bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the menstrual cycle on skin‐prick test reactions to histamine, morphine and allergen
Authors: KALOGEROMITROS D. , KATSAROU A. , ARMENAKA M. , RIGOPOULOS D. , ZAPANTI M. , STRATIGOS I. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to examine the possible influence of the phases of the menstrual cycle on dermal reactivity to skin‐prick testing. We studied 15 atopic, menstruating women with seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma, with known sensitivity to olive and parietaria (mean age 25.2 years) and 15 non‐atomic, healthy, female controls (mean age 24.7 years). Skin‐prick tests with histamine, morphine, and in the atopic group with parietaria/and/or olive, were repeated three times during the same menstrual cycle, corresponding to bleeding (day 1–4), midcycle (day 12–16) and the late progesterone phase (day 24–28). None of the patients had received oral antihistamines or exogenous hormones for at least 1 month prior to testing. Results indicate a significant increase in weal‐and‐flare size to histamine, morphine, and parietaria on days 12–16 of the cycle, corresponding to ovulation and peak oestrogen levels. This was observed in both atopic and non‐atopic women. Differences in skin reactivity to histamine and morphine between the groups were not significant. Therefore, in women, the phase of the menstrual cycle is another factor that may influence skin‐test results.
Interleukin‐4 and interferon‐gamma production in atopic and non‐atopic children with ashma
Authors: TANG M. L. K. , COLEMAN J. , KEMP A. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPrevious studies have demonstrated increased production of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and reduced production of interferon (IFN)‐γ in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures from children and adults with atopic dermatitis, however, it is unclear whether such an imbalance of cytokine production relates to other childhood atopic diseases such as asthma, and in particular to the presence of the atopic state per se. The production of IL‐4 and IFNγ in phytohaemagglutin‐ (PHA)‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures from atopic and non‐atopic children with moderately severe chronic persistent asthma, and a group of age‐matched non‐atopic controls who did not have asthma was examined. Atopic children with asthma produced significantly more IL‐4 and less IFNγ than non‐atopic children with asthma and non‐atopic controls who did not have asthma. There was no significant difference in IL‐4 or IFNγ production between non‐atopic children with asthma and controls. These findir. 3 demonstrate that an imbalance of IL‐4 and IFNγ production is present in atopic asthma as previously documented in atopic dermatitis, therefore suggesting that it is a feature of the atopic state per se.
House dust mite fauna in Thailand
Authors: MALAINUAL N. , VICHYANOND P. , PHAN‐URAI P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryHouse dust mites have been shown to be the most important source of allergen in Thailand. The results of our initial mite survey were in conflict with previous data reported 20 years ago. To evaluate the current condition of mite fauna in Thailand, we conducted a larger scale survey of house dust mites in dusts from three different parts of the country. A total of 630 mattress dust samples was collected from various types of housings from central, northern and northeastern parts of Thailand. House dust mites were identified and enumerated by standard techniques and 388 dust samples were analysed further for group I antigen by a two‐site monoclonal antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. House dust mites were identified in 555/630 (88.1%) of dust samples collected; 27.6% of these 555 samples contained over 100 mites per gram of fine dust. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most abundant species found with a mean count of 87.2 mites per gram of dust (range 1–1460). Group I antigen was detected in 380/388 (97.9%) samples analysed and 330 of which (86.8%) contained over 2 μg/gm of group I antigen. The highest density of mites was found in dusts from northern Thailand whereas dusts with highest amount of antigen were those collected from the northeastern part. Some degree of correlation between mite count and mite allergen was observed (r2= 0.33, P< 0.001). No significant difference in the mite count and mite allergen was found among various types of housings. House dust mites are the source of allergens ubiquitously found all over Thailand. Dust from several houses surveyed in this study had significantly high level of group I antigens.
Prevention of asthma with ketotifen in preasthmatic children: a three‐year follow‐up study
Authors: BUSTOS G. J. , BUSTOS D. , BUSTOS G. J. , ROMERO O. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryGrowing morbidity and mortality rates call for research towards more effective methods of preventing asthma. During the last decade several groups have reported the results of natural history and asthma prevention studies. However, the attempt to prevent development of asthma in genetically predisposed children, has not resulted in a generally accepted management scheme. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ketotifen in preventing the onset of asthma in infants considered to be at high risk of developing the disease, but who had no history of respiratory obstruction. These children have been described as preasthmatic. In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel study, 100 infants with a family history of major allergy and elevated serum IgE levels, but with no history of bronchial obstruction, were treated with either ketotifen (n= 50) or placebo (n= 50) over a 3‐year period. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to age, sex, degree of hereditary allergy, levels of serum IgE upon joining the study, and family smoking habits. At the end of 3 years, only four of the 45 infants who had received ketotifen had developed asthma (9%). Of the 40 children given placebo, 14 had developed asthma (35%) (P= 0.003). These results suggest that ketotifen is effective in preventing the onset of asthma in preasthmatic children.
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase isoenzyme activities in human alveolar macrophages
Authors: TENOR H. , HATZELMANN A. , KUPFERSCHMIDT R. , STANCIU L. , DJUKANOVIC R. , SCHUDT C. , WENDEL A. , CHURCH M. K. , SHUTE J. K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Alveolar macrophages and their precursors, the monocytes are involved in airway inflammation in asthma. An increase in intraceliular cAMP by PDE inhibitors is known to suppress macrophage and monocyte functions. A comparison of the PDE‐isoenzyine profiles of human alveolar macrophages from normal and atopic donors and of human peripheral blood monocytes might form a basis to differentially affect functions of these cells by PDE inhibitors.Objective
The study compares the PDE isoenzyme activity profiles of human alveolar macrophages from normal and atopic asthmatic donors and human peripheral blood monocytes. In addition, the effect of in vitro maturation of monocytes on their PDE isoenzyme profile is studied.Methods
Macrophages were purified (95‐97%) by adherence to plastic, and blood monocytes were purified (88%) by counter‐current elutriation. PDE isoenzyme activity profiles were investigated using isoenzyme selective inhibitors and activators.Results
In macrophages substantial PDE I activity, which was significantly higher than PDE IIF‐V activity was detected and PDE II was absent. PDE III was membrane‐bound whereas PDE I, IV and V were soluble. No difference was found between alveolar macrophages of normal donors and atopic asthmatics. Monocytes exclusively contained PDE IV but their in vitro maturation led to a PDE isoenzyme profile similar to that of alveolar macrophages.Conclusion
These results indicate that human monocytes and alveolar macrophages are distinct targets for the effects of selective PDE inhibitors while alveolar macrophages from normal and atopic individuals appear to be equally sensitive.
Variability and repeatability of house dust mite allergen measurement: implications for study design and interpretation
Authors: MARKS G. B. , TOVEY E. R. , PEAT J. K. , SALOME C. M. , WOOLCOCK A. J. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background To interpret individual measurements of house dust mite (MDM) allergen and to design and analyse HDM studies it is necessary to quantify the variability which is inherent in the measurement of this exposure. Objective To estimate the repeatability of one method of HDM allergen measurement. Methods We analysed data from one or more HDM allergen measurements in 215 houses included in four previous studies conducted in Sydney (a high allergen environment) and Busselton. Western Australia (a moderate allergen environment). Samples were collected from the bed by vacuuming above and below the sheets and inside the pillow case and from the bedroom and living room floors by vacuuming a I m2 area for 1 min. Extracts from aliquots of fine dust from each sample were assayed for HDM allergen Der p I using a monoclonal antibody enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (IBLISA). The values for HDM allergen were positively skewed and the suitability of a log transformation was established by the resulting normal distribution and stable within‐site variance. Results The range of single determination (within which the true value lies with 95% certainty) was 3‐1‐fold for samples from the bed and 3.5‐fold for samples from the floor. The coefficient of repeatability (the ratio beyond which a change between two estimates is established with 95% certainty) was 4.9 for the bed and 5.8 for the floor. Conculsion We estimate that, to detect a twofold difference or change in allergen levels. 35 houses per group will be required in cross‐sectional studies and 30 houses per group in parallel‐group, randomized controlled trials. We recommend that beds be sampled by collecting dust from the layer of bedding below the bottom sheet. A single site within the bedroom floor may be taken as representative of this site but this is not true for the living‐room floor.
Effect of guinea‐pig purified immunoglobulin G1 on the responsiveness of tracheal, aortic, vas deferens and ileum smooth muscles
Authors: BIDON J.‐C. , VU A. T. , BLIN M. , GOGNY M. , SOUILEM O. , JONDET A. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background Smooth muscles hyperresponsiveness is a common feature in anaphylaxis and allergic diseases. Objective The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of in vitro passive sensitization with highly purified immunoglobulin GI (IgGl) on the responsiveness of tracheal, aortic, vas deferens and ileum smooth muscles. Method Firstly, IgGl, obtained from actively sensitized BFA guinea‐pigs, was purified by Protein A‐Sepharose column and characterized by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoelectrophoresis analysis. Concentration‐response curves to spasniogens (acelylcholine for trachea and vas deferens, noradrenaline for aorta and histamine for ileum) were established before and after in vitro passive sensitizalion with IgGl. Results Contractile responses and maximal contractions were significantly enhanced after passive sensitization for all the organs. Maximal contractions were significantly increased in the trachea (+46.7%), aorta (+51%), vas deferens (+114.2%) and ileum (+ 117.2%). At the end of the experiments, the application of the sensitizing antigen induced a significant Schultz‐Dale reaction of the smooth muscles. Conclusion The present results show that the in vitro application of purified IgGl can produce non‐specific smooth muscle hyperreactivity and hypersensitivity. So, IgGl can be considered as the main factor involved in the genesis of sensitization‐induced hyperresponsiveness, and probably play a great role in hyperreactivity observed during allergic diseases and anaphylaxis.
Allergy to pistachio: crossre activity between pistachio nut and other Anacardiaceae
Authors: FERNANDEZ C. , FIANDOR A. , MARTINEZ‐GARATE A. , QUESADA J. MARTINEZ 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background Anaphylaxis against Anucardiuccae nuts is uncommon and the allergens involved still poorly characterized. For this reason two patients with allergy towards pistachio nut (a member of the Anacardiaceae family) have been studied. Objective Identification of immunoallergens present in pistachio nut and analysis of crossreactive antigens in other members of the same plant family, specifically cashew and mango. Methads Presence of specific IgE for pistachio and cashew nut and for mango seed and pulp was determined by skin tests and radioallergosorbent assay (RAST). The allergenic profile of pistachio and cashew was analysed by sodium dodeeyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) followed by immunoblotting. Crossreactivity between pistachio and the other Anacardiaceae was studied by RAST inhibition. Results Skin tests were positive for pistachio and cashew in the two children and for mango seed in one. RAST was positive for pistachio and cashew in both patients. On immunoblotting, serum from both patients recognized several pistachio and cashewallergens with a molecular weight ranging from <14.2–70kDa. RAST inhibition demonstrated common antigenic determinants between pistachio and cashew nut. Crossreactivity was also found between pistachio nut and mango seed but not with mango pulp. Conclusion Pistachio nut contains several protein allergens able to trigger type I hyperscnsitivity reactions. These allergens can be found also in cashew nut and mango seed but not in mango pulp.
Species‐specific measurement of the second group of Dermatophagoides mite allergens, Der p 2 and Der f 2, using a monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA
Authors: YASUEDA H. , SAITO A. , YANAGIHARA Y. , AKIYAMA K. , TAKAOKA M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The group 2 Dermatophagoides mite allergens. Der p 2 and Der f 2, were known to he highly crossreactive, and previous assays to measure Der p 2 and Der f 2 were not species‐specific.Objective
The aim of this study was to develop a monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA (MoAb‐ELISA) to specics‐spccifically measure Der p 2 and Der f 2.Methods
The MoAb‐ELISA lor Der p 2 and Der f 2 was performed using species‐specific MoAbs for Der p 2 and Der f 2 and a biotinylated second MoAb which recognized a common epitope on both Der p 2 and Der f 2.Rcsuits
The assay was highly specics‐spccific, reproducible and sensitive. Thirty‐two house dust samples were assayed by the MoAb‐ELISA for Der p 2 and Der f 2 and by a previously reported radioimmunoassay for Der 2 with rabbit anti‐Der 2 antibodies. The summed values for Der p 2 and Der f 2 by the MoAb‐ELISA detnonstrated a good correlation with the Der 2 values using the radioimmunoassay (r = 0.978). Furthermore, the proportion of the Der p 2 level in the total Der 2 level (Der p 2 divided by Der p 2 plus Der f 2) correlated well with that of the D. pteronyssinus mite number to the total Dermalophagoides mite number identificd by species (r = 0.970).Conclusion
The MoAb‐ELISA for Der p 2 and Der f 2, as well as that for Der p 1 and Der f 1, will be useful for the standardization of mite extracts and for the assessments of mite allergen exposure.
Characterization of a dominant antigenic determinant of Par o I encoded by recombinant DNA
Authors: D'ABUSCO A. SCOTTO , DE SANTO C. , MENNA T. , COSCIA M. R. , ORESTE U. , GELLER‐BERNSTEIN C. , RUFFILLI A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The pollens from Parietaria judaica and Parietaria officinalis are a major cause of pollinosis in Europe. Par o I (13.5 kDa) and Par j I (12 kDa), the major allergens from these species, are highly crossrcaclive.Methods
We have immunoscreened a P. judaica pollen cDNA expression library with a rabbit antiserum specific for Par j I and with a serum pool from allergic patients. An immunopositive clone containing a 26 bp insert was further characterized. The insert sequence was determined and the beta‐galactosidase fusion protein was partially purified by electroelution from sodium dodecyl sulfatc‐poblyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) gels.Results
This fusion protein specifically and extensively inhibited Par o I and Par j I binding of a rabbit antiserum and of a serum pool obtained from allergic patients. The antifusion‐protein antiserum obtained in a rabbit (anti 6a) specifically precipitated radioiodinated purified Par o I in the double antibody radioimmunoassay (DARIA) and competed with antibodies of sera from allergic patients for the binding to Parietaria pollen extract allergens by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We investigated the prevalence of antibody response towards the 6a epitope in patients naturally sensitized to Parietaria. The presence of 6a specific IgE antibodies was assessed in the sera of 33 patients using inhibition assays. All sera had antibodies with this specificity: the extensive percentage of inhibition reached suggested that they dominated individual ab response.Conclusion
In conclusion, the antibody response induced by natural exposure to the pollen ofParietaria appears to be higly focused on a single linear antigenic determinant of the major allergens which may play a relevant role in the development of clinical allergy. This report is, to our knowledge, the first description of a dominant linear epitope of a major allergen.
Heating inactivates the enzymatic activity and partially inactivates the allergenie activity of Asp o 2
Authors: BAUR X. , CZUPPON A. B. , SANDER I. 
Published: April 2006

Background
Sensitization to various flours and flour additives in the baking industry has been known for some time. However, most studies refer to allergens in their native state.Objective
The aim of our study was to find out how high temperatures during the baking process influence enzymatic and allergenie activities of the common flour additive alpha‐amylase (Asp o 2), a relevant allergen for bakers derived from Aspergillus oryzae.Methods
In order to assess the allergenicity of Asp o 2 during the baking process, four to 11 correspondingly sensitized bakers were investigated by Enzyme Allergo‐Sorbent Test (EAST) with native Asp o 2 and Asp o 2 heated to 80, 90, 95, 99.8 or 200 C. Eurthermore, the enzymatic activity was assayed in simulated baking processes at the above mentioned temperatures.Results
Elevated temperatures resulted in a gradual loss of IgE antibodies’ recognition of Asp o 2 in two commercially available enzyme products. The enzymatic activity decreased more rapidly. Heating the enzyme to 200°C abolished both the enzymatic and the allergenie activity of the enzyme.Conclusion
Based on these results, alpha‐amylase in flour additives partially retains its allergenicity. This finding could be relevant for consumers.
Pulmonary surfactant given prophylactically alleviates an asthma attack in guinea‐pigs
Authors: LIU M. , WANG L. , LI E. , ENHORNING G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgronnd
Previous studies have indicated that the increased airway resistance that develops in asthma may partly be due to a surfactant dysfunction. If so. it might be possible to alleviate the acute signs following an allergen challenge by prophylactically instilling into the airways a well functioning pulmonary surfactant.Objective
The study was planned and enacted to test the above hypothesis. Methods The lung function (airway resistance, tidal volume, minute ventilation, and dynamic compliance) of 22 immunized guinea‐pigs was studied for 30min following a challenge. Ten of the animals had received a tracheal instillation of 0.5 ml. calf lung surfaetant extract (CLSE, 35mg/mL) prior to the challenge.Results
The animals receiving the dose of 17.5 mg surfactant were less affected by the challenge than were the controls. Onty one of them died following the challenge, whereas four of the 12 controls succumbed. Lung function was significantly less affected among the nine surviving animals treated with surfactant prior to the challenge than among the eight surviving controls (P< 0.01) and also their blood gases (pCO2 and pO2) were less influenced (P<0.05).Conclusion
The study indicated that the symptoms developing after a challenge. which to some extent simulate those ot asthma. can be alleviated by a prophylactic airway instillation of pulmonary surfactant.
Anaphylaxis to penicillins after non‐therapeutic exposure: an immunological investigation
Authors: BLANCA M. , GARCIA J. , VEGA J. M. , MIRANDA A. , CARMONA M. J. , MAYORGA C. , MORENO F. , JUAREZ C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
There are instances where individuals may come into contact with penicillins without being aware of it. This non‐therapeutic exposure from different sources may cause sensitization and even clinical manifestations in subjects allergic to penicillins.Objective
To determine the capacity that inadvertent contact with penicillins may have in inducing resensitization and symptoms in patients diagnosed as allergic to penicillins who were followed over a long period of time after their initial evaluation. Methods A follow‐up study of penicillin‐allergic subjects who agreed to be regularly tested for in vitro and in vivo control of their sensitivity. Skin tests were carried out with major and minor determinants of benzylpenicillin (BPO and MDM), amoxicillin (AX), and ampicillin (AMP), and specific IgE antibodies were determined by radioallergosorbent test (RAST). A questionnaire was sent to and answered by the subjects in order to see if they experienced symptoms at any time during the follow‐up period. In addition, if any unexplained symptoms occurred, a bleeper system was used to contact the allergy centre.Results
Seven subjects experienced anaphylactic reactions with no obvious cause. At the time of their initial allergic reaction, which was caused by exposure to prescribed penicillin, the subjects had one or more positive skin tests and/or RAST results to penicillin related reagents. However, over the following 2–4 years all their tests became negative. After reporting their unexplained reaction all seven had one or more positive skin tests and/or RAST results again and when retested 1 week later RAST measure ments showed that levels of penicillin‐specific IgE were maintained or increased. None of the subjects had knowingly received penicillin but the questionnaire showed that six had been exposed to it and in the seventh case exposure was likely. In two cases contact was by sexual intercourse with a partner who was receiving penicillin, three subjects had handled penicillin formulations and one had drunk from a glass previously used for giving penicillin. In the seventh case exposure could have occurred whilst in hospital for surgery, although this was not proven.Conclusions
these results show that non‐therapeutic exposure to penicillin can cause severe symptoms and that in vitro and in vivo testing can help in the diagnosis of such cases.