bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allergic reactions to the Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus: diagnostic evaluation by skin test and radioimmunoassay
Authors: GAUCI M. , LOH R. K. S. , STONE B. F. , THONG Y. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAllergic reactions to Ixodes holocyclus are well recognized but poorly defined. Tick‐bite reactions in 42 individuals in this study fell into six classes. Skin‐prick tests and radioimmunoassay (RIA) indicated that all systemic hypersensitivity (class 3) and atypical reactions (class 4) were IgE‐mediated. Some 73% of the large local reactions (class 2) and only 12.5% of the small local reactions (class 1) were associated with IgE specific for tick allergens. Subjects who reported heavy exposure to tick‐bite were more likely to have positive RIA values (P<0.05). There was an association between the individual's atopic status and tick allergy (P>0.05).
Nasal provocation with histamine in allergic rhinitis patients: clinical significance and reproducibility
Authors: VAN WIJK R. GERTH , MULDER P. G. H. , DIEGES P. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn a selected group of rhinitis patients (n= 12) with an IgE‐mediated allergy to house dust mites, the nasal response to insufflation of histamine chloride appeared to be related to symptom scores obtained from the patients. In contrast to the sum of the nasal airway resistances (NAR) induced by all doses of histamine, the total amount of secretion and total number of sneezes could be predicted from clinical scores. The reproducibility of the nasal provocation test was tested by comparison of the test results in two sessions with a 1‐week interval. The correlation between both sessions was highest with respect to nasal secretion (r=0.87; P<0.001) and the number of sneezes (r=0.76; P=0.004). The correlation coefficient was 0.71 (P=0.01) when the nasal airway resistance was used in the assessment of nasal response. A good reproducibility of the nasal provocation test was also obtained using an end‐point titration method and determining the concentration required to produce 0.5 ml secretion and/or five sneezes as the end‐point (r=0.76; P=0.004). The concentration required to double nasal airway resistance yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.56 (P=0.052). We conclude that the clinical significance of nasal provocation with histamine increases when, besides nasal airway resistance, the amount of secretion and the number of sneezes is used in the assessment of the nasal response. Moreover, the reproducibility is better with respect to these symptoms than to nasal airway resistance. With respect to a better reproducibility, the use of a summed nasal airway resistance is preferable above the end‐point concentration required for a 100% NAR increase.
Suppression of the late asthmatic reaction by hyposensitization in asthmatic children allergic to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)
Authors: VAN BEVER H. P. , STEVENS W. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn this study, we wanted to test the hypothesis that hyposensitization (HS) abrogates the late asthmatic reaction (LAR). We therefore selected 15 asthmatic children (subjects) sensitized to house dust mite (HDM), as proven by positive prick tests and/or specific IgE via the RAST. All children demonstrated a positive bronchial provocation test (BPT) to HDM; 14 showed a dual asthmatic reaction and one child showed an isolated LAR. All children were treated with anti‐asthmatic drugs and received HS. They were rechallenged after 1 yr of HS while their anti‐asthmatic medication was not changed, except for β‐agonists which were used only for relief of symptoms. Two BPTs, with a mean interval of 6.4 months, were also performed in eight asthmatic children (controls), who did not receive HS. In the controls, the same reaction pattern was observed during both BPTs. In the subjects, the LAR completely resolved in 5/15 after 1 yr of HS (P= 0.04). Furthermore, as a group, the subjects showed a less severe LAR after 1 yr of HS (expressed as mean fall of FEV1) (P < 0.0001). The PD20 of the immediate asthmatic reaction (IAR) was the same as before HS was started, but the IAR was also less severe after 1 yr of HS (expressed as mean fall of FEV1) (P= 0.028). From these observations it is concluded that, in asthmatic children, HS may resolve and/or reduce the severity of the LAR. Although the PD20 of the IAR is not changed, the severity of the IAR is also reduced after 1 yr of HS.
The relationship between exposure to rats and antibody production in man: IgG antibody levels to rat urinary protein
Authors: BOTHAM JANE W. , McCALL JANIE C. , TEASDALE E. L. , BOTHAM P. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAn ELISA procedure has been developed to measure specific IgG antibodies against rat urine. Using this method antibody levels in individuals with differing exposure levels to rats have been measured. Mean antibody titres in groups of workers regularly exposed to rats were higher than those in groups currently or totally non‐exposed. However, only in the group of workers exposed and sensitized to rats were IgG levels significantly elevated. Despite this significant difference in mean antibody titres there was considerable overlap between individuals in each group, and there was no direct relationship between exposure to rats and levels of IgG anti‐rat urine antibody. Our results suggest a stronger correlation between sensitization to rats and the levels of antigen‐specific IgG antibodies.
Evaluation of the conjunctival provocation test in allergy diagnosis
Authors: GARCÍA‐ORTEGA P. , COSTA B. , RICHART C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryConjunctival provocation tests (CPT) were performed in 65 respiratory allergic patients, 24 of them with a clinical history of allergic conjunctivitis and 41 who had never complained of allergic conjunctivitis, to assess the role of the conjunctiva as a target organ. The usefulness of CPT and RAST to identify symptom‐related and symptom‐unrelated allergen in 51 patients sensitized to two allergens but only symptomatic to one of them was also studied. Conjunctiva was found to react in a similar way to skin in patients with and without clinical conjunctivitis. CPT was positive for both symptom‐related and symptom‐unrelated allergens in 33 of the 51 pluri‐sensitized patients. Nevertheless, in the 18 patients showing positive CPT to only one allergen, agreement with clinical data was generally found. Thus CPT appears to be a useful test in the evaluation of atopic sensitization in patients reactive to a single allergen, but not in the identification of clinically relevant allergens in individuals who are skin or RAST positive to multiple agents.
The results of skin testing with food additives and the effect of an elimination diet in chronic and recurrent urticaria and recurrent angioedema
Authors: MALANIN G. , KALIMO KIRSTI 
Published: April 2006

SummaryNinety‐one subjects suffering from chronic or recurrent urticaria or recurrent angioedema of 2 months to 17 yr duration were skin‐prick and scratch tested with 18 various food additives. Twenty‐four of the subjects (26%) had at least one histamine equivalent skin test (ST) reaction. In contrast, only 24 (10%) of 247 non‐urticaria control subjects showed comparable results. An oral provocation test with food additives was carried out on 10 of the 24 ST‐positive subjects with urticaria or angioedema, but only one positive reaction, caused by benzoic acid, was recorded. All 91 subjects were advised to follow an additive‐free diet. The effect of the diet was investigated with a retrospective postal survey. Twenty‐three ST‐positive subjects returned the questionnaire, 18 had followed the diet, and 16 (89%) of these 18 had experienced marked relief of their symptoms. Correspondingly, 42 of the 47 ST‐negative subjects had followed the diet, and 17 (40%) had improved. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that skin tests with food additives can be used to measure skin hyperreactivity and that they may have a predictive value in identifying patients who will respond to an additive‐free diet.
The effects of terfenadine with and without alcohol on an aspect of car driving performance
Authors: BHATTI J. Z. , HINDMARCH I. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwelve healthy female volunteers received acute doses of terfenadine, 60 mg, 120 mg, 240 mg or placebo, followed by a ‘social’ dose of alcohol equivalent to 0.5 g absolute alcohol/kg body weight. Performance was assessed on laboratory analogues of car driving both before and after alcohol administration. Terfenadine (240 mg) was found to significantly impair performance alone and following alcohol. The results demonstrate the importance of establishing the behavioural effects of drugs over a range of doses.
Obstructive airways disease in non‐smoking subjects with pigeon fanciers' lung
Authors: BOURKE S. J. , CARTER R. , ANDERSON K. , BOYD J. , KING S. , DOUGLAS B. , BOYD G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe aim of the study was to assess the degree of airways involvement in non‐smoking subjects with extrinsic allergic alveolitis resulting from pigeon‐derived antigens. Two hundred and eight pigeon fanciers completed a questionnaire of symptoms, performed spirometry on a Vitalograph Compact spirometer and had IgG antibody to pigeon γ‐globulin measured. Eighty fanciers had the acute form of pigeon fanciers' lung (PFL) and these subjects were less likely to be current smokers (P <0.001). Subjects with PFL had a higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis (P <0.001), large airways (P= 0.014) and peripheral airways obstruction (P <0.001). The prevalence of chronic bronchitis and peripheral airways obstruction increased significantly as the level of antibody to pigeon γ‐globulin rose. Peripheral airways obstruction, as manifest by a reduced FEF25–75%, was the most common abnormality found. Airways disease is an important feature of the acute form of PFL and consists of a hypersecretory disorder in the form of chronic bronchitis and of obstructive airways disease particularly affecting the peripheral airways.
Diagnosis of occupational asthma
Authors: Burge P. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAccurate diagnosis of occupational asthma takes time, enthusiasm and a particular knowledge of the work situation, as well as expertise in the use of diagnostic procedures. The prognosis of patients with occupational asthma is probably improved by removing them from the responsible agent as soon as possible after sensitization occurs. However, it is much easier to make the diagnosis while the worker is still exposed to the cause of the problem. Early referral for expert investigation is therefore important.
New H1‐receptor antagonists: clinical pharmacology
Authors: SIMONS F. ESTELLE R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe non‐sedating, second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonists such as terfenadine, astemizole, loratadine and cetirizine differ considerably from each other in their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. They are generally well absorbed when administered orally. They have extremely variable serum elimination half‐life values. The maximum antihistaminic effect of these medications occurs several hours later than peak serum concentrations do. The duration of the antihistaminic effect is much longer than would be predicted from the serum elimination half‐life values. The relative incidence of anticholinergic and central nervous system adverse effects caused by these medications is similar to that produced by placebo. The introduction of the second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonists represents a major advance in symptomatic therapy of allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Does the clinical experience with non‐sedating H1‐antagonists justify a reassessment of antihistamines in allergy treatment?
Authors: DE WECK A. L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAlthough antihistamines were usually considered as ineffective in asthma, the appearance of new more potent anti‐H1‐antagonists with no or less side‐effects leads to a reassessment of their use. Although mediators and mechanisms other than histamine are involved in natural or provoked reactions to allergens in the skin, the nose or the lungs, the new anti‐H1‐antagonists have been shown to be effective. For some of these drugs, the effect may go beyond a mere H1‐receptor blockade and involve impairment of mediator release from mast cells and/or an inhibiting effect on other cell types (e.g. eosinophils) implicated in the late‐phase reactions. Quantitative kinetics evaluation of late‐phase reactions in the skin and of their inhibition by anti‐allergic drugs will be helped considerably by the development of telethermography, a new skin evaluation technique.
Bronchial asthma is not associated with auto‐antibodies to lipocortin‐1
Authors: WILKINSON J. R. W. , PODGORSKI M. R. , GODOLPHIN J. L. , GOULDING N. J. , LEE T. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryCorticosteroids may mediate some of their anti‐inflammatory action by the induction of lipocortin‐1, which inhibits phospholipase A2 activity. Raised levels of antibodies to lipocortin have been found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and it has been postulated that these may contribute to steroid resistance. A proportion of asthmatic patients fail to respond to treatment with corticosteroids and one possible mechanism is that these patients have raised levels of anti‐lipocortin antibodies. We have therefore measured IgG and IgM antibodies to lipocortin by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in eight corticosteroid‐sensitive (CS) and 7 corticosteroid‐resistant (CR) asthmatic subjects, and in eight normal controls. Comparison of asthmatic subjects with normal controls revealed no significant differences in either IgG or IgM antibodies to lipocortin. Comparison of CS asthmatic subjects with CR asthmatic subjects similarly revealed no significant differences in the concentration of either IgG or IgM antibodies to lipocortin. Levels of anti‐lipocortin antibodies did not correlate with clinical response to treatment with 40 mg/day of prednisolone. Anti‐lipocortin antibodies are unlikely to be involved in the inflammation seen in asthma, or in the relative insensitivity to corticosteroids seen in CR asthmatic subjects.
Does reversed‐type anaphylaxis in healthy subjects mimic a real allergic reaction?
Authors: HENOCQ E. , RIHOUX J.‐P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryImmediate and late cutaneous reactions were induced in healthy and atopic subjects by anti‐IgE challenge and a skin‐window technique was used in order to verify if the pattern of cells observed at 24 hr was similar in both groups. The study was first performed under basal conditions, and in a second double‐blind cross‐over step, it was performed again during treatment with cetirizine 10 mg b.i.d. and terfenadine 60 mg b.i.d. Anti‐IgE challenge was followed by a significant eosinophil accumulation in atopic subjects only. Cetirizine significantly inhibited this phenomenon while terfenadine showed a mild nonsignificant inhibitory effect.
Short‐term decrease of skin‐test sensitivity after rush desensitization in Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity
Authors: TSICOPOULOS ANNE , TONNEL A. B. , WALLAERT B. , RAMON Ph. , JOSEPH M. , CAPRON A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThirty‐seven patients with a history of systemic anaphylactic stings were desensitized by the rush method. Patients were evaluated by skin testing twice, before and 6 weeks after desensitization. An additional control group of 10 patients, not yet desensitized, were tested for skin test technique reproducibility at 6‐week intervals. Results were compared with IgE and IgG antibody levels, and with platelet reactivity towards specific Hymenoptera venom. Before desensitization, the maximum skin‐test sensitivity was observed at 10−5μg venom/ml in 56% of patients and decreased to 10−1μg venom/ml after desensitization (48·6% of patients). Decrease of cutaneous tests was observed in 28/37 patients (75%) (P < 0·001) and was not associated with significant variations of specific IgE or IgG antibody levels, but was correlated with the decrease of platelet reactivity (P < 0·05). Conversely, variations of skin‐test sensitivity in the control group was not significant.
House dust mite sensitivity: a comparison of immune response with exposure to four species of Pyroglyphidae
Authors: YOUNG R. P. , HART B. J. , FAUX J. A. , HOPKIN J. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwenty‐five atopic children under 11 years of age were studied, using skin and RAST tests, for their specific IgE response to four species of pyroglyphid house dust mites, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, D. microceras and Euroglyphus maynei. All of the children were sensitive to D. pteronyssinus, 20 (80%) of these children were also sensitive to D. farinae and D. microceras, and 16 of the latter (64%) were also sensitive to E. maynei. Dust samples from various sites in the homes of the children revealed D. pteronyssinus in all homes studied but no D. farinae or D. microceras. E. maynei, although identified, was not present in significant numbers in any site. A control group of 20 atopic children of similar age who were not sensitive to house dust mite allergens had a similar exposure to the four mite species. These results suggest that factors in addition to mite exposure are important in the development of specific IgE responses to house dust mites.
Complexes of grass pollen allergens and specific antibodies reduce allergic symptoms and inhibit the seasonal increase of IgE antibody
Authors: MACHIELS J. J. , BUCHE M. , SOMVILLE M. A. , JACQUEMIN M. G. , SAINT‐REMY J. M. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryComplexes made from antigen and specific antibodies have been used to suppress specific antibody production. This property is of potential therapeutic interest in immediate hypersensitivily states which are characterized by hyperproduction of IgE antibodies. We report here on the use of antigen‐antibody complexes in patients with hypersensitivity to grass pollen. Specific anti‐allergen antibodies were prepared by immunoadsorption from the serum of hypersensitive individuals and mixed with grass pollen allergens to form complexes in antibody excess. These complexes were used in a strictly autologous manner for inoculating patients prior to and during a pollen season. The study comprised two randomly defined groups of 15 patients who were inoculated intradermally either with a preparation of allergen‐antibody complexes or with the carrier buffer, according to a double‐blind protocol. Diary cards were used to follow nasal and ocular symptoms, bronchial asthma and medication intake. Specific IgE antibodies were assayed during the trial and 1 year afterwards.Inoculation of allergen‐autologous antibody complexes was well tolerated. It significantly reduced ocular symptoms (Mann‐Whitney U‐test, P < 0·05), bronchial asthma during the first part of the season (Mann‐Whitney U‐test, P < 0·001) and drug intake (Mann‐Whitney U‐test, P < 0·001). This treatment prevented the seasonal increase in specific IgE antibodies, whose production continued to decrease after the pollen season. These effects were obtained within a few weeks of treatment, using a cumulative amount of allergen 100‐fold lower than the amount which would have been used for a conventional hyposensitization.Inoculation of allergen‐antibody complexes might prove to be a valuable alternative for the treatment of immediate hypersensitivity.
Serial immunological investigations in a patient who had a life‐threatening reaction to intravenous protamine
Authors: WEISS M. E. , CHATHAM F. , KAGEY‐SOBOTKA ANNE , ADKINSON N. F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryReactions to intravenous protamine include rash, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension. and/or pulmonary artery pressure elevation. We have previously shown that in diabetic patients receiving daily protamine insulin injeetions, the presence of anti‐protamine IgE or IgG antibodies are significant risk factors for acute, life‐threatening reactions when protamine is given intravenously. To study protamine reactions further, we measured serum anti‐protamine IgE and IgG antibody levels, in‐vitro basophil histamine release and intracutaneous skin testing to protamine serially in an NPH‐insulin dependent diabetic who had a severe, protracted anaphlactic reaction to protamine. At the time of his protamine reaction, his serum contained 8·5 ng/ml of anti‐protamine IgE and 1·3 μg/ml of anti‐protamine IgG antibody. One month following the reaction both anti‐protamine IgE and IgG increased to 16 ng/ml (twofold rise) and 90·5 μg/ml (70‐fold rise), respectively. With time, both anti‐protamine IgE and IgG antibody declined. Serial intradermal skin tests using protamine sulphate did not discriminate between the protamine reactor and nine normal control subjects who had no prior exposure nor any demonstrable serum IgE antibody to protamine. In‐vitro basophil histamine release to protamine sulphate was inconclusive in discriminating between the protamine reactor and normal control subjects. We postulate that protamine may be an incomplete or univalent antigen that must first combine with a tissue macromolecule or possibly heparin to become a complete multivalent antigen capable of eliciting IgE antibody‐dependent mediator release.
Recurrent urticaria and reduced diamine oxidase activity
Authors: LESSOF M. H. , GANT V. , HINUMA K. , MURPHY G. M. , DOWLING R. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAn abnormal metabolism of histamine has been suspected in urticaria and the role of diamine oxidase (DAO; histaminase) is therefore of interest. We have studied DAO activity in plasma and jejunal biopsy material and have measured the post‐heparin DAO release in 11 control subjects and nine with recurrent urticaria, three of whom had had concurrent episodes of abdominal pain. Two of the nine urticaria subjects had only a minimal rise in plasma DAO activity after heparin, three had a response which was at the lower end of the normal range, and four were normal. In four out of five cases in which jejunal biopsy activity was obtained, there was concordance between mucosal DAO activity and the post‐heparin plasma DAO response. Those with abdominal symptoms had abnormally low mucosal DAO activity and the subject who was most severely affected had proven episodes of small bowel oedema.
Platelet activating factor does not release histamine from human dispersed cutaneous mast cells
Authors: THOMAS G. , CHURCH M. K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryHistamine H1‐antagonists inhibit the weal‐and‐flare responses to the intradermal injection of platelet activating factor (PAF) in humans, and PAF response is reduced in histamine‐depleted skin sites. This indicates that mast cell histamine release is likely to be the mechanism of this response. We have therefore studied the interaction of PAF with cutaneous mast cells by observing whether it releases histamine directly from human dispersed foreskin mast cells, potentiates the activity of known mast cell stimulants or liberates histamine releasing factors (HRFs) from human platelets and leucocytes to release mast cell histamine by an indirect mechanism. At a concentration of 100 μM both PAF C18 and PAF C16 caused near maximal release (83·5±4·3% and 88·2 ± 4·5% respectively) of the total histamine content of the cell. This release was not inhibited in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, by the lack of metabolic energy or in the presence of the PAF antagonists WEB 2086 (100 nM‐3μM) or BN 52021 (100 nM–10 μM). These results indicate a cytotoxic mechanism of histamine release by PAF 100 μM. PAF (10nM–1 μM) failed to potentiate the mast cell‐stimulating activity of anti‐IgE, calcium ionophore A23187 or substance P and it did not induce the release of HRFs for skin mast cells when incubated with platelets and leucocytes in concentrations up to 1 μM.