bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of mite populations in mattress dust from hospital and from private houses in Cardiff, Wales
Authors: RAO V. R. M. , DEAN B. V. , SEATON A. , WILLIAMS D. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryFifty mattress dust samples from private houses were examined—all were mite infested. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus occurred in all samples and accounted for 81% of all mites.In thirty‐two paired samples the total mite population of bedroom floor dust was only 10% of that found in the corresponding mattress dust. D. pteronyssinus was the dominant species in both and the population of this mite amounted to 7.5% of that found in the mattress dust.An analysis of mattress dust from 100 hospital beds showed that ninety‐four mattresses were mite free; the other six contained only seven mites, all D. pteronyssinus.It is suggested that frequent changing and washing of bed linen and brushing and cleaning of mattresses were the main factors in preventing mite infestation in the Cardiff hospitals.
Cross‐reacting antibodies to Micropolyspora faeni in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection‡
Authors: DAVIES BRIAN H. , EDWARDS JOHN H. , SEATON ANTHONY 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwo cases are described of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in whom cross‐reacting antibodies developed to a glycopeptide antigen of Micropolyspora faeni. The antibodies were predominantly IgG, although some IgM was detected. Precipitin responses to M. faeni were detected for 4 months after the initial illness in one case, and 1 month in the second case. The cross‐reacting antibodies were closely related to the antibodies responsible for the complement fixation reaction to M. pneumoniae. It is suggested that a common potysaccharide antigen may exist on the surface membranes of M. pneumoniae and M. faeni. Initial studies of the frequency of the development of cross‐reacting antibodies in M. pneumoniae infection suggest it is uncommon. Atypical cases of farmer's lung should be investigated to exclude M. pneumoniae infection.
IgE, IgG and patient‐self tests during slow hyposensitization to grass pollen
Authors: BLAIR H. , EZEOKE A. , HOBBS J. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwenty‐two patients with severe hay fever unrelieved by antihistamines in previous years were slowly hyposensitized with alum‐precipitated pyridine grass pollen extracts. Their responses were objectively assessed as very good (55%), good (18%) or improved (23%). Two mechanisms were detected: (i) an increase in serum blocking activity in 59% and (ii) the prevention in 59% of the serum IgE elevation expected in the pollen season.
Study of 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate in perennial rhinitis assessed by subjective and objective parameters
Authors: GIRARD J. P. , BERTRAND J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe efficacy of a 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate has been assessed in the treatment of chronic perennial rhinitis by a double‐blind group comparative trial over a period of 4 weeks. The solution was administered to the nose as a fine spray delivered by a metered device at a frequency of six times a day; thus the daily dose of active drug was approximately 31.2 mg.The patients' response was measured by both subjective and objective parameters; in addition nasal smears were examined for eosinophils before and after treatment.Analyses of the subjective data demonstrated a significant difference between the active and placebo solutions at the end of the trial. The objective data was obtained by measurement of nasal resistance and flow at weekly intervals; there was a highly significant difference between the two treatment groups compared to the baseline measurements after only 1 week's treatment. There was a reduction of eosinophils in the nasal smears in those patients allocated the SCG solution, there was virtually no change in those who received placebo; the difference was significant.This study has demonstrated that a 2% solution of SCG is effective in the treatment of perennial rhinitis. It has been shown that measurements of nasal airways resistance and flow are sensitive indices of changes in the mucous membrane of the nose and that beneficial effects of SCG solution can be detected after 7 days treatment.
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to rat serum proteins
Authors: CARROLL K. B. , PEPYS J. , LONGBOTTOM. JOAN L. , HUGHES D. T. D. , BENSON H. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn a research assistant with recurrent episodes of extrinsic allergic alveolitis on exposure to rats, typical systemic and pulmonary reactions on inhalation and positive reaction on prick testing were elicited only by tests with rat serum; precipitins were present against rat serum and rat pelt, but not rat fur, and were also present against rat urine, which may contain large amounts of serum protein and which may haw been a main source of antigenic exposure.
Serum IgE levels in healthy children quantified by a sandwich technique (PRIST*)
Authors: KJELLMAN N‐I. M. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , ROTH A. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySerum IgE was estimated in 226 healthy children aged 0–14 years without obvious atopic disease in their first degree relatives. A paper disc radioimmunoassay technique (PRIST) was used. A number of criteria for selection of cases were established. This led to the exclusion of forty‐two potentially atopic children. The remaining group of 184 children is considered representative of normal children and may therefore be used for reference purposes. The IgE levels were found to be lower than in previous investigations, and this is attributed to the refined technique and the method of selection.
Asthma due to non‐occupational exposure to toluene (tolylene) di‐isocyanate
Authors: CARROLL K. B. , SECOMBE C. J. P. , PEPYS J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe production of asthma by toluene di‐isocyanate, aspirated into the ventilating system and emanating from the exhausts of a neighbouring factory, was established in three otherwise non‐exposed clerical workers. Occupational‐type exposure tests with a polyurethane varnish/toluene di‐isocyanate mixture elicited vigorous and prolonged non‐immediate asthmatic reactions, thus enabling identification of the otherwise, obscure etiological cause of their asthma.
Allergy and parasites: the measurement of total and specific IgE levels in urban and rural communities in Rhodesia
Authors: MERRETT T. G. , MERRETT J. , COOKSON J. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEighty adult asthmatics living in an African city had a significantly higher serum IgE level (799 u/ml) than the control group (350 u/ml). A high proportion (78·7%) of the asthmatics had demonstrable circulating mite‐specific IgE antibodies. The rural population of a filariasis endemic region was investigated and although no allergic subjects were identified, the group had a significantly higher IgE level (1613 u/ml) than the asthmatics and also showed a relatively high incidence of grass pollen‐specific IgE antibodies (35%). The discrepancy between clinical history and laboratory results supports the mast cell saturation hypothesis and suggests: (a) an explanation for the susceptibility to allergy of African and Asian immigrants to Great Britain, and (b) a practical approach for preventing allergic reactions in vivo.
The diagnosis of aspirin idiosyncrasy by analgesic challenge
Authors: DELANEY J. C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAnalgesic challenge was employed to identify fifty patients with aspirin idiosyncrasy. No serious reactions were observed using the method described. Patients with a history of the condition were highly sensitive and reacted to small doses of aspirin or to paracetamol. Patients with a positive challenge test, but previously unaware of aspirin idiosyncrasy, were less sensitive: they required larger challenge doses of aspirin and did not respond to paracetamol challenge. In the absence of an in vitro test, analgesic challenge is the only means of confirming the presence of aspirin idiosyncrasy.
Factors in allergen‐induced asthma: relevance of the intensity of the airways allergic reaction and non‐specific bronchial reactivity
Authors: KILLIAN D. , COCKCROFT D. W. , HARGREAVE F. E. , DOLOVICH J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEarly asthmatic responses (EAR) of similar severity were produced by allergen inhalation challenges in nine asthmatic subjects. The severity of the airways allergic reaction was estimated by measuring the skin test weal size produced by the same dilution of allergen which caused the EAR. The non‐specific bronchial reactivity was assessed by inhalation of increasing concentrations of histamine acid phosphate. Possible relationships between the severity of the airways allergic reaction, the level of non‐specific bronchial hyper‐reactivity and the pattern of asthmatic response were examined.There was a marked inverse correlation between the required severity of the airways allergic reaction and the non‐specific bronchial reactivity (log10) of the individual (r =−0·96, P < 0·001). The EAR was followed by a late asthmatic response (LAR) in five subjects. There was no evident correlation between the magnitude of the EAR and that of the LAR. In addition, no correlation was obtained between the pattern of response in terms of EAR or LAR and the severity of the allergic reaction, or the level of non‐specific bronchial reactivity. These results indicate that the allergic reaction and the non‐specific bronchial reactivity are interrelated in the production of allergen‐induced asthma. Thus a mild allergic reaction will induce an EAR in patients with markedly increased non‐specific bronchial reactivity, whereas a severe allergic reaction is required to produce an EAR in those with only slightly increased non‐specific reactivity. The lack of correlation between the occurrence of the LAR and the intensity of the airways allergic reaction, the non‐specific bronchial reactivity and the intensity of the EAR indicates that other factors are involved in the development of LAR.
Allergy to a tetracycline preparation—a case report
Authors: FAWCETT I. W. , PEPYS J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryImmediate asthmatic and urticarial reactions were provoked in an affected subject by ingestion of a commercial combination of three tetracylines. No reactions were elicited by the tetracyclines given separately or prepared together as a powder; this was perhaps due to tachyphylaxis, since a test with the commercial preparation 2 months later elicited the reactions again. No reactions were elicited by the blue coating of the commercial preparation or by tartrazine.
Identification of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in the sera of African asthmatics
Authors: COOKSON J. B. , MERRETT J. , MERRETT T. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryOf eighty African asthmatics, sixty‐three had significant levels of specific IgE against the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. By contrast, grass‐specific IgE was found in six patients and mould‐specific IgE in none. Sixty‐three patients also had symptoms predominantly during the rainy season.Positive skin tests against D. pteronyssinus correlated well with the presence of mite‐specific IgE, as did the size of these skin test weals with the amount of specific IgE. For grass pollen and moulds there was no such relationship. There was no correlation between a history of sensitivity to house dust and either skin tests or specific IgE against D. pteronyssinus.The results support previous findings that it is allergy to house dust mite and not to grass pollens or moulds which is important in producing the seasonal symptoms in our patients.
Asthma due to inhaled chemical agents—persulphate salts and henna in hairdressers
Authors: PEPYS J. , HUTCHCROFT B. J. , BRESLIN A. B. X. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryOccupational type exposure tests in two female hairdressers with occupational asthma gave, in one, an immediate asthmatic reaction to the mixing of a bleach containing potassium persulphate with hydrogen peroxide and also immediate skin test reactions to sodium and potassium persulphate, and in the other a non‐immediate asthmatic reaction and negative skin tests to the persulphate preparations and also immediate skin and bronchial reactions to an extract of henna.
Allergens of mammalian origin. V.
Authors: OHMAN J. L. , LOWELL F. C. , BLOCH K. J. , KENDALL S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEight commercial cat dander extracts and two pelt extracts derived from mongrel and Siamese cats were compared. Cat allergen 1 and cat albumin were measured by radial immunodiffusion. Allergenic activity was evaluated by prick test and a modified radioallergosorbent test. In the latter, the dilution of each extract that produced 50% inhibition of binding of IgE antibodies to insolubilized cat allergen 1 (RAST 1) and insolubilized cat serum (RAST 2) was determined. The total non‐dialysable solid content of the extracts did not correlate with any other parameter. Cat allergen 1 content determined by radial immunodiffusion correlated with average prick test results in ten cat‐sensitive subjects and with RAST 1 activity. Cat albumin content correlated weakly with RAST 2 activity but not with any other measure of allergenic activity. Absorption of each extract with the γ‐globulin fraction of rabbit antiserum to cat allergen 1 significantly reduced prick test reactivity and RAST 1 activity, but not RAST 2 activity. These results indicate that cat allergen 1 is an important allergen in cat dander extracts and its measurement may be used to standardize the allergenic activity of such extracts.
Studies on vasculitis
Authors: PARISH W. E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPrevious findings were confirmed that C‐reactive protein (C‐RP) occurs in some vasculitis lesions, particularly those infiltrated mainly by neutrophils (necrotizing vasculitis). The C‐RP was usually in lesions also containing complement C1 or C3c, and in some, IgG was present.Using a procedure that reliably detected 200 ng C‐RP/ml serum, C‐RP was found in sera of many normal persons, and the amount was influenced by the occupation of the donor. Sera of thirty‐one persons with vasculitis with mainly mononuclear cell‐infiltrated lesions had about four‐fold more C‐RP (mean 28, 200 ng/ml serum) than found in normal persons, and sera of thirty‐nine persons with mainly neutrophil‐infiltrated lesions had eight times the normal amount (mean 56,400 ng C‐RP/ml). The amount of C‐RP was influenced by the severity, extent and duration of the disorder in most patients.Experimental data suggests that C‐RP may contribute to the perpetuation of inflammation in chronic vasculitis.
A new immunodiagnostic test in onchocerciasis*
Authors: SOMORIN A. O. , HEINER D. C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe radioallergosorbent (RAST) technique was used as a diagnostic test for onchocerciasis. IgE antibodies for Dirofilaria immitis antigen were found in thirty‐one of fifty‐seven (54%) affected patients.
Specific and total serum IgE measurements in the diagnosis of penicillin allergy. A long term follow‐up study
Authors: KRAFT D. , ROTH A. , MISCHER P. , PICHLER H. , EBNER H. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySera from 204 patients with acute or former reactions following penicillin treatment were investigated by RAST with specificity for benzylpenicilloyl and phenoxymethyl‐penicilloyl. The IgE antibody levels were followed up for of more than 2 years. Positive results could be observed at the time of the acute reactions and the weeks following; later on the amounts of specific IgE decreased, with negative RAST results after months or years in many cases. Occasionally negative RAST results occurred within 30 days; on the other hand high levels of specific IgE persisted for years in some patients. Total serum IgE measured by RIST and the RAST results showed similar patterns, with mean levels of 568 u/ml between 0 and 30 days after the penicillin allergic reaction, 286 u/ml between 30 days and 1 year, and 195 u/ml in cases after 1 year corresponded well with the observed decline in specific IgE.Skin tests performed with penicilloyl‐polylysine in 118 patients showed an overall correlation of 91.5% with the RAST results. Differences between the two test systems were observed in patients with a long interval between the test and the last allergic attack. None of the patients with proved penicillin allergy had atopic diseases or a history of atopy.On the basis of these findings it is suggested that the determination of both circulating specific IgE and total IgE should be of great value for diagnostic purposes during acute drug reactions and in the months immediately afterwards.
Plasma complement changes during bronchospasm provoked in asthmatic patients*
Authors: ARROYAVE C. M. , STEVENSON D. D. , VAUGHAN J. H. , TAN E. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwo different groups of asthmatic patients were studied. The first group of seven reagin‐mediated asthmatic patients underwent bronchial inhalation challenges with skin test positive antigen (STPA), skin test negative antigen (STNA) and methacholine. Three patients undergoing inhalation challenge with STPA showed a drop in plasma complement. In this group the drop in plasma complement was found only when the patient was challenged with STPA but not with STNA or methacholine. The second group consisted of seventeen patients, seven of whom were intolerant of aspirin (ASA) and ten asthmatic patients who experienced no untoward effects to ASA. The second group of seventeen patients was challenged with oral ASA. Venous blood samples collected during the challenges, showed a decrease in plasma complement in five patients intolerant to ASA. The ASA intolerant asthmatic patients were challenged also with either Maalox® or sodium salicylate. Only patients who ingested sodium salicylate showed a decrease in plasma complement. Activation of the alternative pathway was demonstrated in some patients. These studies demonstrated that complement activation occurred during STPA or aspirin challenges in asthmatic individuals. The role of the complement system is not clear, but it may participate in some of the pathogenetic mechanisms regulating bronchospasm through the mediations of its split products.
A trial of ICI 74,917 in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: BLAIR H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwenty‐four patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were treated in a randomized double‐blind trial of 6 weeks’ duration, using either ICI 74,917 (0.5 mg in each nostril four times a day) or an identical placebo aerosol. Four patients receiving placebo were withdrawn from the trial because of the deterioration in their rhinitis. The twelve patients using ICI 74,917 were protected as assessed by a combined total symptom score, which was statistically significant (P <0.05), from weeks 1 to 4 when the pollen counts were highest.
Familial human short‐term sensitizing (IgG S‐TS) antibody
Authors: BERRY J. B. , BRIGHTON W. D. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySkin tests on a middle‐aged English housewife (the initial case) with a history of seasonal grass pollen rhinitis and asthma showed strong immediate and late reactions to grass pollens. Early in the grass pollen season, 1976, RAST showed normal levels of IgE antibodies in the serum. Passive transfer in Rhesus monkey skin was also negative for heat‐labile IgE but gave a very vigorous reaction for short‐term sensitizing heat‐stable IgG antibody (IgG S‐TS Ab). Skin tests and studies on sera from other members of the family showed that another five also formed IgG S‐TS Ab, and indicated that the ability to form this antibody was familial. One member of the family had only an immediate reaction on skin testing, and much IgE to grass pollen. Towards the end of the grass pollen season the IgE titre in the initial case had been tripled and the IgG S‐TS Ab had disappeared. By September the specific IgE titre had risen even further.
A dietary free from additives in the management of allergic disease
Authors: FREEDMAN B. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySome patients who suffer from asthma, rhinitis or urticaria undergo exacerbation of symptoms following ingestion of foods or beverages containing azo dyes, sulphur dioxide or benzoates, which are used as preservatives. These patients may be mistakenly thought to be suffering from specific food allergies. A dietary is presented which is free from these additives. Drugs and their coatings and capsules may also contain azo dyes and these should be avoided by patients on an additive‐free diet. Four cases are reported illustrating recovery, one from asthma and three from chronic urticaria after commencing this diet.
Analysis of immunological features of intrinsic and extrinsic asthma and clinical response to DSCG
Authors: CUEVAS M. , MARMIER S. , GIRARD J.‐P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA large range of immunological investigations in patients with extrinsic or intrinsic asthma showed higher leucocyte counts in intrinsic asthma. Blood sputum eosinophilia were almost equally frequent.Immediate skin responses to inhalant antigens are seldom present in intrinsic asthma, but delayed responses to bacterial antigens, endotoxins, Candida albicans and aspiryl–PPL are frequently positive. This correlates with the frequent presence of precipitins and in vitro stimulation of lymphocytes, and the production of macrophage migration inhibition factor by most of these substances. These results suggest that bacterial factors may play a prominent role as aetiological agents in at least some cases of intrinsic asthma. In intrinsic asthma there was a high incidence of tissue autoantibodies, whereas the incidence was negligible in patients with atopic asthma.The level of serum immunoglobulins was not statistically different between the two groups of patients except for IgE.The patients with intrinsic asthma showed a favorable response to sodium cromoglycate.
Human dander in house dust allergy
Authors: BRIGHTON W. D. , TOPPING M. D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe possible role of human dander in house dust allergy was investigated. Naturally shed human mite‐free skin squames were collected from bedding and used to prepare a human dander extract. When the extract was coupled to cyanogen bromide‐activated paper discs, and used in the RAST assay, IgE titres to the skin extract were observed in the sera from several patients with house dust allergy. The sera with IgE to the skin extract also had high IgE titres to either house dust, D. pteronyssinus or cat fur. RAST inhibition studies revealed cross‐reaction between the human skin extract and both a D. pteronyssinus extract and a cat fur extract.
Elimination of bagassosis in Louisiana paper manufacturing plant workers
Authors: LEHRER S. B. , TURER E. , WEILL H. , SALVAGGIO J. E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe prevalence of bagassosis was investigated in a Louisiana paper mill, which in the past had considerable numbers of workers with the disease. Based on negative clinical histories and the low number of positive serological reactions of the workers' serum with Thermoactinomyces sacchari antigen, it was concluded that bagassosis was no longer present. This was thought to be due to a different method of storage of bagasse, which retards microbial decay and reduces airborne organic dust, and to the increased awareness of plant management resulting in greater safety measures.