bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mite (Der p I, Der f I), cat (Fel d I) and dog (Can f I) allergens in dust from Swedish day‐care centres
Authors: MUNIR A. K. M. , EINARSSON R. , DREBORG S. K. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEarly exposure to allergens is important for sensitization to inhalant allergens and it has been reported that there is a causal relationship between allergen exposure and bronchial asthma. We investigated the levels of major mite (Der p I/Der f I), cat (Fel d I) and dog (Can f I) allergen levels in dust collected from various locations in seven day‐care centres (22 sections). The allergen levels were related to the characteristics of the day‐care centres. Children and staff were questioned about contacts with animals, and cleaning personnel were asked about methods and frequency of cleaning. Mite allergen was found in nine of the 22 sections. The concentrations varied between < 16 ng/g and 106 ng/g dust (median < 16 ng/g). Mite allergen was not detected in any floor dust sample. Cat and dog allergen was detected in all centres and sections. The concentrations of dog allergen (median 4.3 μg/g; range < 60 ng‐21 μg/g) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of cat allergen (median 1.6 μg/g; range < 16 ng‐22.8 μg/g). Higher amounts of both Fel d I and Can f I were observed on mattresses/sofas/cushion like toys and curtains than on tables/chairs and floors. The levels of cat or dog allergen on floors significantly correlated with the total number of children and staff with either a cat or a dog at home and or frequent contacts with them. Neither cleaning methods nor the frequency of cleaning influenced the allergen concentrations. The concentration of Fel d I was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in washed than in never washed curtains. We conclude that Fel d I and Can f I allergens are ubiquitous in day‐care centres. The allergens are probably carried there in the clothes of children and staff. Day‐care centres should be considered a cause of exposure to indoor allergens. Curtains, toys and upholstery were the most important reservoirs. We suggest that the concentration of allergen in curtains reflects long‐term exposure to airborne indoor allergens, since they are mainly exposed to airborne allergens.
Chronic cough with eosinophilic bronchitis: examination for variable airflow obstruction and response to corticosteroid
Authors: GIBSON P. G. , HARGREAVE F. E. , GIRGIS‐GABARDO A. , MORRIS M. , DENBURG J. A. , DOLOVICH J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to examine airway responsiveness, sputum cells and the effects of inhaled corticosteroid in the chronic cough syndrome associated with eosinophilic bronchitis. We studied nine consecutive referrals with chronic cough, sputum with >10% eosinophils, normal spirometry, and normal methacholine airway responsiveness. Clinical assessment, sputum analysis, allergy skin tests and a methacholine inhalation test were performed at the first visit. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured twice daily for 1 week followed by an adenosine monophosphate (AMP) inhalation test. Subjects were then treated with inhaled beclomethasone 0.4 mg twice daily for 7 days. Sputum analysis and measurement of methacholine responsiveness were then repeated. Excessive airway narrowing to methacholine was not present in any of the subjects. A methacholine plateau response was present in five subjects. Hyperresponsiveness to AMP was absent in six of the nine subjects, and PEF variability was not increased for eight subjects. Corticosteroid therapy led to a reduction in sputum eosinophil counts from 40.1 (so 21.4)% to 4.0 (4.5)% but there was no significant change in metachromatic cell counts (0.8 so 0.5% vs 0.6 sd 0.6%) or total cell counts. Methacholine responsiveness improved within the normal range in the three subjects in whom it could be determined. Chronic cough associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation can occur in the absence of variable airflow obstruction (asthma) and can improve after treatment with inhaled corticosteroid. This treatment can reduce the level of methacholine responsiveness within the normal range and reduces sputum eosinophils but not mast cells. These results suggest that the occurrence of variable airflow obstruction depends on the baseline level of methacholine responsiveness, the degree of eosinophilic infiltration and the degree to which methacholine responsiveness becomes heightened.
The allergen of Ficus benjamina in house dust
Authors: BIRCHER A. J. , LANGAUER S. , LEVY F. , WAHL R. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Ficus benjamina, a member of the Moraceae family, is a tropical, non‐flowering green plant which is widely used for ornamental purposes. It is an occupational allergen in plant keepers but sensitization is also increasingly found in non‐occupationally exposed atopic and non‐atopic patients. The allergen of Ficus benjamina is located in the plant sap, also‐called latex. By radioallergosorbent test‐(RAST)‐inhibition studies allergen could also be demonstrated in the dust collected from the leaf surface and in dust samples from the floor of rooms where the plant was placed. These findings could result in more extensive preventive measures in patients sensitized to Ficus benjamina, In addition there is some evidence that possibly a crossreactivity between latex of Ficus benjamina and latex from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, may exist.
Purification and characterization of the serotype‐specific polysaccharide antigen of Trichosporon cutaneum serotype II: a disease‐related antigen of Japanese summer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: MIZOBE T. , ANDO M. , YAMASAKI H. , ONOUE K. , MISAKI A. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySummer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP) is a unique type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and the most prevalent in Japan. Our previous study clarified that the causative agent of the disease is Trichosporon cutaneum, and that the patients with SHP have high litres of antibodies against the serotype‐specific antigen of polysaccharide nature which exist in the high molecular weight fraction of the culture supernatant of the yeast. In this study, we purified the serotype‐specific antigen of serotype II T. cutaneum by gel filtration and affinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody, D‐8, specific for a high molecular weight antigen of serotype II T. cutaneum, and elucidated the structure of the antigen. This affinity‐purified antigen was shown to be an essentially acidic polysaccharide comprising mannose, xylose, and glucuronic acid (6:44:4.7). Chemical analysis showed that this polysaccharide antigen contains a (1–3)‐linked mannan backbone attached with short side chains of (1–4)‐linked mannose and a small proportion of (1–2)‐linked xylose residues by substituting the 2‐ or 4‐positions of the (1–3)‐linked mannose residues of the main chain. Approximately one‐fifth of the side chains were terminated with glucuronic acid residues. The antigenic epitope of the serotype‐specific antigen was shown to involve the terminal glucoronic acid residues as revealed by immunodiffusion test and sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal antibody D‐8.
Identification of crossreacting wheat, rye, barley and soya flour allergens using sera from individuals with wheat‐induced asthma
Authors: SANDIFORD C. P. , TEE R. D. , NEWMAN‐TAYLOR A. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have conducted radio allergosorbent test (RAST), competitive RAST inhibition, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and Western blotting using sera from patients with wheat‐induced asthma to investigate the immunological relationship between wheat, rye, barley and soya, and to identify common proteins between these flours. RAST showed strong associations between the levels of specific IgE to wheat flour and those of rye and barley flour. Competitive RAST inhibition showed that wheat, rye, barley and soya flours contained crossreacting proteins, in decreasing concentrations. Wheat, rye and barley flours had similar protein profiles on gel electrophoresis. Soya flour contained a number of high molecular weight proteins not present in the other cereals. Western blotting using sera from 21 wheat flour hypersensitive individuals identified a large number of allergens in the different flours. Proteins of 69, 33, 26, 21 and 12 kDa were identified as major wheat flour allergens. Rye flour proteins of 21 and 12 kDa, and barley flour proteins of 69, 52 and 10 kDa were the major allergens identified by serum from wheat hypersensitive individuals. The major common protein of soya and wheat flour had a molecular weight of 21 kDa. The majority of crossreacting allergens identified between the different flours have molecular weights similar to those of known flour enzymes or enzyme inhibitors.
Benzalkonium chloride in nasal decongestive sprays has a long‐lasting adverse effect on the nasal mucosa of healthy volunteers
Authors: HALLÉN H. , GRAF P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwenty healthy volunteers participated in the present study on the long‐term effects of a nasal decongestive spray composed of either a combination of oxymetazoline nasal spray and benzalkonium chloride or of oxymetazoline nasal spray alone. Three months before the present study the participants had undergone treatment with nasal decongestants for 4 weeks. Ten of the subjects had been treated with oxymetazoline nasal spray without bezalkonium chloride and 10 of them had been treated with oxymetazoline nasal spray with benzalkonium chloride. In a double‐blind study the subjects who had been treated with oxymetazoline nasal spray and benzalkonium chloride were again treated with the same combination of substances as before, and the subjects who had been treated with oxymetazoline nasal spray alone were also treated again with oxymetazoline nasal spray alone, but on this occasion only for 10 days. Three variables were studied before and after the 10 days of treatment, i.e. nasal mucosa congestion, nasal reactivity and symptom scores. It was found that only the subjects who were treated with the combination of oxymetazoline nasal spray and benzalkonium chloride had increased nasal stuffiness, estimated by symptom scores and measurements of nasal mucosa swelling after 10 days of treatment. It is concluded that a nasal decongestant spray composed of a combination of vasoactive substance and benzalkonium chloride has a long‐term adverse effect on the nasal mucosa.
Characterization of the house dust mite allergen Der p 7 by monoclonal antibodies
Authors: SHEN H.‐D. , CHUA K.‐Y. , LIN W.‐L. , HSIEH K.‐H. , THOMAS W. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe house dust mite allergen Der p 7, which was defined by cDNA cloning, has been shown to react with about 50% of allergic sera and corresponds to or is antigenically related to at least three different sized components in mite extracts. To characterize these entities, monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) were generated by immunizing BALB/c mice affinity‐purified Der p 7‐GST (glutathione S‐transferase) fusion protein. MoAbs WH9 and WH22 showed positive reactivity to recombinant Der p 7 negative reactivity to GST and the Der p 5‐GST fusion protein in ELISA and immunoblotting. The specificity of both MoAbs was confirmed by inhibition of the ELISA activity by recombinant Der p 7 but not by the recombinant Der p 5. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that both MoAbs showed reactivities to components with molecular weights (mol. wt.) of 31, 30 and 26kDa reactive to both MoAbs. At least six major forms with different pI or size were indicated by 2‐D gel analysis. In addition to characterization of Der p 7, both MoAbs may also be considered for use in the standardization of Der p 7 in mite extracts.
Occupational respiratory and skin sensitization caused by polyfunctional aziridine hardener
Authors: KANERVA L. , KESKINEN H. , AUTIO P. , ESTLANDER T. , TUPPURAINEN M. , JOLANKI R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPolyfunctional aziridine (PFA) is increasingly used as a water‐based crosslinker in two‐component paints, paint primers, lacquers, topcoats and other protective coatings. The crosslinker is made by reacting multifunctional acrylic monomer with a highly reactive aziridine compound. Respiratory allergy or hypersensitivity from PFA has not been reported previously. During 1978–1991 we came across nine cases with hypersensitivity from PFA: two had allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), four had occupational asthma and three had both of them. Five of the patients were parquet layers, two were fibre‐board painters, one was a spray painter and one was a salesman of PFA products, ACD was diagnosed by positive allergic patch test reactions with PFA in a dilution series in petrolatum: 0.32%‐0.5% gave a 2+‐3+ allergic reaction in the five cases with ACD but 0.1% gave only a weak reaction in one case, whereas the methacrylale patch test series was negative. The diagnosis of seven cases of occupational asthma due to PFA hardener was based on symptoms related to exposure to PFA hardener at work, and on positive provocation tests with PFA hardener. One had an immediate type reaction, one a dual reaction, and the others had late reactions. The positive reactions with the PFA hardener and the negative reactions with the acrylate compounds indicate that PFA caused ACD which is different from the previous reports in which acrylates present as impurities in the PFA hardener caused the sensitization. Patch testing with 0.5% PFA hardener should be performed in patients with contact dermatitis if exposure to PFA has occurred. PFA hardener may also cause occupational asthma. The cause‐effect relationship can be verified with chamber challenge tests. The mechanism of the asthmatic reaction is obscure as with many other low molecular weight chemicals. The exposure to PFA hardener should be minimized at the workplaces to prevent sensitization. Careful protection of both the skin and the respiratory tract is mandatory.
Detection of IgE antibody against Candida albicans enolase and its crossreactivity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase
Authors: ITO K. , ISHIGURO A. , KANBE T. , TANAKA K. , TORII S. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Candida albicans 46 kDa protein, a glycolytic enolase enzyme, is an important allergen of the yeast. The purpose of the study was to detect circulating IgE and IgG antibodies against C. albicans enolase (CAE). We isolated CAE using sequential DEAE Sephacel and Pl 1 column chromatography from spheroptasts of C. albicans, and delected IgE and IgG antibody against CAE by immunoblotting. Crossreactivity of enolose of C. albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was also examined by immunoblotting and immunoblot inhibition test. Among 54 sera with positive IgE RAST to C. albicans, IgE antibody against CAE was detected in 20 sera (37%) and IgG antibody in 27 sera (50%). The allergenic potency of CAE was confirmed using a skin‐prick test in three patients. Simultaneous IgE binding to S. cerevisiae enolase was only observed in four out of 20 sera reacting to CAE. Pre‐treatment of sera with CAE completely inhibited IgE binding to S. cerevisiae enolase. Whereas the latter only partially inhibited IgE binding to CAE. These results suggest that CAE shares some crossreacting epitopes with S. cerevisiae enolase, representing minor components of CAE but dominant segments of S. cerevisiae enolase.
Effect of rhinovirus 39 (RV‐39) infection on immune and inflammatory parameters in allergic and non‐allergic subjects
Authors: SKONER D. P. , DOYLE W. J. , TANNER E. P. , KISS J. , FIREMAN P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe economic impact and medical complication rate of the common cold are well documented, but many of the physiological, inflammatory, and immune responses to common cold viruses have only recently been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare selected systemic immune and inflammatory responses to experimental rhinovirus (RV)‐39 challenge in seronegative allergic rhinitis and non‐allergic rhinitis subjects. Peripheral blood was obtained before (baseline), during (acute), and 23 days after (convalescent) RV‐39 intranasal challenge and assayed for leucocyte histamine release, serum immunoglobulins, allergen‐specific IgE antibodies, plasma histamine. and platelet aggregation. All subjects were infected, as manifested by viral shedding in nasal secretions or seroconversion. RV‐39 infection induced significant acute increases in serum IgE. leucocyte histamine release, and platelet aggregation, but caused no changes in serum IgG, serum IgA, serum IgM, and plasma histamine. The first change was confined to the allergic rhinitis subjects. There was no evidence that the acute rise in total serum IgE was due to an elevation of a pre‐existing, pollen‐specific serum IgE antibody. The results show that intranasal challenge with RV‐39 induced changes in systemic immune and inflammatory parameters with a unique response pattern in allergic rhinitis subjects.
Evaluation by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting of residual antigenicity in hydrolysed protein formulas
Authors: RESTANI P. , VELONÀ T. , PLEBANI A. , UGAZIO A. G. , POIESI C. , MURARO A. , GALLI C. L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Extensively hydrolysed protein formulas are widely used as an alternative diet for children with cow's milk allergy. Partially hydrolysed protein formulas have been noted in some studies as useful in the prevention of allergy in infants at high risk of atopy. Although normally well tolerated, these ‘hypoallergenic’ products have been reported to cause serious immunological reactions in very sensitive subjects.Objective
Starting from these considerations, we studied some commercial hydrolysed formulas in search of biological data supporting the observed clinical reactions.Methods
We set up an electrophoretic method sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) which allowed us to study the molecular weight of peptides contained in hydrolysed products. Then, using the immunoblotting technique we evaluated the reactivity of circulating IgE (from serum of children allergic to cow's milk proteins) with the residual intact proteins and with the peptides present in these formulas.Results
Both group of milk proteins (caseins and whey proteins) were important allergens for children included in this study. The presence of high‐molecular polypeptides was shown in partial hydrolysed formulas as such and in extensive hydrolysed products after protein enrichment by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation. Intact residual proteins were mainly responsible for the formation of FgE‐antigen complexes observed in immunoblotting. More rarely, polypeptides of partial hydrolysed formulas were involved in immunological responses.Conclusions
Both partial and extensive hydrolysed formulas could induce clinical reactions in very sensitive subjects. These responses are mainly associated with allergy to the small amounts of residual intact proteins.
A combined approach to reduce mite allergen in the bedroom
Authors: WEEKS J. , OLIVER J. , BIRMINGHAM K. , CREWES A. , CARSWELL F. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background Asthma is a common chronic disease of childhood. House dust mite (HDM) are known to be a major source of allergen affecting atopic asthmatics. No single control method has been demonstrated to consistently reduce asthma. Objective We investigated the effect of a combination of two methods of HDM allergen control on HDM allergen content in the bedding and carpets of asthmatic children. Methods This was a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial treating the bedrooms of 56 mite‐sensitive asthmatic children. The carpel and the mattress, duvet and pillows (bedding) in the bedroom of children of the active group were treated with the acaricide Acarosan (benzyl benzoate). The bedding was then encased in vapour permeable waterproof fabric (Intervent cotton coated with polyurethane) for 24 weeks. The carpet and bedding of the control group were treated with placebo and the bedding encased in cotton covers for 24 weeks. Dust samples were collected from all these items in a standard manner at regular intervals and Der p I content analysed. Results The group with active treatment had a median reduction of 480 ng (100%) in mite allergen from the mattress vs 215 ng (53%) reduction in placebo‐treated group by 6 weeks. The Der p I content of the active group's bedding was always less than the placebo group after treatment (P < 0.01). The acaricide applied to the carpets or inside the mattress covers was ineffective in reducing allergen content. Conclusion This study confirms the effectiveness of encasing covers in reducing the mile allergen exposure but indicates there is no further advantage in applying acaricide simultaneously.
Der p I concentrations in mattress surface and floor dust collected from infants' bedrooms
Authors: VAN STRIEN R. T. , VERHOEFF A. P. , VAN WIJNEN J. H. , DOEKES G. , DE MEER G. E. A. , BRUNEKREEF B. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background Allergen exposure in early childhood is thought to be important for sensitization and subsequent development of asthma. Not much is known, however, about exposure of young children to allergens in the home. Objectives This study was designed to document dust mite allergen exposure in young children, and to determine wheither infants from atopic mothers (=‘high‐risk’ infants) are exposed to lower concentrations of house dust mite alkrgen than infants from non‐atopic parents (=‘low‐risk’ infants). Methods Dust samples were taken in the homes of 104 infants (48 ‘high‐risk’ and 56 ‘low‐risk’ infants, selected by questionnaire) aged 3–15 months, from floors in different rooms and from the child's mattress surface. Results The majority of the infants were found to be exposed to Der p I concentrations of more than 2000 ng/g in dust collected from the surface of their mattresses. Lower Der p I concentrations were found in mattress surface dust from the beds of infants from atopic mothers than of infants from non‐atopic parents. Also, lower Der p I concentrations were found in floor dust from the homes of infants from atopic mothers, Infant beds equipped with new mattresses, new blankets and top plastic sheeting had significantly lower Der p I concentrations than beds equipped with used mattresses and blankets, without top plastic sheeting. Conclusions Young children in the Netherlands are exposed to significant concentrations of Der p I in mattress surface dust. Allergic parents appear to provide their children with environments somewhat less rich in mite allergen than non‐allergic parents.