bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure to gaseous formaldehyde induces IgE‐mediated sensitization to formaldehyde in school‐children
Authors: WANTKE F. , DEMMER C. M. , TAPPLER P. , GÖTZ M. , JARISCH R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Children attending a primary school showed symptoms such as headache, cough, rhinitis and epistaxis. Assessment of specific IgE to formaldehyde gave positive results in some children.Objective
Was IgE‐mediated sensitization as well as symptoms in children associated with formaldehyde exposure at school?Methods
Sixty‐two 8‐year‐old children attending three forms at a primary school were investigated. Indoor formaldehyde concentrations were measured in classrooms of both schools (one frame construction with particleboard used extensively as panelling vs a brick building) which were consecutively attended. Assessment of specific IgE to formaldehyde was done in all children. Children were transferred to a brick building and 3 months later specific IgE to formaldehyde in pupils showing initially elevated radioallergosorbent test (RAST) values reassessed. In all children symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire before and 3 months after changing school.Results
In the school panelled with particleboard the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold for formaldehyde of 0.050 ppm was crossed in two classrooms (0.075 ppm and 0.069 ppm) whereas in one classroom 0.043 ppm was found. RAST classes of >2 were found in three children, two of them attending the classroom with 0.075 ppm formaldehyde. Elevated RAST classes of ≥1.3 were found in another 21 pupils. Thirty‐eight pupils as well as 19 control children showed RAST classes in the normal range of ≤1.2. Headache, nose bleeding, rhinitis, fatigue, cough, dry nasal mucosa and burning eyes were found in the affected children. There was a good correlation between symptoms and the formaldehyde concentrations in the classrooms. However, elevated IgE levels to formaldehyde did not correlate with symptoms. Formaldehyde concentrations in the classrooms of the brick built school were 0.029 ppm, 0.023 ppm and 0.026 ppm. After transferral specific IgE to formaldehyde decreased significantly from 1.7 ± 0.5 to 1.2 ± 0.2 (P> 0.002) as did the incidence of symptoms.Conclusion
Gaseous formaldehyde, besides its irritant action, leads to IgE‐mediated sensitization. As children are more sensitive to toxic substances than adults, threshold levels for indoor formaldehyde should be reduced for children.
Recovery of human basophils after FMLP‐stimulated secretion
Authors: DVORAK A. M. , WARNER J. A. , FOX P. , LICHTENSTEIN L. M. , MACGLASHAN D. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgrottnd
Basophils arc circulaling, secretory grunulocytes that are generally considered to be end‐stage cells. In one species of guinea‐pigs, basophilic leucocytes have been shown to recover from stimulated secretion in short‐term cultures. Similar studies have not been done using human basophils.Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine human hasophils in short‐term recovery intervals following stimulation of secretion to determine whether visual evidence of recovery occurred.Methods
We examined the ultrastrucural morphology of early recovery (l0 min‐6h) of human basophils following secretion stimulated by formyl‐mcthionyl‐lcucyl‐phenyl‐alanine (FMLP). A combined technique for electron microscopy consisted of postfixation exposure to cationizcd ferritin and reduced osmium, providing maximum quality images and allowing identification of intracellular spaces/organelles that opened to the cell surface, often out of the plane of section.Results
The ultrastructural evaluation revealed that control basophils (0 time–6h) did not undergo regulated secretion or develop the morphologies associated with recovery following secretion. FMLP‐stimulated basophils underwent an overlapping continuum of piecemeal degranulation ‐ anaphylactic degranutation (0 time‐ I min), producing vesicle‐ and granule‐free, completely degranulated, viable, mature basophils with polylobed nuclei. The early recovery period (10 min‐h) following FMLP stimulation was characterized by reconstitution of granules. Morphological mechanisms for granule reconstitution included a mixture of conservation, condensation, and synthetic events.Coticlttsion
Human basophils, like guinea pig basophils, have the polential to recover from regulated secretion.
The importance of the pecan tree pollen in allergic manifestations
Authors: RACHMIHL M. , VERLEGER H. , WAISEL Y. , KEYNAN N. , KIVITY S. , KATZ Y. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Pecan tree pollen is considered to be highly allergenic. However, no specific scienlific data about its role in causing allergic diseases are avaliable.Ohjective
To study the role of pecan tree pollen in the development of allergy.Methods
The presence of pecan tree pollen was determined by weekly and monthly counting of airborne grains. The incidence of pecan tree pollen atopy and clinical manifeslations were studied in 395 participants, aged 4–70 years, who comprised 78.2% of the whole eligible population of a rural community. The participants were skin tested for different extracts of allergens, completed detailed questionnaires, and their medical files were evaluated.Results
During May. pecan tree pollen grains comprised 70% of the total airborne gruins. A positive skin‐prick test (SPT) to pecan was shown by 46(11.6%) participants, constituting 25.4% of the atopic population. Of those who were found atopic to one or more allergens 50.3% had symptoms, whereas the parallel figure for those atopic to pecan pollen was 76.1% (P< 0.0()5); 58.7% of the pecan atopic participants had hay fever, 43.5% had asthma, and 31.5% had both hay fever and asthma. Among peean atopic participants the incidence of hay fever increased with age (P‐ 0.05) while the incidence of bronchial asthma, as a sole manifestation of allergy, decreased in the > 17‐year‐old age group (P<0.0I). Of the pecan atopies 65.2% had clinical symptoms coinciding only wilh the pecan pollen season and an additional 10.9% had perennial symptoms.Conclusion
Pecan tree releases highly allergenie pollen grains, which are correlated to the incidence of hay fever in the exposed population. The contribution of pecan tree pollen to the symptoms was highly significant after discounting olive and cypress trees thai also pollinate in the spring. In children, the pecan tree constitutes a possible etiologic agent for the development of asthma.
Sensory neuropeptides are not directly involved in bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced by interleukin‐8 in guinea‐pigs in vivo
Authors: FUJIMURA M. , TSUJIURA M. , NOMURA M. , MIZUGUCHI M. , MATSUDA T. , MATSUSHIMA K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) hus been shown to be a chemotactic factor for netitrophils, T‐lymphocytes and eosinophils. Repeated intranasal administration of IL‐8 enhances bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine in guinea‐pigs. Neuropeptides which arc released trotn C‐fibre nerve‐endings have been postulated to induce bronchial hyperresponsiveness through neurogenic inflammation.Objective
This study was conducted to examine whether sensory neuropeptides are involved in the IL‐8‐induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness.Methods
IL‐8 at a dose of 5μg/kg was administered intranasally to guinea‐pigs twice a week for 3 weeks. One day after the last administration, animals were anesthetized and artificially ventilaled through tracheal cannula, and lateral pressure at the tracheal cannula (Pao) was measured as an overall index of airway responses lo increasing concentrations of inhaled histamine (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL). A NKI and NK2 dual antagonist FK224(10mg/kg), a selective NK1 antgonist FK888 (10mg/kg) or vehicle was intravenously administered 10min before measurement of bronchial responsiveness.Result
The IL‐8 treatment significantly enhanced bronchial responsiveness to histamine (ANOVA P < 0.01). FK224 or FK888 did not alter the IL‐8‐induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness.Conclusion
We conclude that repeated intranasal administratioti of IL‐8 causes bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and that neuropeptides such as neurokinin A and substance P do not directly contribute to the development of BHR induced by IL‐8.
Cloning and sequencing of the group 6 allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: BENNETT B. J. , THOMAS W. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The allergen Der p 6 from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus has been described by substrate affinity as mite chymotrypsin.Objective
The aim of this paper was to describe a cDNA clone encoding the allergen.Methods
cDNA was cloned from a λ library using oligonucleotides published for Der p 6.Results
The clone P6.1.1 had the N‐terminal amino acid residues as reported for Der p 6, and at position 189 the Ser was conserved in chymotrypsin for substrate specificity as well as the catalytic triad of His57, Asp102 and Ser195 for serine proteases. The estimated Mr was 24.9K and it was 37% identical to the trypsin allergen Der p 3.Conclusion
cDNA encoding Der p 6 has been described.
Fine structural specificity differences of trimethoprim allergenic determinants
Authors: PHAM N. H. , BALDO B. A. , MANFREDI M. , ZERBONI R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Adverse reactions, including immediate hypersensitivity, to the widely used antibacterial agent trimethoprim occur quite frequently. In recent years some progress has been made in developing an immunoassay to aid diagnosis of type 1 allergic reactions to trimethoprim and to define the basis of IgE antibody recognition of the drug.Objectives
The molecular basis of IgE binding to trimethoprim was examined more closely with a view to defining the fine structural recognition differences between patients' sera. Utilization of such information may lead to immunoassays that are more specific and sensitive and of greater diagnostic value.Methods
Immunoassays for specific IgE antibodies and quantitative hapten inhibition studies with trimethroprim and selected structural analogues were employed, together with sera from eight subjects clearly defined clinically as allergic to trimethoprim.Results
Three different allergenic determinant structures have been identified on the trimethoprim molecule. Identification of the 3,4‐dimethoxybenzyl group as a determinant was achieved on the basis of inhibitory activities of diaveridine, 3,4‐dimethoxy‐phenylethylamine, 3,4‐dimethoxybenzoic acid and 3,4,5‐trimethoxycinnamic acid. Evidence that the opposite end of the trimethoprim molecule was not being recognized was obtained from results with some pyrimidine derivatives, each of which showed no activity. Identification of the second determinant, the 2,4‐diamino‐5‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxybenzyl) pyrimidine group, rested mainly on the superior inhibitory potency of diaveridine, which differs from trimethoprim by just one methoxy group. With sera from some trimethoprim‐allergic subjects, only trimethoprim was active, suggesting that the entire molecule was a third IgE‐binding determinant structure.Conclusion
As with other drug allergenic determinants defined so far, heterogeneity of trimethoprim IgE‐binding determinants exists, and fine structural differences between determinants may be as small as a single methoxy group. Identification of the 2,4‐diamino‐5‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxybenzyl) pyrimidine group as an allergenic determinant increases the number of known trimethoprim determinants to three, and suggests that the number and heterogeneity of determinants will be a reflection of the number of allergic subjects studied.
IgE cross‐reactivity between birch pollen, mugwort pollen and celery is due to at least three distinct cross‐reacting allergens: immunoblot investigation of the birch‐mugwort‐celery syndrome
Authors: BAUER L. , EBNER C. , HIRSCHWEHR R. , WÜTHRICH B. , PICHLER C. , ERITSCH R. , SCHEINER O. , KRAFT D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Allergy to celery is often associated with sensitization to birch and/or mugwort pollen.Objective and methods
In a multi‐centre study, sera from 23 patients suffering from type I allergy to celery and 15 patients with positive celery RAST but wo clinical sensitization were compared. To examine whether cross‐reactivity between celery and mugwort pollen iticludes cross‐sensitization to birch pollen allergens, we determined cross‐reacting structures in birch pollen, mugwort pollen and celery by means of immunoblotting. Inhibition studies were performed by preincubation of sera with extracts of birch pollen, mugwort pollen, and celery.Results
We identified three groups of proteins—homologues of Bet v I and birch profilin (Bet v 2) as well asa group of proteins with a molecular range of 46 to 60 kD—displaying IgE‐cross‐reactivity, which were shared by birch pollen and celery. Two of these groups of allergens (profilin and the 46 to 60 kD proteins) were also present in mugwort pollen. In this paper we demonstrate that most cross‐reacting allergens present in mugwort pollen and celery can also be detected in birch pollen extract.Conclusion
Therefore we propose, from a serological point of view, to extend the mugwort‐celery syndrome to the birch‐mugwort‐celery syndrome.
Silverfish protein in house dust in relation to mite and total arthropod level
Authors: WITTEMAN A. M. , VOORNEMAN R. , VAN DEN OUDENRIJN S. , VAN LEEUWEN J. , AKKERDAAS J. , VAN DER ZEE J. S. , AALBERSE R. C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwo assays have been developed to measure arthropod levels in house dust. The first assay measures silverfish antigens. The second assay measures invertebrate tropo‐myosin and gives a global assessment of the level of atthropod‐derived material. These assays and a Der p 1 and Der p 2 assay were used to analyse 53 dust samples. In most dust samples the ratio of tropomyosin/Der p 2 was higher than in mite body extract, indicating that the assay measures other arthropods besides mites. Silverfish antigen was detectable in most of the dust samples. In many homes in which the inhabitants were unaware of the presence of silverfish, silverfish antigen was detectable. Therefore for information on exposure an immunochemical analysis is superior to a questionnaire.
Topical ocular levocabastine reduces ICAM‐1 expression on epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro
Authors: BUSCAGLIA S. , PAOLIERI F. , CATRULLO A. , FIORINO N. , RICCIO A. M. , PESCE G. , MONTAGNA P. , BAGNASCO M. , CIPRANDI G. , CANONICA G. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Levocabastine is a selective topical H1 antagonist, effective in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.Objective
We evaluated the possible effects of levocabastine eye drops on early (EPR) and late phase (LPR) inflammatory changes induced by allergen‐specific conjunctival challenge (ASCC). We focused our attention on the possible effect of levocubastine on expression of the intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) on epithelial cells. Such a phenomenon is likely to play an important role in allergic inflammation.Methods
The study was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial, performed in cross‐over, outside the pollen season. Ten out‐patients suffcring from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis due to Parietaria Judaica (wall parietary) were enrolled. Patients randomly received levocabastine eye drops (0.5 mg/mL) or placebo eyedrops, one drop in the left eye (right eye as control), 30 min before ASCC. Clinical evaluation (hyperaemia, burning‐itching, lacrimation and eyelid swelling) and cytological assessment (number of neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes, and ICAM‐1 expression on conjunctival epithelium) were evaluated at baseline, 30min and 6h after ASCC. In parallel, we evaluated the in vitro effect of levocabastine at concentrations ranging from 2 × 10−9 M to 2 × 10−5M on ICAM‐l expression and shedding by a continuously cultured differentiated epithelial cell line (WK).Results
Levocabastine reduced symptom scores during EPR (15min and 30min, P < 0.002), inflammatory cell infiltration duritig FPR (P < 0.002 for neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes) and ICAM‐1 expression on epithelium both during EPR (P < 0.002) and LPR (P < 0.02). LPR symptom scores and inflammatory cell infiltration were only slightly modified by levocabastine treatment. In vitro levocabastine at 2 ± 10−5 M concentration was able to down‐regulate basal ICAM‐1 expression, although it exerted no effect on ICAM‐1 expression by interferon‐γ (IFNγ)‐stimulated WK cells and on soluble ICAM‐1 release by epithelium.Conclusion
Levocabastine exerts anti‐allcrgJc activity, in that it reduces in vivo inflammatory cell infiltration due to ASCC, and also adhesion molecule expression on conjunctival epithelium. The latter phenomenon may be due, at least in part, to a direct effect of levocabastine on epithelial cells.
Pathological changes according to the severity of asthma
Authors: CHO S. H. , SEO J. Y. , CHOI D. C. , YOON H. J. , CHO Y. J. , MIN K. U. , LEE G. K. , SEO J. W. , KIM Y. Y. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgroundThere have been many studies concerning pathological changes in bronchial mucosa from asthmatics; however, few studies has been carried out to evaluate pathological changes according to the severity of asthma.ObjectiveThis study was designed to evaluate the cellular components in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and histologicai abnormalities in asthmatics according to the severity ot asthma.MethodsBronchoalveolar lavages, bronchoscopic biopsies and ultrastructural examinations were performed in 13 asthmatics and 11 (BAL) or four (biopsies) non‐asthmatic controls. The proportions of epithelial cells and eosinophils in BALF were significantly increased in asthmatics and showed significant correlations with PC20Methwhich reflects bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Light microscopic examination revealed loss of epithelium, inllammatory cell infiltrations and thickening of the basement membrane which also showed significant correlation with PC20Meth. Hypertrophy of airway smooth muscles and hyperplasia of mucous glands were prominent in asthmatics but there was no difference according to the severity of asthma. Ultra‐structural examination revealed that basement membrane thickening on light microscopic examination is due to the increased subepithelial collagen deposition with normal thickeness of basal lamina.ConclusionThese data suggest that loss of epithelial cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils, and increased deposition of subepithelial collagen play major roles in determining the severity of asthma and non‐specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
Influence of endogenous cortisol on eosinophil function in sensitized pigs: direct measurements of eosinophil peroxidase
Authors: FORNHEM C. , PETERSON C. G. B. , SCHEYNIUS A. , ALVING K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground and Objectives
Eosinophils are associated with bronchial asthma, but the role of the eosinophil is not fully understood. This study was initiated in order to study the influence of endogenous cortisol on eosinophil recruitment and activation in allergic inflammation in the lower airways in the pig.Methods
Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against porcine eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) were raised. Detection of eosinophils in blood smears and lung biopsy specimens was achieved using the polyclonal antibody. For determination of porcine EPO in bronchoalveoiar lavage (BAL) fluid, a sandwich enzyme‐linked immuno‐sorbent assay (ELISA) with a detection limit of 0.15μig/L was developed. No cross‐reactivity with porcine myeloperoxidase was found. Pigs that had been actively sensitized with repeated subcutaneous injections of Ascaris suum antigen were acutely challenged with antigen in the lower airways under pentobarbitone anaesthesia.Results
Control animals with plasma cortisol levels of approximately 400 nM did not exhibit infiltration of eosinophils into lung parenchyma or EPO‐release in the bronchial lumen within 8 h after challenge. However, in pigs treated with a cortisol‐synthesis inhibitor (metyrapone), resulting in plasma cortisol levels of approximately 40 nM, there was a marked eosinophil infiltration into lung tissue at 8 h. Furthermore, EPO levels in BAL fluid were increased in some, although not all, low‐cortisol animals. There was no infiltration of eosinophils into skin tissue in these animals.Conclusions
It is concluded that, after allergen challenge in the lower airways of metyrapone‐treated pigs, newly recruited eosinophils infiltrate lung tissue specifically. Furthermore, a cortisol‐sensitive release of the eosinophil‐derived cationic protein EPO, into the bronchial lumen was established. This is, to our knowledge, the first description of direct measurements of the release of an eosinophil granule protein in a large animal model of allergy.
Airborne dust antigen exposure and specific IgG response in the potato processing industry
Authors: ZOCK J.‐P. , DOEKES G. , HEEDERIK D. , VAN ZUYLEN M. , WIELAARD P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
High prevalences of work‐related respiratory symptoms in relation to organic dust exposure have been reported in the potato processing industry, but the responsible effect mechanisms are not known.Objective
To study the possible role of a type III allergy in aetiology. Methods Specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG4 subclass antibodies against occupational airborne antigens were determined in sera from 131 potato processing workers and 36 non‐exposed controls. Personal exposure to airborne antigens was measured, and a preliminary biochemical characterization was carried out.Results
Specific IgG was detectable in almost all sera, but levels were significantly (P<0.01) higher in potato processing workers compared with controls. Specific IgG4 was detectable in half of the workers' sera, but in none of the control sera. The antigens involved appeared to be heat‐labile potato proteins. Antibody levels increased during the processing campaign in most workers, and this increase was dependent on the level of antigen exposure. Both the difference in IgG titres between the occupationally exposed group and the non‐exposed group, and the exposure‐related increase in specific IgG titres seemed to be mainly due to specific antibodies of the IgG4 subclass. Specific antibodies showed a non‐significant tendency to lower levels in workers with work‐related respiratory symptoms.Conclusion
Occupational respiratory exposure in the potato processing industry leads to a strong humoral immune response, most pronounced for lgG4 subclass antibodies. Type III allergy is, however, unlikely to play a predominant role in the aetiology of respiratory effects.