bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of precipitating antibodies to different extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus in a North American asthmatic population
Authors: MALO J.‐L. , PAQUIN R. , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThis study was carried out to find the prevalence of precipitin reactions in the sera of 200 North American asthmatic subjects. Precipitins were detected by the double diffusion technique using different extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus, including a reference ‘home produced’ extract and five commercial extracts from three different suppliers. In addition, antigenicity of these extracts was assessed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (XIE). Of the sera, 13.5% reacted to the reference extract and from 2.5 to 12% to the different commercial extracts; 22.5% of the sera reacted to at least one extract. No one serum reacted to all the extracts. Two of fifty‐one (4%) non‐atopic patients with a negative immediate prick test to A. fumigatus, six of eighty‐seven (6.9%) atopic patients with a negative immediate reaction to A. fumigatus, and thirty‐seven of sixty two (59%) atopic patients with a positive immediate reaction to A. fumigatus had precipitins to at least one of the extracts used, the skin tests being performed using the A. fumigatus reference extract. The prevalence of precipitin reactions bore a strong correlation with the antigenicity of the extracts by XIE. The same reference extract was also used for specific IgE measurements (Brompton extract, Malo & Paquin, 1979). It was found that patients with precipitins had significantly (P < 0.001) higher specific and total IgE values than patients without precipitins. In the group of patients with positive skin test, those with precipitins had significantly (P<0.05) higher specific IgE values than those without. The authors conclude that different extracts of A, fumigatus should be used to assess the presence of precipitins. The antigenicity of these extracts should also be assayed.
Bronchoalveolar macrophages in sarcoidosis and cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis
Authors: DU BOIS R. M. , TOWNSEND P. J. , COLE P. J. , HASLAM P. L. , TURNER‐WARWICK M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPrevious reports suggest that blood monocytes and tissue epithelioid cells in patients with sarcoidosis are‘activated’, but few studies have been undertaken on human alveolar macrophages. In the present study, bronchoulveolar lavage samples have been obtained from eighteen patients with sarcoidosis and these have been compared with twenty controls and twenty‐nine patients with non‐granulomatous chronic inflammatory interstitial lung disease (cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis). Assessment of the functional state of the macrophages was made by measurements of C3b receptor sites on the cell membrane, intra and extracellular lysosomal enzyme (β‐D‐glucosaminidase) and the degree of spreading of macrophages on glass.C3b receptor sites and intracellular levels of lysosomal enzyme were significantly reduced in sarcoidosis compared to controls; levels of extracellular enzyme in the lavage supernatant fluid and macrophage spreading were similar to controls. These features suggest that alveolar macrophages from patients with sarcoidosis are not “activated”. By contrast, in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. macrophages show a greater extracellular intracellular ratio of lysosomal enzyme and more spreading, suggestive of ‘activation’.
Oxatomide and exercise‐induced asthma in children: the value of serial exercise tests
Authors: SILVERMAN M. , TOOLEY MARION 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwo groups of eight asthmatic children carried out serial treadmill exercise tests at 2‐hourly intervals, after double‐blind premedication with oxatomide (2 mg/kg by mouth), sodium cromoglycate powder (20 mg by inhalation) or matched placebo preparations. The drugs were studied in one group up to 6 hr and in the other group (omitting sodium cromoglycate) from 4 to 10hr after administration. Peak expiratory flow rate was measured before and after exercise to give an index of exercise‐induced asthma.Oxatomide had a slight but significant bronchodilator effect. After a lag period of up to 4 hours, oxatomide exerted a significant protective effect against exercise‐induced asthma which lasted until at least 8 hr. At 10 hr after ingestion, the effect had gone. A mean maximum diminution of exercise‐induced asthma of 49% was found, in comparison with placebo.Oral oxatomide after a lag period, exerts a significant protective effect against exercise‐induced asthma. The relevance of these observations for the clinical management of asthma remains to be determined.
House dust mite counts in different types of mattresses, sheepskins and carpets, and a comparison of brushing and vacuuming collection methods
Authors: ABBOTT JANET , CAMERON JANE , TAYLOR B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryMite counts were compared in dust from three types of mattreses. Foam rubber mattresses appear preferable for mite sensitive atopic subjects; the surface of kapok mattresses averaged twice, and innerspring mattresses three times, the number of mites per square metre found on foam rubber mattresses (P < 0.01).Sheepskins used for infant bedding were also found to be heavily infested, harbouring as many mites per square metre as bedroom carpet.Mite collections are best made with vacuum sampling methods in preference to a brush and results are best expressed in mites/m2.
The possible role of aero‐allergens in the epidemic of asthma deaths
Authors: JENKINS P. F. , MULLINS J. , DAVIES B. H. , WILLIAMS D. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe ‘epidemic’ of asthma deaths observed m the mid 1960s remains unexplained; various aetiological factors having been suggested. We suggest that aero‐allergenic factors may have been important based on an analysis of aero‐allergens in Cardiff over a 17‐year period: a striking temporal association exists between the concentration of hyaline ascospores and increased asthma deaths. These spores, which are particularly prevalent in the summer months, have been inadequately studied as a cause of severe asthma.
Skin reactivity, basophil degranulation and IgE levels in ageing
Authors: SCHWARZENBACH H. R. , NAKAGAWA T. , CONROY M. C. , de WECK A. L. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySkin tests with histamine, the histamine‐liberator, codeine, and various allergens as well as blood basophil degranulation by anti‐IgE or anti‐IgG4 and total serum IgE levels have been studied in two female populations of different ages (average 23‐1 and 73‐9 years). All thirty‐one patients selected for this study were clinically non‐allergic.We observed a trend towards reduced skin reactions to histamine and codeine in the higher age‐group; on the other hand, we could not find any decrease of basophil degranulation as a sign of basophil impairment with age. Likewise no difference in total serum IgE levels have been noticed.No correlation between skin tests and basophil degranulation was observed; yet patients with isolated, positive skin tests to house dust and/or Candida albicans showed a statistically significant reduced blood basophil degranulation by anti‐IgE or anti‐IgG4.
Observations on high spontaneous release of histamine from leucocytes in vitro
Authors: MAY C. D. , REMIGIO LINDA 
Published: April 2006

SummaryClinical and laboratory observations are provided on high, spontaneous, in vitro histamine release (HSHR) from leucocytes (basophils), meaning without addition of antigen or other inducers of histamine release. HSHR has been observed predominantly in persons with a high degree of reaginic sensitivity to food; the leucocytes of forty‐eight of fifty‐eight individuals (83%), who had positive reactions to foods in double‐blind challenges, exhibited HSHR. HSHR resembles antigenic release in a wide variety of characteristics. HSHR does not occur in vivo but only in vitro after compaction of leucocytes by centrifugation at room temperature. An indispensible requirement for HSHR to occur appears to be a high degree of reaginic sensitization.
Cow's milk allergy and eczema: patterns of the antibody response to cow's milk in allergic skin disease
Authors: FIRER M. A. , HOSKING C. S. , HILL D. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe pattern of the humoral‐immune response to cow's milk was examined in children with eczema and in children who had acute urticarial and/or angioedematous reactions to cow's milk. Each patient group was compared to a group of age‐matched controls.Whereas the eczematous patients had significantly elevated IgG, IgA and IgE milk‐antibodies, patients, allergic to cow's milk, had elevated IgE milk‐antibodies. These differences in the pattern of antibody response to cow's milk suggests that these two patient groups constitute separate allergic populations, and that different pathogenic mechanisms may be operative in these two skin diseases associated with elevated levels of IgE antibodies to cow's milk.
Double‐blind trials of inhaled beclomethasone diproprionate and fluocortin butyl ester in allergen‐induced immediate and late asthmatic reactions
Authors: BURGE P. S. , EFTHIMIOU J. , TURNER‐WARWICK MARGARET , NELMES P. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe blocking effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and fluocortin butyl ester (FCB) on the immediate and late asthmatic reactions induced by inhaled allergen were studied in two trials. In the first, a double‐blind cross‐over trial compared BDP (800 μg daily as powder) with FCB 8 mg daily (1:20 by wt.‐Formulation 1). The second trial was identical in design and compared FCB 8 mg daily (1:20) with FCB 8 mg daily as Formulation 2 (1:40). Known BDP, 400 μg daily by pressurized aerosol was studied at the end of the second trial.Allergen provocation was performed before and after 7 days treatment with each drug, with a 2‐week interval between each drug.Overall, a blocking index for the immediate reaction of greater than 50% was obtained in ten of twenty patients (50%) using BDP, and five of twenty‐one (25%) using FCB (P < 0‐01). The late reaction was blocked in nine of eleven (82%) instances on BDP, and four of fourteen (33%) on FCB.Contrary to earlier reports, inhaled corticosteroid agents used for several days prior to bronchial challenge, were found to block both the immediate as well as the late‐reaction in many individuals.
Studies on serum complement and IgE in bronchial asthma
Authors: SRIVASTAVA NALINI , SRIVASTAVA L. M. , GUPTA S. P. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySerum levels of the third component of complement (C3) were significantly lower in patients with perennial asthma and also in patients with the longer duration of the disease. No change in C3‐proactivator (C3PA) and CH50 levels was observed in asthma patients. Significantly raised C4 levels were observed in the patients with late onset asthma.Raised serum IgE levels were found in all the three groups of asthma patients studied (depending on age of onset, duration and periodicity of the disease) above the control group. Within a group no difference was found with the duration or periodicity of the disease. However, low IgE levels were observed in patients with late onset asthma as compared to early onset asthma patients but this difference was not statistically significant.
Effect of calcium antagonists on allergen‐induced asthma
Authors: SO S. Y. , LAM W. K. , YU D. Y. C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe protective effect of inhaled verapamil (estimated dose 2‐4 mg) and sub‐lingual nifedipine (20 mg) against allergen‐induced asthma were each assessed by the administration of calcium antagonists 30 min before bronchial provocation tests using Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extracts on eight young perennial asthmatics. Neither drug changed the basal forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or the provocation dose of allergen required to cause a 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20 FEV1). That calcium antagonists are ineffective in preventing allergen‐induced asthma suggest indirectly that mechanism other than mediator release from mast cells may also be involved.
Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty‐three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant ‘proteolytic effects of airborne papain’
Authors: BAUR X. , KÖNIG G. , BENCZE K. , FRUHMANN G. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySeventeen out of thirty‐three workers who have been exposed to airborne papain at their place of work regularly developed asthmatic symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, rhinorrhea and conjuctival irritation upon contact with this proteolytic enzyme. Investigations by RAST, skin test and bronchial provocation test proved IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to papain in fourteen symptomatic workers. Ten of these were in a screening investigation involving twenty‐nine of the thirty‐three workers; i.e. the incidence of IgE‐mediated sensitization was 34.5%, of this group. Bronchial provocation of as little as 0.001–0.5 mg of papain was shown to elicit immediate or dual asthmatic reactions in all eight tested workers with RAST values > 3 u/ml. On the other hand, inhalation of 0.5 mg of papain did not cause any remarkable change in non‐exposed asthmatics. Occupation‐related blood‐stained nasal secretions and/or cutaneous flare reactions in all four heavily‐exposed papain workers, of whom three had negative skin test and RAST results, suggest a direct effect of the proteolytically active enzyme on human tissue.There was a significant elevation (P < 0.001) of serum trypsin inhibitory capacity in papain workers which seems to depend on the degree of exposure. No significant differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic workers in α1‐antitrypsin (Pi) phenotype subtypes were found.
Immunoglobulin E antibodies to ingested cereal flour components: studies with sera from subjects with asthma and eczema
Authors: SUTTON R. , HILL D. J. , BALDO B. A. , WRIGLEY C. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe specificity of immunoglobulin E for different cereal grain proteins was investigated using sera from twenty paedialric patients with asthma and/or eczema. Close correlations were observed between radioallergosorbent test values for grain extracts of wheat, rye and barley, and, to a lesser extent, oats. Of the different wheat flour fractions tested, the globulins and glutenins consistently bound higher levels of IgE than the gliadins and albumins. This is in contrast both with bakers' asthma (an allergy to inhaled flour where the albumins are important allergens) and with coeliac disease (in which gliadin is the most toxic fraction). Partial digestion of the flour proteins largely removed their ability to bind IgE, An analytical technique of identifying allergens after gel isoelectric focusing demonstrated that many different flour proteins were involved.
Diagnosis of penicillin allergy
Authors: LEVACHER M. , ROUVEIX B. , BADENOCH‐JONES P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA study was made to establish the value of the leucocyte aggregation test (LAT) in drug allergy using penicillin antigen. The antigen‐induced human peripheral blood leucocyte aggregation was measured quantitatively. The results obtained have been compared with the leucocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) in patients with or without delayed penicillin allergy. Among forty‐four penicillin‐allergic subjects and thirty‐six control subjects, LAT was found positive in respectively 70.5 and 30.5% (P < 0.001) whereas LMIT was found positive in respectively 56.8 and 50% of the patients. These results were confirmed by multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), using a computer. Furthermore, this method, enables a more comprehensive and reliable interpretation of the tests, by the help of various quantitative and qualitative criteria.It is concluded that LAT shows more discrimination than the LMIT in distinguishing a penicillin‐allergic population from a non‐allergic one. In addition, LAT offers great technical advantages over the LMIT for the diagnosis of drug allergy.
A comparison of the Phadebas® and Phadezym® IgE paper immunosorbent test kits
Authors: ORMONROYD P. , ROBERTSHAW D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe Phadebas (isotype label) and Phadezym (enzyme label) paper immunosorbent test kits have been compared. Precision and ease of operation are shown to be comparable for both kits, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are similar. The enzymatic labelled kit seems to provide a suitable alternative for laboratories wishing to measure IgE but who do not have isotope‐counting facilities available.
An in vitro study of lymphocytes in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: VALVERDE E. , VICH J. M. , HUGUET J. , GARCÍA‐CALDERÓN J. V. , GARCÍA‐CALDERÓN P. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe authors studied the T‐ and B‐lymphocyte sub‐populations, the stimulation of the lymphocytes with phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen, the non‐specific T suppressor activity and the amounts of serum IgE in a group of thirty‐four patients with atopic dermatitis. Comparison with a group of 100 healthy controls revealed a diminution in the T sub‐population, an increase in the B sub‐population, no change in the response index to stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin or pokeweed mitogen, a diminished T‐suppressor activity and an increase in the level of serum IgE.
The effect of inhaled verapamil on allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: PATEL K. R. , AL SHAMA M. R. , KERR J. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn eight patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma the effect of inhaled verapamil (3 and 6 mg) was compared with saline on bronchial challenge with extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. There was no significant difference in the baseline FEV1 before and after inhalation of saline or verapamil 2.5 mg/ml. However, verapamil at a higher concentration (5 mg/ml) caused bronchoconstriction in four patients who had to be excluded from the part of the study. Verapamil at both these concentrations failed to have an effect on the allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction. These findings suggest that verapamil given by inhalation does not prevent mediator release from the lung mast cells following specific allergen challenge.
Astemizole: a new long‐acting antihistamine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: WILSON J. D. , HILLAS J. L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAstemizole, a new long‐acting antihistamine, (H1 receptor antagonist), 10 mg taken once daily was found to be an effective prophylactic treatment for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in 75% (twelve from sixteen) of subjects in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. The success rate with placebo was < 20% (three from sixteen). There were two treatment failures in highly atopic individuals taking the active drug. The classic side effects of antihistamines, most notably sedation, were minimal and reflected in the control group. Two subjects reported weight gain: one of these noted an increase in appetite during the 6‐week trial period. Six of seven subjects who continued to take the drug for a longer period (up to 16 weeks) experienced marked weight gain: five of them reported an increase in appetile. Reactions to allergen skin tests were significantly reduced in patients taking astemizole.
A double‐blind comparison of ketotifen and disodium cromoglycate in atopic adult asthmatics
Authors: SEARS M. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe therapeutic effects of inhaled disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and orally administered ketotifen were compared in thirty atopic asthmatics aged 15‐34 years during a 22‐week double‐blind parallel group study. Ketotifen is a cycloheptathio‐phene with experimental antihistaminic, anti‐allergic and anti‐anaphylactic effects equal or superior to those of DSCG. During the first 6 weeks of treatment, mean airflow meter readings increased and bronchodilator use diminished in those receiving DSCG, but no improvement was seen in those given ketotifen. In the next 10 weeks. concomitant therapy was reduced in both groups, but this reduction was greater in the group receiving DSCG. No serious adverse effects occurred. Asthma worsened after abrupt discontinuation of DSCG but not ketotifen. Although a small number of patients may have benefited from ketotifen. its effect on asthma was not comparable with that of inhaled disodium cromoglycate.
Long‐term falls in antibodies to dust mite and pollen allergens in patients with asthma or hay fever
Authors: RAWLE F. C. , BURR M. L. , PLATTS‐MILLS T. A. E. 
Published: April 2006

Summary‘Spontaneous’ improvement in, or alteration of, allergic symptoms is a common occurrence, and the immunological basis is of interest in attempts to develop effective specific therapy. In the present study we measured levels of serum antibodies to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in patients diagnosed as having house‐dust‐allergic asthma up to 40 years previously. The results show a progressive fall in both IgG and IgE antibodies to antigen P1 and RAST binding lo crude D. pteronyssinus extract. By contrast changes in total serum IgE were not marked. Within each of the groups of patients diagnosed 20. 30 and 40 years previously, 70% no longer suffered severe symptoms. However, the absence of detectable IgE antibody in serum was neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for loss of symptoms. A group of patients who had spontaneously recovered from hay fever had significantly lower IgG and IgE antibody for the major grass pollen allergen Rye I and also lower total IgE than current hay fever sufferers. In neither hay fever nor asthma was there evidence to link spontaneous improvement in symptoms with an increase in IgG antibodies.
Studies of the allergens of Olea europea pollen
Authors: BLANCA M. , BOULTON P. , BROSTOFF J. , GONZALEZ‐REGUERA I. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAllergens of Olea eurupea have been prepared by isoelectrofocusing and tested by RAST, RAST inhibition and skin tests. The major allergen was found to be an acidic protein of pI 6, consisting of two polypeptide chains of molecular weight 15000 and 17000 daltons, possibly non‐covalently associated into a dimer. Most other allergens were acidic proteins, but basic proteins were also observed with allergenic activity. The RAST inhibition studies show a considerable degree of allergic cross‐reactivity between the isoelectrofocusing fractions.
Experience with an elimination diet in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: VAN ASPEREN P. P. , LEWIS M. , ROGERS M. , KEMP A. S. , THOMPSON S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn order to define possible food‐provoking factors, we placed twenty‐nine children with chronic atopic dermatitis on an elimination diet. The children remained on their normal diet for 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks on the elimination diet. Foods were then re‐introduced at the rate of a new one every 2 days in an attempt to identify foods exacerbating eczema. Thirteen children (45%) completed the elimination diet and seven of these were improved on parental assessment of sleeplessness, itchiness and area of eczema. Five were improved on the dermatologist's assessment. Only two children were able to identify foods provoking their eczema. Sixteen children (55%) failed to complete the elimination diet. Eight felt it was too strict, while eight did not return for follow‐up. From our experience, dietary manipulation in older children with chronic atopic dermatitis offers only limited long‐term therapeutic gains.