEVEY M. E. , WILSON D. V. , WHEELER A. W.
Published: April 2006

Total IgG, IgG subclass and IgE antibodies specific for grass pollen allergens were measured by the red cell linked antigen‐antiglobulin reaction (RCLAAR) in serum samples from nineteen patients who had undergone a course of hyposensitization. Increases in both specific IgG and IgE antibodies were seen after treatment in most patients. In the IgG subclasses the predominant response was for IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies. Attempts were made to correlate the antibody responses with the clinical response and the results are discussed with reference to the possible mechanisms of hyposensitization.
A 12‐month double‐blind assessment of betamethasone valerate aerosol in the management of asthma
Authors: VERNON D. R. H. , MACLEOD JEAN M. , KERR J. W.
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind trial of the topically active corticosteroid, betamethasone valerate in aerosol form, in the control of chronic asthma is reported. The results show that this is an extremely effective therapeutic agent in non‐steroid dependent but nonetheless moderately severe asthmatics. Patients were well controlled on 800 μg of betamethasone valerate daily and control was maintained over a 12‐month period. This form of treatment has few undesirable side effects but there is probably an increased incidence of oropharyngeal and laryngeal candidiasis. In particular, adrenocortical suppression was not noted.
Immunological development in infants of allergic parents
Authors: KAUFMAN HERBERT S. , FRICK OSCAR L.
Published: April 2006

Serum immunoglobulins were determined every 4 months from cord blood to age 2 years in ninety‐two infants of allergic parents. By 7 months of age, the concentration of IgA was significantly greater in infants who developed atopic dermatitis than those who did not. The IgA was also significantly greater than in matched non‐allergic controls. The difference continued to the end of the 2‐year study. No significant difference was found in the three groups for levels of IgG and IgM. These findings differ from the results of a previous report and possible explanations are presented.
The relationship between bronchial histamine reactivity and atopic status
Authors: BRYANT D. H. , BURNS M. W.
Published: April 2006

It has been proposed that increased production of IgE, a feature of atopy, is a cause of the non‐specific bronchial hyper‐reactivity that is characteristic of asthma. This hypothesis was examined by selecting groups of subjects with asthma or rhinitis and a group of healthy control subjects and studying the relationship between their bronchial histamine reactivity and their atopic status. In none of the groups tested was there a significant association between the degree of bronchial histamine reactivity and either the serum level of total IgE or the number of extracts of aero‐allergens giving positive prick test reactions.
Immunological studies in vitro and in vivo of children with pollenosis given immunotherapy with an aqueous and a glutaraldehyde‐treated tyrosine‐adsorbed grass pollen extract
Authors: FOUCARD T. , JOHANSSON S. G. O.
Published: April 2006

Ten patients treated with an aqueous Timothy grass pollen extract and given monthly maintenance doses were compared to ten patients given a glutaraldehyde‐treated tyrosine‐adsorbed grass pollen extract as five weekly injections pre‐seasonally. There were four non‐treated controls. Both treated groups showed equivalent increases of total IgE, Timothy‐specific IgE and IgG, but the concentrations of Timothy‐specific IgG antibodies were sustained only in the patients receiving maintenance therapy. An increase of IgE and RAST titres during the pollen season were obtained in all three groups. No consistent changes were seen in the results of leucocyte histamine release tests and naso–conjunctival provocation tests from spring to autumn.

A Sepharose‐protein A technique was used for the estimation of Timothy‐specific IgG antibodies. The results obtained with this technique correlated excellently with those of the Farr technique and a double‐antibody technique.
The protective effect of inhaled BRL 10833 on allergen induced bronchospasm
Authors: PAUWELS R. , LAMONT H. , VAN DER STRAETEN M.
Published: April 2006

BRL 10833, a nitroindanedione, with similar inhibitory activities to DSCG on the immediate type IgE mediated hypersensitivity in the rat, has been shown, when inhaled in a dose of 40 mg, to protect against allergen induced bronchospasm. A significant protective effect of BRL 10833 on the immediate bronchial reaction was seen in five out of ten patients. A single inhalation of 40 mg BRL 10833 seems also to have some protective effect on the late bronchial reaction, following an immediate reaction.
Hay fever treated with ACTH gel
Authors: PARR E. J.
Published: April 2006

ACTH gel was used as a treatment for hay fever during the 1972–1974 hay fever seasons. Patients suffering from hay fever were given ACTH in different dose schedules and other hay fever patients were used as controls.

Subjectively, those treated with ACTH gel were pleased with the results and reported more favourably on the injections than those receiving placebo. Objectively, using presence of any symptoms as the index of measurement, those treated with ACTH gel (80 units once weekly or 80 units twice weekly) had a significantly lower incidence of hay fever. Side effects were few.
Oral aspirin challenges in asthmatic patients: a study of plasma histamine
Authors: STEVENSON D. D. , ARROYAVE C. M. , BHAT K. N. , TAN E. M.
Published: April 2006

Under carefully controlled conditions, seven aspirin‐intolerant asthmatic patients were challenged with oral aspirin and experienced respiratory tract reactions with a decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), ranging from 26 to 64%. Venous blood samples, which were collected during the challenges, showed a rise in plasma histamine in all seven patients. The increase in plasma histamine occurred at the onset of their respiratory reactions and those patients with the most severe asthmatic responses were found to have the highest and most prolonged levels of plasma histamine. The same aspirin‐intolerant asthmatic patients were able to ingest Maalox® or sodium salicylate without untoward effects, decline in FEV1 values or changes in plasma histamine levels. Ten non‐asthmatic individuals and eight out of ten asthmatic control patients were able to ingest aspirin without any reactions or changes in their plasma histamine levels. However, two asthmatic control individuals, with severe asthma requiring treatment with moderate dosages of corticosteroids, were found to have elevated pre‐challenge plasma histamine levels which increased during their ASA challenges despite the absence of respiratory reactions or changes in FEV1 values. It is possible that these two individuals were unsuspected aspirin‐intolerant asthmatics. These studies demonstrate that asthmatic reactions to acetylsalicylates are associated with release of histamine into plasma in the subgroup of asthmatic patients with the aspirin‐intolerance syndrome. Such a finding suggests that histamine may be one of the mediators of bronchospasm in aspirin‐induced asthma.
The effects of alternate‐day corticosteroid therapy on delayed hypersensitivity skin responses
Authors: TINKELMAN DAVID G. , BLUMBERG MICHAEL Z.
Published: April 2006

Alternate‐day corticosteroid therapy has been shown to have a suppressive effect on delayed hypersensitivity skin responses elicited on repeated skin testing in an asthmatic population. While the clinical meaning is not clear, it indicates that alternate‐day corticosteroid therapy may have a subtle effect on cellular hypersensitivity responses.
Antigens of Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: CLARKE C. W.
Published: April 2006

Three antigenic preparations were obtained from a non‐capsulated strain of Haemophilus influenzae by ultrasonic disintegration, hot phenol extraction and from a fluid culture. They were designated H. influenzae cytoplasmic antigen (H(1–5)); H. influenzae cell wall antigen (HCW); and H. influenzae culture filtrate antigen (HCF).

Studies showed that H(1–5) antigen contained heat stable and heat labile components. The heat stable fraction stained positively for polysaccharide, had a positive limulus lysate test and there was immunological cross‐reactivity between this and heat stable fractions of HCW and HCF. Limulus lysate assay indicated the presence of endotoxin in HCW and HCF preparations.

Heat stable as well as heat labile antigens of H. influenzae should be given consideration in future studies regarding the pathogenicity of this organism in the lower respiratory tree. The specificity of the heat stable antigen of H. influenzae needs to be determined.
Intranasal allergen challenge during corticosteroid treatment
Authors: MYGIND N. , JOHNSEN N. J. , THOMSEN J.
Published: April 2006

The effect of a corticosteroid drug on type I reactions in the nose was studied in eighteen hay fever patients. They were treated with a daily dosage of 800 μg beclomethasone dipropionate intranasally for 1 week, in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over trial. Allergen challenge on the last day of each treatment period showed that steroid treatment diminished sneezing and rhinorrhoea, but the effect was not statistically significant (P= 0.10). Immediate nasal blockage was unaffected. There is a marked discrepancy between the minor protection offered by beclomethasone dipropionate in type I allergy, as suggested in this study and the marked efficacy of the drug in the treatment of hay fever. It is suggested that two factors may account for this discrepancy. First, the significance of ‘delayed’ reactions for hay fever symptoms. Second, the difference between a single allergen provocation and continuous exposure. It is suggested that a slight steroid inhibition of immediate reactions following allergen provocation is potentiated during natural exposure due to inhibition of the priming of the end‐organ.
The effect of orally administered sodium cromoglycate on symptoms of food allergy
Authors: DANNAEUS A. , FOUCARD T. , JOHANSSON S. G. O.
Published: April 2006

A comparison was made between the effects of sodium cromoglycate (SCG) and placebo on symptoms of food allergy in twenty children. Both the clinician's and patient's preferences and the clinician's evaluation of the specific response to challenge showed a significant benefit from SCG. A striking effect on skin symptoms was seen in some children and the recorded mean score for skin symptoms was lower after 2 weeks’ treatment with sodium cromoglycate. However, the differences detected from the mean symptom scores were not statistically significant. Neither were there any significant changes in the IgE, IgG, IgA and IgM food allergen antibody levels related to the treatment.
The combined use of betamethasone valerate and sodium cromoglycate in the treatment of asthma
Authors: DAWOOD A. G. , HENDRY A. T. , WALKER S. R.
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind comparison of betamethasone valerate, sodium cromoglycate and the combination of these two treatments was carried out in twenty‐two adult patients with asthma. Regular fortnightly assessments were made in the clinic throughout the study and adrenal function was monitored and found to be normal. All patients measured their peak expiratory flow rates in the morning and evening and monitored their symptoms daily on a record card as well as recording bronchodilator usage. Assessment using these parameters indicated that treatment with betamethasone valerate compared with sodium cromoglycate resulted in an improvement in the patients’ asthma which was statistically significant (P<0.001). Overall the combined treatment produced a better response than sodium cromoglycate (P<0.02) but a poorer response compared with the steroid aerosol given alone (P>0.05). In only two patients was the response to the combined therapy significantly greater than to either drug given alone.
A prospective study of respiratory infection in asthmatic patients treated with beclomethasone dipropionate and sodium cromoglycate
Authors: AGNEW R. A. L. , WALKER D. J. , PHILLIPS L. A.
Published: April 2006

A prospective study of forty adult asthmatic patients attending two chest clinics in the City of Liverpool was undertaken. All patients had reversible airways obstruction and were under treatment with either beclomethasone dipropionate or sodium cromoglycate. Satisfactory symptomatic control was achieved in both groups of patients on a subjective basis, but there was a statistically significant (P <0.001) reduction in the number of admissions to hospital in the treatment year compared to the preceding 12 months in the beclomethasone aerosol group. No increased incidence of lower respiratory tract infections or non‐specific sore throats was found in either group studied. No cases of clinical oral Candida infection occurred in the beclomethasone aerosol treated patients. It is concluded that beclomethasone dipropionate in aerosol form is not only a safe and effective method for symptomatic control of adult bronchial asthma but is also economically worthwhile as a means of reducing hospital admissions in this vulnerable group of patients.
Animal dander allergy
Authors: KOERS W. J. , YOUNG E. , BERRENS L.
Published: April 2006

In a group of twenty‐three atopic patients skin tests were performed with the dander allergens of horse, cat and guinea‐pig, and with house dust and Timothy pollen allergens. A good agreement was observed between positive skin reactions and the results of RAST with these various allergens. In a number of cases, positive skin reactions were not related to the clinical histories. Likewise, positive RAST scores in several instances proved clinically meaningless. In patients with history‐related skin reactions better correlation with RAST was observed. In such patients, skin reactions with photo‐inactivated allergens remained strongly positive.
Efficacy of intranasal beclomethasone dipropionate in patients with perennial rhinitis and asthma
Authors: LAHDENSUO A. , HAAHTELA T.
Published: April 2006

A Wright peak flow meter was used with a special mask for evaluating nasal blockage in a clinical drug study. The effect of beclomethasone dipropionate inhaled nasally was studied with PEFRn measurements twice a day in twenty‐seven hospital patients with perennial rhinitis. Thirteen patients also had asthma. A statistically significant improvement in PEFRn values during the first 5 days of the active drug period was noted in both the rhinitis and rhinitis‐asthma groups.

In the rhinitis‐asthma group the nasal blockage index, as calculated from the oral PEFR and PEFRn values, improved significantly during the second period of medication. Patients with rhinitis were found to have a tendency to fluctuating blockage according to the time of the day, the morning generally being poorer than the evening values. The fluctuation partially disappeared at the end of the period of active treatment, which also had a favourable effect on the bronchial obstruction of asthma patients when inhaled nasally, perhaps due to improved nasal respitatory function. The measurement of PEFRn values is, the authors believe, a useful method for measuring changes in nasal blockage of patients with rhinitis and asthma because of its simplicity and rapidity.
Tetracycline asthma—a case report*
Authors: MENON M. P. S. , DAS A. K.
Published: April 2006

A mechanic working in the antibiotic capsuling section of a pharmaceutical company developed asthmatic attacks 1 year after starting work. His occupation involved exposure to a variety of chemical agents including tetracycline. He developed immediate weal and flare reaction to the intradermal test and an immediate (type 1) asthmatic response to intradermal, inhalation and oral challenge tests with tetracycline. On leaving the tetracycline plant he became symptom free.
Asthma induced by sulphur dioxide, benzoate and tartrazine contained in orange drinks
Authors: FREEDMAN B. J.
Published: April 2006

Of 272 patients with asthma, thirty (11%) gave a history of exacerbations occurring after ingestion of orange drinks. Fourteen of these were given provocation tests by drinking, on separate occasions, solutions of sulphur dioxide, sodium benzoate and tartrazine, which are present in all orange drinks. Eight reacted to sulphur dioxide with a fall in FEV1, four to sodium benzoate and one to tartrazine, and four did not react to any of these agents. Three of the benzoate patients were also sensitive to sulphur dioxide. The sulphur dioxide sensitive patients were predominantly young, with extrinsic asthma. The benzoate sensitive patients were predominantly middle‐aged and the proportion with intrinsic asthma was higher. Prior inhalation of sodium cromoglycate by four patients inhibited the reaction to these substances. Sulphur dioxide has not previously been reported to cause exacerbations of asthma when ingested as a food preservative. It is used as a preservative in a wide range of acidic beverages and foods, and should be considered as possibly causal in patients suffering from apparently cryptogenic asthma, and asthma seemingly due to food allergy.