bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory and immunological reactions among Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushroom workers
Authors: SASTRE J. , IBANEZ M. D. , LOPEZ M. , LEHRER S. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryFour workers, the total work force employed at a Shiitake farm, developed cough and sputum production following a variable period of exposure to Shiitake mushrooms. All four had abnormal diffusing capacity and three had abnormal spirometry values. Chest roentgenograms demonstrated an interstitial pattern in one worker. Pulmonary function tests performed before and during several days of work demonstrated a significant decrease (> 20%) in forced vital capacity (FVC) and/or maximal midexpiratory flow (MMEF) in three workers. Although specific antibodies to an extract of Shiitake spores were detected in sera from three workers none were IgE. High levels of Shiitake spores were detected in growing rooms (> 106/m3) as well as other locations at the farm. Shiitake spore airborne antigen, detected by an immunochemical assay, was present in dust collected with a volumetric sampler from different locations at the farm. Antigenic determinants of Shiitake spore antigens, in common with antigens from other cultivated mushrooms (Agaricus and Pleurotus) were demonstrated by ELISA inhibition assay. This study demonstrates that workers exposed to high levels of Shiitake spores develop symptoms and laboratory findings suggestive of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Strict environmental control and the wearing of a face mask is probably needed to reduce the high risk of sensitization and possible development of immunological lung disease. Shiitake spores must be considered as an aetiological agent of mushroom workers' lung.
The spectrum of low molecular weight house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) allergens with emphasis on Der p II
Authors: FORD S. A. , TOVEY E. R. , BALDO B. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAnalysis by protein blotting of sera from 96 different house dust mite‐allergic subjects revealed previously unrecognized complexity of low molecular weight (MW) (< 20 kD) IgE‐binding proteins in extracts of whole bodies of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Of 11 different IgE‐binding components of MW < 20 kD identified, two (MW ∼ 16 kD and ∼ 15 kD), showed both a high frequency (88% and 49% respectively) and a high intensity of IgE‐binding. The ∼ 16 kD component, identified as allergen Der p II, showed the highest frequency of IgE antibody reactivity of any of the major D. pteronyssinus allergens including Der p I and Der p III.
Prophylactic treatment of grass pollen‐induced asthma with cetirizine
Authors: DIJKMAN J. H. , HEKKING P. R. M. , MOLKENBOER J. F. , NIEROP G. , VANDERSCHUEREN R. , BERNHEIM J. , VAN GANSE E. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn a double‐blind randomized parallel‐group study, six investigators enrolled 43 subjects to study the prophylactic effect of 10 mg cetirizine b.i.d. on grass pollen‐induced asthma. The control group received 60 mg b.i.d. terfenadine, given to avoid withdrawals from the trial because of hay fever symptoms. Subjects were included in the study between the appearance of the first symptoms of hay fever and those of pollen‐induced asthma. The hay fever and asthma symptoms, visual analogue scores (VAS), FEV1 and self‐assessment data on complaints, salvage treatment and peak‐flow values were statistically analysed. Both treatments were well tolerated, with a low and similar incidence of side‐effects. During the last 3 weeks of treatment, six (32%) of the 19 subjects on cetirizine who were evaluable for efficacy remained free of asthma complaints, and another two (10%) had only a single minor attack. None had a grade 3 (incapacitating) attack. Conversely, only one (5%) of the 20 evaluable subjects on terfenadine remained complaint free, and all others (95%) had multiple attacks, which incapacitated three (15%) of them. Nasal obstruction, dyspnoea, morning peak flow, consumption of β2‐mimetics and an efficacy index on asthma, combining complaints and rescue drug consumption, were significantly better on cetirizine (P < 0·05). It is concluded that cetirizine is able to prevent the exacerbation of asthma induced by grass pollen.
Sequence analysis of cDNA coding for a major house dust mite allergen, Der f I
Authors: DILWORTH R. J. , CHUA K. Y. , THOMAS W. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA cDNA clone‐coding for Der f I, a major allergen from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae has been isolated and sequenced. It codes for a putative 18‐residue signal peptide, an 80‐residue proenzyme region, and a 223‐residue mature protein with a derived molecular weight of 25 191. The deduced amino‐acid sequence shows significant homology to other cysteine proteases in the proregion as well as in the mature protein. Sequence alignment of the mature Der f I protein with the homologous allergen Der p I from the related mite D. pteronyssinus revealed a high degree of homology (81%) between the two proteins, as predicted by previous sequencing at the protein level. In particular, the residues comprising the active site of these enzymes and the cysteine residues were conserved. A potential N‐glycosylation site was present at an equivalent position in both mite allergens. It is anticipated that the availability of recombinant Derf I will facilitate epitope mapping studies and studies of T‐cell function in mite allergy by providing high levels of pure allergen.
The heterogeneity of human IgE exemplified by the passive transfer of D2O sensitivity
Authors: MACDONALD SUSAN M. , WHITE JANE M. , KAGEY‐SOBOTKA ANNE , MACGLASHAN D. W. , LICHTENSTEIN L. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBasophil responsiveness to histamine‐releasing factors (HRF) is limited to cells from atopic donors; this response can be transferred passively to non‐reactive hasophits by IgE molecules from the sera of donors who are intrinsically responsive to HRF [1], Deuterium oxide (D2O) also causes mediator release from the basophils of atopic asthmatic subjects [2]. To assess whether basophil responsiveness is IgE dependent, and, if so, whether this release revealed IgE heterogeneity, we tested the ability of sera from HRF responders (IgE+) and non‐responders (IgE ‐) to sensitize basophils to D2O. Both purified IgE + and unpurified sera from an HRF responder were passively used to sensitize basophils whose IgE had been removed by lactic acid treatment. As a control, an IgE‐ myeloma‐containing serum was used for passive sensitization. In five experiments, histamine release in the presence of 44% D2O was 9 ± 2% and 46 ± 4% using control IgE‐ and lgE+ sensitized cells, respectively. The non‐responder serum, even at higher IgE levels, did not sensitize the cells for D2O release. If the IgE receptors on lactic‐acid treated cells were first exposed to serum from an IgE‐ donor, sensitization to DiO by IgE+ was blocked. The percentage histamine release to D2O was directly related to both the amount of IgE+ used for passive sensitization and the concentration of D2O used for release. These experiments further support the concept of IgE heterogeneity and suggest that the occupancy of IgE receptors on the basophil surface ‘activate’ the cell to make it more responsive to various stimuli.
Group V allergens in grass pollens. I. Purification and characterization of the group V allergen from Phleum pratense pollen, Phl p V
Authors: MATTHIESEN F. , LøWENSTEIN H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAn allergen from Phleum pratense (timothy) pollen. Phl p V, has been isolated by a combination of copper chelate affinity chromatography and ion exchange chromato‐graphy. Phl p V binds IgE from serum of grass‐sensitized donors as revealed in immunoelectrophoretic techniques and in SDS PAGE immunoblot, and luminescence immunoassay (LIA) inhibition experiments indicate that the allergen represents a significant part of the IgE binding capacity of the extract. In immunoelectrophoresis, Phl p V is revealed as a single precipitate. However, molecular weight studies show that Phl p V consists of at least two isoforms with similar immunochemical properties, but with different molecular size. After SDS‐PAGE treatment purified Phl p V is identified as two IgE‐binding components. Phl p Va and Phl p Vb, with molecular weights 33 and 29 kD. After HPLC gel filtration, Phl p Va and Phl p Vb are identified in the major 30‐kD eluate. After Sephadex G75 gel filtration of whole pollen extract, Phl p V is identified in fractions corresponding to molecular weights 47 and 25 kD. The 47‐kD fraction corresponds to Phl p Va/Phl p Vb as seen in SDS‐PAGE, while the 25‐kD component presumably corresponds to a degradation product present in whole pollen extract. The NH2‐terminal sequence of Phl p V, corresponding to approximately 10% of the molecule, has been determined. The sequence shows minor variations in some residues and contains besides many alanine residues also hydroxyproline; the sequence reveals no homologies to any known NH2 terminal sequence of other proteins. The ammo acid composition, revealing 26 mote % alanine and no cysteine, does not show any similarities to other known amino acid compositions of allergens. From the amino acid composition determination and an immunoelectrophoretic comparison. Phl p V is estimated to represent 6% (w/w) of the whole pollen extract.
Group V allergens in grass pollens. II. Investigation of group V allergens in pollens from 10 grasses
Authors: MATTHIESEN F. , LøWENSTEIN H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn an earlier study an allergen from Phleum pratense (timothy) pollen. Phl p V. has been isolated and physicochemically characterized. In this study Phl p V and immunochemically simitar components from other grass pollens (group V allergens) have been investigated using immunoelectrophoretic techniques. To study the allergenic importance of the group V allergens, the allergenic compositions of 10 grass pollen extracts were investigated in crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) using 20 sera from grass pollen‐allergic donors. Group V allergens were identified using monospecific rabbit antibodies raised against Phl p V, anti‐phl p V, which react with other group V allergens usually producing dense precipitates in immunoelectrophoresis. In this way group V allergens were identified in eight extracts, and when present the precipitate corresponding to the group V allergen was the dominant IgE binding precipitate. All identified group V allergens bound IgE in at least 17 of the 20 investigated sera. Monospecific rabbit antibodies raised against the group I allergen of Lolium perenne (rye grass), anit‐Lol p I. do not precipitate group V allergens, indicating that there are no immunochemical similarities between group I and group V allergens. In SDS‐PAGE anti‐Phl p V identifies IgE‐binding components with molecular weights between 26 and 33 kD. In contrast, anti‐Lol p I binds to components of slightly higher molecular weight. Apparently, the group V components are allergens that are physicochemically and immunochemically distinct from group I allergens.
Lack of dose‐response effect of terfenadine on resting bronchomotor tone in patients with asthma
Authors: PATEL K. R. , GHOSH S. K. , MATCHAM J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBronchodilatation data from three, four‐period cross‐over studies were combined to assess the effect of oral terfenadine 60, 120, 180 mg and placebo on the airways of 26 patients with atopic asthma. Mela‐analysis of these data showed that mean changes in FEY1 from pre‐dose to 4 hr were 11.4, 14.6 and 11.8% for the three doses of terfenadine, respectively, and −2.9% for placebo. There was a significant treatment effect (P= 0.0001) but no effect of dose. Terfenadine, a non‐sedating histamine H1‐receptor antagonist, caused bronchodilatation in a single dose. Whether this efTect is sustained with long‐term treatment requires further investigation.
Delayed generation of thrombin in clotting blood of atopic patients with hayfever and asthma
Authors: SZCZEKLIK A. , SCHMITZ‐SCHUMANN M. , KRZANOWSKI M. , SR C. VIRCHOW 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThere have been several reports on alterations of platelet function and raised plasma heparin levels in symptom‐free atopic subjects. Either of these can affect formation of thrombin in vivo. In 25 symptom‐free atopic patients and 32 healthy volunteers we studied the generation of thrombin in blood emerging from a standardized skin microvasculature injury, which also served to determine bleeding time. Generation of thrombin was delayed in atopies. They produced significantly less thrombin (P<0.01) during the early and central phase of haemostasis. The amount of thrombin generated was inversely correlated to bleeding time, which in atopies was on average 50 sec longer than in controls (P= 0.055). Two hours after ingestion of 500 mg aspirin, this difference increased up to 150 sec, although the individual responses varied markedly (P= 0.08), while the generation of thrombin became strongly depressed in both groups. The possible clinical relevance of the delayed formation of thrombin in atopy awaits further studies.
Exposure and sensitization to dust mite allergens among asthmatic children in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Authors: ARRUDA L. K. , RIZZO M. C. , CHAPMAN M. D. , FERNANDEZ‐CALDAS E. , BAGGTO D. , PLATTS‐MILLS T. A. E. , NASPITZ C. K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA group of 20 mite allergic asthmatic children aged 6‐12 years old. living in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was studied regarding their degree of sensitization to house dust mites and exposure to mite allergens in their homes. In 18 out of 20 houses at least one dust sample was obtained which contained > 10 μg Der p I/g of dust. The highest levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinm allergens, Der p I and Group II, were measured in bedding samples (geometric mean 38.4 and 36.6 μg/g, respectively), followed by bedroom floor, TV room and kitchen. Mite allergen levels in Brazilian houses were as high as those reported to be associated with sensitization and acute attacks of asthma in other parts of the world. In keeping with previous reports that D. farinae is rarely found in Brazil, Der fl was undetectable or found in very low levels (<0.5 μg/g). Levels of cat allergen Pel d I of > 8 μg/g of dust were obtained only in 2 houses only. Cockroach allergen Bia g I was detected in five out of 20 houses. Levels of IgE antibodies to D. pteronyssinus were > 200 RAST U/ml in 19 out of 20 children (geometric mean 1588 RAST U/ml). IgE antibodies to cat, cockroach, A. fumigatus, ragweed and rye grass pollens were undetectable or <80 RAST U/ml. IgE antibodies to the mite Blomia tropicalix were also measured, and levels >200 RAST U/ml were observed in 13 out of 20 sera. Immunoabsorption studies demonstrated that the bulk of the IgE‐ antibody to B. tropicafis (64%) was to species‐specific allergens and that 36% were cross‐reactive with D. pteronyssinus. The implication of our results is that management of children with asthma in São Paulo should include skin testing for allergy to both Dermatophagoides and B. tropicalis as well as recommendations about environmental control of house dust mite exposure.
Relationships of haptoglobin level to FEV1, wheezing, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and allergy
Authors: KAUFFMANN F. , FRETTE C. , ANNESI I. , ORYSZCZYN M.‐P. , DORE M.‐F. , NEUKIRCH F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe relationships of haptoglobin level to respiratory and allergic parameters have been assessed in an epidemiological study conducted in a working population surveyed twice 5 years apart. At the first survey conducted in 892 working men, haptoglobin level was significantly related to FEV1 (r=−0·18; P < 0·001) and smoking habits. After adjustment for smoking, a history of wheezing was significantly related to lower haptoglobin level, A second survey conducted in 304 men of the original sample 5 years later confirmed that haptoglobin was related to FEV1 (r=−0·21; P < 0·001) and that wheezing was significantly related to hypohaptoglobinaemia (lower decile; P= 0·04). Men who exhibited bronchial hyper‐responsiveness to methacholine had haptoglobin levels 0·35 g/1 higher than those who did not (P= 0·01), Haptoglobin level was unrelated to IgE level and skin prick tests. These results support the hypothesis of the role of inflammation in both lower lung function and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness. They suggest that some heterogeneity exists within subjects with a history of wheezing.
Larval exoantigens from ascarid nematodes are potent inducers of histamine release from human blood basophils
Authors: NIELSEN B. WINDELBORG , LIND P. , HANSEN B. , NANSEN P. , SCHIØTZ P. O. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryHistamine release (HR) from washed human blood cells after challenge with the excretory‐secretory antigens (ES) of the parasitic nematodes Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum was studied, employing a recently developed microfibre–based assay combined with hyperosmolar release media for maximal sensitivity.Blood samples were obtained from 30 patients suspected of parasite infection and 11 healthy volunteers serving as controls. Specific antibodies of IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 subclasses were determined by ELISA.Virtually no HR could be provoked by ES in the 11 controls. In contrast, HR was seen in 16 patients after challenge with T. canis ES and in II patients with A. suum ES. In the majority of these. HR was detectable after challenge with ES protein concentrations of less than 1 ng/ml. and the maximal HR obtained with ES was greater than that seen with optimal concentrations of anti‐IgE.The HR after ES antigen challenge correla ed with the amount of specific IgE in patient plasma, and coincided with the presence of specific IgGi and IgG4.
Factors confounding genetic linkage between atopy and chromosome 11q
Authors: MOFFATT M. F. , SHARP P. A. , FAUX J. A. , YOUNG R. P. , COOKSON W. O. C. M. , HOPKIN J. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe results of testing for linkage between atopy and the chromosome 11 marker D11S97 is shown for all the 723 subjects genotyped by us up to January 1992. Lod score estimations were confounded by the high population prevalence of atopy, maternal inheritance of atopy at the 11q locus, genetic heterogeneity, and excess of atopy in families not ascertained through a single proband. Affected sib‐pair analysis shows evidence for linkage which is not dependent on the definition of atopy or model specification. We suggest that presentation of sib‐pair data will be suitable for meta‐analysis of the different studies of genetic linkage and atopy.
Genetic analysis of atopy in three large kindreds: no evidence of linkage to D11S97
Authors: RICH S. S. , ROITMAN‐JOHNSON B. , GREENBERG B. , ROBERTS S. , BLUMENTHAL M. N. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBoth genetic and environmental influences have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic disease. A recent report suggested that a major gene providing susceptibility to atopy was transmitted in a pattern consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance and evidence was presented that places the disease locus near the D11S97 marker on human chromosome 11q. In this report, we present three large, highly characterized pedigrees in which atopy is transmitted in a pattern consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. Genotypes at the D11S97and HLA loci were evaluated using both lod score and sib pair methods of analysis. In these pedigrees, we reject close to moderate linkage (up to 10 cM) of atopy with both D11S97 and HLA.
Genetic analysis of the linkage between chromosome 11q and atopy
Authors: LYMPANY P. , WELSH K.I. , COCHRANE G. M. , KEMENY D. M. , LEE T. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPrevious work has suggested that there is a genetic predisposition for the development of both asthma and atopy. A recent study has also shown that there is a striking link between chromosome 11q and the IgE response underlying asthma and rhinitis. To further assess the linkage between chromosome 11q and atopy, we have studied nine families of two and, in many instances, three generations with the index case having asthma and/or atopy. Using two restriction fragment length polymorphism probes associated with the regions 11q12‐q13.2, namely PYGM and INT2, we have been unable to confirm a significant link between this region of chromosome 11q and atopy as defined by a positive skin‐prick test and or a raised specific IgE and/or a raised total IgE.
A research method to induce and examine a mild exacerbation of asthma by withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroid
Authors: GIBSON P. G. , WONG B. J. O. , HEPPERLE M. J. E. , KLINE P. A. , GIRGIS‐GABARDO A. , GUYATT G. , DOLOVICH J. , DENBURG J. A. , RAMSDALE E. H. , HARGREAVE F. E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThis study evaluated a research method to examine an exacerbation of asthma induced by corticosteroid withdrawal. Ten non‐smoking adult asthmatics who were stable on treatment with inhaled steroid underwent a graded reduction of the daily dose by 200 μg at weekly intervals until an exacerbation of symptoms occurred. A daily symptom, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and medication diary was kept. Weekly clinic visits were used to assess symptoms, spirometry, methacholine airway responsiveness (expressed as the provocative concentration to cause a fall in FEV1 of 20%, PC20), circulating eosinophils, basophils and their progenitors (Eo/B‐CFU), and sputum inflammatory cells. The laboratory tests were performed blind to the clinical details. Each subject developed an exacerbation of symptoms, on average at 16 (70–26) days after the onset of steroid reduction. This was accompanied by a deterioration in each of the objective measures. There was a fall in FEV1 by 320 ml (s.e.m. 9.5) and in PC20 from 0.8 to 0.43 mg/ml. Circulating eosinophils rose from 114 (24) × 103/ml to 227 (50) × 103/ml and Eo/B‐CFU rose from 31 (5.6) to 44(11.3)/106 cells. Sputum developed in five subjects and contained 36 (5.2)% eosinophils and 1.98 (0.21)% metachromatic cells (mast cells or basophils). The symptom diary and weekly questionaire were demonstrated to be valid and responsive to change. A deterioration indicated by the daily symptom score preceded changes in PEF. Treatment by an increase in steroid was followed by reversal of each of the changes. We conclude that this research method can safely produce and examine a mild exacerbation of asthma, and that an increase in airway inflammation is an early feature.