bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention of latex allergy by selection of low‐allergen gloves
Authors: Mahler  , Fischer  , Fuchs  , Ghannadan  , Valent  , Fartasch  , Kraft  , Schuler  , Valenta  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundIn recent years the prevalence of type I allergy to latex has continuously increased, in particular among healthcare workers, to about 10%. While most forms of type I allergy caused by other environmental allergens can be treated by pharmacotherapy or specific immunotherapy, minimizing exposure to latex proteins may represent an effective preventive measure for latex allergy.ObjectiveTo investigate whether it is possible to select by in vitro and in vivo testing low‐allergen latex gloves for prevention of latex allergy.MethodsWe obtained separate extracts by standard aqueous extraction from the inner and outer surfaces of 15 different commonly used (10 examination, five surgical) glove brands. The extracts were analysed by quantitative (bicinchoninic protein assay, immunoglobulin [Ig] E‐ELISA, ELISA competition) and qualitative (SDS‐PAGE, silver staining, IgE immunoblotting) methods for their protein and allergen contents. In addition, the glove extracts were analysed for their capacity to induce basophil histamine release and immediate skin reactions.ResultsExtracts from different glove brands contained cross‐reactive IgE epitopes. However, IgE binding studies, basophil histamine release and skin testing showed that different glove brands and their inner and outer surfaces contained widely varying protein and allergen contents. While the determination of total protein contents was not sufficient to identify low‐allergen gloves, IgE measurements, basophil histamine release and skin testing were in good agreement and allowed to select low‐allergen products.ConclusionWe suggest the use of low‐allergen latex products identified by IgE binding, basophil histamine release assays and skin testing as a feasible preventive measure for latex allergy.
Efficacy of leukotriene receptor antagonist in bronchial hyperresponsiveness and hypersensitivity to analgesic in aspirin‐intolerant asthma
Authors: Yoshida  , Sakamoto  , Ishizaki  , Onuma  , Shoji  , Nakagawa  , Hasegawa  , Nakabayashi  , Amayasu  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAlbeit its exact pathogenesis is still ambiguous; aspirin‐intolerant asthma is one of several types of asthma for which antileukotriene therapy is useful, because it is widely accepted that bronchial over‐production of leukotrienes may be involved in its pathogenesis. Pranlukast (8‐[p‐(4‐phenylbutyloxy) benzol] amino‐2‐(tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐4‐oxo‐4H‐1‐benzopyran hemihydrate), a selective cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, is now widely used in the treatment of asthma.ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the protective effect of pranlukast on airway sensitivity to sulpyrine provocation testing, bronchial responsiveness to methacholine provocation testing, and to investigate whether this protective activity is associated with a reduction in aspirin‐induced excretion of urinary LTE4 (uLTE4), a marker of the cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) overproduction that participates in the pathogenesis of aspirin‐induced asthma.MethodsWe assessed the effects of pretreatment with pranlukast on bronchoconstriction precipitated by inhalation of methacholine and sulpyrine in 16 adult patients with mild or moderate aspirin‐intolerant asthma; those who were in stable clinical condition and were hypersensitive to sulpyrine provocation testing were allocated to this study. A double‐blind, randomized, crossover design was used. uLTE4 was measured using combined reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (rp‐HPLC)/enzyme immunoassay.ResultsPranlukast protected against analgesic‐induced bronchoconstriction through mechanisms that were not related to the bronchodilator property, but were related to the improvement both of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and hypersensitivity to analgesic (P < 0.005 and P < 0.0001). Pranlukast showed little effect on excretion of uLTE4.ConclusionThese results support the hypothesis that cysteinyl leukotriene is one of the most important components in the pathogenesis of aspirin‐intolerant asthma. Pranlukast improves not only hypersensitivity to analgesic, but also bronchial hyperresponsiveness in aspirin‐intolerant asthma. It is also possible that pranlukast has another anti‐asthmatic effect besides that of a leukotriene receptor antagonist.
Infiltration of cytotoxic T cells in drug‐induced cutaneous eruptions
Authors: Yawalkar  , Egli  , Hari  , Nievergelt  , Braathen  , Pichler  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPrevious in vitro data indicate that perforin containing drug‐specific cytotoxic T cells are involved in cutaneous drug reactions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the in situ expression of perforin and granzyme B together with the nature of the inflammatory infiltrate in acute drug‐induced exanthem. Furthermore, expression of interleukin (IL)‐12 and interferon (IFN)‐γ, which are known to stimulate cytotoxic T cells, was investigated.MethodsSkin biopsy specimens were obtained from 10 patients with a generalized maculopapular exanthem and from nine controls with normal skin. Expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD1a, CD68, CD25, HLA‐DR, CD54, perforin, granzyme B, IL‐12 and IFNγ was analysed using immunohistochemistry.ResultsIn contrast to the controls, the skin of patients with an exanthem was mainly infiltrated by T cells (CD4 > CD8) and showed a marked enhancement of perforin and granzyme B immunostaining. Double immunostaining revealed that perforin and granzyme B were expressed in both CD4+ and CD8+ cells, which were partly located at the dermoepidermal junction and in the epidermis. In addition, strong immunreactivity for IL‐12 and IFNγ was observed in the mononuclear cells infiltrate, indicating that these cytokines may be important in activation of these cytotoxic T cells.ConclusionThe increased numbers of perforin and granzyme B containing T cells infiltrating the dermoepidermal junction may contribute to the damage of epidermal cells, which is frequently observed as a typical feature of interface dermatitis in drug‐induced exanthem. Our data provide further evidence that cytotoxic T cells play an essential role in cutaneous drug reactions.
Diagnosis of venom allergy by flow cytometry. Correlation with clinical history, skin tests, specific IgE, histamine and leukotriene C4 release
Authors: Sainte‐Laudy  , Sabbah  , Drouet  , Lauret  , Loiry  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPotent allergens such as hymenoptera venoms are capable of inducing severe and life threatening clinical reactions. Percentage of false negative results obtained by the usual diagnostical methods is comprised between 10 and 25%ObjectiveEvaluation of the sensitivity and the specificity of cellular tests and particularly evaluation of a new flow cytometric method.MethodsForty‐five allergic patients having experienced a local, a systemic reaction or an anaphylactic shock and 10 controls having undergone hymenoptera stings without clinical reactions were selected on the basis of the clinical history, skin tests and specific IgE. Three cellular tests were performed on the same cell suspensions and in the presence of 2 ng/mL of rIL3: histamine release (RIA), leukotriene C4 release (ELISA) and basophil activation test (flow cytometry after double anti‐IgE FITC, anti‐CD63 PE labelling).ResultsAs compared to the clinical history, sensitivities of skin tests, specific IgE, flow cytometry, histamine release and leukotriene release were, respectively; 85%, 88%, 100%, 89% and 100%. Flow cytometric analysis of basophil activation showed a significant decrease of the mean fluorescence density and number of IgE positive cells and a significant increase of the number of CD63 positive cells. The 10 controls tested by flow cytometry were negative.ConclusionAs compared to the clinical history and to the other parameters tested here, flow cytometry showed a high sensitivity and a high specificity. The excellent correlation observed between this method and the other cellular tests such as histamine and leukotriene release are in favour of the specificity of flow cytomery and in favour of the use of this method for venom allergy diagnosis.
The high molecular mass allergen fraction of timothy grass pollen (Phleum pratense) between 50–60 kDa is comprised of two major allergens: Phl p 4 and Phl p 13
Authors: Suck R. , Hagen S. , Cromwell O. , Fiebig H. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundMore than 70% of the patients allergic to grass pollen exhibit IgE‐reactivity against the high molecular mass fraction between 50 and 60 kDa of timothy grass pollen extracts. One allergen from this fraction is Phl p 4 that has been described as a basic glycoprotein. A new 55/60 kDa allergen, Phl p 13, has recently been purified and characterized at the cDNA level.ObjectiveThe relative importance of the two high molecular mass allergens has been characterized with respect to their IgE‐binding frequency and capacity.MethodsBoth high molecular mass allergens were biochemically purified and subjected to nitrocellulose strips. About 306 sera obtained from subjects allergic to grass pollens were used to determine specific IgE‐binding frequency to Phl p 4 and Phl p 13. IgE‐binding of allergens was quantified by ELISA measurements. Pre‐adsorption of sera with purified allergens and subsequent incubation of nitrocellulose‐blotted timothy grass pollen extract was performed to determine whether or not Phl p 4 and Phl p 13 represent the whole high molecular mass allergen fraction. Proteolytic stability of both allergens was investigated by addition of protease Glu‐C.ResultsMore than 50% of 300 patients displayed IgE‐binding with both allergens. Clear differences concerning the immunological properties of Phl p 4 and Phl p 13 were confirmed by individual IgE reactivities. Quantification of specific IgE for both allergens revealed comparable values. For complete inhibiton of IgE‐binding in the high molecular mass range preincubation of sera with both allergens was necessary. Interestingly, inhibition of strong reacting sera with Phl p 13 eliminated not only reactivity of the 55/60 kDa double band, but in addition a ‘background smear’. Whilst undenatured Phl p 4 was resistent to proteolytic digestion with Glu‐C, native Phl p 13 was degraded rapidly.ConclusionPhl p 4 and Phl p 13 are immunologically different and must both be considered as major allergens. They are judged to be important candidates for potential recombinant therapeutics that may provide a basis for improved immunotherapy.
The psychological burden of peanut allergy as perceived by adults with peanut allergy and the parents of peanut‐allergic children
Authors: Primeau  , Kagan  , Joseph  , Lim  , Dufresne  , Duffy  , Prhcal  , Clarke  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPeanut‐allergic patients are affected by a condition which forces them and their families to exercise extreme dietary vigilance and experience constant uncertainty throughout their lives.ObjectiveTo compare the quality of life and family relations of children and adults with a peanut allergy to that of children and adults with a rheumatological disease.MethodsPatients with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy or a rheumatological disease completed (for children less than 18 years, by proxy) self‐report questionnaires regarding the impact of their condition on their quality of life and family relations. A vertical visual analogue scale and the Impact on Family Questionnaire (IFQ) served as outcome measures.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐three peanut‐allergic children were compared with 69 children with a rheumatological disease while 37 peanut‐allergic adults were compared with 42 adults with a rheumatological disease. The parents of peanut‐allergic children, compared to the parents of children with a rheumatological disease, reported that their children had significantly more disruption in their daily activities. Furthermore, the parents of peanut‐allergic children reported more impairment in the familial‐social dimension of the IFQ. Conversely, adults with a chronic rheumatological disease reported more disruption in their family relations than peanut‐allergic adults.ConclusionGiven the considerable disruption in daily activities and family relations reported by the parents of peanut‐allergic children, accurate diagnosis of peanut allergy is essential. Our work should make health care professionals dealing with children with confirmed peanut allergy more aware of the support that these families may require. Furthermore, we hope to motivate food industries to offer more ‘peanut free’ products to decrease the dietary restrictions of these patients while minimizing their potential for accidental ingestion.
Analysis of induced sputum before and after withdrawal of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in asthmatic patients
Authors: Giannini D. , Di Franco A. , Cianchetti S. , Bacci E. , Dente F. L. , Vagaggini B. , Paggiaro P. L. 
Published: March 2003

To assess whether sputum eosinophilia predicts the recurrence of asthma symptoms after withdrawal of therapy in moderate stable asthmatics on low‐dose inhaled corticosteroids.Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study involving 30 subjects with stable asthma, asymptomatic, with low PEF variability measured over two run‐in weeks, on treatment with low‐dose inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP, 250 µg b.i.d. in the last 3 months). At the end of the run‐in, all patients underwent a methacholine challenge test and sputum induction (T1). They then stopped therapy and received either placebo (20 subjects, study group) or BDP at the same dose as in the previous 3 months (10 subjects, control group). They continued to monitor PEF and symptom score for 3 months, or until asthma symptoms recurred (diurnal and nocturnal symptom score ≥2 on two consecutive days). At the end of the study (T2), i.e., either within 5 days from the beginning of asthma symptoms or after 3 months in subjects without recurrence of asthma symptoms, all subjects repeated the methacholine challenge test and sputum induction.In the placebo‐treated group, sputum eosinophils at T1 were significantly higher in subjects who subsequently developed recurrence of asthma symptoms (n = 7) after cessation of treatment than in subjects who remained asymptomatic for 3 months (8.2% [0–56.6] vs 0.9% [0–11], P < 0.05). At the time of recurrence of asthma symptoms, sputum eosinophil percentages significantly increased (from 8.2% [0–56.6] to 16.6% [5.8–73.6], P < 0.05). The positive predictive value of sputum eosinophils for the recurrence of asthma symptoms was 71%, while the negative predicting value was 84%. In the BDP‐treated control group, none of the subjects experienced recurrence of asthma symptoms, and sputum eosinophil percentages measured at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the study were similar.Sputum eosinophil percentages may vary over a wide range in asthmatic subjects, although regularly treated and apparently well controlled. However, high sputum eosinophil percentages are related to early recurrence of asthma symptoms after cessation of inhaled corticosteroids.
Quantification of group 5 grass pollen allergens in house dust
Authors: Fahlbusch B. , Hornung D. , Heinrich J. , Dahse H.‐M. , JÄger L. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundIt is widely known and accepted that grass pollen is a major outdoor cause of hay fever. However, it is of virtual importance for grass pollen allergic patients with symptoms all the year round to know the concentration of grass pollen allergens in their homes.ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to quantify the amount of grass pollen allergen in mass units (μg Phl p 5) in dust settled indoors and to detect the distribution of allergenic activity in different sampling locations of homes. Furthermore, we studied the seasonal fluctuation of allergen content in dust samples.MethodsWe adapted the two site binding assay for detection of group 5 grass pollen allergens in samples from randomly selected homes in Hamburg (n = 371), Erfurt (n = 396), Hettstedt (n = 353), Zerbst (n = 289) and Bitterfeld (n = 226), Germany. Dust samples were collected from floor of living room (LR), bedroom (BR) or children's room (CR) and mattress (MA) during period of June 1995 to August 1998. The amount of the major grass group 5 allergens was detected in μg/g dust.ResultsPhl p 5 was detected in 67% of the samples analysed (n = 4760). The range was between undetectable (< 0.03 μg/g dust) and 81 μg/g dust. Phl p 5 levels were significantly higher in the dust from LR (geometric mean 0.117 μg/g dust) or BR/CR floors (geometric mean 0.098 μg/g dust) than in mattresses (geometric mean 0.043 μg/g dust). We observed seasonal fluctuation of indoor Phl p 5 levels with peak in June but also annual differences. Thus Phl p 5 content indoors reflects also the different quantities of pollen counts of annual courses. During pollination period we found two times higher Phl p 5 levels (0.172 μg/g dust, P < 0.001) than outside of grass pollination season (0.095 μg/g dust). The indoor Phl p 5 levels outside of season seem to be independent of pollination before. We suppose that settled pollen grains or allergenic material from outdoor particles carried indoors via footwear and clothes accumulates in house dust.ConclusionAlthough we not known how the allergens in settled dust are equilibrated with those in the air, the considerable high level of Phl p 5 in indoor dust even during periods when no grass pollen is present in the atmosphere may be an important cause of pollen‐allergy symptoms outside of season.
Does the use of antibiotics in early childhood increase the risk of asthma and allergic disease?
Authors: Droste J. H. J. , Wieringa M. H. , Weyler J. J. , Nelen V. J. , Vermeire P. A. , Van Bever H. P. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundOne of the mechanisms evoked to explain the increasing prevalences of asthma and allergy, in particular among children, is the ‘Western lifestyle’ or ‘hygiene’ hypothesis. As early childhood infections are assumed to hold a protective effect on the development of asthma and allergies, the use of antibiotics at that sensitive age may lead to an increased risk of asthma and allergy.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the association between the use of antibiotics in the first year of life and the subsequent development of asthma and allergic disorders.MethodsIn a population‐based sample of 7‐and‐8‐year‐old children questionnaire and skin prick test data were collected from 1206 and 675 subjects, respectively. Prevalence rates of asthma, allergic disorders and skin test positivity were compared between children with and without early life use of antibiotics, taking into account other possible risk factors including early respiratory infections. The effect of genetic predisposition was investigated by stratified analyses of children with and without parental hay fever.ResultsThe use of antibiotics during the first year of life was significantly associated with asthma (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–3.1), hay fever (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–3.8) and eczema (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.8). No significant relationship was found with skin test positivity (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.7–1.7). After stratification for the presence of parental hay fever, children without parental hay fever did not show any significant associations between antibiotics use and asthma or allergy, whereas in children with parental hay fever the use of antibiotics was significantly related with asthma (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–5.1), hay fever (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.5–5.1) and eczema (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.6), and of borderline statistical significance with skin test positivity (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 0.9–3.0).ConclusionEarly childhood use of antibiotics is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma and allergic disorders in children who are predisposed to atopic immune responses. These findings support recent immunological understanding of the maturation of the immune system.
Evidence for a role of HLA DRB1 alleles in the control of IgE levels, strengthened by interacting TCR A/D marker alleles
Authors: Mansur A. H. , Williams G. A. , Bishop D. T. , Markham A. F. , Lewis S. , Britton J. , Morrison J. F. J. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundMHC class II alleles at human chromosome 6p21.1 and alleles in the TCR A/D locus at human chromosome 14q11.2 have been implicated in susceptibility to specific allergies and the modulation of total serum IgE. It has also been hypothesized that HLA and TCR allelic interactions may have a strong influence on predisposition to allergic disease.ObjectiveThis study was performed to investigate the influence of HLA‐DRB and DQB1 alleles and D14S50 alleles (adjacent to TCR A/D locus on 14q11.2), individually and in‐combination, on total serum IgE levels, and on the development of specific allergies.MethodsWe performed an association study between HLA‐DRB, HLA‐DQB1 polymorphisms, D14S50 alleles, total serum IgE expression and specific allergies to house dust mite, grass pollens and cat fur. A sample of 181 individuals was drawn from a larger set of 2415 adults, sampled at random from a district in Nottingham.ResultsStrong association was observed between HLA‐DRB1*0701 allele and high total serum IgE expression (P < 0.001). D14S50 alleles alone showed no evidence for independent association. However, there was a significant interaction between DRB1*0701 and D14S50 allele 170 such that, when both were present, there was a further increase in total serum IgE levels.ConclusionThis study suggests that DRB1*0701 allele is involved in the modulation of total serum IgE, and that there is an interaction between DRB1*0701 and a marker adjacent to TCR A/D in the control of IgE expression.
Nitric oxide‐dependent neutrophil recruitment: role in nasal secretion
Authors: Cardell L.‐O. , Agustí C. , Nadel J. A. 
Published: March 2003

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), an inflammatory mediator, is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils that plays an important role in nasal secretion via release of elastase. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important modulator of leucocyte–endothelial cell interactions, endogenously produced in large quantities in the paranasal sinuses.To examine the role of NO in LTB4‐stimulated nasal secretion.A newly‐developed method for isolating and superfusing a nasal segment in dogs was used.Instillation of LTB4 into the nasal segment caused a time‐dependent increase in the volume of airway fluid and in the recruitment of neutrophils. N(G)‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methylester (L‐NAME), an inhibitor of NO synthase, prevented LTB4‐induced neutrophil recruitment and nasal secretion.These studies show that NO modulates LTB4‐induced neutrophil recruitment and subsequent fluid secretion in the nose, and they suggest a therapeutic role for NO inhibitors in modulating neutrophil‐dependent nasal secretion.