bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine gene expression and release from epithelial cells. A comparison study between healthy nasal mucosa and nasal polyps
Authors: MULLOU J. , XAUBET A. , GAYA A. , ROCA‐FERRER J. , LÓPEZ E. , FERNÁNDEZ J.C. , FERNÁNDEZ M. D. , PICADO C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgroud
Epithelial cells release cytokines and they probably contribute to chronic inflammation detected in bronchial asthma, rhinitis and nasal polyposis.Objectives
To investigate the effect of cultures on cytokine gene expression to compare epithelial cell cytokine release by both healthy nasal nucosa (HNM) and nasal polyps (NP), and the modulation by dexamethasone and to investigate which cytokines may promote eosinophil survival.Methods
Epithelials cells were cultured to confluence, human epithelial cell conditioned media generated with or without dexamethasone, and supernalanls measured by ELISA. Cytokine gene expression was investigated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).Results
Fresh epithelial cells only expressed mRNA for intesleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) while cultured cells expressed mRNA for IL‐1β IL‐6, IL‐8, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and GM‐CSF. Epithelial cells from NP significantly (P < 0.05) released more IL‐8 (25431 ± 3163 pg/mL), and GM‐CSF (1229 ± 391 pg/mL) than those from HNM (18604 ± 1723pg/mL for IL‐8; and 611 ± 98 pg/mL for GM‐CSF), Dexamethasone 10 μM inhibited the release of all cytokines, this effect being similar (40 50%) in both HNM and NP. except for IL‐6 which was higher in HNM. Eosinophil survival induced by epithelial cell secretions from both HNM and NP was strongly blocked by GM‐CSF antibody while it was partially blocked by antibodies to TNFα and IL‐8.Conclusions
These findings suggest that although epithelial cell culture procedures may upregulate cytokine gene expression, nasal polyps may represent a more active inflammatory tissue by releasing more cytokines than healthy nasal mucosa this release being inhibited by steroids; and that, in addition to GM‐CSF.other cytokines such as TNFo and IL‐8, may also be involved in the promotion of eosinophil survival.
Factors related to the development of sensitization to green coffee and castor bean allergens among coffee workers
Authors: ROMANO C. , SULOTTO F. , PIOLATTO G. , CIACCO C. , CAPELLARO E. , FALAGIANI P. , CONSTABLE D. W. , VERGA A. , SCANSETTI G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Occupational allergic respiratory symptoms in coffee workers have been frequently reported, but the ultimate cause of sensilization is still debated, castor bean being considered besides green coffee beans. Atopy and cigarette smoking have been suggested as promoting factors of sensitizalion for several occupational allergens. Objective This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of allergic respiratory symptoms and of sensitization to both green coffee beans and castor bean in the whole workforce of a coffee manufacturing plant. Furthermore we wanted to ascertain both the presence of castor bean antigens in the settled dust of the green coffee beans warehouse and the possible crossreactivity between the two beans. Meanwhile, the effect of smoking and atopy was considered.Method: Two‐hundred and eleven workers were examined. A questionnaire on oculorhinitis and asthma was administered and skin‐prick tests for green coffee beans, castor bean and 15 common inhalant allergens were carried out. Isoelectric focusing, isoelectric focusing immunoblot and radioallergosorbent assay (RAST) inhibition were performed on samples of settled environmental dust from the green coffee area, as well as on castor bean and green coffee beans.Results
Ten per cent of the workers complained of oculorhinitis alone and 16% of asthma (nearly always associated with oculorhinitis). The overall prevalence of skin‐sensitization was: 15% for green coffee beans, 22% for castor bean, 22% for common allergens. Evidence of sensitization to occupational allergens was more common in smokers, with a more than twofold increase in relative risk. The strong association between skin positivity to common and occupational allergens suggests that atopy acts as an enhancing host factor towards occupational sensitization. The analysis of the dust confirmed the presence of castor bean antigens.Conclusion
Our findings indicate that castor bean is the major cause of occupational sensitization among coffee workers, whereas smoking and atopy act as enhancing factors.
Ultra rush bee venom immunotherapy does not reduce cutaneous weal responses to bee venom and codeine phosphate
Authors: JUTEL M. , SKRBIC D. , PICHLER W. J. , MÜLLER U. R. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background rapid administration of bee venom in cumulative doses exceeding the quantity contained in one bee sting is well tolerated by most of the patients during 3.5 h of ultra‐rush bee venom immunotherapy (VIT). The mechanism of this tolerance is unknown. Objective The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that either slow mediator depletion of mast cells or blockade of their surface receptor mechanisms by increasing doses of allergen might be the major mechanisms of tolerance induced by ultra‐rush VIT. Methods Nine bee venom allergic patients with a history of severe systemic reactions after a bee sting, positive skin tests and bee venom specific serum IgE antibodies were treated as follows: on the first day a cumulative dose of 111 μg was administered over 3.5 h under intensive care conditions. Further injections were given on day 7, day 21 and thereafter at 4 week intervals, Intradermal tests with codeine phosphate (nonspecific mast cell degranulation) and bee venom were performed before the initiation of VIT and 30 min after the last injection on the same day as well as before the subsequent bee venom injections. Results No significant changes of skin reactivity to both codeine phosphate and bee venom were observed on day I (before initiation of VIT and after the last injection on the same day). Conclusions Ultra‐rush VIT does not induce mediator depletion or surface receptor blockade in skin mast cells.
Prostaglandin D2 measurement in nasal secretions is not a reliable marker for mast cell activation in atopic patients
Authors: WANG D.‐Y. , SMITZ J. , CLEMENT P. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background Prosia gland in D2 (PGD2) is a very important mast cell product during the early‐phase nasal allergic reaction. However, the quantification of PGD2 in nasal secretions has not yet been well established. Objective Quantitative determination of PGD2 in nasal secretions of atopic patients (n=17) after nasal allergen challenge (NAC) and in non‐allergic healthy volunteers (n=10). Methods The nasal microsuction sampling technique was used to obtain the nasal secretions with an exactly known and minimally diluted volume. A sensitive and specific enzyme immunoassay was chosen to measure the more stable 11‐methoxime derivative of PGD2. which was obtained after extraction in acelone/ethanol and conversion using methoxamine‐HCl. The concentrations of PGD2 in nasal secretions obtained from 10 non‐allergic healthy volunteers were used as reference values. Results There was no significant difference in the concentrations of PGD2 between men (median: 569pg/mL) and women (median: 407pg/mL), nor between the baseline concentrations from atopic patients (median: 410pg/mL) and non‐allergic controls (median: 477 pg/mL). In the atopic patient group, PGD2 did not significantly increase during the entire sampling period after NAC. The absence of PGD2 response contrasted with the nasal symptoms manifested by sneezing, increased nasal airway resistance, and the significant increases of the concentrations of histamine, tryptase, and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) 5min after NAC. Conclusion This observation suggests that the measurement of PGD2 alone in the nasal secretions does not give reliable information on mast cell activation during a nasal allergic reaction.
Peripheral blood based T cell‐containing and T cell‐depleted culture systems for human IgE synthesis: the role of T cells
Authors: WHEELER D. J. , ROBINS R. A. , PRITCHARD D. I. , BUNDICK R. V. , SHAKIB F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Comparable T cell‐containing and T cell‐depleted culture systems for human IgE synthesis are currently not available.Objective
This has prompted us to develop peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) based culture systems for human IgE synthesis in the presence and absence of T cells.Methods
In this paper we describe simplified conditions for in vitro synthesis of high levels of IgE by human peripheral blood B cells, both in T cell‐containing cultures and in anti‐CD40 stimulated T cell‐depleted cultures.Results
T cell‐depieted cultures released approximately 20 times more IgE [range 410–2220 ng/mL (mean 1270 ng/mL); based on six experiments using cells from three donors] than did T cell‐containing cultures [range 23–105 ng/mL (mean 58 ng/mL); based on 15 experiments using cells from three donors]. Reconstitution experiments were performed to investigate the role of T eells on IgE synthesis. Adding T eells back to the anti‐CD40 stimulated T cell‐depleted cultures resulted in a dose‐dependent inhibition of IgE production. In the absence of anti‐CIMO low numbers of T cells stimulated, while high numbers suppressed, IgE production: the optimal ratio of T cells to non‐T cells for maximal IgE production was found to be 1:1. At this ratio, irradiated (non‐replicating) T cells supported a much greater IgE synthesis than did non‐irradiated T cells.Conclusion
The development of these systems provides directly comparable T cell‐containing and T cell‐depleted cultures for human IgE synthesis from peripheral blood, allowing further study of the role of T cells in IgE regulation. These systems will also be of use for determining whether potential modulators of IgE synthesis act on the T cells or on other cell types.
Gene expression of interleukin‐3 and granuloeyte maerophage colony‐stimulating factor in circulating CD4+ T cells in acute severe asthma
Authors: LAI C. K. W. , HO S. S. , CHAN C. H. S. , LEUNG R. , LAI K. N. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgrouud
Interleukin (IL)‐3 and granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimilating factor (GM‐CSF) may influence the inflammatory process in asthma through their regulatory role on eosinophil survival, differentiation and effector function.Objective
To examine the relationships between IL‐3 and GM‐CSF messenger (m) ribonticleic acid (RNA) expression in peripheral blood CD4+ cells and serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), a marker of eosinophil activation, and disease activity in asthma.Methods
Venous blood was drawn from patients with acute severe asthma prior to the commencement of systemic steroid therapy (day 1) and 7 days afterwards (day 7). patients with stable disease and normal healthy volunteers. The capacity for expression of I L‐3 and GM‐CSF in ex vivo stimtuated circulating CD4+ cells was assessed semiquantitatively by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).Results
We found that the capacity for expression of I L‐3 and GM‐CSF was significantly higher in acute asthmatics prior to steroid treatment (n = 24) than those in stable disease (n = 38) and healthy subjects (n = 32, P 0.001 for IL‐3 and <0.05 for GM‐CSF), but no difference was observed between the latter two groups. Further assessment made in 15 of the 24 acute asthmatics 7 days after systemic steroid treatment revealed a significant reduction in GM‐CSF expression (P<0.05) but not for IL‐3. At the same time, PEF also improved significantly from 30.4 ± 3.5% of predicted value to 72.9 ± 7.2% (P < 0.0001) and serum ECP concentration also fell from 19.9 ± 5.9 μg/L to 4.3 ± 2.0 μg/L (n= 10, P 0.01).Conclusion
Our data suggest both IL‐3 and GM‐CSF may be important in the pathogenesis of acute severe asthma.
Cupressaceae pollinosis in the Madrid area
Authors: CABALLERO T. , ROMUALDO L. , CRESPO J. F. , PASCUAL C. , MUÑOZ‐PEREIRA M. , MARTIN‐ESTEBAN M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
There is no previous report of Cupressaceae pollinosis in the Madrid area.Objective
To ascertain the presence of Cupressaceae pollinosis in the Madrid area. Methods Thirty‐six patients were studied who had winter pollinosis symptoms and a positive skin test to C. arizonica. They were skin tested with C. sempervirens (Abeiló, Madrid), C. arizonica (in‐house extract) and other common inhalant allergens (Abeiló). Total IgE was measured and specific IgE to C. arizonica, C. sempervirens and J. sabinoides was determined.Results
Six of the patients were only sensitized to Cupressaceae pollens, whereas 30 patients had also sensitivity to other pollens (oleaceae 28, plantain 27, grasses 25, chenopodium 25, compositae 23, Parietaria 9) and 18 patients were also sensitized to other inhalant allergens (animals 17, mites 4, moulds 2).Conclusion
These results confirm the existence of allergy to Cupressaceae pollens in Madrid (Spain).
Differential expression of platelet activation markers in aspirin‐sensitive asthmatics and normal subjects
Authors: TAYLOR M. L. , MISSO N. L. A. , STEWART G. A. , THOMPSON P. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Activation of platelets and expression of adhesion molecules (e.g. CD62P and CD63) which mediate interactions between platelets and other cells may be important in the pathogenesis of aspirin‐sensitive asthma.Objective
To determine the expression of CD62P and CD63 on platelets from aspirinsensitive asthmatic (ASA +), aspirin‐tolerant asthmatic (ASA‐) and normal subjects and to assess the modulatory effect of aspirin on platelet CD62P and CD63 expression following stimulation with either platelet‐activating factor (PAF), arachidonic acid (AA) or collagen (COL).Methods
Platelet‐rich plasma was obtained from 10 ASA +, 10 ASA—and 10 normal control subjects, and expression of CD62P and CD63 was measured by flow cytometry. Platelets were stimulated with PAF (10, 80 nM), AA (0.1, 1 mM) or COL (80, 800 μg/mL) with or without aspirin (concentration range 0.4–4 mg/mL).Results
In the absence of aspirin, CD62P expression induced by AA and COL was greater in ASA+ patients compared with control subjects (P<0.001) while CD62P expression with PAF, AA and COL was reduced in ASA—when compared wilh ASA+ and control subjects (P < 0.001). CD63 expression with PAF and AA was reduced in both ASA+ and ASA‐ patients compared with control subjects (P<0.001). Aspirin inhibited the expression of both CD62P and CD63 after agonist stimulatitin. Greater inhibition of CD62P expression was observed in ASA+ compared with ASA‐ patients (P<0.001) and normal subjects (P<0.05) while greater inhibition of CD63 expression was observed in normal subjects compared with both ASA+ and ASA‐ patients (P<0.05). In ASA+ patients and normal subjects, stimulation with PAF and COL resulted in only one platelet population while in contrast with 1 mM AA two populations were observed.Conclusions
Fnhanced AA‐ and collagen‐induced platelet CD62P expression in ASA+ patients compared with normal subjects and greater inhibition by aspirin of CD62P expression in ASA+ may be relevant to the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Reduced expression of CD62P and CD63 in platelets of ASA‐ patients following stimulation with PAF and AA may also have implications for the role of platelets and these mediators in the pathogenesis of other forms of asthma.
Crossreactivity between allergens in natural rubber latex and banana studied by immunoblot inhibition
Authors: ALENIUS H. , MÄKINEN‐KILJUNEN S. , AHLROTH M. , TURJANMAA K. , REUNALA T. , PALOSUO T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
An association between allergic reactions to natural rubber latex and to banana has been reported but the immunochemical properties of the putative crossreacting allergens remain unknown.Obfective
To study extracts of banana and natural rubber latex and sera from latex‐allergic patients for possible crossreacting allergens and IgE antibodies.Methods
Sera from 22 latex‐allergic patients and 22 control subjects with no evidence of allergy to latex or to banana were studied. All patients had positive and controls negative reactions in skin‐prick testing using an eluate of latex gloves. IgE antibodies to natural rubber latex and to banana were evaluated by immunoblotting and by radioailergosorbent test (RAST) and crossreactivity between allergens in banana and natural rubber latex by immunoblot inhibition. Skin‐prick testing was used to examine in vivo reactivity to banana.Results
Ten of the 22 (45%) latex‐allergic patients sera recognized altogether 14 allergens in banana by immunoblotting. The most frequently identified banana allergens were 23, 32, 36, 39 and 47kDa proteins. The banana skin‐prick test was positive in 14 of 18 (78%) latex‐allergic patients studied and banana RAST in 12 of 14 patient sera tested. Fourteen of 21 interviewed patients reported symptoms from eating or handling bananas. In immunoblot inhibition studies a dose‐dependent inhibition of IgE binding to banana extract with natural rubber latex proteins was observed in all five patient sera tested and, likewise, the binding of IgE to natural rubber latex extract was inhibited with banana proteins in four of the five patient sera.Conclusions
The present results confirm the existence of crossreacting allergens in natural rubber latex and banana and provide new information on the immunochemical nature and heterogeneity of these allergens.
Codfish allergy in adults. Specific tests for IgE and histamine release vs double‐blind, placebo‐controlled challenges
Authors: HANSEN T.K. , BINDSLEV‐JENSEN C. , SKOV P. STAHL , POULSEN L.K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
At present, several in vitro tests for immunoglobulin E (lgE)‐mediated food allergy are available. An estimation of the diagnostic accuracy of the various tests used in predicting clinical sensitivity to codfish in a well‐characterized allergic material is necessary.Objectives
To compare the diagnostic value of four specific IgE tests, and histamine release from basophils (HR) in identifying clinical type I allergy to codfish. As a true diagnosis, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) were employed.Methods
Eight clinically codfish‐allergic adult patients were investigated together with 30 codfish‐tolerant control subjects for evidence of codfish‐specific reactivity by Phadebas RAST® (PHA). Pharmacia CAP System RAST® (CAP), Magic® Lite (ML) and HR. To characterize the diagnostic properties of a freshly prepared raw codfish extract, experiments were conducted employing an in‐house radioallergosorbent test (RAST). the Maxisorp RAST (MAXI) and HR. Finally, protein profile and IgE‐reacting allergens were detected by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel elcctrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunoblotting.Results
The sensitivities of HR with commercial extract and the three commercially available specific IgE analyses were 0.83 and 1.00 respectively. Specificities were 1.00 (H R) and 0.87‐1.00 (specific IgE tests). Ereshly prepared codfish extracts improved the sensitivity of HR. SDS‐PAGE revealed ∼29 bands (< 14.3‐200 kDa) including a band of 12‐13 kDa. and in immunoblotting 18 sera identified 17 IgE‐binding bands. The protein migrating at 12‐13 kDa was identified in the fresh codfish extract tested with gen from all clinical codfish allergies, while no significant reaction was seen in the control subjects.Conclusion
Based on the small number of adult patients included in our study, the in vitro assays with commercial and fresh extracts have high sensitivity and are acceptable for screening for codfish allergy. Specificity of Phadebas. CAP. and our in‐house RAST was less than unity, whereas ML and strong binding of IgE to a 12‐13kDa protein completely matches DBPCFC results, and thus seems sufficient for establishing the diagnosis.
Detection of a κ‐casein‐specific lymphocyte response in milk‐responsive atopic dermatitis
Authors: WERFEL T. , AHLERS G. , SCHMIDT P. , BOEKER M. , KAPP A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Bovine casein leads to an expansion of lymphocytes expressing the cutaneous lymphocyte antigen and to specific lymphocyte proliferation in a subgroup of patients with milk‐responsive atopic dermatitis (AD). The casein fraction is composed of different proteins with defined and completely different sequences.Objective
To define the stimulatory capacity of the major casein protein (α and k) in lymphocyte proliferation assays with cells from milk‐allergic and non‐allergic individuals.Methods
Proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to lipopolysaccharide‐depleted casein subfractions were measured by thymidine incorporation. Lymphocytes from milk‐responsive patients with AD were compared with cells from non‐responsive patients with AD and to non‐atopic individuals, Atopic individuals with immediate symptoms following consumption of cow's milk were included as positive controls. Casein‐specific T‐cell clones (TCC) from four patients with milk‐responsive AD were restimulated with unfractioned casein and K‐casein.Results
Higher proliferative responses to unfractionated casein and α‐,β and casein were observed in milk‐responsive patients compared with non‐responders. Unfractionated casein and K‐casein discriminated best between the milk‐responsive patients with AD and non‐responders. Twenty‐five of 31 TCC from patients with milkresponsive AD reacted to the mixed casein preparation and K‐casein.
The respiratory effects of reduction of mite allergen in the bedrooms of asthmatic children — a double‐blind controlled trial
Authors: CARSWELL F. , BIRMINGHAM K. , OLIVER J. , CREWES A. , WEEKS J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Inhalation of house dust mite (HDM) allergen may provoke attacks of asthma.Objective
We investigated whether a double‐blind placebo‐controlled community‐based study aimed at reducing the HDM allergens in the bedrooms of HDM sensitive asthmatic children using the best methods available would prove beneficial to the children's health.Methods
The children (mean age 9.9 years, 34 boys) were recruited by a questionnaire submitted to 7386 families in a geographically‐defined area of the UK. Subjects were chosen to take part in the double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial if they were asthmatic, skin sensitive to mites, and had mite allergen in their mattresses. Seventy children were randomly allocated to groups. In the active group, the children's bedrooms were treated with an acaricide (Acarosan) and the mattresses, pillows and duvets were encased in exclusion covers. The control group received placebo treatments.Results
Forty‐nine complete data sets were obtained. Applying bedding covers and Acarosan led to a median reduction of 480 ng (100%) in mite allergen on the mattress vs 215 ng (53%) reduction in placebo‐treated group by 6 weeks. No evidence was found that the acaricide reduced mite allergen level. A change in bronchial reactivity to histamine was observed in the children after 6 weeks. This was not associated with any change in thrice‐daily records of peak expiratory flow rate. By 24 weeks, the actively‐treated children had improved forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and fewer required bronchodilator therapy or reported asthmatic symptoms than did the controls.Conclusions
The results suggest that mite removal procedures may modestly improve mite‐sensitive asthmatics and could perhaps be of value in exceptionally mite‐sensitive and/or highly mite‐exposed individuals whose response to the attempted removal should be measured.