bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Domestic endotoxin exposure and clinical severity of asthma
Authors: MICHEL O. , GINANNI R. , DUCHATEAU J. , VERTONGEN F. , LE BON B. , SERGYSELS R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEndotoxins are potent pro‐inflammatory substances present in several natural environments and in commercial house dust extracts. To investigate the possible effect of chronic endotoxin exposure on asthma, 28 patients with perennial chronic asthma (20 allergic to house dust mite and eight intrinsic asthmatics) were evaluated during a 4‐month period (lung function, clinical and immunological criteria). At the same time, two house dust samples were collected from each patient's home to determine total house dust weight (mg/m2), endotoxin concentration and house dust mite antigen content (evaluated indirectly by guanine content with HPLC method). The mean (± s. d.) endotoxin concentration, as measured by quantitative Limulus assay was 2.59 (± 3.41) ng/mg house dust, ranging from 0.12 to 20 ng/mg. The mean guanine content was 0.13 (± 0.16) mg/100 mg house dust. There was no correlation between endotoxin and house dust mite concentrations. Patients were compared according to the low or high grade exposure to dust, endotoxins and guanine. Compared with patients with low grade (≤ 5.6 ng/ml) exposure, subjects exposed to high endotoxin concentrations (> 5.6 ng/ml) showed a significant increase in dyspnea (median 2.6 vs 3.3; P<0.05) and treatment (median 14 vs 44.3; P<0.01) scores, oral corticosteroid (median 0.0 vs 13.5 mg/24 hr; P<0.01) and β2‐mimetics (median four vs eight puffs/day; P<0.01) intake, and a significant decrease in FEV1/FVC (median 84.5 vs 67% of predicted value; P<0.01). In contrast, no differences were found between the two groups exposed to low (< 0.07 mg/100 mg house dust) and high (≥ 0.07 mg/100 mg house dust) concentrations of guanine, respectively. We conclude that endotoxins are present in normal domestic environment and could have a deleterious effect on the chronic asthmatic disease.
Immunoblot multi‐allergen inhibition studies of allergenic cross‐reactivity of the dust mites Lepidoglyphus destructor and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: JOHANSSON E. , BORGÅ Å. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , VAN HAGE‐HAMSTEN M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe allergenic similarity of the pyroglyphid mite D. pteronyssinus and the glycyphagid mite L. destructor was investigated with a new immunoblotting inhibition technique allowing simultaneous comparison of several allergens. Extracts of D. pteronyssinus and L. destructor were separated by SDS‐PAGE and electroblotted to nitrocellulose (NC). A serum pool containing IgE specific to the major allergens in both mites was mixed with serially diluted extracts of D. pteronyssinus and L. destructor and incubated with the mite allergens of NC. The inhibition of the IgE binding to NC was evaluated by densitometric scanning and percentage inhibition was calculated. The IgE antibodies to the 25‐kD component in D. pteronyssinus, were inhibited to the same degree by extracts of D. pteronyssinus and L. destructor. Another major allergen component in D. pteronyssinus (16 kD) was also inhibited by L. destructor extract but to a lesser degree: 400 times more of the heterologous than of the homologous extract was needed for 50% inhibition. To produce 50% of heterologous inhibition of the two major allergen components at 15 and 53 kD of L. destructor, 2000 and 10000 times more, respectively, of D. pteronyssinus than of L. destructor extract were needed. Two minor allergen components of L. destructor showed some cross‐reactivity with D. pteronyssinus. However, L. destructor was a stronger inhibitor of D. pteronyssinus than vice versa, probably because the sera were obtained from persons more sensitized to L. destructor than to D. pteronyssinus.
A gap in surface therapy: topical antihistamines
Authors: VAN DE HEYNING P. H. , CLAES J. , VAN HAESENDONCK J. , ROSSEEL M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAllergic and non‐allergic rhinitis have been treated by many drugs with different modes of action such as topical disodium cromoglycate and ipratropium bromide, systemic antihistamines and corticosteroid drugs and topical corticosteroids. Yet, these therapies are not entirely satisfactory for all symptoms. The rationale for the topical, intranasal use of antihistamines in patients is discussed. Topical antihistamine agents arc administered in order to avoid the side effects of systematically applied medications, and to reach higher local drug concentrations. H1receptors of the nasal mucosa play an important role in the physiopathology of allergic and non‐allergic rhinitis and even of infectious rhinitis. Most studies using topical antihistamines in rhinitis, had an experimental physiopathological aim and did not explore clinical efficacy. Recently, topical application of levocabastine—a potent H1antagonist—yielded good clinical results in allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and non allergic perennial rhinitis.
Reliability of respiratory symptoms to diagnose atopy
Authors: VERVLOET D. , HADDI E. , TAFFOREAU M. , LANTEAUME A. , KULLING G. , CHARPIN D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAs reliance of responses to epidemiological questionnaires on atopic symptoms is doubtful, we studied the predictive value of these questions relative to atopy, defined by the presence of serum specific IgE, taking into account some extraneous variables such as age and sex. The study population included 2067 adults, 20‐60 years old. The protocol consisted of a standardized questionnaire and an evaluation of serum specific IgE using the Phadiatop® (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Uppsala, Sweden) test. The predictive value of each symptom suggestive of atopy was quite low, but was much dependent on age and sex. Women more often than men reported atopic symptoms in the absence of atopy. Similarly, the predictive value of each symptom decreased with age. Thus atopic symptoms do not have the same value as predictors of atopy. These findings have both clinical and epidemiological important implications.
Changes in mite allergen Der p I in house dust following spraying with a tannic acid/acaricide solution
Authors: TOVEY E. R. , MARKS G. B. , MATTHEWS M. , GREEN W. F. , WOOLCOCK ANN 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe beds, carpets and furnishings in 15 houses were sprayed with a solution containing tannic acid and an acaricide in an attempt to reduce allergen concentrations. Dust was collected from these sites for 4 weeks following spraying and the mite allergen Der p I concentration was measured and compared with baseline concentrations. In a subgroup of houses, counts of live mites and estimates of aeroallergen were also made. Four untreated houses were monitored over the same period. In dust samples collected 3 days after spraying, the mean concentrations of Der p I in beds, carpets and furniture were 23%, 28% and 26% of the pretreatment levels. All these reductions were significant compared to untreated controls. Samples collected 4 weeks after treatment were not significantly different to baseline for each group. After the initial reduction, the rate of increase in allergen concentration was significantly greater in the spray‐only beds than in the beds which had been both sprayed and fitted with occlusive covers. Both aeroallergen and live mites continued to be detected in houses after treatment with the spray. These studies suggest that such sprays are only temporarily effective when applied at the manufacturer's recommended volumes and additional approaches are required to control the bulk of allergens in houses.
Comparison between MAGIC LITE®‐ and CAP®‐system: two automated specific IgE antibody assays
Authors: KLEINE‐TEBBE J. , EICKHOLT M. , GÄTJEN M. , BRUNNÉE T. , O'CONNOR A. , KUNKEL G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe MAGIC LITE system, a newly developed immunochemiluminometric assay for specific and total IgE antibody using paramagnetic particles coupled with standardized allergens as solid phase, was compared to the CAP system, a recently introduced immunoassay based on a cellulose polymer encased in a capsule. A total of 357 serum samples of patients with suspected inhalant allergies and a positive skin prick test (SPT) to common allergens (birch, timothy‐grass, mugwort, cat dander, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Alternaria) were investigated. Fifty SPT negative subjects served as controls (total number of tests in each assays = 1600). Both assays were highly precise (overall intra‐assay and inter‐assay coefficients of variation were 2.9% and 4.5% in MAGIC LITE, 4.7% and 5.5% in CAP) and showed excellent linearity (mean r2 of eightfold log2 serum dilutions were 99.7% and 99.3% in MAGIC LITE and CAP). Good correlations were found between the absolute specific IgE antibody values detected by both methods (correlation coefficient r: birth 0.86, grass 0.93, mugwort 0.96, cat 0.91, D. pteronyssinus 0.73, Alternaria 0.90). Excellent specificity (.98%) occurred in both assays and with all allergens, and sensitivity was related to the allergen (MAGIC LITE/CAP): birch 91%/89%, grass 83%/90%, mugwort 50%/69%, cat 83%/83%, D. pteronyssinus 72%/78%, Alternaria 75%/81 %. Our results indicate that both in vitro tests are useful tools for the detection of specific IgE antibody.
The association of perennial rhinitis with Trichophyton infection
Authors: KIVITY S. , SCHWARZ Y. , FIREMAN E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTrichophyton was recently reported to be the cause of respiratory allergy in patients with severe bronchial asthma. We describe eight patients with perennial rhinitis in combination with skin or toe‐nail infection, in whom Type I hypersensitivity reaction to Trichophyton was confirmed by skin test, RAST and nasal provocation. When treated with oral fungicidal therapy, there was significant improvement in both their skin and nasal symptoms. Local therapy produced only a mild, transient improvement. We emphasize the need for thorough evaluations in patients with respiratory allergies and negative routine skin tests.
Oilseed rape—a new allergen?
Authors: FELL P. J. , SOULSBY S. , BLIGHT M. M. , BROSTOFF J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryOilseed rape (Brassica napus) is a commonly grown crop in Europe and it has been suggested that its pollen may be a potent new allergen. The prevalence of sensitization in a normal exposed population and an objective study of those patients found to be allergic to the rape pollen is described. The results show a low prevalence of allergy to oilseed rape pollen (less than 0.2%) unless the subjects were occupationally exposed. Those affected, with one exception, were already atopic and allergic to other pollens. The role of volatile materials given off by the plant remains to be elucidated.
Comparison of a video questionnaire* with the IUATLD written questionnaire for measuring asthma prevalence
Authors: SHAW R. A. , CRANE J. , PEARCE N. , BURGESS C. D. , BREMNER P. , WOODMAN K. , BEASLEY R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA video questionnaire (VQ) for measuring asthma prevalence in adolescents was assessed for repeatability and validity in relation to bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) (PD20 ≤ 7.8 μmol methacholine). Comparison was also made with a standard, self completed written questionnaire (SQ), based on the IUATLD Bronchial Symptoms Questionnaire, which included five questions seeking comparable data to those in the VQ. Both the VQ and SQ were administered to 707 schoolchildren (13–16 years), in whom English was the primary language. One hundred and six randomly selected children subsequently underwent bronchial challenge to methacholine. Both the sensitivity and specificity for BHR were higher for a combination of three or more positive responses to the VQ (0.73 and 0.88), than to the SQ (0.63 and 0.82), although these differences were not statistically significant (P= 0.24). When administered again after a two week interval, the VQ had a significantly higher (P= 0.03) coefficient of repeatability (0.79) than the SQ (0.50). We conclude that the VQ is a valid and reliable method of determining asthma prevalence, and propose that by providing data relatively free from biases due to language, culture, literacy or interviewing techniques it may be particularly useful when comparing asthma prevalence and severity in different populations.
Heterogeneity of IgE antibody response to reactive dye in sera from four different sensitized workers
Authors: HONG C.‐S. , PARK H. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe studied RAST and RAST inhibition tests to black GR, the most frequent sensitizer among several reactive dyes in our previous study, in order to evaluate the specificity of IgE antibodies to hapten or new antigenic determinants and the crossreactivity between two reactive dyes, black GR and orange 3R, in sera from four different sensitized workers. RAST inhibition studies with black GR‐human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate discs demonstrated that black GR‐HSA conjugates were the most effective inhibitors. Orange 3R‐HSA conjugates, unconjugated forms of black GR and orange 3R were weak inhibitors in two patients and non‐inhibitory in one patient, whereas they caused strong dose‐dependent inhibitions in one patient. These results suggested that the IgE response to black GR‐HSA conjugates might be heterogenous and the cross‐reactivity between two reactive dyes differed from one patient to another.
Comparative inhibition profiles of three non‐sedating antihistamines assessed by an extended Lewis model*
Authors: SHALL L. , THOMPSON D. A. , BARKLEY A. S. J. , MILLARD L. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAntihistaminic drugs are widely prescribed across a multitude of medical specialities such as Allergy and Dermatology. The potentially serious sedative effect of these valuable agents has previously restricted their full use and the choice of drug has been dictated more by individual patient acceptability than by any laboratory demonstrations of comparative efficacy. Unsurprisingly therefore, there is a trend towards prescribing those newer preparations which leave the central nervous system unclouded. We have studied the most frequently prescribed non‐sedating antihistamine preparations, terfenadine (Triludan, Triludan Forte), cetirizine (Zirtek) and loratadine (Clarityn) in pharmacodynamic and relative efficacy trials using a quantifiable and reproducible extension of the classic Lewis model. The results indicate that two preparations, terfenadine 120 mg (Triludan Forte) and cetirizine 10 mg (Zirtek) are superior to their immediate rivals in degree of efficacy and/or speed of action. These results should assist clinicians in the positioning of effective, rapidly acting antihistamines for the symptomatic treatment of immediate hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria and rhinitis.
The influence of terfenadine and ipratropium bromide alone and in combination on bradykinin‐induced nasal symptoms and plasma protein leakage
Authors: RAJAKULASINGAM K. , POLOSA R. , LAU L. C. K. , CHURCH M. K. , HOLGATE S. T. , HOWARTH P. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryNasal instillation of bradykinin elicits many of the characteristic features of rhinitis. To assess the relevance of histamine release from metachromatic cells and the activation of cholinergic pathways, we investigated the effects of terfenadine, a histamine H1‐receptor antagonist, and ipratroprium bromide, a selective antimuscarinic agent, on bradykinin induced rhinorrhoea, nasal airways resistance (NAR), nasal pain and plasma protein leakage. Oral terfenadine (120 mg) or matched placebo and nasal ipratropium bromide (80 μg) or matched placebo were administered at 4 hr and 30 min respectively prior to bradykinin nasal challenge in two randomized, double‐blind and cross‐over studies on eight non‐rhinitic subjects. Thus subjects received either double‐placebo, oral terfenadine and nasal placebo, oral placebo and nasal ipratopium bromide or oral terfenadine and nasal ipratropium bromide, as pretreatment. Bradykinin challenge induced mean maximal increases of 57%, 59%, 77% and 72% in NAR on the placebo, terfenadine, ipratropium bromide and terfenadine plus ipratropium bromide pretreatment days respectively. These increments were not significantly different. Similarly rhinorrhoea and nasal pain induced by bradykinin nasal challenge were not significantly different on the four challenge days. Bradykinin nasal challenge caused a mean maximal increase in albumin levels in recovered nasal lavages of 11.5, 13.0, 12.2 and 12.3 times of baseline levels on the placebo, terfenadine, ipratropium bromide and terfenadine plus ipratroprium bromide pretreatment days respectively. Similarly total protein levels achieved a mean maximal increase of 8.0, 8.2, 7.9 and 8.8 times of baseline levels on these challenge days. The increments in both albumin and total protein did not significantly differ on the 4 challenge days. This study, therefore, demonstrates that cholinergic pathways and mast cell release of histamine do not contribute to increase in NAR, rhinorrhoea and plasma protein extravasation induced by bradykinin.
In vitro evaluation of acaricidal and fungicidal activity of the house dust mite acaricide, Allerbiocid
Authors: HART B. J. , GUÉRIN B. , NOLARD N. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe acaricidal and fungicidal activities of a new acaricide Allerbiocid, formulated for the control of house dust mites, were investigated. The components of the Allerbiocid formula are: 3% benzyl benzoate (acaricidal and fungicidal), 1% tannic acid (protein denaturant) and 0.5% Tween (surface active agent) in 70% isopropyl alcohol (antiseptic). At application rates of both 150 and 250 ml/m2, the acaricidal activity appeared to work by both ingestion and contact and remained active upon contact with mites for up to 10 weeks. When Sabouraud agar was treated with Allerbiocid at a concentration of 5 ml/20 ml medium, the preparation was also found to have fungicidal and fungistatic activities on various species of fungi commonly found in house dust. Allerbiocid contains tannic acid which is a protein denaturant. Levels of Der p I in dust were found to be reduced by over 90% after treatment with Allerbiocid. The importance of denaturation of mite faecal allergens and allergens associated with dead fungal spores is discussed.
Double‐blind group comparative study of 2% nedocromil sodium eye drops with 2% sodium cromoglycate and placebo eye drops in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: LEINO M. , ENNEVAARA K. , LATVALA A.‐L. , NORDGREN P. , POSTI A.‐M. , SUVES R. , TAKALO E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA 4 week, multicentre, double‐blind, double dummy, placebo controlled group comparative study was carried out during the birch pollen season to compare the efficacy and tolerability of 2% nedocromil sodium eye drops (twice daily) and 2% sodium cromoglycate eye drops (four times daily). Participants with a history of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) were randomized to receive nedocromil sodium (60), sodium cromoglycate (61) or placebo (64). Clinical assessment of SAC showed improvement with both active treatments compared to placebo but symptomatology was low and only changes in photophobia and grittiness reached significance (P < 0.05). Patient diaries showed significant control of itching by both active treatments, compared to placebo, with no differences between the active preparations. Patients’ opinions indicated a marked placebo effect: 73% of this group reported full or moderate control of symptoms, compared with 75% in sodium cromoglycate and 80% in the nedocromil sodium group. Unusual symptoms were most common (27 patients) with nedocromil sodium eye drops: P < 0.05 vs. placebo (15 patients). There were no serious adverse events. Nedocromil sodium eye drops (b.d.) and sodium cromoglycate eye drops (q.i.d.) were both considered clinically more effective than placebo in controlling symptoms of SAC due to birch pollen.
Higher risk of infantile atopic dermatitis from maternal atopy than from paternal atopy
Authors: RUIZ R. G. G. , KEMENY D. M. , PRICE J. F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe risk of infantile atopic dermatitis (AD) posed by maternal atopy and paternal atopy, respectively, were compared in the infants from a birth cohort in whom one of the parents had been designated atopic by skin prick testing. Nineteen with atopic mothers were compared with 20 with atopic fathers. AD, other atopic manifestations and potentially influential factors such as breast‐feeding were documented prospectively during the first year in all infants. At 3, 6 and 12 month assessments skin prick sensitivity and total serum IgE concentration were determined. Nine of 19 infants with atopic mothers and two of 20 with atopic fathers had AD (P= 0.023) giving a relative risk of 4.7 (95% confidence interval 2.5 to 9.0). Seven of 19 with atopic mothers and none with atopic fathers had AD with onset before 6 months (P= 0.007). When all types of disease evidence (AD, recurrent wheeze and food reactions) were analysed together no significant difference was apparent between the groups. The two groups were found to be well matched with regard to breast‐feeding, time of starting cow's milk, solids and egg, sex, month of birth, parental AD and smoking, race, household pets and neonatal IgE concentration. IgE concentrations at each age and the prevalence of skin prick positivity were similar between the groups. Maternal atopy poses a higher risk for infantile AD and paternal atopy. Whether this may be due to genetic or congenital factors or both is uncertain, but clearly the finding is of relevance in the prediction of allergy in childhood.
Adrenergic response in children with asthma on exogenous stimuli
Authors: VAN AALDEREN W. M. C. , POSTMA D. S. , KÖETER G. H. , DE MONCHY J. G. R. , KNOL K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn asthmatic children it was investigated whether the degree of impairment of the adrenergic response on exogenous stimuli is related to the magnitude of the 24‐hour amplitude in airflow obstructions. Urinary‐adrenaline and noradrenaline excretion after house dust mite (HDM) inhalation and after exercise was measured. Nine children with (group I), and nine without increased airflow obstruction overnight (group II) and nine age matched healthy children (group C) were included in the study. All patients showed an early obstructive reaction (EOR) after HDM challenge. Six children in group I and five in group II developed an EOR on exercise. A Significant increase in urinary adrenaline excretion was observed after exercise in the control group (P<0.05, values on the control and challenge day being 5.4±0.9 and 10.0±1.6 μmol mol creat.). The same occurred for noradrenaline (P<0.01, values being 28.2±2.5 and 49.0±5.7 μmol mol creat.). Adrenergic response after both stimuli was impaired in the asthmatic groups, in group I more pronounced than in group II. Values from group I for adrenaline on the control day. HDM and exercise challenge were 6.0±0.8, 4.7±0.6, 6.0±1.0 and for noradrenaline 36.1±2.7, 27.2±2.3, 38.4±4.9 μmol mol creat., respectively. Values from group II for adrenaline on these days were 5.6±1.0, 3.7±0.6 and 9.0±1.3 and for noradrenaline 28.3±3.2, 22.4±2.5, 41.3±5.9 μmol/mol creat., respectively. The results of this study suggest that the degree of impairment of the adrenergic response on exercise in asthmatic children is related to the magnitude of the 24 hr amplitude in pulmonary function.