bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of cereal allergens
Authors: VARJONEN E. , BJÖRKSTÉN F. , SAVOLAINEN J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Ingested cereals and inhaled cereal dusts can cause IgE‐mediated allergy. Testing for these allergies yields variable, often undependable results, which could be due to the use of unsuitable or degraded testing materials.Objective
We studied the effect of storage media, time and temperature on the stability of protein allergens extracted from wheat, rye, barley and oats flour. We also examined the effect of heat processing similar to that used when preparing foods on the stability of allergenic proteins present in wheat flour.Methods
After storage experiments proteins in allergen extracts were separated using sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then visualized using immunoblotting or staining with Coomassie brilliant blue. After heat processing wheat flour proteins were extracted and their IgE‐binding capacity was estimated.Results
Extracted proteins from wheat, rye and barley flour appeared stable for at least 21 months when stored at 4°C in an aqueous solution containing 50% glycerol and 0.45% sodium chloride. In a medium with 0.4% phenol and 0.9% sodium chloride degradation of many proteins became apparent already after 1 month of storage. Oats extracts lost their IgE‐binding capacity more rapidly and the maximal storage time appeared to be 10 months at 4°C in a solution containing 50% glycerol and 0.45% sodium chloride. The IgE‐binding capacity of the allergenic proteins decreased as heat‐processing temperature and heating time increased. No processing conditions entirely abolished IgE‐binding.Conclusion
Cereal allergen preparations can be stored either in lyophilized form or at 4°C in 50% glycerol. Unheated materials should be used also when testing for food allergy, as heating reduces allergenicity and thus sensitivity at testing.
Allergenic components in three different species of Penicillium: crossreactivity among major allergens
Authors: SHEN H.‐D. , LIN W.‐L. , TSAI J.‐J. , LIAW S.‐F. , HAN S.‐H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Penicillium species have been considered as important causative agents of extrinsic bronchial asthma. However, little is known about the allergens of these ubiquitous airborne fungal species.Objective
This study cotnpares the allergenic profiles and allergenic crossreactivity among allergens of three prevaletit airborne Penicillium species.Methods
IgE‐binding Penicillium components were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE)‐immunoblotting using sera from 67 asthmatic patients. The presence of allergenic crossreactivity was analysed by immunoblot inhibition.Results
Among the 67 serum samples tested, 15, 14 and 11 samples showed IgE reactivity to components of P. citrinun, P. notatum and P. brevicompactum, respectively. All 15 P. citrinum‐positive serum samples showed IgE‐binding to a 33 kDa extract component of this species. Thirteen (93%) of the 14 P. notatum‐positive serum samples and 10 (91%) of the 11 P. brevicompactum‐positive sera also showed IgE reactivity to components with a molecular weight of about 33 kDa in individual Penicillium species. All of the 10 P. brevicompactum 33 kDa component‐positive serum samples showed IgE reactivity to the 33 kDa components of the other two Penicillium species tested. Dose‐dependent inhibition of IgE‐binding to these major allergens was observed when the positive serum sample was absorbed with different amounts of individual allergenic extract as well as with different amounts of extracts prepared from the other two Penicillium species.Conclusion
Although different allergenie profiles were observed in the three different Penicillium species tested, results showed that there was an IgE crossreactivity among the 33 kDa group major allergens of P. citrinum, P. notatum and P. brevicompactum.
Analysis of the allergenic composition of rat dust
Authors: GORDON S. , TEE R. D. , NEWMAN TAYLOR A. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Allergy to rats is an important occupational health problem. The allergens of rat urine have been well defined but those in rat room dust, a potentially important source of inhalant exposure, have not.Objective
To describe the allergens present in rat room dust and to identify a suitable marker protein which may be used to quantify airborne rat allergen. Methods Dust collected from the air‐conditioning system (bulk dust, ‘bd’) and with an air sampler (airborne dust, ‘ad’) were analysed by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition, immunoblotting and immunoblot inhibition techniques and comparisons made with hair and urine extracts prepared from adult male Wistar rats. Results Extensive crossreactivity was found between the extracts by RAST inhibition under different experimental conditions. Dust was more potent as an inhibitor than other extracts. The immunoblotting patterns of both dusts were similar although ‘ad’ contained an allergen at 29kDa not found in ‘bd’. Forty‐two sera from rat allergic subjects were used to identify 18 allergens in ‘bd’. Three ‘major’ allergens were found; 100% of subjects had immunoglobulin (Ig)E to a 44 kDa allergen and 74% and 88% of subjects had IgE with bound to the 20.5 and 17 kDa allergens respectively. Immunoblot inhibition experiments identified the 17 kDa dust allergen as α2u‐globulin (Rat nI). Conclusions Rat dust is a complex allergenic source. The 17 kDa dust allergen has immunological identity with Rat nl and is a suitable marker protein for the quantitation of airborne rat allergen.
Induction of hyperresponsiveness in human airway tiss by neutrophils — mechanism of action
Authors: ANTICEVICH S. Z. , HUGHES J. M. , BLACK J. L. , ARMOUR C. L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The two main features of asthtna are bronchial hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. The inflammatory response in asthma consists of infiltration and activation of a variety of inflammatory cells including neutrophils. Our previous studies have shown that stimuhited neutrophil supernatants cause hyperresponsiveness of human bronchial tissue in vitro.Objective
To investigate the effect of the sensitization status of the tissue and the albumin concentration used to prepare supernatants on the response of human bronchial tissue to stimulated neutrophil supernatants.Methods
Neutrophil supernatants were prepared from human isolated blood in the presence of varying concentrations of albumin (0%, 0.1% and 4%), Neutrophil supernatants were added to sensitized and non‐sensitized human isolated bronchial tissue which was stimulated with electrical field stimulation (EFS) (20 s every 4min). Receptor antagonists specific for the prostaglandin and thromboxane (10−7M GR3219I), platelet activating factor (10−6M WEB 2086), leukotriene D4 (10−6M MK‐679) and neurokinin A (10−7M SR48968) receptors were used to identify neutrophil products responsible for the effects observed in the bronchial tissue. Results In non‐sensitized human bronchial tissue, stimulated neutrophil supernatants induced a direct contraction in the presence of 0% and 0.1 % but not 4% albumin. This contraction was due to leukotriene D4 as MK‐679 completely inhibited the contraction. In contrast, stimulated neutrophil supernatants increased responsiveness of sensitized human bronchial tissue to EFS. The increased responsiveness was observed only in the presence of 0.1% albumin, with the site of modulation likely to be prejunctional on the parasympathetic nerve. The increased responsiveness was not inhibited by any of the antagonists tested.Conclusion
Sensitization status of the tissue and albumin concentration effect the responsiveness of human bronchial tissue to stimulated neutrophil supernatant. Our results suggest a possible role for neutrophils in hyperresponsiveness.
In vitro primary sensitization of hapten‐specific T cells by cultured human epidermal Langerhans cells—a screening predictive assay for contact sensitizers
Authors: KRASTEVA M. , PEGUET‐NAVARRO J. , MOULON C. , COURTELLEMONT P. , REDZINIAK G. , SCHMITT D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The need to develop predictive tests which could identify potential allergens has been recognized for many years. There is as yet no accepted in vitro method for the assessment of contact sensitizers.Objective
We have tested the ability of a range of contact allergens to induce in vitro primary sensitization of autologous T cells.Method
T‐cell proliferation induced by haptens using 2‐day cultured human Langerhans cells as antigen‐presenting cell was assessed by 3H thymidine incorporation. Antigen specific stimulation was calculated as stimulation indexes. Results Strong allergens induced in vitro a primary T‐cell response in all (trinitrophenyl, TNP: 13/13) or in the majority (fluorescein isothiocyanate, FITC: 7/10) of experiments. An irritant, sodium dodecyi sulfate (SDS). failed to generate a significant T‐cell proliferation in any of the experiments (0/10). We obtained a significant lymphoproliferative response to weak sensitizers only in a limited number of experiments: (coumarin: 1/12, citronellal: 0/10, hydroxycitronellal: 2/8). p‐Phenylenediamine (PPDA), a prohapten and highly sensitizing chemical in vivo, generated primary sensitization in vitro in only one of six experiments, while Bandrowski's base (BB), a metabolization product of PPDA induced a significant T‐cell response in all six experiments.Conclusion
The present in vitro model allows discrimination between two groups of substances: strong contact sensitizers (TNP, FITC. BB) on the one hand and weak sensitizers (coumarin, citronellal and hydroxycitronellal) and irritants (SDS) on the other hand. It could be used as a screening in vitro assay to eliminate strong contact allergens before further predictive animal tests have to be performed.
Allergy and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: FORD R. P. K. , SCHLUTER P. J. , TAYLOR B. J. , MITCHELL E. A. , SCRAGG R. ,   THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW ZEALAND COT DEATH STUDY GROUP
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground and Objective
There are several sources that suggest that there is a link between allergy and sudden infant death syndrome. We endevavoured to look for evidence of an association between allergic disease and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).Methods
A nationwide case‐control study covering a region with 78% of all births in New Zealand during 1987–90. Interviews were completed with the parents of 393 (81.0% of total) infants who died from the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and 1592 (88.4% of total) control families who were a representative sample of all hospital births in the study region.Results
Eczema was reported in 13.9% control infants compared with only 8.0% of the SIDS infants, univariate odds ratio for this in terms of risk for SIDS was 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.37, 0.84) for infants with eczema compared with those without. This lesser risk for SIDS was unchanged when adjusted for potential confounding factors. The risk of SIDS was not associated with reported cow's milk reactions or a family history of allergic symptoms once adjustments were made for possible confounding factors. Conclusion Infants with skin disorders identified by their parents as eczema had a low risk for SIDS. Families can be reassured that atopy is not a risk factor for SIDS.
Evidence of antibodies to erythromycin in serum of a patient following an episode of acute drug‐induced hepatitis
Authors: GÓMEZ‐LECHÓN M. J. , CARRASQUER J. , BERENGUER J. , CASTELL J. V. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
A patient who had taken erythromycin orally developed mild signs of hepatocellular damage and appeared to became sensitized. After a fortuitous oral intake of the antibiotic, 18 months later, the patient developed an extensive intrahepatic cholestasis.Objective
To confirm the allergic nature of this form of hepatitis by demonstrating the presence of serum antibodies directed at the drug.Methods
Primary cultured human hepatocytes were used to investigate whether erythromycin can covalently bind to hepatocytes; and to demonstrate the presence of drug‐directed immunoglobulins in the serum of the patient.Results
As a consequence of its metabolism by hepatocytes, a small percentage of erythomycin remained bound to hepatocyte proteins. The extent of covalent binding varied among hepatocytes from different donors, and was not observed in metabolically inactive hepatocytes. Antibodies able to bind erythromycin were detected in the serum of the patient. When this serum was added to a human hepatocyte culture that had been previously incubated with the drug, binding of immunogiobulins was observed around the cell membrane and close to pseudo‐bile canaliculi, thus indicating the presence of antibodies able to recognize erythromycin‐labelled hepatocytes. Conclusions The existence of serum antibodies directed at erythromycin haptens in this patient strongly suggests an allergic mechanism for this drug‐induced hepatitis.
Role of mast cells, eosinophils and IL‐5 in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness in sensitized mice
Authors: NAGAI H. , YAMAGUCHI S. , MAEDA Y. , TANAKA H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground and objective
In order to study the role of mast cells and IL‐5 in allergen‐induced airway hyperreactivity in mice, airway responsiveness in WBB6F1‐W/Wv mice (mast cell deficient) and the effects of anti‐IL‐5 monoclonal antibody (NC‐17) and three anti‐allergic drugs (N‐556, ketotifen and amlexanox) on airway hyperreactivity in Balbc mice were studied.Methods
Mice were immunized with an antigen (ovalbumin; OA) at intervals of 12 days. OA was inhaled 10 days after the secondary immunization. Twenty‐four hours after the last inhalation, airway reactivity to acetyleholine was measured and broncho‐alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained.Resutls
Three inhalations of OA caused an increase in leucocytes (including eosinophils). accompanied by increases in IL‐5 in BALF, and airway hyperreaetivity to acetylcholine in Balb/c and WBB6F1‐ +/+ mice. In WBB6F1‐W/Wv mice, antigen inhalation resulted in increases in leucocytes and IL‐5 in BALF but did not result in airway hyperreactivity. NC‐17 at doses between 10 and 20μg (intratracheal injection) inhibited the antigen‐induced eosinophilia but did not affect airway hyperreaetivity in Balb/c mice. Three ‘anti‐allergie’ drugs clearly inhibited antigen‐induced increases in IL‐5 levels and the number of eosinophils in BALF, but did not alTect airway hyperreactivity in Balb/c mice.Conclusions
These data suggest that mast cells play an important role in the onset of airway hyperreactivity but do not play a role in the production of IL‐5 and eosinophilia. Furthermore., indicate that the inhibition of IL‐5 is not always associated with a reduetion in antigen‐induced airway hyperreactivity in mice.
Low‐level exposure to house dust mites stimulates T‐cell responses during early childhood independent of atopy
Authors: BJÖRKSTÉN B. , HOLT B. J. , BARON‐HAY M. J. , MUNIR A. K. M. , HOLT P. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The imtnune responses which underlie the expression of allergic symptotns in childhood are believed lo be initiated in infancy and early childhood. The kinetics of this response have hardly been researched.Objective
To analyse, in an environment with low house dust mite (HDM) exposure levels, the relationship between house dust mite (HDM)‐specific T‐cell reactivity as expressed by in vitro proliferation of blood mononuclear cells.Methods
The study comprised a prospective analysis of patterns of allergen‐specific T‐cell reactivity in a cohort of 19 children, from whom blood samples were obtained in the spring during their second and third years of life. Blood mononuclear cell cultures were established in 200 μL AIM‐V serum free medium. Crude house dust mite (HDM) and purified Der p 1 and Der p 2 extracts were used at optimal concentrations, i.e. 100μg/mL for HDM and 30μg/mL for the purified allergens. Tetanus toxoid (0.5 μglrnL) and ovalbumin (10 μg/mL) served as positive controls. A clinical diagnosis of allergy was verified with skin‐prick tests. Dust samples were collected from a mattress and/or carpet or sofa in homes, day care centres and day care homes. Major mite allergen levels (Der p 1/Der f 1) in dust were analysed by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results
Specific T‐cell responses were seen in the majority of the children against house dust mite (crude HDM extract. Der p 1 and Der p 2). The levels of the house dust mite allergens Der p 1 and Der f I were low, i.e. < 0.68 μg/g fine dust in the homes of the children and the day care centres that they were attending. This indicates that doses of mite antigen well below the suggested sensitization threshold level of 2 μg/g dust can induce mite‐specific T‐cell responses in young children. None of them showed clinical reactivity to house dust mites as indicated by negative skin‐prick tests.Conclusions
The findings suggest that active immunological recognition of environmental allergens and the ensuing initiation of allergen‐specific T‐cell responses, is a normal part of the ‘education’ of the immune system in early childhood and can occur even at very low exposure levels. Priming per se does not imply clinically significant sensitivity, however.
Investigating paediatric airways by non‐bronchoscopic lavage: normal cellular data
Authors: HEANEY L.G. , STEVENSON E. C. , TURNER G. , CADDEN I.S. , TAYLOR R. , SHIELDS M. D. , ENNIS M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage in children to investigate bronchia disorders such as asthtna has both ethical and procedural difficulties.Objective
The aim of this study was to establish a standardized non‐bronchoscopic method to perform bronchoalveolar lavage in children attending for elective surgery to obtain normal cellular data.Methods
Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on normal children (n= 55) by infusing saline (20 mL) through an 8 FG suction catheter passed after endotracheal intubation. Oxygen saturation, heart and respiratory rate were monitored during the bronchoalveolar lavage procedure. Cellular analysis and total protein estimation of the lavage fluid were performed. Epithelial lining fluid volume was calculated (n = 15) using the urea dilution method.Results
The procedure was well tolerated by all children. Total cell count and differential cell count for children (macrophages 70.8 ± 2.3%, lymphocytes 3.8 ± 0.6%, neutrophils 5,7 ± 1.0%, eosinophils 0.14 ± 0.03%. epithelial cells 19.6 ± 2.1%, mast cells 0.21 ± 0.02%) were similar to those reported for adults. Age and sex comparisons revealed no differences between groups. The mean total protein recovered in the cell free supernatant was 49.72 ± 4.29 mg/L and epithelial lining fluid volume was 0.82 ± 0.11% of return lavageate.Conclusion
This method allows bronchoalveolar lavage to be performed safely and quickly on children attending for routine elective surgery. Using this method and taking the ‘window of opportunity’ of elective surgery, the presence or absence of airway inflammation could be studied in children with various patterns of asthma during relatively asymptomatic periods.
Design of an optimally‐diagnostic skin test solution for diagnosis of sensitivity to timothy grass (Phleum pratense) pollen
Authors: WHEELER A. W. , JESSBERGER B. , DRACHENBERG K. J. , RAKOSKI J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Although most of the common allergen extracts that are used for diagnosis of type 1 hypersensitivity are now well standardized, this gives no assurance that they are within the concentration range that gives the best chance of a true diagnosis.Objective
The objective of this study was to identify the most appropriate concentration range of timothy grass pollen Phleum pratense extract to diagnose sensitivity to this pollen correctly through skin‐testing.Methods
Dilutions of a well‐standardized extract were made and used to skin test ‘true’ positive and ‘true’ negative populations of subjects as identified by case history, challenge tests and radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Weal diameters were measured and the data were submitted to receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. For any particular weal size cut–off, the optimal diagnostic concentration (ODC) range was thus calculated.Results
A 3 mm weal diameter cut‐off was chosen as an appropriate size for routine diagnosis. Therefore the ODC range at this diameter was used to establish a product target concentration and specification for formulation of the diagnostic reagent. This method of allergen extract standardization can lead to a true‐biological unitage that can be used for labelling purposes.Conclusion
The optimun concentration range at which to formulate an allergen extract, in terms of an in vitro immunologically based assay, can be determined by carrying out ROC analysis of the results of clinical studies as described in this communication. Diagnostic units (DU), are now used by us for labelling of such final formulations which conveys the information that the product is at the most appropriate concentration for diagnosis.
Comparison of basophil histamine release, eosinophil cationic protein and non‐specific airway responsiveness between mite‐sensitive asthmatic and non‐asthmatic children and non‐allergic controls
Authors: TAKEDA K. , SHIBASAKI M. , IMOTO N. , SHIMAKURA Y. , TAKITA H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTo understand the relevance of allergy to the development of asthma in children, we examined basophil hislamine release (HR) with Df antigen, blood cosinophii counts, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels, and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine (PC20) in three groups of children, including 36 asthmatics with high RAST titre for Df (group 1), 36 non‐asthmatics with similarly high RAST titre for Df (group 2) and 21 non‐asthmatics with negative RAST titre for Df (group 3). The amount of Df antigen inducing 50% HR from basophils did not vary significantly between group 1 and 2 (P>0.05), while none of the cells responded to higher concentrations of Df in group 3. The mean number of blood eosinophils and level of serum ECP were highest in group 1, and lowest in group 3, with group 2 being intermediate, and the differences were significant between all three groups (P<0.01). The mean PC20 value was the lowest in group 1, intermediate in group 2, and the highest in group 3, and the differences were significant between all three groups (P<0.01). While correlation studies showed that PC20 values of group 2 subjects signficantly correlated with their eosinophil numbers (r=–0.48, P<0.01) and ECP levels (r =–0.49, P < 0.01), such correlations were not found in group 1 subjects. These results suggest that the degree of the eosinophilic inflammation caused by the allergic reaction to mites is an important factor in determining the clinical expression of asthma in atopic subjects.
Inhalative occupational and ingestive immediate‐type allergy caused by chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Authors: CADOT P. , KOCHUYT A.‐M. , DEMAN R. , STEVENS E. A. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe report a first case of occupational allergy to chicory (Cichorium intybus) in a vegetable wholesaler. Symptoms occurred after oral, cutaneous or inhalatory exposure. The patient also reported reactions after ingestion of botanically related endive (Cichorium endivia) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa.) We identified the responsible allergen by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblot to be a 48‐kDa protein, confined to the non‐illuminated parts of the plants. No cross‐reactivity was found with mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen, which suggests that the vegetable is the primary allergenic material.