bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive atopy patch test reactions to Pityrosporumorbiculare in atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Tengvall Linder  , Johansson  , Scheynius  , Wahlgren  
Published: March 2003

Background Pityrosporum
orbiculare, although a part of our normal cutaneous microflora, can cause skin infections and induce specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibodies in atopic dermatitis patients. P. orbiculare is therefore considered to be one of the trigger factors for atopic dermatitis.ObjectiveTo investigate if P. orbiculare can induce an eczematous reaction in atopic dermatitis patients, seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and healthy controls.MethodsFifteen atopic dermatitis patients, eight seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and eight healthy controls were patch tested with extract of P. orbiculare on non‐lesional, tape‐stripped skin of the back. NaCl was used as a negative control. The patch tests were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h. Skin biopsies were taken from P. orbiculare patch test sites at 24 h and 72 h, from NaCl patch test sites at 72 h, from non‐lesional skin and, in the atopic dermatitis patients, also from lesional skin. The skin biopsies were investigated with immunohistochemical techniques. P. orbiculare‐specific IgE in serum was analysed with RAST.ResultsSpecific IgE to P. orbiculare was found in serum from 13/15 atopic dermatitis patients and in eight of them a positive patch test reaction to P. orbiculare was observed, with a maximal reaction at 48 h. Significantly higher serum levels of P. orbiculare‐specific IgE were detected in patch test‐positive compared with patch test‐negative atopic dermatitis patients (P < 0.01). The seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and healthy controls were RAST and patch test‐negative for P. orbiculare. In the patch test‐positive atopic dermatitis patients an infiltration of CD4+ T cells and eosinophils was observed at the P. orbiculare patch test sites together with an upregulation of ICAM‐1 and HLA‐DR expression.Conclusions P. orbiculare can induce an eczematous reaction in sensitized atopic dermatitis patients and may be an important trigger factor in these patients. The P. orbiculare patch test can be of diagnostic value in this subgroup of atopic dermatitis patients.
Investigation of the anti‐allergic activity of azelastine on the immediate and late‐phase reactions to allergens and histamine using telethermography
Authors: De Weck  , Derer  , Bähre  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundDue to the interest in azelastine's diverse modes of action, this study investigated its effects on immediate and late‐phase cutaneous allergic reactions using visual methods and telethermography.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the effect of azelastine on the immediate and late‐phase skin reactions using both planimetric evaluation of weal and erythema and a telethermographic technique.MethodsThe study was a double‐blind crossover study; medication consisted of one tablet per day for 7 days of either placebo or azelastine 4 mg. Eight allergic patients were assessed on five occasions: prior to treatment, at the end of the first 7‐day treatment, after a 21‐day washout period, following the second 7‐day treatment period and finally following a 2–6 week washout period. Skin prick tests with timothy grass and intradermal tests with Alternaria allergens were performed on the patients' back. In addition, patients were tested with intradermal histamine as a positive control.Surfaces of weal, erythema and infiltration were calculated using computerized planimetry at 0, 20, 40 and 60 min, and 3, 6 and 8 h. Thermographic images were recorded and the thermographic area and the increase in average temperature (ΔT) were calculated.ResultsThe coefficient of variation within baseline reactions ranged from 3 to 32% for weal and erythema and from 5 to 25% for thermographically recorded reactions. The stronger the reaction, the more constant the baseline was. Treatment with azelastine (4 mg/os once daily) inhibited immediate reactions to allergens by 65% (range 55–74) and to histamine by 68% (range 47–82). The late‐phase reactions to allergens were less well defined and showed larger individual differences in the degree of inhibition caused by azelastine, they were inhibited by 49% (range 32–67). Late‐phase reactions to histamine were less intense and could only be detected with thermography; only thermographic units showed a decrease (26%) in response to azelastine.ConclusionThis study has confirmed azelastine's histamine‐blocking activity. In addition, the late‐phase results suggest that azelastine has anti‐inflammatory activity. The reproducibility and sensitivity of the thermographic results confirm the usefulness of this technique in immunopharmacology.
O‐glycans as a source of cross‐reactivity in determinations of human serum antibodies to Anisakis simplex antigens
Authors: Lorenzo  , Romarís  , Iglesias  , Audícana  , Alonso  , Leiro  , Ubeira  
Published: March 2003

Background Anisakis simplex is a seafood‐borne parasite that may both infect humans and cause allergy. Serodiagnosis of anisakiasis and allergy caused by this nematode is difficult since most Anisakis antigens show cross‐reactivity problems.ObjectiveTo analyse the possible role of sugar epitopes contained in Anisakis simplex antigens as causes of false‐positive results in serodiagnostic assays.MethodsThe antigens UA2R and UA3R recognized by two anti‐Anisakis monoclonal antibodies were used in this study. Capture ELISA techniques were used to compare the reactivities with native or O‐deglycosylated antigens of sera from Anisakis‐free children (most of them infected by several other parasites) and from Anisakis allergy patients. O‐deglycosylation was done by mild alkali treatment with NaOH. SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting were used to characterize the effects of NaOH or N‐glycanase F treatment on UA3R.ResultsNative UA2R was recognized by IgG1 and IgM antibodies in the sera of both Anisakis‐free subjects and allergy patients. Native UA3R was recognized by most sera from allergy patients (92% considering immunoglobulin (Ig) G1, 100% considering IgE), but also by a significant proportion of sera from Anisakis‐free subjects (36% considering IgG1, 14% considering IgE). O‐deglycosylation of UA3R greatly improved specificity: none of the sera from Anisakis‐free patients showed either IgG1 or IgE reactivity with O‐deglycosylated UA3R, while the proportion of sera from allergy patients showing IgE reactivity with this antigen was practically unaffected. O‐deglycosylation of UA2R did not improve the specificity of assays using this antigen. Our results also show that the protein core of glycoproteins may be altered by even very mild alkali treatment, depending on the nature of the protein.ConclusionNative glycoproteins of A. simplex should not be used for diagnostic purposes. O‐deglycosylated UA3R seems to be an excellent candidate for use as target antigen in the serodiagnosis of anisakiasis and A. simplex allergy.
Early BCG vaccination and reduction in atopy in Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Aaby  , Shaheen  , Heyes  , Goudiaby  , Hall  , Shiell  , Jensen  , Marchant  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundIt has been proposed that certain viral and bacterial infections in early childhood may prevent allergic sensitization, by inducing Th1‐type immune responses. This has led to speculation that mycobacterial vaccines might, through their Th1‐stimulating properties, also protect against atopy.ObjectiveTo investigate whether the prevalence of atopy is lower in children who have been vaccinated with BCG in infancy than in children who have not been vaccinated.MethodsWe measured skin test reactivity to three allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinaeand cockroach) in 400 children, aged 3–14 years, as part of a follow‐up study to examine the immune sequelae of measles in an urban area of Bissau, the capital of Guinea‐Bissau in west Africa. Information on childhood vaccinations, including BCG in infancy, was available from child records. Of these children, 271 had been vaccinated with BCG (according to records) and 53 had not been vaccinated (no record and no BCG scar). Atopy was defined in two ways, according to the presence of any allergen reaction ≥ 2 mm and any reaction ≥ 3 mm.ResultsOf the children who had received BCG vaccine, 57 (21%) were atopic (any reaction ≥ 2 mm), compared with 21 (40%) of the unvaccinated children [odds ratio, after controlling for potential confounding factors, 0.19 (95% CI 0.06–0.59)]. When atopy was defined using the 3‐mm criterion, the reduction in atopy associated with BCG was greater the earlier the age at vaccination, and the largest reduction was seen in children vaccinated in the first week of life.ConclusionBCG vaccination given early in infancy may prevent the development of atopy in African children.
Eosinophils are a feature of upper and lower airway pathology in non‐atopic asthma, irrespective of the presence of rhinitis
Authors: Gaga  , Lambrou  , Papageorgiou  , Koulouris  , Kosmas  , Fragakis  , Sofios  , Rasidakis  , Jordanoglou  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAsthma and rhinitis often co‐exist and there are data to suggest that they may be two ends of the same disease spectrum. Immunohistochemical studies have shown that eosinophilia in the airways is a feature of rhinitic patients without asthma.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to examine whether cellular infiltration exists in the nasal mucosa of asthmatics even in the absence of symptoms and signs of rhinitis.MethodsNasal mucosa biopsies were taken from 27 non‐atopic subjects and comprised nine asthmatic rhinitic patients (AR), eight asthmatic non‐rhinitic patients (ANR) and 10 healthy control subjects (N). Bronchial mucosa biopsies were also taken simultaneously from some of the patients (n = 10) to determine whether there was an association between cellular infiltration in the nose and the lungs. The alkaline phosphatase‐anti‐alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) method was used on 6 μm thick cryostat sections using monoclonal antibodies against T cells (CD4, CD8), eosinophils (EG2) and mast cells (mast cell tryptase). Slides were counted blind and results expressed as cells per field.ResultsThe results showed that eosinophil counts were higher in both asthma groups compared with control nasal biopsies (median values AR 8.3, ANR 9.2, N 2.1 cells per field, P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between eosinophil cell counts in the nose and the airways (r = 0.851 P < 0.001). No differences in eosinophil numbers were detected between the two groups of asthmatics. Also, no differences were noted for any other cell type (i.e. CD4, CD8, tryptase) among the three study groups.ConclusionsThese results show that eosinophil infiltration was present in the nasal mucosa of asthmatic patients even in the absence of rhinitis, and add further support to the hypothesis that asthma and rhinitis are clinical expressions of the same disease entity.
Effect of pranlukast on bronchial inflammation in patients with asthma
Authors: Yoshida  , Ishizaki  , Shoji  , Onuma  , Nakagawa  , Nakabayashi  , Akahori  , Hasegawa  , Amayasu  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPranlukast (8‐[p‐(4‐phenylbutyloxy) benzol] amino‐2‐[tetrazol‐5‐yl]‐4‐oxo‐4H‐1‐benzopyran hemihydrate), a selective cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, has been reported to exhibit not only antileukotrine activity but also pharmacological activity including antieosinophilic effects.ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate whether the antiasthmatic activity of pranlukast is associated with a reduction in eosinophilic inflammation.MethodsA double‐blind, randomized, crossover design was used. Subjects received 225 mg of pranlukast or placebo orally twice daily for 4 weeks and then, after a washout period of at least 4 weeks, crossed over to receive the alternative treatment. We assessed the effects of pretreatment with pranlukast on bronchoconstriction precipitated by inhalation of methacholine in 32 adult patients with mild or moderate bronchial asthma; those who were in stable clinical condition were allocated to this study. Blood and sputum samples were taken the morning of the methacholine provocation test. Eosinophil counts and measurement of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were performed.ResultsAfter the 4 weeks of treatment with pranlukast, patients' symptoms, blood eosinophils, serum ECP, sputum eosinophils, and sputum ECP were significantly decreased. Furthermore, values of PC20‐methacholine significantly improved in the treatment with pranlukast.ConclusionOur results suggest that pranlukast has an anti‐inflammatory effect on bronchial eosinophilic infiltration. This study raises further interesting therapeutic possibilities and argues for further trials of new approaches to the treatment of bronchial asthma.
Preliminary criteria for the definition of allergic rhinitis: a systematic evaluation of clinical parameters in a disease cohort (I)
Authors: Ng  , Warlow  , Chrishanthan  , Ellis  , Walls  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to formulate criteria for the definition of allergic rhinitis. Other studies have sought to develop scoring systems to categorize the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms but it was never used for the formulation of diagnostic criteria. These other scoring systems were arbitrarily chosen and were not derived by any statistical analysis. To date, a study of this kind has not been performed.ObjectiveThe hypothesis of this study is that it is possible to formulate criteria for the definition of allergic rhinitis. This is the first study to systematically examine and evaluate the relative importance of symptoms, signs and investigative tests in allergic rhinitis. We sought to statistically rank, from the most to the least important, the multiplicity of symptoms, signs and test results.MethodsForty‐seven allergic rhinitis and 23 normal subjects were evaluated with a detailed questionnaire and history, physical examination, serum total immunoglobulin E, skin prick tests and serum enzyme allergosorbent tests (EAST).ResultsStatistical ranking of variables indicated rhinitis symptoms (nasal, ocular and oronasal) were the most commonly occurring, followed by a history of allergen provocation, then serum total IgE, positive skin prick tests and positive EAST's to house dust mite, perennial rye and bermuda/couch grass. Throat symptoms ranked even lower whilst EAST's to cat epithelia, plantain and cockroach were the least important. Not all symptoms, signs and tests evaluated proved to be statistically significant when compared to a control group; this included symtoms and signs which had been considered historically to be traditionally associated with allergic rhinitis, e.g. sore throat and bleeding nose.ConclusionIn performing statistical analyses, we were able to rank from most to least important, the multiplicity of symptoms signs and test results. The most important symptoms and signs were identified for the first time, even though some of these were not included in our original selection criteria for defining the disease cohort i.e. sniffing, postnasal drip, oedematous nasal mucosa, impaired sense of smell, mouth breathing, itchy nose and many of the specific provocation factors.
Socioeconomic status is a risk factor for allergy in parents but not in their children
Authors: Bergmann R. L. , Edenharter G. , Bergmann K. E. , Lau S. , Wahn U. ,   THE MULTICENTER ALLERGY STUDY RESEARCH GROUP
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAllergic diseases are more prevalent in affluent countries, which has been attributed to life‐style factors. Life‐style habits may also differ between socioeconomic (SES) classes. The objective of this paper therefore was to evaluate if SES had an impact on the development of atopic disorders.MethodsA total of 1314 German children were followed‐up in an observational birth cohort study to 6 years of age. Parents filled in questionnaires, and had multi‐allergen screening tests for sensitization. Indoor allergen concentrations were determined by ELISA. Children were examined regularly up to 6 years, specific serum IgE values were determined by CAP‐Rast‐Feia.ResultsThe risk of aeroallergen sensitization (odds ratio 1.76; 95% CI 1.30–2.37), and the lifetime prevalence of hay fever (2.36; 1.76–3.17), and asthma (1.74; 1.08–2.80), but not of atopic dermatitis (AD: 0.90; 0.54–1.51) was elevated in parents of high compared to low SES. With high SES the risk of smoking in pregnancy (0.35; 0.23–0.51), in the home (0.31; 0.21–0.46), pet ownership (0.37; 0.26–0.55), high mite (0.42; 0.25–0.74), and high cat (0.38; 0.18–0.82) allergen concentration in house dust was reduced, but elevated for breastfeeding over more than 6 months (4.67; 2.9–7.48). In children, even after controlling for other risk factors, only the risk of AD from 3 to 6 years (2.42; 1.42–4.14) was elevated in families with high SES, but not of AD in infancy or of any other atopic disorder.ConclusionsWhile parents of high SES have a higher prevalence of inhalative allergies, their favourable life‐style prevents the development of atopic disorders in their children, except for AD beyond infancy.
Specificity of allergen skin testing in predicting positive open food challenges to milk, egg and peanut in children
Authors: Sporik R. , Hill D. J. , Hosking C. S. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe specificity of allergen skin prick testing to diagnose clinically relevant food allergy is controversial.ObjectivesTo determine the specificity of the allergen weal diameter to correctly identify children who react on formal open food challenges.MethodsOver a 9‐year period children referred to a tertiary allergy clinic for the evaluation of suspected food allergy were prospectively studied. Allergen skin prick testing to cow milk, egg white and peanut extracts (Dome‐Hollister‐Stier, Spokane, WA, USA) was undertaken using a lancet technique. All children underwent open food challenges to the relevant food(s) in a hospital clinic. Challenges were classified as positive, if objective signs were seen; negative, if the child could tolerate normal quantities of the food, daily, for one week; or inconclusive if none of the former criteria were met.ResultsFive hundred and fifty‐five challenges were undertaken in 467 children: 339 challenges to cow milk, 121 to egg, and 95 to peanut. Fifty‐five percentage of challenges were positive, 37% negative, and 8% inconclusive. For each food it was possible to identify a skin weal diameter at, and above, which negative reactions did not occur: cow milk, 8 mm; egg, 7 mm; peanut, 8 mm. In contrast, positive reactions could occur with a skin wheal diameter of 0 mm.ConclusionsIn this high risk referral population it was possible to define skin weal diameters to egg, milk and peanut above which open oral food challenges were positive (100% specificity). By utilizing these measurements the need for formal food challenges can be reduced.
Molecular cloning of major allergen from Cupressus arizonica pollen: Cup a 1
Authors: Aceituno E. , Del Pozo V. , Mínguez A. , Arrieta I. , Cortegano I. , Cárdaba B. , Gallardo S. , Rojo M. , Palomino P. , Lahoz C. 
Published: March 2003

The family Cupressaceae is a relevant source of allergens that causes winter respiratory allergies. Cloning and sequencing the major antigen of Cupressus arizonica is important for a better diagnosis and treatment of sensitized patients.To obtain a full‐length complementary DNA for Cup a 1, the major allergen of Cupressus arizonica pollen. It was cloned and sequenced and the recombinant protein was expressed.Messenger RNA from Cupressus arizonica pollen was obtained and the Cup a 1 sequence was established using a 3′‐RACE system and primers based on the N‐terminal amino acid sequence. Recombinant Cup a 1 was cloned in pBluescript and expressed in a glycosylated form in rabbit reticulocytes. The cDNA was subcloned in pGEX‐5X‐1 and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with GST.Recombinant Cup a 1 is highly homologous with the major allergens of mountain cedar (Jun a 1), Japanese cypress (Cha o 1) and Japanese cedar (Cry j 1). Cup a 1 contains three potential N‐glycosylation sites that are different from those found in Jun a 1 and Cry j 1. The cloned protein contains a pectate lyase active site identical to those of Cry j 1 and Jun a 1. The IgE from patients' sera recognizes recombinant Cup a 1, and this reactivity is higher with the glycosylated protein.Cup a 1 has been cloned and sequenced. As expected, the high degree of homology with Cha o 1, Jun a 1 and Cry j 1 explains the cross‐reactivity of conifer pollens. Different IgE reactivity with the glycosylated and non‐glycosylated protein suggests the importance of carbohydrate moieties in the IgE binding site.
Association between a C+33T polymorphism in the IL‐4 promoter region and total serum IgE levels
Authors: Suzuki I. , Hizawa N. , Yamaguchi E. , Kawakami Y. 
Published: March 2003

Susceptibility to asthma and other atopic diseases is known to be associated with elevated total IgE levels. Several investigators have linked the interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) gene and nearby markers located on chromosome 5q to elevated total IgE levels. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the IL‐4 gene promoter region (C+33T) has recently been identified.As part of an effort to identify genetic variants contributing to the susceptibility to elevated total serum IgE levels, an association analysis of a newly identified promoter polymorphism (C+33T) with total serum IgE levels was conducted.The study was conducted using 240 Japanese subjects (120 asthmatics and 120 healthy controls). The IL‐4 C+33T polymorphism was genotyped by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The frequency of the T allele was 0.675 in asthmatic subjects and 0.671 in healthy controls. An anova model adjusted for age, sex and disease status suggested a genetic association of C+33T polymorphism with elevated total serum IgE levels (P < 0.05).The data suggest that IL‐4 promoter C+33T polymorphism may be one of the genetic polymorphisms that explain genetic linkage or association between elevated total serum IgE levels and markers on chromosome 5q.