bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunologic characterization of a recombinant American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) Per a 1 (Cr‐PII) allergen
Authors: Wang NM , Lee MF , Wu CH 
Published: March 2003

Background: Previously, we have identified several Per a 1 (Cr‐PII) allergens from a λgt22A cDNA library of Periplaneta americana. This study aimed to sequence clone C42 and determine its molecular and antigenic properties. Methods: The cDNA of C42 was sequenced and ligated into a bacteria expression vector, pET21. The recombinant proteins were purified by ion‐exchange and affinity chromatographies. Their antigenicities were analyzed by immunoblotting, ELISA, and binding inhibition with human IgE. Results: The nucleotide of the cDNA has been sequenced and the deduced amino acid which encodes a 446‐amino‐acid protein (50 kDa) determined. The recombinant C42 protein can bind both anti‐Per a 1 monoclonal antibodies and human IgE and showed a 54.4% (12/22) skin reactivity in atopic patients. Sequence homology searches revealed a high degree of identity to two other members of the Per a 1 family, C17 and C6, and the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) Bla g Bd90K allergen. Interestingly, these allergens all contain internal repeats, and the crude B. germanica extract, Per a 1, and recombinant allergens share similar antigenic determinant(s) as defined by ELISA and IgE‐binding inhibition studies. In IgE‐binding epitope studies, an immunopositive C42 fragment was first identified from partial protease digestion. Overlapping peptides were then generated by expression of restriction enzyme fragments in E. coli. The shortest peptide, C42‐P560, identified by monoclonal antibodies and human specific IgE, can inhibit IgE binding to C42. Conclusions: An additional Per a 1 allergen has been defined at the molecular level and characterized and preliminary results showed that a potential IgE‐reactive region is located within amino‐acid residue 358–446 of C42, which is an internal repeat. The results defined the boundaries of the antigenic site and will facilitate further epitope‐mapping studies.
The effect of immediate‐hypersensitivity reactions on the level of SLPI, granulocyte elastase, α1‐antitrypsin, and albumin in nasal secretions, by the method of unilateral antigen challenge
Authors: Westin U , Whil J‐å , Lundberg E , Ohlsson K 
Published: March 2003

Background: The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of SLPI in patients with allergic rhinitis. From this point of view, we also examined leukocyte elastase, α1‐antitrypsin, and albumin.SLPI is an inhibitor of serine proteases such as leukocyte elastase, cathepsin G, and mast‐cell chymase. Since chymase is considered to participate in mast‐cell degranulation and histamine release, SLPI might act as a regulator of allergic reactions. Recent interest has been focused on leukocytes and allergy. Since SLPI is a strong inhibitor of leukocyte elastase, we also focused on the function of elastase in allergic rhinitis. Methods: We used the method of nasal lavage after unilateral nasal antigen challenge in atopic and healthy subjects. The ELISA quantified SLPI and elastase. Albumin and α1‐antitrypsin were quantified by electroimmunoassay. Gel filtration was used to separate native SLPI from its complex with elastase. Results: There was a higher level of SLPI in lavage fluid from healthy subjects than from atopic patients. SLPI was increased on the contralateral side in atopic subjects after allergen challenge. The absence of increase in SLPI on the challenged side may be attributed to the increase in elastase and its binding to SLPI, which might have an effect on the immunoreactivity and interfere with the ELISA. It may then be assumed that there is an augmentation of SLPI on the challenged side as well. No increase was seen in healthy subjects. There was a higher concentration of elastase, α1‐antitrypsin, and albumin before antigen challenge in atopic patients outside the pollen season than in healthy subjects. As expected, an increase was also seen in the challenged side exclusively in atopic subjects. Conclusions: The lower concentration of SLPI in nasal lavage fluid among the atopic patients than the healthy subjects indicates damaged mucosa. Neural reflexes are involved in SLPI release since there was an increase even in the contralateral nostril. A higher level of elastase and albumin before allergen challenge suggests chronic inflammation in nasal mucosa outside the pollen season. Leukocyte recruitment takes place in response to IgE‐mediated reactions, which are reflected in an increase in elastase in response to allergen challenge.
Indoor viable mold spores – a comparison between two cities, Erfurt (eastern Germany) and Hamburg (western Germany)
Authors: Koch A. , Heilemann K.‐J. , Bischof W. , Heinrich J. , Wichmann H.E. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In eastern Germany, the prevalence of allergies is lower than in western Germany for both children and adults. Several reasons for this fact have been discussed, although it is still not completely understood. One purpose of the epidemiologic study “Indoor and genetic factors in asthma and allergy” (INGA) is to compare exposure to mold spores in two German cities. Therefore, 405 homes in Erfurt (east) and Hamburg (west) were visited twice by trained investigators between June 1995 and May 1997. Methods: Samples of settled dust were taken by vacuuming from the carpet in the living room. Sieved house dust was diluted and plated on DG18 agar. The analyses were carried out in duplicate in the same laboratory. Results: No significant difference could be shown for the total and for single genera (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium) in concentration of spores of viable fungi in settled house dust between Erfurt and Hamburg. Seasonal variation of the mold picture, with highest values in August, could be identified both indoors and outdoors. Conclusions: Beccause that outdoor concentration is the main influence on indoor concentration of mold spores from June to October, we recommend sampling from November to May to evaluate exposure to indoor mold spores.
ICAM‐1 and α3β1 expression by bronchial epithelial cells and their in vitro modulation by inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory mediators
Authors: Vignola A. M. , Bonsignore G. , Siena L. , Melis M. , Chiappara G. , Gagliardo R. , Bousquet J. , Bonsignore G. , Merendino A. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Adhesion molecules are involved in inflammatory and repair processes of the bronchial epithelium. ICAM‐1 is mainly involved in inflammatory reactions, whereas integrins, such as α3β1, are mainly involved in repair processes. Methods: Using bronchial biopsies from 10 asthmatics and eight controls, we first evaluated by immunohistochemistry expression of α3β1 and ICAM‐1 in intact and damaged epithelium. Then, using the human pulmonary epithelial cell line WI‐26 VA, we studied, by flow‐cytometry, the modulation of ICAM‐1 and α3β1 expression, and, by ELISA, the release of fibronectin by proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐5, and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐4, TGF‐β, and EGF. Results: α3β1 expression was slightly higher in asthma than in controls, as well as in damaged epithelium than in undamaged epithelium. ICAM‐1 expression was higher in asthma than in controls, and similarly distributed in intact or damaged epithelium. In vitro, α3β1 was significantly increased by TGF‐β, EGF, and IL‐4, and significantly decreased by IL‐5. Fibronectin release was significantly increased by TGF‐β and IL‐4, unchanged by EGF, and slightly but significantly decreased by IL‐5. ICAM‐1 expression was significantly decreased by TGF‐β and IL‐4, unchanged by EGF, and significantly increased by IL‐5. Conclusions: These differences in adhesion molecule expression and fibronectin release may be important in epithelial cell inflammation and repair.
Sensitivity to fungal allergens is a risk factor for life‐threatening asthma
Authors: Black P. N. , Udy A. A. , Brodie S. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Previous studies have suggested that sensitivity to Alternaria and Cladosporium may be risk factors for life‐threatening asthma. We have investigated this by studying the relationship between skin tests for fungal spores and admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) for asthma.Methods: Skin prick tests for fungal spores (Alternaria tenuis, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Helminthosporium maydis, and Epicoccum nigrum), cat dander, house‐dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), and a seven‐grass mix were performed in three groups of patients: patients admitted to an ICU with an attack of asthma; those who had received emergency treatment for asthma but had not been admitted to an ICU, and those who had never required emergency treatment for their asthma.Results: Twenty of 37 patients (54%) admitted to the ICU had a positive skin test for one or more fungal allergens compared with 15/50 patients (30%) in each of the other groups (P=0.005). The ICU patients were no more likely to have positive skin tests for the grass mix, cat dander, or house‐dust mite than the other patients.Conclusions: A positive skin test for fungal allergens is a risk factor for admission to an ICU with an acute attack of asthma.
Severe atopic dermatitis is associated with sensitization to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)
Authors: Breuer K. , Wittmann M. , Bösche B. , Kapp A. , Werfel T. 
Published: March 2003

Background:
Staphylococcus aureus has been identified as a possible trigger factor in atopic dermatitis (AD). Some 30–60% of S. aureus strains isolated from patients with AD are able to produce exotoxins with superantigenic properties, mostly staphylococcal enterotoxins A, B, C, and D (SEA–D) and toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1 (TSST‐1). Recently, it was demonstrated that the presence of IgE antibodies to SEA and SEB is correlated with the severity of skin lesions in children with AD. To determine the relevance of staphylococcal enterotoxins in adult patients with AD, we investigated the relationship between the severity of skin lesions and sensitization to SEA and SEB. Methods: Clinical severity was determined by the SCORAD index. Circulating IgE antibodies to SEA and SEB, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels, and urine eosinophil protein X (EPX) levels were measured. Results: The skin condition was significantly worse in patients sensitized to SEB than in unsensitized patients. Serum ECP and urine EPX levels were found to be significantly higher in SEB‐sensitized patients, confirming the higher degree of cutaneous inflammation. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a relationship between severity of skin lesions and sensitization to SEB in adult patients with AD, but a relationship between disease activity and sensitization to SEA could not be shown.
Clinical and immunologic effects of long‐term sublingual immunotherapy in asthmatic children sensitized to mites:a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Pajno G. B. , Morabito L. , Barberio G. , Parmiani S. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Immunotherapy through local routes is thought to be a valuable therapeutic option for respiratory allergy. We investigated the clinical efficacy and immunologic effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in asthmatic children with mite‐induced respiratory allergy. Methods: Twenty‐four patients (age range 8–15 years), suffering from mild to moderate asthma, with single sensitization to mite allergen, were enrolled. After a 1‐year observation phase, patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups, and were given SLIT (sublingual‐spit) as drops for 2 years according to a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled (DBPC) design. Symptoms/medication scores (diary card), visual analog scale, and immunologic parameters (house‐dust‐mite [HDM]‐specific IgE, and total HDM‐specific IgG and IgG4) were determined during the observation phase and during the DBPC treatment period. Results: Twenty‐one patients completed the study. At the beginning of the treatment, no difference in environmental allergenic pressure could be shown between the groups. After 2 years of therapy, there was a significant decrease in asthmatic symptoms (P=0.0001) and medication use (P=0.0001) in the active group compared to the placebo group. The visual analog score on overall asthma symptoms improved in the SLIT group (P=0.0001), but not in the placebo group. Nevertheless, the immunologic results did not show significant differences in HDM‐specific IgE and total HDM‐specific IgG or IgG4 between the active and placebo groups (P=NS). No relevant side‐effects were recorded throughout the study. Conclusions: Our results suggest that treatment for 2 years with SLIT is clinically safe and effective in significantly decreasing respiratory symptoms in children with mild to moderate asthma sensitized to HDM. On the other hand, the lack of changes of the immunologic parameters calls for further investigations with special reference to kinetics and mechanism(s) of action of this mode of treatment.
Predictors of house‐dust‐mite allergen concentrations in dry regions in Australia
Authors: Vanlaar C. H. , Downs S. H. , Mitakakis T. Z. , Leuppl J. D. , Car N. G. , Peat J. K. , Marks G. B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: House‐dust‐mite allergen content differs between houses and is thought to be a function of the housing characteristics and furnishing choices that affect indoor microclimate and mite proliferation. The importance of these features may differ with regional climates. Methods: Concentrations of mite allergen were analysed as a function of housing features. Information on housing features was collected by questionnaire in 50 houses in two towns in a dry inland region of Australia. Mite allergen (Der p 1) was measured by ELISA in dust samples collected on five occasions over 2 years from beds and floors. Results: Der p 1 was detected in all houses. Many housing features did not influence mite allergen concentrations. However, the presence of evaporative cooling increased mite allergen by 3.34‐fold in beds (P=0.007) and 3.94‐fold in floors (P=0.003). Mite allergen was threefold higher in mattresses >5 years old, and synthetic and feather duvets tended to have higher and lower levels of mite allergen, respectively. Conclusions: In houses in dry, inland regions of Australia, evaporative cooling and older mattresses are associated with higher concentrations of mite allergen. Alternative forms of air conditioning to evaporative cooling may be useful for control of mite allergen in dry regions.
Comparison of quantitative ELISA and semiquantitative Dustscreen™ for determination of Der p 1, Der f 1, and Fel d 1 in domestic dust samples
Authors: Lau S. , Schulz G. , Sommerfeld C. , Wahn U. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Quantitative ELISA kits used for the measurement of indoor all_ergens are time‐consuming. Therefore, an immunodot assay (Dustscreen™) has been introduced, so that results can be obtained within 4 h. In order to assess the potential applications of the new method, we compared quantitative ELISA methods and Dustscreen. Methods: We compared the measurements of the mite all_ergens Der p 1 and Der f 1, and Fel d 1 by both Dustscreen and one brand of ELISA in 82 dust samples, and we also compared the measurement of the cat all_ergen Fel d 1 by Dustscreen and a different brand of ELISA in 77 dust samples. Optimum dilutions of dust extracts were compared between the ELISA and the immunodot assay. The nonparametric coefficient of correlation (Spearman's rank) was calculated for each all_ergen. Results: The immunodot assay was easy to perform. There was a good correlation between the results of the ELISA and Dustscreen (Der p 1: r=0.98, Der f 1: r=0.93, and Fel d 1: r=0.98). However, the coefficient of variation varied between 50% and 100% for Fel d 1 above 100 000 ng/g in Dustscreen. No cockroach all_ergen (Bla g 2) was detected in domestic dust samples in Berlin, and lower concentrations of group 2 all_ergen of mite (from not detectable to 19 500 ng/gm; median concentration 2000 ng/g) were found than mite group 1 all_ergens (sum of Der p 1 plus Der f 1: median 12 350 ng/g, minimum n.d., maximum 153 120 ng/g). Conclusions: Our results indicate that quantification of indoor all_ergens in house‐dust samples can be performed easily with Dustscreen, and both the technology and methodology are satisfactory.
Increased plasma eotaxin in atopic dermatitis and acute urticaria in infants and children
Authors: Hossny E. , Aboul‐Magd M. , Bakr S. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The previously reported eotaxin overexpression in the lesional skin of atopic dermatitis (AD) led us to the assumption that circulating levels of eotaxin may be elevated too. We sought to investigate the plasma expression of eotaxin in children with skin all_ergy in relation to clinical activity and type of lesions. Methods: Plasma eotaxin was assayed in 78 infants and children, of whom 16 had AD, 19 had acute urticaria (AU), and 43 were healthy matched subjects. Seven children in the group of AU were resampled for plasma eotaxin after clinical remission. Results: The plasma eotaxin levels in AD (median=158 pg/ml, mean [SD]=168 [61] pg/ml) were significantly higher than the control values (median=60 pg/ml, mean [SD]=59.5 [18.5] pg/ml). Not only did patients with AU demonstrate elevated plasma eotaxin levels (median=126 pg/ml, mean [SD]=124 [33] pg/ml), but also a significant decline occurred on follow‐up. The coexistence of angioedema with AU did not cause any further increase in plasma eotaxin expression. Plasma eotaxin levels were significantly higher in AD than in AU, probably reflecting the chronic nature of eczematous AD lesions. The plasma eotaxin levels did not correlate with serum total IgE, peripheral blood absolute eosinophil count, or age of the patients. However, there was a positive correlation between age and plasma eotaxin in the control group. Conclusions: Our findings imply that circulating levels of eotaxin increase in AD and during flares of AU, probably to serve in the recruitment and activation of eosinophils. It may also represent a biomarker of lesional activity.
Effect of cetirizine, levocetirizine, and dextrocetirizine on histamine‐induced nasal response in healthy adult volunteers
Authors: Wang D.Y. , Hanotte F. , De Vos C. , Clement P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Cetirizine, an effective H1‐receptor antagonist, is a racemate mixture of two enantiomers: levocetirizine (R enantiomer) and dextrocetirizine (S enantiomer). Methods: To investigate the pharmacologic activity of the two enantiomers of cetirizine, we conducted a randomized, double‐blind, four‐way, crossover study to assess the effect of treatment with 5 mg levocetirizine, 5 mg dextrocetirizine, and 10 mg cetirizine and matched placebo, on histamine‐induced changes in the nasal airways of 24 healthy volunteers. Four hours after a single oral intake, all subjects were challenged by nasal aerosol application with increasing doubling concentrations (from 0.25 to 32 mg/ml) of histamine in both nostrils. Nasal resistance was measured by passive anterior rhinomanometry (PAR), and changes in histamine threshold were calculated together with the absolute number of sneezes after each challenge. Results: Both levocetirizine and cetirizine significantly attenuated the histamine‐induced increase in nasal airway resistance by nearly 50% (from a median resistance of 2.51 Pa per cm3/s to 1.29 and 1.31 Pa per cm3/s, respectively) at the maximal concentration, and they concomitantly increased the histamine threshold by fourfold (from 8 to 32 mg/ml), compared with placebo. Sneezing was also attenuated by both levocetirizine and cetirizine. However, these antihistaminic effects were not seen with dextrocetirizine. Conclusions: This study shows a similar activity of levocetirizine and cetirizine on the inhibition of histamine‐induced increase in nasal resistance, indicating that the antihistaminic properties of cetirizine are probably attributable to levocetirizine.
Health‐related quality of life assessment in young adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Majani G. , Biardini I. , Giardini A. , Senna G.E. , Minale P. , D'Ulisse S. , Ciprandi G. , Canonica W. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In health‐related quality of life (HRQL) studies on allergic rhinitis, both disease‐specific and generic questionnaires have been extensively used. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) has been studied mainly by focusing on symptomatology. The present study aimed to evaluate the SAR‐HRQL by means of two questionnaires, the Medical Outcome Study Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and a new instrument examining satisfaction in 32 aspects of daily life: the Satisfaction Profile (SAT‐P). Methods: Thirty‐three patients with SAR (aged 33.5±8.5 years; 12 men, 21 women) were evaluated during and 2 months after the pollen season. Data were compared with reference samples by t‐test, and baseline and follow‐up HRQL scores were compared by a matched‐pair test. Results: Patients' HRQL scores collected during the pollen season were significantly lower than reference sample data in many SF‐36 scores and in one SAT‐P item. No differences emerged between SF‐36 and SAT‐P scores collected outside the pollen season and reference sample scores. Compared to baseline, outside the pollen season, patients reported significantly higher scores in the following SF‐36 scales: physical functioning (P=0.002), physical role (P=0.00001), bodily pain (P=0.01), and vitality (P=0.008); and significantly higher scores in only two SAT‐P items (physical well‐being [P=0.009] and resistance to stress [P=0.01]). Conclusions: Our data confirm the utility of using symptomatologic and health‐status questionnaires in evaluating the HRQL of SAR patients. More general quality of life questionnaires may prevent the symptomatologic and functional problems from being adequately recognized and managed. SAT‐P can be a fruitful additional tool in HRQL evaluation.