bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immediate allergic and nonallergic reactions to Christmas and Easter cacti
Authors: Andersen F , Bindslev‐Jensen C , Paulsen E , Andersen KE , Stahl Skov P 
Published: March 2003

Background: Occupational exposure to Christmas cacti has been reported as a cause of type I allergy. Therefore, the prevalence of immediate‐type mucosal and skin reactions related to cactus exposure was studied in 103 employees in a cactus nursery. Methods: The study was based on a questionnaire followed by clinical examination, skin prick tests (SPT) with standard inhalant allergens and cacti, and a histamine‐release test (HRT/Refix) using fresh cactus extracts as elicitor. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 84 (82%) of the nursery employees, and 63 (61%) were interviewed and skin prick tested; 58 of these were tested with HRT/Refix. Furthermore, 22 healthy controls were included and tested in vivo and in vitro. Cactus‐related contact urticaria and/or rhinoconjunctivitis were reported by 37% of the cactus workers. Based on a combination of positive history, positive SPT, and positive HRT/Refix to cactus, 8% of the cactus workers were allergic to cacti. No noncactus workers or controls were allergic to cacti by these criteria. Testing with fresh cactus material elicited positive SPT and negative HRT/Refix in 27 nursery workers and controls, of whom 12 had immediate‐type skin and mucosal symptoms. Conclusions: Christmas and Easter cacti seemed to be able to induce contact urticaria and rhinoconjunctivitis on both an immunologic and a nonimmunologic basis. Personal atopy was associated with positive reactions to cacti.
Predictive capacity of histamine release for the diagnosis of drug allergy
Authors: Demoly P , Lebel B , Messaad D , Sahla H , Rongier M , Daurès JP , Godard P , Bousquet J 
Published: March 2003

Background: The diagnosis of immediate allergic reactions to drugs is difficult, requiring in vitro test development. Basophils are likely to be involved in these reactions, and to evaluate the sensitivity, the specificity, and the predictive values of the histamine‐release test, we performed a prospective study in 68 patients tested for suspected drug allergy. Methods: Positive diagnosis was established by history, skin tests, and, if needed, oral provocation tests. Histamine release in the presence of the drug was assessed on heparinized whole blood by enzyme immunoassay (Immunotech, France), and the cutoff value was set at 5% of total histamine content. Spontaneous and anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release was also studied in all subjects. Results: All patients presented to our clinic with reactions ranging from maculopapular exanthema to anaphylactic shock. Thirty‐five patients had proven drug allergy; 33 were not allergic to drugs and served as a control group together with 40 other subjects with no history of drug allergy. Net histamine release was positive in 18/35 allergics and 27/73 nonallergics, giving poor sensitivity (51.4%), specificity (63.0%), and positive predictive value (29.3%), but valuable negative predictive value (81.1%). Conclusions: The usefulness of the in vitro histamine‐release test for the diagnosis of drug allergy appears to be insufficient.
A double‐blind, single‐dose, crossover comparison of cetirizine, ebastine, epinastine, fexofenadine, terfenadine, and loratadine versus placebo: suppression of histamine‐induced wheal and flare response for 24 h in healthy male subjects
Authors: Grant Ja , Danielson L , Rihoux J‐p , DeVos C 
Published: March 2003

Background: New H1‐antagonists have become available, but there has been no comparison of their potency for inhibiting histamine in the skin. Methods: Cetirizine 10 mg, ebastine 10 mg, epinastine 20 mg, fexofenadine 60 mg, terfenadine 60 mg, loratadine 10 mg, or placebo was given to 14 healthy male volunteers in a double‐blind, crossover randomized manner. Inhibition of the wheal and flare response to epicutaneous histamine phosphate (100 mg/ml) challenge was measured at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h after doses. Results: Epinastine inhibited the wheal and flare after 30 min. Cetirizine commenced acting at 1 h and was superior to other treatments. Ebastine was no better than placebo until 4 h, but was efficacious thereafter until 24 h. Terfenadine induced potent inhibition after 1 h and was superior to its metabolite fexofenadine. Loratadine was the least potent inhibitor. Inhibition of the flare response paralleled the patterns seen for wheals. The rank order for area under the curve (0–24 h) was cetirizine, epinastine, terfenadine, ebastine, fexofenadine, loratadine, and placebo. Conclusions: The inhibition of histamine effects in the skin may be useful in predicting the clinical utility of newly introduced antihistamines in treating allergic disorders.
Sensitization to local dust‐mite fauna in Singapore
Authors: Chew F.T. , Lim S.H. , Goh D.Y.T. , Lee B.W. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Recent studies showed the presence of a unique dust‐mite fauna in the indoor environment of Singapore. Immediate hypersensitivity to these dust mites, along with other known indoor allergens, may play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases. This study evaluated the sensitization rates of the local atopic population to these allergens. Methods: The skin prick test was performed on a total of 391 individuals (289 patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and 102 healthy controls) using extracts of six species of local dust mites (Austroglycyphagus malaysiensis, Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, Sturnophagoides brasiliensis, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and 10 other common indoor allergens. Total serum IgE and specific IgE to these dust mites were also quantified with the fluorescence allergosorbent test (FAST). Results: The sensitization rates among patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis to dust mites and other inhalant allergens tested (via skin prick tests) were as follow: B. tropicalis (96.2%), D. pteronyssinus (93.4%), D. farinae (92.3%), A. malaysiensis (78.2%), S. brasiliensis (71.6%), T. putrescentiae (71.3%), canary feathers (69.9%), Periplaneta americana (cockroach) (59.5%), Blattella germanica (cockroach) (56.4%), mosquito (Aedes sp.) (46.4%), dog epithelia (mixed breed) (34.3%), kapok seed (31.8%), cat hair (29.1%), Aspergillus fumigatus (20.8%), Penicillium notatum (18.0%), and Candida (Monilia) albicans (9.3%). All patients were observed to react to at least three of the six dust‐mite extracts, with 254/289 (87.9%) reacting to at least five or to all six. Skin prick responses to the dust mites were found to correlate with the corresponding specific IgE levels quantified by FAST (P<0.001). In addition, specific IgE levels to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae were highly correlated (Spearman's rank coefficient=0.76, P<0.001), as were those to B. tropicalis and A. malaysiensis (r=0.60, P<0.001). Conclusions: Asthma and/or allergic rhinitis patients were highly sensitized to the local dust‐mite fauna. Thus, these dust mites should be considered important allergenic sources of this region.
Occupational asthma in a grain worker due to Lepidoglyphus destructor, assessed by bronchial provocation test and induced sputum
Authors: Alvarez Mj , Castillo R , Ortega N , Blanco C , Carrillo T , Rey A 
Published: March 2003

Background: Occupational asthma (OA) can be a debilitating disease even when removal from the workplace is achieved. Today, the “gold standard” in the assessment of OA is the bronchial provocation test (BPT). Induced sputum is a noninvasive method of exploring airway inflammation which can provide additional information about such challenges and thus could be applied in OA diagnosis and monitoring. Methods: We report the study carried out in a grain worker sensitized to Lepidoglyphus destructor (Ld), who suffered from mild asthma at the workplace. Skin prick test and specific serum IgE were measured. Ld‐BPT was performed, and the changes in eosinophil rates, and ECP and tryptase levels in induced sputum were studied 30 min and 18 h after Ld‐BPT. We also determined the changes in nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBH), given as PD20 values. To assess the specificity of the changes, we also carried out sputum induction and methacholine challenge after barley‐BPT. Results: An isolated immediate response was obtained with Ld‐BPT, while barley‐BPT was negative. Induced sputum showed higher tryptase levels 30 min after Ld‐BPT, and higher eosinophil and epithelial cell percentages and ECP levels 18 h after Ld‐BPT. There was also a decrease in methacholine PD20 values after Ld‐BPT. Those changes were not observed after barley‐BPT. Conclusions: The study of eosinophilic and mast‐cell markers in induced sputum provides additional knowledge about the inflammatory process occurring in the airways, suggesting that the study of induced sputum should be considered in the assessment of OA.
Eosinophil activation by eotaxin – eotaxin primes the production of reactive oxygen species from eosinophils
Authors: Honda K. , Chihara J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The CC chemokine eotaxin has been shown to possess selective chemotactic activity for eosinophils, the major effector cells in allergic inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) from eosinophils may damage cells or tissue, such as the mucosal epithelium. In this study, we examined the effect of eotaxin on ROS from eosinophils and compared its activity with RANTES and interleukin (IL)‐5. Moreover, we examined the signal transduction of eotaxin and the effect of dexamethasone on ROS from eosinophils. Methods: Eosinophils were isolated by modified CD16‐negative selection. ROS in luminol‐dependent or lucigenin‐dependent chemiluminescence reaction were examined. Calcium ionophore A23187 was added to the mixture of eosinophils with luminol or lucigenin, and then ROS were determined. Results: Eotaxin primed the production of ROS in a dose‐dependent manner. ROS from untreated eosinophils evoked with calcium ionophore A23187 in luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence gave a maximal value of 4957±1035 intensity counts (IC) (mean±SE, n=7) and an integral value of 15.75±3.14 IC (×10−4), while eosinophils that were treated with eotaxin gave maximal values of 11 142±2300 IC (10 nM) and 29 165±3718 IC (100 nM) and integral values of 41.07±5.44 IC (×10−4) (10 nM) and 152.90±22.38 IC (×10−4) (100 nM). Moreover, eotaxin was less effective as a priming agent with lucigenin‐sensitive pathways than luminol‐sensitive pathways. Among several kinds of eosinophils activating cytokines and chemokines, the priming effect of eotaxin on ROS was the most potent. Eotaxin‐primed ROS were inhibited by pertussis toxin, which ADP‐ribolysates G proteins; wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase inhibitor; and genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of pertussis toxin‐sensitive G proteins, phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase, and tyrosine kinase in the signal transduction of eotaxin. Moreover, dexamethasone inhibited ROS from not only untreated eosinophils but also eosinophils treated with eotaxin. Conclusions: Eotaxin may play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation through eosinophil activation by priming of eosinophil oxidative metabolism, as well as by involvement in selective eosinophil chemotaxis.
Glutaraldehyde: an occupational hazard in the hospital setting
Authors: Di Stefano F. , Siriruttanapruk S. , McCoach J. , Sherwood Burge P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We report a series of 24 health‐care workers with respiratory symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma due to glutaraldehyde exposure.Methods: The history of asthmatic symptoms was investigated with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) monitoring, and in eight of the subjects, the specific bronchial provocation test (SBPT) was applied as reference standard for diagnosis of occupational asthma. Levels of glutaraldehyde were monitored in the challenge chamber during the SBPT. Work environmental levels of glutaraldehyde were measured from air samples collected at least once during the PEFR monitoring of endoscopy and theatre nurses. Specific IgE antibodies to glutaraldehyde were measured with a series of glutaraldehyde modified proteins.Results: In the eight workers who underwent SBPT, the diagnosis of occupational asthma was confirmed by a positive reaction (late and dual reaction in five and in three subjects, respectively). The mean level of glutaraldehyde observed during the challenge tests was 0.075 mg/m3 (range 0.065–0.084 mg/m3). In 13 out of the 16 remaining workers, the serial PEFR monitoring showed a work‐related effect. In three workers, there was no physiological confirmation of occupational asthma. Levels of glutaraldehyde from the air samples collected in the workplace were as follows: personal short‐term samples (mean 0.208 mg/m3; median 0.14 mg/m3; range 0.06–0.84 mg/m3), personal long‐term samples (mean 0.071 mg/m3; median 0.07 mg/m3; range 0.003–0.28 mg/m3). Measurements of specific IgE antibodies to glutaraldehyde‐modified proteins were positive in seven patients (29.1%) according to a cutoff value of 0.88% RAST binding. The presence of atopy to common environmental allergens and smoking was not associated with specific IgE positivity (P>0.05; Fisher's exact test).Conclusions: Our report indicates the importance of glutaraldehyde as an occupational hazard among exposed health‐care workers. Intervention in the workplace, training of personnel handling this chemical, and accurate health surveillance may reduce the risk of developing occupational asthma due to glutaraldehyde.
Different serum soluble Fas levels in patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma
Authors: Kato M. , Nakashima I. , Kato M. , Nozaki Y. , Yoshimoto T. , Tamada Y. , Kageyama M. , Yamashita T. , Kurimoto F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The pathogeneses of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma are believed to be closely mutually related because of the similar dynamics of allergy‐inducing cells and molecules and clinical overlap. In this study, we compared these diseases in the dynamics of cell apoptosis‐regulating molecules. Methods: Allergic rhinitis patients (n=36), bronchial asthma patients (n=22), and healthy subjects (n=32) were subjected to measurement of serum (soluble Fas) (sFas) levels during the stable and attack disease phases by a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum sFas levels in patients with allergic rhinitis during the attack phase were significantly lower (P<0.0001) than those in healthy individuals. There were no differences between them during the attack and stable disease phases. In contrast, serum sFas levels in patients with bronchial asthma during the attack phase were higher (P<0.0005) than those in healthy individuals. Interestingly, the levels during the attack phase were lower (P<0.002) than those during the stable phase. Conclusions: Our results suggest a different pathogenesis for allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma at the cell apoptosis‐linked step.
Cutaneous responses to substance P and calcitonin gene‐related peptide in chronic urticaria: the effect of cetirizine and dimethindene
Authors: Borici‐mazi R , Kouridakis S , Kontou‐fili K 
Published: March 2003

Background: Neuropeptides appear to participate in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cutaneous responses to substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in delayed pressure urticaria patients (DPUpt) and chronic idiopathic urticaria patients (CIUpt) compared to healthy adults (HA), and also to evaluate the effect of H1‐antagonists on these responses.Methods: Wheal (W) and flare (F) reactions to intradermally (ID) injected SP, CGRP, histamine (H), and diluent controls were evaluated in nine CIUpt, nine DPUpt, and nine HA at 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min after injection. Maximal W and F, area under curve (AUC), and time of W and F disappearance were calculated at baseline and 4 h after a single dose of 20 mg cetirizine (Ce), 4 mg dimethindene (Di), or placebo (P), in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled (DBPC), crossover, randomized study.Results: CIUpt exhibited enhanced and longer lasting W reactions to SP and CGRP (AUC: P<0.05) than HA; SP‐ and CGRP‐induced F (at maximal concentration) were larger and longer lasting in CIUpt than in HA (P<0.003 and P=0.004, respectively). In the DPU group, SP‐induced W and F responses were intermediate in magnitude compared to CIUpt and HA. In HA, SP‐induced flares were significantly suppressed only by Ce (P<0.020), while both Ce and Di affected SP‐induced W and F in the two patient groups (P<0.05). CGRP‐induced flare inhibition by the two H1‐antagonists was also greater in the urticaria patient groups than in HA.Conclusions: CIUpt and, to a lesser extent, DPUpt showed enhanced SP‐ and CGRP‐induced W and F reactions. CGRP elicited an immediate W and F response, followed by prolonged erythema. H1‐antagonists partially affected W and F reactions to SP and only the F response induced by CGRP; this effect was more pronounced in the urticaria patient groups than in HA. Overall, W and F cutaneous responses to SP were suppressed to a greater extent by Ce than Di.
Immunologic significance of respirable atmospheric starch granules containing major birch allergen Bet v 1
Authors: Schäppi GF , Taylor PE , Staff IA , Rolland JM , Suphioglu C 
Published: March 2003

Background: Birch‐pollen allergens are an important cause of early spring hay fever and allergic asthma. Recently, we reported a mechanism for the release of respirable allergenic particles from birch pollen containing the major allergen Bet v 1. In this study, we aimed to assess the immunologic significance of the released Bet v 1‐containing starch granules in the environment. Methods: A two‐site monoclonal antibody‐based assay (ELISA) was employed to quantitate Bet v 1 in high‐volume air sampler filter extracts, and immunogold‐labelling was used on sections of these extracts to localize Bet v 1. Immunoblot analyses were performed with pooled sera from patients sensitive to birch pollen. Results: Atmospheric starch granules contained Bet v 1, and the concentration increased upon light rainfall. Sera from patients allergic to birch allergens recognized extracts from isolated starch granules. Conclusions: The clinical implications of these findings are that starch granules released from birch pollen are potentially able to trigger allergic asthmatic reactions to Bet v 1, since the allergen occurs in respirable particles. Thus, clinicians can advise asthma patients to remain indoors on days of light rainfall during the birch‐pollen season to avoid high levels of allergen exposure.
Nasal reactivity to capsaicin in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis during and after the pollen season
Authors: Kowalski Ml , Dietrich‐miłobędzki A , Majkowska‐wojciechowska B , Jarzębska M 
Published: March 2003

Background: We aimed to study the participation of neurogenic mechanisms in nasal allergic inflammation by assessing the effect of neurogenic stimulation on the secretory and cellular responses of nasal mucosa in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods: A group of patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis was challenged intranasally with incremental doses of capsaicin (0.3, 3, 12 μg) during and after the pollen season. Clinical symptoms after provocations were monitored, and unilateral nasal lavages were obtained. The nasal lavage fluid (NAL) was assayed for concentration of total protein, albumin, lactoferrin, and number of leukocytes, following by differential count. Results: Capsaicin challenge during the pollen season produced greater congestion (P<0.01) and rhinorrhea (P<0.05) than after the season. The intensity of burning sensation (pain) was similar on both occasions. Capsaicin failed to increase albumin content in NAL both during and after the season. Total protein was increased only after the highest dose of capsaicin (P<0.03) after the season. The number of eosinophils in basal lavages was higher during the season. During the season, the total number of leukocytes at least doubled in 7/12 patients and the percentage of eosinophils increased in 6/12 patients after the capsaicin challenge. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that during the symptomatic period the nasal mucosa of allergic patients is more susceptible to neurogenic stimulation, showing enhanced secretory and inflammatory (cellular) responses.
Long‐term treatment with allergoid immunotherapy with Parietaria. Clinical and immunologic effects in a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Ariano R , Kroon AM , Augeri G , Canonica and GW , Passalacqua G 
Published: March 2003

Background: Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is a valuable treatment for respiratory allergy, and the use of chemically modified allergens (allergoids) has improved its safety, as testified by several studies. We evaluated the effects of a SIT course with an allergoid extract of Parietaria pollen in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Methods: The study was double‐blind in the first year; then it was prolonged up to 3 years with all patients on active treatment. Clinical effectiveness, safety, skin reactivity, systemic immunologic parameters, and subjective assessment were evaluated. We also had available a self‐evaluation recorded in a follow‐up visit 4 years after the discontinuation of SIT. Results: A significant reduction of the symptoms plus drug intake scores during the pollen seasons was observed in the patients receiving active SIT. The placebo patients, after switching to active SIT, also showed significant clinical improvement. The clinical efficacy persisted during years 2 and 3 of treatment. After year 1, the actively treated patients reported a significant subjective improvement (frequency of symptoms, P=0.001; duration of symptoms, P=0.024; physical performance, P=0.043) compared with the placebo group. The self‐evaluation by visual analog scale showed that all patients maintained a significant clinical improvement up to 4 years after discontinuing SIT (year 1: active=+31.6%, placebo=−15.7%; year 7: active=+35.8%, placebo=+31.3%). The systemic immunologic changes after active SIT paralleled those described elsewhere (IgE decreased from 22 to 9 and from 21 to 8 IU/ml; IgG4 increased from 43 to 87 and from 18 to 60 IU/ml). A significant decrease in skin reactivity to three different allergen concentrations was observed at year 3 compared with pretreatment values (P<0.05). Conclusions: The investigational SIT with Parietaria appeared to be effective and safe; a 3‐year course of treatment achieved a long‐lasting efficacy.