bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Priming effect of a birch pollen season studied with laser Doppler flowmetry in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: JULIUSSON S. , BENDE M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryNasal mucosal provocation tests were done on eight patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis before and after a birch pollen season. The effects on nasal microvascular blood flow were detected by means of laser Doppler flowmetry. The patients reacted to the birch pollen provocation with an increase in blood flow. This increase was greater after the pollen season than before, when the same pollen doses were used, indicating a priming phenomenon of the resistance vessels.
The long‐term effect of a positive pressure respirator on the specific antibody response in pigeon breeders
Authors: ANDERSON K. , WALKER A. , BOYD G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA group of pigeon fanciers with Pigeon Breeder's Lung wore a positive pressure respirator with a full mask and hood when working with pigeons. Serial measurements of specific IgG antibody to pigeon globulin (ELISA) were made in 22 subjects. Thirteen wore a respirator (monitored over 14 months) and nine did not (monitored over 3 months). Following introduction of the respirator, the serum antibody to pigeon globulin significantly decreased when compared with the non‐respirator group. This fall in antibody persisted over 14 months reflecting the reduction in antigen inhalation. Although circulating antibody decreased in all those wearing respirators, the remaining levels were still within the range that can be associated with clinical symptoms possibly because of inward leakage of antigen bypassing the filter.
The effect of an increase in inhaled allergen dose after terfenadine on the occurrence and magnitude of the late asthmatic response
Authors: LAI C. K. W. , BEASLEY R. , HOLGATE S. T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have attempted to use a potent and selective histamine H1‐receptor antagonist terfenadine to allow a larger dose of allergen to be administered to previous single early responders to investigate if an increased dose of allergen could induce a late asthmatic response. Pre‐treatment with 180 mg of terfenadine enabled a geometric mean increase in allergen dose of 412‐fold to be inhaled by eight atopic subjects with mild asthma, who initially were classified as single early responders, with maximal fall in FEV1 3–8 hr after allergen challenge (Lmax) of < 15 % from baseline value. The magnitude of early asthmatic response was similar to that obtained on the control day when allergen challenge was performed in the absence of terfenadine. Two subjects were converted to dual responders with Lmax of 23.1 and 24.3%, which occurred with a 32‐ and 65‐fold increase in allergen dose respectively, and a 6‐ and 4.9‐fold decrease in non‐specific airways responsiveness measured as the cumulative provocative concentration of methacholine that caused a 20% fall in FEV1 from baseline. The remaining six subjects failed to achieve an Lmax of > 10% even with a 1.29–2.66‐fold increase in allergen dose. For the group as a whole an increase in allergen dose was associated with an increase in overall bronchoconstrictor response 3–8 hr after challenge. These results indicate that it is possible to induce a late asthmatic response in a subject who previously demonstrated only an early response by increasing the dose of allergen inhaled.
HLA class II restriction specificity of Dermatophagoides spp. reactive T lymphocyte clones that support IgE synthesis
Authors: LAMB J. R. , KAY A. B. , O'HEHIR R. E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe results of recent experiments investigating the restriction specificity of cross‐reactive, or Dermatophagoides farinae‐specific, T cell clones isolated from an atopic individual with perennial rhinitis are reviewed. The restriction specificity was examined using serological inhibition, allogeneic presenting cells and murine fibroblasts expressing HLA‐D region products. Although serological inhibition studies suggested that DR class II proteins were the major restriction elements used, the patterns of recognition observed with the allogeneic cell panel were complex, generally failing to correlate with the serologically defined MHC class II specificities. Analysis of the restriction patterns indicated that the majority of the T cell clones were restricted by DRβIII gene products and this was confirmed using murine fibroblasts expressing DRw52. DRβI gene products functioned as restriction elements in the recognition of house dust mite allergen by the other clones. In an in‐vitro model of allergen‐dependent IgE synthesis, both DRβI and DRβIII class II restricted T cells could be shown to provide functional help for IgE synthesized by autologous B cell‐enriched populations.
Effects of adding nedocromil sodium (Tilade®) to the routine therapy of patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: FYANS P. G. , CHATTERJEE P. C. , CHATTERJEE S. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn a 12‐week double‐blind, group comparative trial, preceded by a 2‐week baseline period, 38 asthmatic subjects of mixed aetiology and varying severity received either 4 mg nedocromil sodium by metered dose inhaler twice a day or a matching placebo preparation, in addition to their existing maintenance therapy of inhaled corticosteroids plus inhaled bronchodilators. Asthma severity and lung function were assessed at 4‐weekly clinic visits, and symptomatology (morning tightness, daytime asthma, cough, night‐time asthma), morning, afternoon and evening PEFR, and the use of inhaled bronchodilators were recorded on daily diary cards. Treatment with nedocromil sodium led to significant (P < 0.05) improvements in clinic assessment of FEV1 and PEFR both before and after an inhaled bronchodilator from at least the eighth week onwards. Mid‐study FVC was also significantly (P < 0.05) improved. Daily PEFR increased throughout the study in the nedocromil sodium‐treated subjects and the diurnal variation was reduced. Daily symptom severity was also reduced and these improvements occurred despite the similar or slightly reduced use of inhaled bronchodilators. However, none of these improvements in diary card parameters reached statistical significance. By the final week of the study subjects treated with nedocromil sodium predominantly had a mild form of asthma or no symptoms at all, and both patients and clinicians reported the effectiveness of nedocromil sodium; the subjects but not the clinicians finding it significantly more effective (P < 0.05) than placebo. Nedocromil sodium was well tolerated although one patient was withdrawn owing to a persistent sore throat after 7 weeks of treatment.
Double‐blind cross‐over trial comparing beclomethasone dipropionate and terfenadine in perennial rhinitis
Authors: ROBINSON A. C. , CHERRY J. R. , DALY SUSAN 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEighteen patients with perennial rhinitis were evaluated in this double‐blind cross‐over trial comparing beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) aqueous nasal spray with terfenadine tablets. Both treatments were effective in reducing symptom scores but BDP was significantly better than terfenadine in relieving running nose and sneezing (P <0.05). BDP also had a greater effect on reducing nasal inflammation than terfenadine. Although the clinicians and patients assessed both therapies to be equieffective, significantly more patients preferred the BDP treatment (P <0.003). Overall, BDP therapy proved more beneficial than terfenadine therapy in this small group of perennial rhinitis sufferers.
Terfenadine with or without phenylpropanolamine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: NUUTINEN J. , HOLOPAINEN E. , MALMBERG H. , RINNE J. , SUONPÄÄ J. , SILVASTI M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe efficacy of terfenadine in combination with phenylpropanolamine was assessed by comparison with terfenadine alone in a double‐blind, parallel group study or 66 patients with nasal birch pollen allergy. The patients were allocated randomly into two groups; 34 patients received terfenadine (60 mg) twice daily and 32 patients a combination tablet containing terfenadine (60 mg) and phenylpropanolamine (50 mg) twice daily for 17 days during the birch pollen season. Nasal symptoms (sneezing, discharge, itching and blockage) were relieved significantly by both drugs, but control of symptoms was more rapid and better with the terfenadine‐phenylpropanolamine combination. Rhinoscopic evaluation of nasal secretion and mucosal swelling showed no differences between the treatment groups. Compared with pre‐season values, nasal peak expiratory flow (PEF)‐values worsened significantly during the season in the terfenadine, but not in the terfenadine‐phenylpropanolamine, group. The general condition of the patients was significantly better in the terfenadine‐phenylpropanolamine group. There were no marked side‐effects in either group. At the end of the trial some of the patients in both treatment groups still had symptoms; this is apparently due to the long‐lasting and severe pollen season. It is concluded that terfenadine combined with phenylpropanolamine gives better control of seasonal allergic rhinitis than terfenadine alone.
H1‐antagonists as a tool in clarifying the pathophysiology of nasal allergy
Authors: PIPKORN U. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryVarious mediator systems have been stressed as important in the generation of the signs and symptoms of allergic disease such as hay fever. Nevertheless, in the upper airways, histamine is still the only mediator which behaves consistently in terms of release at appropriate challenge, produces all the major symptoms of rhinitis at a local challenge, and the specific antagonist influences the signs and symptoms of rhinitis in the challenge situation as well as during natural allergen exposure. Although the majority of hay fever symptoms are influenced by H1‐receptors, there are exceptions. An important one is the symptom of nasal blockage, which is due to tissue oedema and a decrease in the tone of the capacitance vessels. Another point to be stressed is that histamine alone does not induce any protracted mucosal inflammatory response with associated symptoms, influx of eosinophils and increase in responsiveness that is associated with the exposure to allergen. Nevertheless, from a clinical point of view, antihistamines are still valuable pharmacological agents for the clinical management of hay fever symptoms.
The relationship between atopy and non‐specific bronchial responsiveness
Authors: GRAINGER D. N. , STENTON S. C. , AVERY A. J. , DUDDRIDGE M. , WALTERS E. H. , HENDRICK D. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAtopy is often regarded as a risk factor for the development of asthma, particularly childhood asthma and occupational asthma. This could reflect an association with nonspecific bronchial responsiveness (NSBR), though atopy could influence asthma independently. We have evaluated the possible relationship between atopy and NSBR (PD20FEV1to methacholine) in the siblings of 59 probands with atopic asthma. Thirty‐four (58%) were atopic ( 1 prick test with weal diameter that of a 0.1% histamine control) and 28 (47%) showed NSBR. Atopy and NSBR occurred together more frequently than would be expected by chance (P<0.05); both variables being observed in 20 subjects, neither in 17, and only one in 22. A significant association was also noted when atopy was defined by a serum total IgE > 150IU (or >50IU), but when atopy was defined by other commonly used criteria ( 2 prick tests with weal diameter histamine control; or weal diameter 2 mm or more > than a saline control), no significant association was demonstrated. Furthermore, linear logistic regression and multiple regression analyses showed that both the presence and the degree of NSBR were influenced much more by the baseline level of FEV1than by atopic status. At best, atopy accounted for 10% of the variance of the PD20measurements. We conclude that atopy is associated with NSBR but not strongly; that the relationship may be readily obscured according to the defining criteria used for atopy: and that atopy should not be used as a marker for NSBR.
Determination of IgE‐specificities in nasal secretions and sera of allergic subjects by crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis
Authors: BACHERT C. , WAHL R. , BOUSQUET J. , MAASCH H. J. , GANZER U. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAllergen‐specific IgE antibodies have not only been demonstrated in the serum, but also in the nasal secretions of allergic patients by means of the radio‐allergosorbent test (RAST). In this preliminary study we adapted the technique of crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) to nasal secretions in order to obtain further insight into the specificity of locally collected antibodies. Based on RAST results we compared CRIE patterns in serum, nasal secretions in 13 out of 23 grass pollen allergic subjects and two out of three house dust mite allergic subjects. In the nasal secretions the same IgE specificities were found as in the corresponding serum of the individual subject and as in a reference serum pool. These data indicate that the same specificity of IgE antibody can be found in the serum and the target organ. From these data there is no evidence for a local mucosal immune response that differs in specificity from the serum response.
The Langerhans cell: an underestimated cell in atopic disease
Authors: FOKKENS W. J. , BRUIJNZEEL‐KOOMEN C. A. F. M. , VROOM TH. M. , RIJNTJES E. , HOEFSMIT E. C. M. , MUDDE G. C. , BRUIJNZEEL P. L. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryLangerhans cells (LC) are very potent antigen‐presenting cells. In atopic disorders such as allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis LC are known to bear IgE surface molecules. IgE‐positive LC can bind allergen and present it to T lymphocytes to induce an allergen‐specific T‐cell response and IgE synthesis. Therefore, IgE‐bearing LC might play an important role in the triggering of the immune system to maintain ongoing IgE synthesis. The importance of the IgE‐bearing LC in atopy has not been assessed but deserves further investigation to find out more about the part played by these cells, not only in the atopic disorders described here but also in others such as gastrointestinal allergy and allergic asthma.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against major allergens of American cockroach
Authors: WU C.‐H. , CHIANG BER T. , FANN M. C. , LAN J. L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryFrom several fusion experiments between spleen cells obtained from BALB/c mice immunized with partially purified Cr‐PI of American cockroach and NS‐1 cells, growth was observed in many wells. Seven stable subclones secreting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Cr‐PI, as determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with high absorbance values and immunoblot analysis, were obtained. All seven mAbs were characterized as IgGl subclass by immunodiffusion, and reacted strongly with 72 kilodaltons (kD) of Cr‐PI which have been identified as a major allergen of American cockroach. Six mAbs were found to have similar epitope specificities against Cr‐PI by ELISA. The remaining mAb was found to have different epitope specificities with others. Interestingly, all mAbs did not react with any components of crude extracts of Oriental and German cockroaches as determined by immunoblot analysis and ELISA. A mAb‐based double‐antibody sandwich ELISA was developed, and the ELISA was dose‐dependent and capable of detecting as little as 140 ng of Cr‐PI allergen.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to assess the efficacy of nedocromil sodium in the management of childhood grass‐pollen asthma
Authors: BUSINCO L. , CANTANI A. , DI FAZIO A. , BERNARDINI L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe aim of this double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial was to assess the efficacy and tolerance of nedocromil sodium at a dose of 4 mg four times daily, in the management of children suffering from grass‐pollen asthma. Thirty‐one children suffering from seasonal asthma (24 boys and seven girls, aged 4–21 yr, mean 11 yr) were enrolled in the study during the 1988 pollen season. Only one child was aged 4 yr, and she was a cooperative girl able to use the metered dose inhaler properly. In addition, in each group there was a patient aged 20 and 21 years, respectively, who had been followed up by us since childhood. Treatments were delivered by pressurized aerosol over a period of 4 weeks following a 1‐week baseline, during which patients were required to show active disease by obtaining a minimum symptom score (almost 2 points of severity score on at least 3 days of the baseline period). The patients were randomly assigned lo both treatment groups, all were taking inhaled or oral bronchodilators, when necessary. Twenty‐nine patients completed the trial, 16 in the nedocromil sodium treatment group and 13 in the placebo group. One child of each group was withdrawn due to treatment failure.Statistically significant differences in favour of nedocromil sodium were found regarding morning tightness and mean morning PEFR values on diary cards (P < 0·01 and P < 0·05, respectively), bronchodilator usage (P < 0·05), pulmonary function tests (PFT) at clinic visits (P < 0·05), and in parents' opinion (P < 0·05). No differences between the two treatments were recorded in terms of severity of asthma in the baseline period and, in addition, of cough, day/night‐time asthma and mean evening PEFR values on diary cards after 2 and 4 weeks of both treatments. Eight patients, four from both treatment groups, reported mild unusual symptoms such as headache, sore and aching throat, and abdominal pain. No evidence of any treatment effects were found in laboratory tests. We conclude that nedocromil sodium is indicated in the first‐line treatment of children with bronchial asthma, in addition to being well tolerated at the dose of 4 mg four times a day.
Venous blood platelets decrease during allergen‐induced asthmatic reactions
Authors: MAESTRELLI P. , BOSCHETTO PIERA , ZOCCA ELENA , CRESCIOLI S. , BAROLDI P. , MAPP CRISTINA , FABBRI L. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTo determine whether circulating platelets alter during asthmatic reactions induced by allergens, we studied nine subjects previously shown to develop an early or dual asthmatic reaction after inhalation challenge with extracts of house dust mite or grass pollen. In each subject, FEV1, circulating platelets and leucocytes were measured before, 15, 30 and 60 min, and 2, 4, 6 and 8 hr after inhalation of allergen and diluent control administered in a single‐blind, randomized fashion. The same procedure was repeated in six of the nine subjects after bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine. Each subject developed an early asthmatic reaction after allergen inhalation challenge, which was followed by a late asthmatic reaction in six subjects and by an equivocal late asthmatic reaction in two of them (fall in FEV1 of 15 and 17% respectively). Compared with the control day, circulating platelets significantly decreased during the allergen‐induced early asthmatic reaction (P < 0·025, at 30 min). Platelet counts returned to baseline values within 4 hr and remained steady thereafter both in subjects who did and did not develop a late asthmatic reaction. No changes in platelet counts occurred after bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine. Diurnal increase of leucocyte numbers occurred after challenge with both allergen and diluent control. These results suggest that platelets may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergen‐induced asthmatic reactions.
Bovine β‐1actoglobulin in human milk from atopic and non‐atopic mothers. Relationship to maternal intake of homogenized and unhomogenized milk
Authors: HØST A. , HUSBY S. , HANSEN L. G. , ØSTERBALLE O. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryHuman milk samples (n= 300) were collected during a 3‐week period from 10 healthy mothers and from 10 atopic mothers, all with healthy, solely breast‐fed infants. The milk samples were analysed by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the content of bovine β‐lactoglobulin (BLG). In a cross‐over design the atopic and non‐atopic mothers alternated their intake of milk between homogenized and unhomogenized milk each week. On day 7, in each week, consecutive milk samples were taken before and 4, 8, 12 and 24 hr after a single ingestion of 500 ml of homogenized or unhomogenized milk. Detectable amounts of BLG (0·9–150 μg/1, median value 4·2 μg/1) were measured in 19/20 of the mothers (95%), in 9 of 10 atopic mothers and in all 10 of 10 non‐atopic mothers. No correlation was found between the type of milk preparation (homogenized or unhomogenized) and the presence of BLG or the level of BLG in human milk. A great intra‐individual and inter‐individual variation of BLG level was found, and no relationship was observed between BLG levels and atopic status of the mothers. The interval between ingestion of 500 ml of milk and the maximal concentration of BLG on milk‐free diet varied between 4 and 24 hr, median value 8 hr. The presence of BLG in human milk is a common finding in both atopic and non‐atopic mothers.
Leukotriene C4 decreases the activity of respiratory cilia in vitro
Authors: WEISMAN Z. , FINK A. , ALON A. , POLIAK Z. , TABACHNIK E. , PRISCU L. , BENTWICH Z. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn the present study we assessed the effect of leukotriene C4 on ciliary beat frequency in vitro. Chicken tracheas were sliced into thin rings and ciliary activity was viewed microscopically. Ciliary beat frequency was measured through an optical fibre by a fast Fourier transformer analyser and recorded on an oscilloscope. Ciliary beat frequency was measured at one fixed point during 30 min at room temperature in RPMI‐HEPES medium alone and in medium containing leukotriene C4 at a range of concentrations (10−6–10−9M). Our results demonstrate that leukotriene C4(10−7 and 10−8M) caused a significant decrease in ciliary beat frequency in all tracheal rings tested (mean decrease of 24%). The specificity and Ca2+ ‐dependency of leukotriene C4 activity was elucidated by the ability of FPL 55712 (SRS‐A specific antagonist), Ca2+ ‐free medium, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine and verapamil) and the calmodulin inhibitor trifluroperazine to abrogate its effect on ciliary beating.