bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeated latex aeroallergen challenges employing a hooded exposure chamber: safety and reproducibility
Authors: Kurtz K. M. , Hamilton R. G. , Schaefer J. A. , Primeau M. N. , Adkinson Jr N. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Bronchial, nasal, and conjunctival challenges are useful for clarifying discordant clinical history (Hx) and skin and/or serologic tests and in assessing semiquantitative changes in biologic sensitivity over time. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and reproducibility of repeated latex‐allergen challenges with a hooded exposure chamber (HEC). Methods: The HEC system comprises a powered forced‐air respirator with a fitted face shield and hood that uses glove‐derived latex‐allergen associated cornstarch particles (LAC) to expose simultaneously the conjunctiva, nose, and lungs. Serial control and incremental LAC challenges are conducted until an endpoint based on upper and/or lower respiratory tract symptoms and peak expiratory flow rates is reached. Six latex‐allergic (Hx and puncture skin test [PST]‐ and 5/6 radioallergosorbent test [RAST]‐positive) subjects were challenged on three separate occasions at least 2 weeks apart. Serial latex PST midpoints and serum anti‐latex IgE by RAST were monitored at each visit and at a fourth follow‐up visit. Results: All subjects responded to LAC, but not to air or control cornstarch administered as controls. All responses were confined to mild symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma that either resolved spontaneously or were reversed with inhaled albuterol. No subject experienced a systemic or delayed reaction. There were no significant changes in the endpoint LAC doses over the three challenge visits (P>0.2). The mean coefficient of variation for log2 endpoints within‐subjects was 17.3±17.2% (SD). The serum latex‐specific IgE was not significantly boosted by the three challenges (P>0.2). The concentration of latex extract necessary to produce an 8‐mm wheal by PST was not significantly changed during the study (P>0.1), indicating that latex sensitivity was not affected by the repeated LAC exposures. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that repeated HEC latex‐allergen challenges are both reproducible and safe, and do not increase latex sensitivity.
Asthma in relation to personality traits, life satisfaction, and stress: a prospective study among 11 000 adults
Authors: Huovinen E. , Kaprio J. , Koskenvuo M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: While patients' personality has been thought to affect all_ergic diseases, the association of asthma and psychological factors is still debated. Stress is believed to predispose to asthma, but no clear evidence of causality has been found. We have studied the role of psychological factors in prevalent as well as in incident asthma cases among the adult population. Methods: A total of 11540 adults initiall_y aged 18–45 years responded to three questionnaires in 1975, 1981, and 1990, respectively. The association of psychological factors (including extroversion and neuroticism scales, subjective stress, and life satisfaction) and prevalent asthma was studied, as well as the predisposing effect of these factors on the risk of adult onset asthma. Logistic regression was used for risk calculations. Results: Low life satisfaction was associated with asthma prevalence (age‐ and sex‐adjusted OR=2.27: 1.04–4.93 for prevalent asthma among those with low life satisfaction compared to those with high life satisfaction), as was neuroticism (age and sex‐adjusted OR=1.78:1.12–2.84 for those with a high neuroticism score compared to those with a low score). A high extroversion score was significantly associated with the risk of adult onset asthma among women (age‐adjusted OR=2.72: 1.44–5.12 for new asthma among those with high score compared to those with a low extroversion score). Conclusions: No specific personality type is associated with adult onset asthma, but there is a significant sex difference in the effect of psychological factors in asthma risk. A high extroversion score is a strong predictor of incident asthma among women. Prevalent asthma decreases life satisfaction and is associated with a high neuroticism score.
Eosinophil cationic protein as a possible marker of active human Toxocara infection
Authors: Magnaval J‐F. , Berry A. , Fabre R. , Morassin B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Human toxocariasis is a common, worldwide helminthozoonosis that may elicit syndromes including various allergy symptoms. The diagnosis relies upon specific serology. However, this parasitosis is often self‐limiting, and many subjects have residual antibodies, thus making differential diagnosis quite difficult when blood eosinophilia, a commonly accepted criterion of active helminthiasis due to tissue‐dwelling parasites, is lacking. Methods and results: We present a patient with chronic irritant cough displaying negative allergologic screening, normal blood eosinophilia, but positive toxocariasis immunodiagnosis. Therefore, this case presented the fortuitous association of an unexplained allergic picture with residual anti‐Toxocara antibodies. In an attempt to distinguish between active and past toxocaral infection, the subject's level of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was assessed and then compared to those of four control groups, namely, healthy volunteers, subjects presenting anti‐Toxocara residual antibodies, patients with various helminthiases, and patients with active toxocaral disease. Since the patient's ECP level was found to be sharply elevated, we hypothesized that viable Toxocara larvae were still present in the tissues, and the patient was given anthelmintic therapy. At the control checkup, the cough had waned and the ECP level had decreased to below the mean value observed in both healthy subjects and in subjects with past toxocaral infections. Conclusions: These data suggest, first, that patients presenting unexplained allergic syndromes should be checked for helminthiases, even if blood eosinophilia is lacking, and, second, in such subjects displaying positive toxocariasis immunodiagnosis, ECP assessment would be a useful marker to distinguish between active and past toxocaral disease.
Inadvertent BSA‐induced elution of IgE in the BSA‐RAST
Authors: Kleine Budde I. , De Heer P. G. , Stapel S. O. , Zee J. S. van der , Aalberse R. C. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is widely used to block nonspecific binding in immunochemical assays. Whereas a previous study had indicated that soluble allergen present during the incubation with anti‐IgE in the RAST did not affect bound IgE, we reinvestigated this in the current study, using IgE elution from BSA by soluble BSA as a test system. Methods: Sepharose‐coupled BSA (0.08, 0.4, 2, or 10 µg BSA/test) was incubated overnight with serum and washed. The Sepharose was then incubated with different concentrations of soluble BSA (0, 12, 60, 300, or 1500 µg/test), washed again, and incubated with radioactive anti‐IgE. The effect on IgE binding was investigated for various incubation periods (t=0, 1, 2, 4, and 20 h). Results: Incubation in buffer without BSA did not change IgE binding. Soluble BSA eluted IgE antibodies from immobilized BSA by up to 85%. If the BSA density on the solid phase was ≥2 µg/test, the elution efficiency was dependent on the levels of both immobilized BSA and soluble BSA. At lower densities, the dissociation was dependent only on the concentration of soluble BSA. The time needed to obtain 50% IgE elution (t½) was less if the density of immobilized BSA decreased. Below the critical density (0.8 µg BSA/mg solid phase), t½ was independent of the coating density (45 min). Probably all IgE antibodies are monovalently bound below this density. Conclusions: Dissociation of IgE from immobilized protein in the presence of soluble protein should be taken into account, particularly when IgE to mammalian serum albumin is involved (milk, meat, or animal dander).
Cell and cytokine profiles in nasal secretions from patients with nasal polyposis: effects of topical steroids and surgical treatment
Authors: Bolard F. , Gosset P. , Lamblin C. , Bergoin C. , Tonnel A. B. , Wallaert B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Nasal polyposis (NP), a chronic inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinus mucosa, is frequently associated with asthma. Previous reports showed that surgical treatment for nasal polyps may influence asthma evolution. We hypothesized that sinus surgery may alter the cytokine network in nasal secretions. Methods: We evaluated the characteristics (cells and mediators) of nasal lavages in nine patients with untreated NP (group A), 17 patients treated with topical steroids (group B), 21 patients treated by nasal surgery – endonasal ethmoidectomy – associated with topical steroids (group C), and 12 healthy subjects (controls). Results: Percentages of both eosinophils and neutrophils were higher in NP patients than in controls. Percentages of eosinophils and interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) level were higher in group A than in group C and controls. There was a positive correlation between IL‐5 and eosinophils. In marked contrast, IL‐8, IL‐10, and IL‐1β levels were significantly higher in group C than in groups A and B and controls; TNF‐α concentration was significantly lower in group C than in groups A and B and controls; and there was a negative correlation between IL‐10 and TNF‐α. The percentage of eosinophils was higher in asthmatic patients with NP than in nonasthmatic patients. In addition, in group C, asthmatic patients also had a significantly higher level of IL‐10 than nonasthmatic patients. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that percentages of eosinophils and neutrophils, and IL‐5 level were increased in nasal secretions from untreated patients with NP. Topical steroid treatment is associated with a decrease of inflammatory cells and mediators. In marked contrast, nasal surgery is associated with marked changes, in cytokine profile in nasal secretions, that are clearly different from those of controls and topical steroid‐treated NP patients.
“Bystander” amplification of PBMC cytokine responses to seasonal allergen in polysensitized atopic children
Authors: Rudin A. , Macaubas C. , Wee C. , Holt B. J. , Slya P. D. , Holt P. G. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Atopic children show increased expression and production of the Th2‐associated cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐9 from PBMCs after stimulation with allergen, but it has previously not been clearly determined whether the Th2‐cytokine production is restricted to the inhalant allergen the child is sensitized to, and whether perennial or seasonal allergens induce different cytokine responses. Our purpose was to determine whether in vitro Th2 cytokine production is specific to the sensitizing allergen, and to compare the cytokine responses to a perennial and a seasonal allergen in monosensitized and polysensitized children. Methods: Using semiquantitative RT‐PCR, we analyzed the expression of the cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐9, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ after stimulation of PBMCs with house‐dust‐mite (HDM) or ryegrass allergen. The cells were sampled from groups of 6‐year‐old children sensitized to either HDM (n=20) or ryegrass (n=24), or to both allergens (n=20), as well as from a nonatopic group (n=20). Results: After stimulation with HDM allergen, PBMCs from children sensitized only to HDM expressed increased mRNA levels of the Th2 cytokines, but not of IL‐10 and IFN‐γ, whereas ryegrass stimulation did not result in increased cytokine expression. PBMCs from children sensitized to HDM and ryegrass expressed increased Th2 cytokines after stimulation with either of the two allergens. In contrast, PBMCs from children sensitized only to ryegrass did not express increased levels after stimulation with either of the allergens. Conclusions: The expression of Th2 cytokines after in vitro stimulation of PBMCs from atopic children is specific to the sensitizing allergen, indicating that atopic status per se does not affect the type of T‐cell response. In addition, T cells specific to seasonal allergens circulate in the blood out of season only if the child is concomitantly sensitized to a perennial allergen.
Quantification of major peanut allergens Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 in the peanut varieties Runner, Spanish, Virginia, and Valencia, bred in different parts of the world
Authors: Koppelman S. J. , Vlooswijk R. A. A. , Knippels L. M. J. , Hessing M. , Knol E. F. , Van Reijsen F. C. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. F. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The serology of peanut allergy seems to be different in various parts of the world. We analyzed the composition of 13 samples of three varieties of peanut in order to compare their allergenic nature. Methods: Peanut cultivars that are commonly processed in the West were analyzed for protein content, protein composition, and Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 content by biochemical methods. IgE‐binding properties were analyzed by ELISA using serum from patients with documented peanut allergy. Results: Total protein contents were comparable for all tested samples (24–29%), and proteins were extractable to the same extent. SDS–PAGE patterns differed slightly, but all major bands were visible in all samples (molecular masses of approximately 14–100 kDa under reducing conditions). Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 were quantified by SDS–PAGE densitometry and were expressed as percentage of the total protein content. Ara h 1 was in the range 12–16%, whereas Ara h 2 was 5.9–9.3%. In view of the analytic uncertainty of this determination, the content of both Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 was not significantly different between the tested samples. In an IgE‐binding inhibition ELISA, the affinities of the peanut proteins for peanut‐specific IgE were measured. Minor differences were observed between the tested samples, with the most potent IgE‐binding sample having a two times higher ability to bind IgE than the weakest IgE‐binding sample. Conclusions: The results suggest that peanuts of different varieties, and from different parts of the world contain similar proteins, including Ara h 1 and Ara h 2. Consequently, the IgE‐binding properties are similar to a great extent. This indicates that differences in the serology of peanut allergy may not originate from differences in the allergen composition of the peanut.
The effect of vaccination with DNA encoding murine T‐cell epitopes on the Der p 1 and 2 induced immunoglobulin E synthesis
Authors: Kwon S. S. , Kim N. , Yoo T. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Immunization with naked plasmid DNA leads to strong and persistent cell‐mediated and humoral immune response to plasmid encoded antigen. Vaccination of DNA encoded whole allergen has been tried, but little information is currently available on the efficacy of DNA encoding T‐cell epitopes in allergic disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the vaccination of naked plasmid DNA encoding only T‐cell epitopes suppresses the allergic reaction as effectively as naked DNA encoding whole segments of allergen. Methods: We immunized mice with a mixed naked plasmid DNA encoding the five classes of murine T‐cell epitopes on Der p 1 and Der p 2 three times at weekly intervals via an intramuscular injection of BALB/c mice. Control mice were injected with the pcDNA 3.1 blank vector. After 3 weeks, the mice were actively sensitized twice and allowed to inhale the Der p extracts intranasally six times at weekly intervals. Results: The vaccinated mice showed a significant attenuated induction of Der p‐specific immunoglobulin E synthesis compared to controls. In terms of the Der p‐specific IgG2a antibody response, the vaccinated mice showed more prominent responses than the control mice group. In addition, analysis of the cytokine profile after Der p stimulation of the lymph‐node cells revealed that the level of the mRNA expression of the interferon‐γ gene was higher in the vaccinated mice than in the controls. Histologic studies showed a much reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue of the gene‐vaccinated mice in comparison with the controls. Conclusions: These results suggest that vaccination with DNA encoding T‐cell epitopes effectively inhibits allergen‐induced IgE synthesis and reduces cell infiltration in lung tissue. Thus, gene therapy using T‐cell epitope‐encoding DNA presents an ideal way of combating allergic disease in the future.
Molecular analysis of T‐cell clonality with concomitant specific T‐cell proliferation in vitro in nickel‐allergic individuals
Authors: Summer B. , Sander C. A. , Przybilla B. , Thomas P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of individuals with nickel contact allergy are reported to proliferate to a varying degree upon nickel stimulation in vitro. Different phenotypes of the T cells involved are described. With regard to preferential use of the T‐cell receptor (TCR), analysis of the several families of the TCR‐γ gene allows rearrangement evaluation of all T cells regardless of predominant surface expression of TCR α/β. Methods: The PBMC of 10 nickel‐allergic and five nonallergic individuals were cultured for 4 days in the presence of either medium, PHA, NiSO4, or tetanus toxoid (TT). Proliferation was measured by radioactive thymidine uptake and expressed as stimulation index (SI). T‐cell clonality was assessed by analysis of the TCR‐γ chain gene, including the use of PCR with a primer combination covering the four main groups (Vγ1‐8, Vγ9, Vγ10, and Vγ11) of the variable region of the TCR‐β chain gene. Results: In the allergic individuals, proliferation to NiSO4 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than in nonallergics (mean SI: 18.05/17.87 vs 0.67/2.27). In unstimulated and PHA‐stimulated cultures, there was a random TCR spectrum in both groups. In contrast, in nickel‐allergic individuals or individuals with recent TT‐booster, oligoclonality could be observed in the correspondingly stimulated cultures. Conclusions: In addition to proliferation assay, analysis of T‐cell clonality may be a further means to characterize clinical hypersensitivity reactions on the basis of antigen‐dependent oligoclonal T‐cell expansion, as in the case of tissue‐infiltrating lymphocytes.
Bronchial challenges with aerosolized food in asthmatic, food‐allergic children
Authors: Roberts G. , Golder N. , Lack G. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Allergic asthma is usually considered to be provoked by aeroallergens. However, we have recently recognized a group of children with food allergies who also develop asthma when exposed to the aerosolized form of the food. Methods:  Between 1997 and 1999 we prospectively identified children with an immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated food allergy who develop asthma on inhalational exposure to the relevant food allergen while it is being cooked. Subjects were exposed for 20 min to the aerosolized form of the allergen and the symptoms and the lung function were monitored. Aerosolization was achieved by cooking the food in a small room. Where possible challenges were double‐blinded. Results:  We identified 12 children with an IgE‐mediated food allergy who developed asthma on inhalational exposure to food. The implicated foods were fish, chickpea, milk, egg or buckwheat. Nine out of the 12 children consented to undergo a bronchial food challenge. Five challenges were positive with objective clinical features of asthma. Additionally, two children developed late‐phase symptoms with a decrease in lung function. Positive reactions were seen with fish, chickpea and buckwheat. There were no reactions to the seven placebo challenges. Conclusions:  We have presented a prospective series of children with food allergy who developed symptoms of asthma with exposure to aerosolized food allergens. Our data demonstrates that, as in the case of other aeroallergens, inhaled food allergens can produce both early‐ and late‐phase asthmatic responses. This highlights the importance of considering foods as aeroallergens in children with coexistent food allergy and allergic asthma. For these children, dietary avoidance alone may not be sufficient and further environmental measures may be required to limit exposure to aerosolized food.
Assessment of profilin as an allergen for latex‐sensitized patients
Authors: Nieto A. , Mazón A. , Boquete M. , . Carballada F , Asturias J. A. , Martínez J , Martínez A. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  The presence of the actin‐binding protein, profilin, has been demonstrated in natural latex extracts; but the clinical significance of this molecule as an allergen for latex‐allergic patients is not clear. We studied the allergenic relevance of isolated latex natural and recombinant profilin, by in vivo and in vitro techniques, in two populations of spina bifida children (SB) and adults allergic to latex (AL). Methods:
Profilin is present in small amounts in latex extracts obtained from low ammoniated (LA) natural latex. Its purification by affinity chromatography resulted difficult due to Heb v 1 unspecific binding. Therefore a method was developed to obtain natural profilin from natural latex, combining affinity chromatography (PLP, poly‐L‐proline Sepharose column) and previous ammonium sulfate fractionation. Alternatively, latex c‐serum containing a low amount of Hev b 1 and a relatively higher profilin content could be used. Recombinant latex profilin isoform (rHev b 8) was cloned by PCR amplification. The entire coding region of Hev b 8 was subcloned into the expression vector pKN172 and a non‐fusion form of Hev b 8 was expressed in
Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Purified recombinant protein was obtained after a single passage through PLP‐Sepharose column. Results:  Natural and recombinant purified Hev b 8 were tested cutaneously by intradermoreaction (ID) in 17 SB and 14 AL patients. They were positive in 15 SB and 14 AL patients. No wheals were produced when tested in nonatopic control patients. Only 42% of sera from latex‐allergic patients revealed specific IgE titers of class 1 or higher by enzyme immunoassay and only 39% of them exhibited IgE binding by SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting with any natural or recombinant Hev b 8 forms. Conclusion:  It seems that profilin is a relevant allergen for both groups of patients from a frequency point of view, but with scarce presence in natural latex extracts and raw sources, with a subsequent low IgE induction capacity.
Itraconazole treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Skov M , Høiby N , Koch C 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is a potentially fatal inflammatory disease due to the dual‐type immune response provoked by the fungal antigens. Despite serious side effects long‐term treatment with corticosteroids is often required. Itraconazole has been reported to be a useful steroid‐sparing agent. Methods:  In a retrospective follow‐up of 21 CF patients from a total of 250 treated once or twice within a five‐year study period (1994–98), 9 patients were treated with systemic glucocorticosteroids in combination with itraconazole and 12 patients were treated with itraconazole (200–600 mg/day) as monotherapy. Results:
During treatment the percentage of
Aspergillus fumigatus
(AF)‐positive sputum cultures significantly reduced (
P
< 0.05); precipitating antibodies to AF decreased significantly in all patients (
P
< 0.05); forced expiratory volume (FEV
1) increased to pre‐exacerbation level; total IgE levels decreased in 42% of patients on monotherapy and in 56% on combination therapy. Specific IgE (radioallergosorbant; RAST) level decreased in 6 of 21 patients. Eleven patients had transient increased levels of alanine transaminase (ALAT). One patient had isolated increase in alkaline phosphatase and another in aspartate transaminase (ASAT). Conclusions:  High dose itraconazole as monotherapy or in combination with systemic glucocorticosteroids seems effective in CF patients with ABPA. No hepatotoxicity was observed during long‐term therapy.