bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Density of eosinophils reflects activity of disease in allergic asthmatic children
Authors: KROUWELS F. H. , KERSTENS L. C. M. , VAN DER MAAREL H. W. M. , DEGENHART H. J. , NEIJENS H. J. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background Low density eosinophils are more prominent in asthmatic patients compared with healthy subjects, LDH are metabolically more active and produce more tissue‐injuring and spasmogenic proteins than normal cosinophils. Objective and methid With a method providing information about eosinophils of 12 different densities we were able to study eosinophil density characierislics in 24 young patients in detail with allergic asthma in a stable phase, and in 21 patients after a bronchial allergen challenge. Results Study of the eosinophil density profile of patients and healthy controls revealed two density populations. Patients had more low density eosinophils than controls. In the patients eosinophil density characteristics and in particular the number of low density eosinophils correlated strongly with both FEV1% predicted (ρ=−0.66, P < 0.001) and REV1/FVC (ρ=−0.47, P < 0.01) as well as with bronchial responsiveness to histamine (ρ=−0.68, P < 0.001) and house dust mite (ρ=−0.37, P < 0.05). Allergen induced bronchial reactions were associated with an increase in the number (P < 0.001) and percentage (P < 0.05) of low density eosinophils. A selective rise in the number of eosinophils collected from fractions with a low density accounted for the observed rise in the total number of eosinophils, Density changes did not differ between patients with an isolated early reaction and patients with both an early and a late reaction, nor was there a relation between the severity of the late reaction and the shift in eosinophil density. Conclusion In conclusion, peripheral blood eosinophil density characteristics and in particular numbers of low density eosinophils are closely related with indicators of the asthma severity under stable conditions. Allergen inhalation induces a further shift towards lower density suggesting additional activation of the eosinophils.
Influence of culture period on the allergenic composition of Pityrosporum orbiculare extracts
Authors: ZARGARI A. , DOEKES G. , DIJK A. G. VAN IEPEREN‐VAN , LANDBERG E. , HÄRFAST B. , SCHEYNIUS A. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background Previous characterization studies of Pityrosporum orbiculare allergens have led to contradictory results. In immunoblotting studies a range of IgE‐bitiding proteins of 10–100kDa have been identified. In another study, however, the IgE‐binding structures were claimed to be associated with high‐molecular‐weight polysaccharides or glycoproteins, presumably mannans or mannoproleins. Objective In the present study the reasons for these discrepancies were investigated. Methods P. orbiculare preparations were compared in IgE ELISA and IgE‐inhibilion ELISA, as well as in immunoblotting with sera from atopic dermatitis patients. Results It was inferred that variations in the period of in vitro culture of P. orbiculare constituted the most important factor determining the different compositions of the resulting yeast cell extracts. After 2 days of culture a wide range of allergen if proteins was present but upon more prolonged culture (>4 days) most proteins of 10‐ 100kDa were lost. Accordingly, the protein concentration of the extracts gradually declined from 40% to 25% between days 4 and 15 of culture. On the other hand, the carbohydrate content remained fairly constant (approximately 30%). Using inhibition ELISA it was demonstrated that the high‐molecular‐weight glycoproleins or poly‐saccharides presumably involved in most of the IgE‐binding capacity in extracts from old cultures, were also present in comparable concentrations in all extracts tested, even after culture for only 2 or 4 days. Conclusion Preparations obtained from the exponential phase of yeast cultures (2–4 days old), should preferably be used in studies of the IgE response to P. orbicularc.
Differences in titres of IgE, IgG4 and other IgG subclass anti‐ Der p 2 antibodies in allergic and non‐allergic patients measured with recombinant allergen
Authors: TAME A. , SAKIYAMA Y. , KOBAYASHI I. , TERAI I. , KOBAYASHI K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The mite allergens are recognized as major causes of allergic disease such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. The functions of allergen‐specific IgG subclass antibodies are not defined.Objective
In order to clarify the relationship between IgE and IgG subclasses, we examined scrum levels of the Dermatophagoides pteronyssisus group 2 (Der p 2)‐specific antibodies of IgH. IgG total and IgG subclasses in children with mite allergy.Methods
We prepared a recombinant Der p 2 fusion protein and examined serum levels of Der p 2 antigen‐specific antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA) systems developed in our laboratory using a recombinant Der p 2 as target antigen. Sera from 240 children with mite allergy and 25 controls were measured.Results
The serum levels of specific IgE and, to lesser degree, lgG4 were higher in allergic children than non‐allergic controls, while in the levels of the other IgG subclasses there was no difference between the two groups. There was no correlation between levels of specific IgF and IgG4 or in those between specific IgG4 and other IgG subclasses.Conclusion
Results indicate that the induction of Der p 2‐specific lgG4 in allergic diseases is independent to IgE as well as other IgG subclasses.
Effect of cetirizine and prednisolone on cellular infiltration and cytokine mRNA expression during allergen‐induced late cutaneous responses
Authors: TABORDA‐BARATA L. , JACOBSON M. , WALKER S. , NJUKI F. , YING S. , RANDEV P. , DURHAM S. R. , ICAY A. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The ability of cetirizine to inhibit eosinophil infiltration into the sites of allergen‐induced cutaneous late‐phase reactions is controversial. A previous skin biopsy study gave negative results with 15 mg of cetirizine as a single dose.Objective
To confirm these findings we have used cetirizine (30 mg daily) for 5 days and compared the results with prednisolone (20 mg daily for 5 days) as a positive control. The efTect of these agents on mRNA positive cells for inlerleukin‐3 (IL‐3). interleukin‐4, interleukin‐5 and granulocytc/macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) was also evaluated.Methods
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over study (n= 12) was followed. After each treatment 30 biological units (BUs) of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or Phleum pratense were injected inlradermally and the early (15min) and late‐phase response sizes (6 and 24h) were measured. Skin biopsies were taken at 24h for immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization.Results
Cetirizine but not prednisolone inhibited the early‐phase response (37%, p = 0.004). In contrast prednisolone. but not cetirizine, significantly inhibited the size of the late‐phase reaction at 24 h (70%. P = 0.021). This was associated with significant decreases in tolal (MBP+) and activated (EG2+) eosinophils (P= 0.019 and 0.014, respectively), as compared with placebo. There were also clear but non‐significant reductions in interleukin‐3, interleukin‐4, interleukin‐5 and granulocyte/macrophagc‐colony stimulating factor mRNA+ cells.Conclusion
Prednisoione, but not cetirizine. inhibited both the magnitude of the allergen‐induced late‐phase response and the accompanying local eosinophil infiltration. These corticosleroid effects were associated with a reduction in cells expressing mRNA for ‘TH2‐type’ cytokines.
An allergenic polypeptide representing a variable region of hsp 70 cloned from a cDNA library of Cladosporium herbarum
Authors: ZHANG L. , MURADIA G. , DE VOUGE M. W. , RODE H. , VIJAY H. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Extracts of Clado.sporium herharum, a major source of fungal aeroaller‐gens. exhibit a complex profile of IgE‐binding proteins. Yields of conventionally purified allergens from this mold have been insufficient to permit further molecular analyses.Objective
To enhance and simplify the purification of allergens from C. herbarum, we have sought to use recombinant DNA techniques to clone, identify and bacterialiy express immunoselected C. herbarum allergens.Methods
We constructed a cDNA library in AZAP II using mRNA isolated from C. herbarum. From this library, phage clones encoding a new allergen were immunoselected using pooled human atopic IgE. The cloned cDNA was excised from the phage vector asa recombinant pBluescript II SK‐phagemid und sequenced. Expression of the recombinant allergen was carried out in E. coli XLl‐blue transformants of the phagemid. Bacterial lysates from cells induced to express the cloned allergen were immunoblotted and probed with individual human atopic IgEs.Results
The cDNA clone encodes a 278 amino acid polypeptide homologous to the C‐terminal portion of 70 kDa heat shock protein (hsp 70). The polypeptide possesses features common to other hsps 70. i.e. a similar hydropathic profile and a variable C‐terminal region with conserved sequence at the very C‐terminus. Binding of the recombinant peptide to IgE from 38% of atopic sera or plasma from individuals allergic to C. herbarum was demonstrated.Conclusion
These results indicate that amino acid substitutions are relatively conserved even in the variable C‐tcrminal regions ofhsp 70 species. Thus, this study should draw attention to the possibility of induction of anaphylactic responses in a sensitized individual when hsp 70 from any pathogenic species is administered for vaccination.
Diversity of allergens causing occupational asthma among cereal workers as demonstrated by exposure procedures
Authors: ALVAREZ M. J. , TABAR A. I. , QUIRCE S. , OLAGUíBEL J. M. , LIZASO M. T. , ECHECHIPíA S. , RODRíGUEZ A. , GARCíA B. E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Occupatiotial asthma among cereal workers is frequently due to cereals but other allergens can also be responsible.Objective
We evaluated the allergens causing occupational asthma in the patients who had been diagnosed in our Department during the last 5 years. Specific bronchial reactivity to the implicated allergens was assessed and compared by standardized bronchial challenge.Methods
Twenty‐one patients (12 bakers, three millers and six farmers) were studied. We carried out in vivo tests (skin and challenge tests) and in vitro tests (specific IgE measurement) with cereals, enzymes, soyabean, storage mites and egg. A definitive diagnosis was established by means of specific bronchial provocation tests (BPT), except in three patients in whom it could not be carried out due to the severity of their asthma. In these cases the causative agent had to be determined by means of conjunctival challenge.Results
Cereals were the main sensitizers among bakers (75%) and farmers (66%). Bakers were also sensitive to a‐amylase (41%) and soyabean (25%), and farmers, to soyabean (33%) and storage mites (33%). Occupational asthma was due to cereals, soyabean and storage mites among millers.Conclusions
Besides cereals, other allergens such as enzymes, leguminous, egg and storage mites can be the causative agents of occupational asthma among cereal workers. Sensitization to different allergens in the different jobs is very likely due to differences in exposure.
Wheat antigen exposure assessment for epidemiological studies in bakeries using personal dust sampling and inhibition ELISA
Authors: HOUBA R. , VANRUN P. , HEEDERIK D. , DOEKES G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Asthma in bakery workers caused by exposure to wheat flour proteins is an important occupational health problem. Until recently, gravimetric dust measurements were the only available technique for quantitative exposure assessment in bakeries. However, it is questionable whether dust levels are a good exposure parameter or only give a crude approximation of the actual flour allergen concentration.Objective
In the present study we have investigated a method to measure wheat flour antigens with immunochemical methods.Methods
Wheat flour antigens were measured in 449 personal dust samples taken in bakeries, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition and an anti‐wheat lgG4 serum pool. Western‐blotting was performed to compare the wheat flour proteins detected by IgE and IgG4.Results
Electrophoresis and immunoblotting showed that many wheat flour proteins can bind lgG4 and IgE, but also a reasonable similarity in major allergens detected by our lgG4‐serum pool and IgE‐positive sera. Inhibition tests showed some cross‐reactivity with some cereal species, but not with other ingredients used in bakeries. In bakeries, large differences in personal airborne flour levels were found between occupational titles. Eor several groups clear differences in wheat antigen exposure levels existed, where no difierences in dust exposure levels could be found. The relationship between dust and wheat antigen exposure varied considerably, depending on the specific bakery occupation, the size of the bakery, and the type of product produced by the bakery. This study also shows that personal sampling of wheat antigens is possible on a large scale and can be used for epidemiological field studies.Conclusion
Measurement of airborne wheat antigens in bakeries is a more specific and sensitive measurement tool than measuring dust samples, and will probably be essential for epidemiologic field studies focusing on exposure‐response relationships.
Diminution of T cells with γδ receptor in the peripheral blood of allergic asthmatic individuals
Authors: CHEN K.S. , MILLER K. H. , HENGEHOLD D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
T cells are shown to regulate allergy and asthma. They are heterogeneous by virtue of surface receptor subtypes (αβ and γδ receptors), however, their pathophysiological roles in asthma are unclear.Objective and methods
The present study employed flow cytometric analysis to compare the size of T‐cell subsets and eosinophils present in the peripheral blood of healthy, allergic and allergic asthmatic individuals.Results
Current results demonstrated that the percentages of γδ T cells declined from 4.1% in healthy to 3.2% in the allergic subjects and to a significantly lower (P= 0.01) 2.4% in allergic asthmatics. The absolute numbers of circulating γδ T cells also were diminished in a similar fashion such that healthy individuals had a significantly higher mean cell count (91.8 ± 103/mL) than did allergic asthmatics (47.8 ± 103/mL) (P= 0.0266). In contrast, αβ T cells were comparable in the healthy, allergic, and allergic asthmatic populations (65.3%, 65.8% and 69.4%, respectively); the differences were not statistically significant. On a populational basis, the proportion of individuals having both γδ T cells y± 4.1% and eosinophils ≥2.1% was the lowest in the healthy population (30.8%), but was elevated in the allergic group (85.7%) as well as in the allergic asthmatic group (86.6%). However, on an individual basis, those who had reduced γδ T cells did not have consistently higher eosinophil counts or IgE level. Conclusion It was concluded that no significant correlation existed between the levels between γδ T cells and eosinophils or between γδ T cells and IgE present in the peripheral blood. This report, for the first time, documents that allergic asthmatics have reduced γδ T cells with reciprocally elevated eosinophil numbers in their peripheral circulation. However, it does not indicate that the reduction of γδ T cells directly correlates with the predominance of eosinophils of IgE levels in the diseased populations. The pathophysiological role of γδ T cells in allergic diseases awaits further exploration.
Immunoglobulin E in acute phase response to surgical stress
Authors: SZCZEKLIK A. , JAWIEN J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
A few years ago we reported that acute myocardial infarction is associated with a distinct, transient rise in serum imtnunoglobulin (Ig)E.Objective
We wondered whether this response is specific only for myocardial infarction or whether it reflects a more generalized phenomenon, precipitated by tissue injury.Methods
We carried out a large prospective study on 149 patients undergoing various surgical procedures. These were the patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, who did (n=39) or did not (n=42) develop perioperative myocardial infarction, patients subjected to various thoracic operations (n= 33), eholecystectotny (n = 17) or repair of the inguitial hernia (n=18). Thirty healthy volunteers fortned the control group.Results
In all groups studied, except the control group, serum IgE levels began to rise shortly after the operation, reached a peak by the fifth postoperative day. and then gradually declined. This was in striking contrast to serurn imnunoglobulin G which soon alter the operation became markedly) depressed, and took more than a week to return to preoperative values. Specific IgE. against common aeroallergens, measured in a subgroup of patients with initially high total serum IgE, showed no uniform pattern of change.Conclusion
Surgical operations are accompanied by a characteristic, transient rise in serum IgE concentration. Immunoglobulin E might be involved in acute phase response to tissue injury.
Latex allergy: allergen identification in Hevea braziliensis fractions by immunoblotting
Authors: MUGUERZA J. , CAPO C. , PORRI F. , JACOB J.‐L. , MEGE J.‐L. , VERVLOET D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Latex is the cause of several clinical symptoms of allergy, but the identification of allergens is not completely known.Objective
The aim of this report was to study the immunoreactivity of puritied stable latex fractions from Hevea braziliensis.Methods
We purified the cytoplasm of Hevea braziliensis and obtained three fractions: latex particles (LP), lutoids (L) and cytosolic serum (CS). Using Western blot, specific IgE directed to latex allergens was found in 80 patients with latex allergy.Results
Five major groups of allergens migrating as 14, 25, 29, 37–45 and 50kDa were recognized. They were unequally distributed within the latex fractions: 37–45 kDa proteins were essentially recognized in CS and LP, whereas 14 and 29 kDa proteins were mainly labelled in the L fraction. As a control, aqueous glove extracts exhibited a more restricted pattern of reactivity, because only 14 and 29 kDa proteins were recognized by patient sera. The pattern of reactivity was not correlated with specific IgE levels, but sera from patients suffering from spina bifida reacted specifically with the minor protein of 25 kDa located in LP.Conclusions
The present results show that latex allergic patients recognize several allergens which are differently distributed in subcellular fractions extracted from H. braziliensis and aqueous GE. The L fraction and GE were enriched in low molecular weight proteins and apparently contained the same allergens.
Effects of prednisolone on bone turnover in patients with corticosteroid resistant asthma
Authors: LANE S. J. , VAJA S. , SWAMINATHAN R. , LEE T. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Although corticosteroid resistant (CR) bronchial asthma is associated with impaired in vitro and in vivo glucocorticoid (GC) responsiveness in mononuclear cell function, it is not known whether this is a cell specific phenomenon or whether these patients are yt similar risk of glucocorticoid side‐effects as corticosteroid‐sensitive (CS) subjects. In order to address this question we have examined the effects of GCs on biochemical indices of bone turnover in vivo.Methods
Six CS and six CR subjects received prednisolone 40 mg orally at 09.00 daily for 5 days. At 08.30 on day 1 and day 6 a fasting blood was taken for estimation of serum osteocalcin, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP: total and bone isoenzyme), and a urine sample taken for estimation of free deoxy‐pyridinoline crosslinks. TRAP and ALP were measured by a colorimetric method and osteocalcin and deoxy‐pyridinoline crosslinks by ELISA.Results
Serum osteocalcin (nmol/L) decreased from 1.39 ± 0.O9 (mean ± SEM) to 1.14 ± 0.07 (P= 0.023) and from 1.19 ± 0.05 to 0.96 ± 0.1 (P= 0.037) in the CS and CR groups, respectively. There was no difference between baseline and post‐treatment levels in either group. Serum total ALP (units/L) decreased from 178 ± 7 to 168 ± 4 (P= 0.02) and from 195 ± 22 to 175 ± 16 (p=0.04) in ihe CS and CR groups, respectively. There was no difference between baseline and post‐treatment levels in either group. There was no significant elevation of deoxy‐pyridinoline crosslinks or TRAP and no suppression of bone ALP in either group.Conclusion
We suggest that CR asthmatics may be equally at risk from the metabolic side‐effects of glucoeortieoids.
Domestic allergens in public places II: dog (Can f 1) and cockroach (Bla g 2) allergens in dust and mite, cat, dog and cockroach allergens in the air in public buildings
Authors: CUSTOVIC A. , GREEN R. , TAGGART S. C. O. , SMITH A. , PICKERING C. A. C. , CHAPMAN M. D. , WOODCOCK A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Sensitization and exposure to indoor allergens are the major risk factors for asthma. It is possible that significant exposure to domestic allergens occurs outside the home.Objectives
To investigate the levels of Can f 1 and Bla g 2 in the dust from carpeted floors and upholstered seats in public buildings and public transport and the airborne concentrations of Der p 1, Fel d 1, Can f 1 and Bla g 2 in schools and offices.Methods
Can f 1 and Bla g 2 were measured in the dust collected by vacuuming a I m2 area of carpet, as well as upholstered seats in five schools, six hotels, four cinemas, six pubs, three buses and two trains. Dust was also collected from the bedroom carpet, living room carpet, mattress and sofa in 20 homes with and 20 homes without a dog in the same area. Personal airborne sampling (2 L/min) was conducted for 8 h in offices (n= 16) and classrooms (n= 9). In addition, airborne samples in schools were collected using a high volume pump (60 L/min) for 1 h in three classrooms immediately after the children vacated the school. Can f 1, Bla g 2, Der p 1 and Fel d 1 were assayed using a two–site monoclonal antibody–based ELISA.Results
Can f 1 was detected in all dust samples from public places, ranging from 0.2 to 52.5 μg/g, Significantly higher levels were found in upholstered scats (geometric mean – GM 9.4 μg/g) than in carpets (GM 1.5 μg/g; P < 0.001), and levels of Can f 1 > 10 μg/g were found in 40% of upholstered seats in public places. Can f 1 was significantly higher in upholstered seats in public places than in sofas in homes without a dog (GM 1.8 μg/g; P < 0.001). Detectable levels of Bla g 2 were found in all of the schools (GM 2.4 U/g, range 0.8–4.4 U/g). Bla g 2 concentration greater than 2U/g (provisional threshold level representing risk of sensitization) was measured in 65% of the classrooms sampled. Der p 1 and Bla g 2 were below the detection limit in all airborne samples. However, airborne Fel d 1 and Can f 1 were detected in schools and offices, albeit in low concentrations.Conclusions
Upholstered seats from public places constitute a reservoir for the accumulation of dog allergen, and a source of exposure to Can f 1 inside public buildings or on public transport. Exposure to cockroach allergens in schools may be important for cockroach sensitized asthmatic children.