bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allergy in the Mediterranean area I. Pollen counts and pollinosis of Montpellier
Authors: BOUSQUET J. , COUR P. , GUERIN B. , MICHEL F. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe climatic conditions of the Mediterranean area results in vegetation and pollen very different from that of the other parts of Europe. The pollen content of the atmosphere of Montpellier, southern France, was examined using a filter sampler which was shown to be more efficient than most of the current devices for air sampling. Pollen counts were subsequently compared with pollinosis of patients born and living in and around Montpellier. The mean annual pollen counts showed that grass pollens and Cupressaceae pollens (cypress and juniper) are the highest. Some Mediterranean pollens (Oleaceae, London plane, Parietaria) are also important. Plantain and oak pollens are also present in relatively large amounts.Grass pollen allergy was found to be present in 86.5% of pollen‐allergic patients. It was followed by plantain, Parietaria, Oleaceae, London plane and Cupressaceae pollens which were allergenic in 13‐36% of pollen‐allergic patients. Oak and pine pollens were present in large quantities in the counts but few persons were sensitive to oak and none to pine. By contrast, some patients had positive skin tests to alfalfa, red clover, acacia and lime tree pollens though these pollens were almost absent from the counts. In a few cases local sources of these pollens could account for the positive skin tests but cross‐sensitivities could also occur. In summary, pollinosis of the Northern Mediterranean area is intermediate between the southern part of the area and the other parts of Europe.
Rush venom immunotherapy: a 3‐day programme for hymenoptera sting allergy
Authors: NATAF P. , GUINNEPAIN M. T. , HERMAN D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn a series of 102 patients consulting for allergic reactions following hymenoptera sting, fifty‐two of them, who had experienced one or more severe systemic adverse reactions were selected for rush immunotherapy.The method employed made it possible to attain the maintenance dose of 100 μg of venom in 3 days. Patient tolerance was excellent, no serious side‐effect was observed; immunotherapy never had to be stopped. Clinical effectiveness seems to be very satisfactory, since no abnormal reaction was reported in seven patients who later were spontaneously stung, and in fourteen patients who received an induced insect sting. The level of IgG antivenom antibodies rose regularly from the first month onwards to remain at a stable level.Because of its safety and effectiveness, it appears that this method should be recommended for immunotherapy in patients who are allergic to hymenoptera stings.
Decreased haptoglobin levels in respiratory allergy
Authors: PIESSENS M. F. , MARIEN G. , STEVENS E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAs unusually high frequency of decreased haptoglobin levels in patients with asthma and/or rhinitis is described. The condition is significantly associated with haptoglobin 2‐2 phenotype. Decreased haptoglobin levels are more frequently associated with young age, atopic antecedents, positive skin tests for pollens, higher IgE and higher RAST activity for pollens and housedust mite.Whether the association of decreased haptoglobin levels and IgE‐mediated. respiratory disease has a physiopathological significance or is solely the expression of a common genetic determinate remains to be investigated.
Late response in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: HORN C. R. , JONES R. M , LEE D. , BRENNAN S. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEight subjects induced bronchospasm by free‐range running. Four of these demonstrated a hue response at 5‐6 hr after exercise. When compared lo the other group of four subjects, who also developed an early response but no late response, the difference in FEV1 at 5‐6 hr was highly statistically significant. Although the phenomenon is not universally manifest it should no longer be held that there is no late response in exercise‐induced asthma.
Bee keepers' IgG and IgE antibody responses to bee venom studied by means of crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis
Authors: NORDVALL S. L. , UHLIN T. , EINARSSON R. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , ÖHMAN S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe immune response to honey bee venom in thirty‐seven bee keepers' sera was studied by several methods. Specific IgE antibody levels studied by RAST were generally low, whereas specific IgG antibody levels studied by a Sepharose protein A technique were high. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis was applied for a detailed analysis of the antibody specificities towards the different components of venom in seventeen of the bee keepers' sera. Significant amounts of IgG antibodies were found towards most bee‐venom components. The highest IgG response was directed towards phospholipase A. Hyaluronidase, acid phosphatase and two uncharacterized antigens also showed distinct IgG binding. The IgG binding to melittin was low. The IgE binding to the bee venom components was low and primarily directed to the phospholipase. IgE binding to hyaluronidase and acid phosphatase occurred, but was also in very small amounts. One bee‐keeper serum caused heavy radiostaining to melittin but the others did not show IgE binding to this component.Thus a low IgE but a high IgG response was demonstrated in bee keepers. The major immunogen was phospholipase A. which is known to be the major allergen in bee venom. Generally, the strongest IgG responses were found to the components capable of inducing the strongest IgE responses.
Cutaneous reactions to captopril
Authors: J.SMIT A. , LAAN S. VANDER , DE MONCHY J. , KALLENBERG C. G. M. , DONKER A. L M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryCutaneous reactions associated with captopril treatment occurred in fifteen out of eighty‐nine patients (17%). Dose reduction invariably led to improvement of the reaction but later recurrences were frequent (six patients). In four out of the fifteen patients captopril withdrawal ultimately was necessary. Skin tests and in vitro lymphocyte transformation tests with captopril were performed in these fifteen patients and also in nine captopril‐treated control patients without adverse reactions.Positive epicutaneous skin tests were observed in five out of the fifteen patients including the four in whom captopril had to be withdrawn, but in none of the controls. Intracutaneous skin tests were positive in ten of the patients with cutaneous reactions and in two control patients. Captopril‐induced in vitro lymphocyte transformation occurred in most patients with cutaneous reactions whereas in control patients captopril suppressed the in vitro lymphocyte proliferative response. Skin biopsies revealed histologic changes consistent with lymphocytic vasculitis.We conclude that epicutaneous skin tests with captopril are helpful in predicting the necessity of captopril withdrawal.
Canary fancier's lung
Authors: SUTTON P. P. , PEARSON A. , BOIS R. M. DU 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA 54‐year‐old man presented with features consistent with extrinsic allergic alveolitis occurring after contact with his pet birds. Screening of the serum for avian precipitating antibody was negative but canary precipitins were present. Extrinsic allergic alveolitis to his pet canaries was confirmed by inhalation challenge.
Specific IgE antibodies in twenty‐eight workers with diisocyanate‐induced bronchial asthma
Authors: PEZZINI ANGELA , RIVIERA ANNAPIA , PAGGIARO PIERLUIGI , SPIAZZI ANNALISA , GEROSA FRANCA , FILIERI MARCELLA , TOMA GIOVANNI , TRIDENTE GIUSEPPE 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA specific IgE‐mediated response was evaluated in twenty‐eight workers exposed to TDI or MDI, with diagnosis of occupational asthma and positive to bronchial provocative challenge. The presence of anti‐diisocyanate IgE was observed in 27% of subjects exposed to TDI and 83% of those exposed to MDI, particularly in individuals who experienced an acute massive exposure. An immediate‐type response to bronchial provocative test was found in 66% of individuals with specific antibodies. Specific IgE are prevalent (91%) in subjects who developed symptoms before 6 years of exposure to isocyanates. The results suggest an association between the presence of specific IgE, early asthmatic symptoms and heavy episodic exposure.
Follow‐up study of patients with respiratory disease due to toluene diisocyanate (TDI)
Authors: PAGGIARO P. L. , LOI A. M. , ROSSI O. , FERRANTE B. , PARDI F. , ROSELLI M. G. , BASCHIERI L 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe outcome of the respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was studied in forty‐seven workers with respiratory disease due to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) (twenty‐seven asthmatic and twenty non‐asthmatic subjects) after about 2 years from the first examination. Eight of twelve asthmatic subjects who left the industry after the first examination complained at the follow‐up of dyspnoea and wheezing, but pulmonary function tests were unchanged; bronchial hyperresponsiveness decreased in three, but most were still positive to challenge test with bethanechol at the follow‐up. Fifteen subjects who continued their exposure to TDI showed at the follow‐up a significant decrease of the spirometric parameters and an increase of the bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis were more frequent at the second examination. Non‐asthmatic subjects, both exposed and non‐exposed to TDI at the second examination, showed a significant decrease of the pulmonary function tests but no relevant changes in bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Our data suggest that stopping occupational exposure to TDI frequently did not produce an improvement of the TDI bronchial asthma, and persistence of the occupational exposure causes a more rapid decline in the respiratory function.
Clinical significance of circulating immune complexes in ‘lone’ cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and those with associated connective tissue disorders
Authors: MARTINET YVES , HASLAM PATRICIA L. , TURNER‐WARWICK MARGARET 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe clinical, radiographic and physiological features, and progression rates of forty unselected patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA) have been studied in relation to serum immune complexes measured by a C1q binding technique. Twenty (50%) had levels greater than normal. Those with associated connective tissue disorders (twenty‐four) had a higher frequency of raised C1q binding than those with ‘lone’ CFA (sixteen) (63% compared to 31%). As observed previously in this group, those with associated disorders also had higher titres of immune complexes. Twelve of thirteen with polyarthritis had immune complexes and a considerably shorter duration of disease compared with those without joint symptoms (P<0.0l).Several other observations suggest that immune complexes are especially associated with earlier disease. These include a trend towards a younger age and a lesser radiographic profusion score; a shorter duration of symptoms in relation to titres of immune complexes amongst those with raised values (P<0.05) and a higher transfer factor coefficient (Kco) (P< 0.02). The relationship between Kco and the presence of immune complexes was still observed when those with ‘lone’ CKA were analysed separately.Other clinical features including sex. severity of dyspnoea and lung volumes did not distinguish those with and without complexes, either for the whole group of patients or when those with and without associated connective tissue disorders were analysed separately.Analysis of eighteen patients followed to death showed no correlation between length of survival from first symptoms and immune complexes, neither was there any clear association with corticosteroid responsiveness and immune complexes.These studies suggest that measurement of serum C1q binding does not contribute substantially to the management of individual patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.
Evaluation of the human basophil degranulation test using the commercially available Baso‐kit as a test of immediate‐type hypersensitivity in hay‐fever sufferers
Authors: LAIWAH A. C. YEUNG , PATEL K. R. , SEENAN A. K. , GALLOWAY E. , MCCULLOCH W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe basophil degranulation test (BDT) has failed to gain popular acceptance as a test of immediate‐type hypersensitivity since its introduction in clinical medicine in 1961. Recent modification of this technique, however, seemed to have increased its reliability. We have studied a group of twenty‐five hay‐fever sufferers and a similar age‐and sex‐matched group of healthy controls to compare the sensitivity of a newly available commercial BDT kit (Baso‐kit, Laboratoire des Stallergenes) with specific serum IgE levels and skin‐prick tests to meadow‐grass pollen. A quantitative correlation was found between the positive BDT (> 30% degranulation) and the skin tests, whereas only a qualitative relationship was obtained with specific IgE concentrations. The BDT also identified two subpopulations of responders and non‐responders among a third group of hay‐fever subjects who had previously been hyposensitized to mixed grass pollen. We conclude that the modified BDT provides a worthwhile addition to the in vitro testing of immediate‐type hypersensitivity states.
Effects of ergometrine on airway smooth muscle contractile responses
Authors: LOUIE S. , KRZANOWSKI J. J. , BUKANTZ S. C , LOCKF.Y R. F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA 26‐year‐old asthmatic female developed severe asthma within a few hours of receiving three oral doses of 0.4 mg ergometrine maleate for the control of postpartum haemorrhaging. This experience and two previous reports of bronchospasm in asthmatic subjects following ergometrine suggested that ergometrine altered airway smooth muscle tone.In the present investigation the effect of ergometrine was studied on canine tracheal smooth muscle strips. Ergometrine (10−9m 10 −8m) induced contraction of canine tracheal smooth muscle. The concentration causing 50% of maximal contraction (EC50) was 4.73 × 10−8M. The acetylcholine EC50 was not altered by ergometrine (10−9M or 10−8M); however, acetylcholine (10 −4m and 10−3m) induced contractions were enhanced by ergometrine (10−8m). The data suggest that ergometrine maleate may cause broncho‐constriction in some patients with asthma.
IgE and IgG4 antibodies to bovine milk fat globule membrane in atopic eczema patients: a study of their occurrence, relevance and antigenic specificity
Authors: SHAKIB F. , BROWN H. MORROW , REDHEAD R. , PHELPS A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIgE and IgG4 antibodies to bovine milk fat globule membrane (FGM) were measured in atopic eczema patients to determine whether their presence would account for allergy to milk in cases where whole or individual milk protein‐specific antibodies are not detectable. The study demonstrates that the measurements of IgE and IgG4 antibodies to FGM do not offer any additional diagnostic value in milk exacerbated cases of atopic eczema. Furthermore, cross‐inhibition studies with four milk proteins showed that these FGM‐reactive IgE and IgG4 antibodies are directed against α‐casein.
Bronchial allergy in cystic fibrosis
Authors: WÖNNE R. , HOFMANN D. , POSSELT H.‐G. , STÖVER B. , BENDER S. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThirty‐one patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) were thoroughly evaluated for allergy. This included a clinical history, skin tests with twenty‐three allergens and bronchial provocation with inhaled allergens and histamine. The bronchial response was measured by whole body plethysmography. Of the patients studied, 40% 0 showed a bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled allergens, despite the fact that none had reported asthma in their clinical history. Strong skin test reactions (3+ and 4+) and weak reactions (2+) were associated with 65% and 4% of positive reactions of the airways respectively. Weak skin reactions with Aspergillus fumigatus, however, were associated with 43% of positive bronchial challenges. In addition to Aspergillus, the mould Alternaria tenuis was found to be an important allergen causing a bronchial response in CF patients. There was no correlation between the thresholds of bronchial sensitivity to allergen and histamine. suggesting that the pathogenetic mechanisms of CF and bronchial asthma are different.
Effects of Ketotifen on in vitro bronchoconstriction
Authors: LOFTUS B. G. , PRICE J. F. , HEATON R. , COSTELLO J. F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have studied the effects of Ketotifen [Ke](10−4M and 10−6M) on two in vitro models of bronchoconstriction: actively sensitized guinea‐pig trachea (GPT), and passively sensitized human bronchial muscle (HBM). Experiments were performed on matched pairs of tissues. Cumulative dose response curves [CDRC] for histamine and acetyl choline were constructed, and repeated after pre‐incubation with Ke or saline control. The effect of Ke on maximal antigen induced contractions was also studied. Contraction of GPT by histamine and acetyl choline was inhibited by Ke 10−4M, though this effect was not apparent at high doses of acetyl choline. Ke 10−6M had a weaker inhibitory effect on histamine and acetyl choline induced responses. Contraction of GPT by antigen was unaffected by Ketotifen. In the HBM model. Ke 10−4M inhibited acetyl choline and antigen induced responses. Ketotifen, 10−6M had an inhibitory effect on acetyl choline induced contractions, though this was small, and not seen at higher agonist doses. Contraction of HBM by antigen was unaffected by Ke 10−6M. We were unable to obtain reproducible CD RC's to histamine with HBM. The weaker or absent effects of Ke 10−6M, a level close to that obtained in clinical practice, may explain some of the poor results of clinical trials, and suggest that efficacy may be improved by the use of higher doses.
Predictive value of cord blood IgE in the development of atopic disease and role of breast‐feeding in its prevention
Authors: CHANDRA R. K. , PURI S. , CHEEMA P. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe predictive value of cord blood IgE in the development of atopic disease was evaluated in a prospective study of two groups of infants. Total serum IgE level was ≥ 0.7 U/ml in 44.3% of the infants with positive family history of atopy and in 16.0% among those with negative family history. The level of cord blood IgE correlated significantly with the subsequent development of atopic disease in both groups. Cord blood IgE higher than 0.7 U/ml was associated with a high risk of development of atopic eczema and wheezing, 52.8% and 58.8% respectively in the groups with or without family history of atopy; compared with 13.4% and 1.1% in the groups with IgE levels less than 0.7 U/ml. Among newborns fed exclusively on breast milk for a minimum of 3 months, the incidence of eczema and wheezing was significantly lower (12%) compared with findings in the formula‐fed group (32%).
Effects of verapamil and sodium cromoglycate on bronchoconstriction induced by isocapnic hyperventilation
Authors: RAFFERTY P. , FERGUSSON R. J. , TWEEDDALE P. M. , BIGGS B. A. , GRANT I. W. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwenty‐four patients who were known to develop bronchoconstriction in response to isocapnic hyperventilation (IH) took part in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to assess the effects of verapamil (5 mg) and sodium cromoglycate (SCG) 20 mg in the prevention of IH‐induced bronchoconstriction. Both drug and placebo were inhaled in dry powder form and responses were assessed by serial measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1).Sodium cromoglycate was shown to offer significant protection whereas verapamil powder provoked bronchoconstriction in over 40% of patients and these patients appeared to be those with more marked degrees of bronchial reactivity.
Allergy to guinea pigs: II Identification of specific allergens in guinea pig dust by crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis and investigation of the possible origin
Authors: WALLS A. F. , TAYLOR A. J. NEWMAN , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAn extract of dust from the air‐vent filters of a room housing guinea pigs was analysed by quantitative immunoelectrophoretic procedures and compared with extracts of various materials derived from guinea pigs. Crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) of the dust, performed with sera from twenty asthmatic patients who were positive by skin testing and RAST to guinea pig extracts, identified fourteen IgE‐binding constituents. Although responses varied, most sera reacted with lour particular allergens, antigens 2. 3, 10 and SI. The numbers of allergens recognized by individual patients correlated with the RAST score, but not with total scrum IgE.All seventeen dust constituents detected by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (and all four major allergens), were also present in extracts of guinea pig dander, fur. saliva and urine; several of these components were absent in an epithelial extract, and there were even less in preparations of shaved pelt, serum or faeces. None of the dust extract antigens were detected in materials used in animal husbandry, dust samples from rooms without guinea pigs, or a D. pteronyssinus extract. These findings suggest that inhalant allergens may be derived predominantly from material shed from the guinea pig coat after contamination with saliva, and possibly to a lesser extent, urine.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus in chronic bronchiectasis in adults
Authors: BAHOUS J. , MALO J. L. , PAQUIN R. , CARTIER A. , VYAS PAROOL , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryFifty adult subjects for whom a diagnosis of idiopathic bronchiectasis (excluding those secondary to tuberculosis or hypogarnmaglobulinaemia) had been confirmed previously were investigated by: questionnaire; blood eosinophil count; sputum culture for Aspergillus fumigatus and eosinophil count; chest radiography; skin‐prick tests with several aeroallergens and four preparations of A. fumigatus, including a reference extract; measurement of specific IgE antibodies; precipitin testing and self‐crossed immunoelectrophoresis with A. fumigatus. Five subjects were possible cases of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in whom the condition had been previously misdiagnosed or in whom sensitization to A. fumigatus had occurred after the onset of bronchiectasis. These five subjects had positive immediate skin reactions to A. fumigatus and a history of recurrent pneumonias. Four had a previous history of asthma and the others showed increased bronchial responsiveness to inhaled methacholine. At the time of the survey, A. fumigatus grew in the sputum of one out of five subjects. These subjects had increased levels of specific IgE. Two had precipitins by double diffusion and three subjects were positive on self‐crossed immunoelectrophoresis. It is concluded that allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or evidence of sensitization to A. fumigatus can be identified in a significant proportion of adult subjects with so‐called idiopathic bronchiectasis.