bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of the allergenic activity of birch pollen and apple prick test solutions by measurement of β‐hexosaminidase release from RBL‐2H3 cells. Comparison with classical methods in allergen standardization
Authors: Hoffmann A , Jamin A , Foetisch K , May S , Aulepp H , Haustein D , Vieths S 
Published: March 2003

Background: A murine in vitro model of the allergic type I reaction was set up to determine the biologic activity of extracts without involvement of human beings. It is based on β‐hexosaminidase release from passively sensitized RBL cells after allergen challenge. The intended application of this RBL cell assay in the field of quality control of allergenic extracts requires its comparison with established methods. Methods: The activity of five standardized birch‐pollen prick test solutions was determined in parallel by RBL assay, direct IgE binding, IgE‐binding inhibition, major allergen content, histamine‐release assay, and skin testing. Results: The RBL cell‐release assay corresponded well to other methods if a reagin raised against natural birch‐pollen extract was used for passive sensitization. However, in the case of a reagin against recombinant Bet v 1, only a decreased activity was observed, presumably because a reduced number of epitopes were recognized by the monospecific reagin. In contrast to standardized birch‐pollen extracts, nonstandardized apple extracts showed poor activity in all assays. Conclusions: This murine model might be a useful tool in the quality control of allergenic extracts. It combines properties of assays based on standardized antisera and of assays that consider IgE cross‐linking properties.
Nasal provocation test in the diagnosis of natural rubber latex allergy
Authors: Palczynski C. , Walusiak J. , Ruta U. , Gorski P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy in workers using rubber gloves has been an occupational health problem for the last 10 years. In the case of the occupational agents, clinical history may be far from conclusive; hence, appropriate provocation should be carried out. The objective was to evaluate the usefulness of the nasal challenge test in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in subjects occupationally exposed to NRL. Methods: A single‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted in 16 nurses with respiratory symptoms (bronchial asthma and/or rhinitis) related to NRL exposure as well as positive skin prick test (SPT) response to NRL. The controls were nine nurses with asthma and/or perennial rhinitis unrelated to NRL exposure; six atopic patients not occupationally exposed to NRL, with asthma and/or perennial rhinitis; and six healthy subjects. All the controls had negative results of SPT with NRL. Patients with a history of anaphylaxis or positive results of RAST to NRL were not considered in the study. The “nasal pool” technique was used to evaluate the cellular response and changes in protein level and ECP concentration in nasal washings after topical provocation with allergen or placebo. Results: A significant increase was noted in eosinophil and basophil number, albumin/total protein ratio, and ECP level only in NRL SPT‐positive patients subjected to nasal challenge with NRL. Neither bronchial nor systemic reactions were found after the nasal provocation with NRL. Conclusions: The nasal challenge test appears to be useful for diagnosing occupational rhinitis in NRL‐sensitized patients.
House‐dust‐mite allergen concentrations (Der f 1) and mold spores in apartment bedrooms before and after installation of insulated windows and central heating systems
Authors: Hirsch T. , Hering M. , Bürkner K. , Hirsch D. , Leupold W. , Kerkmann M.‐L. , Kuhlisch E. , Jatzwauk L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: It has been hypothesized that changes in heating systems and insulation of homes in developed countries have generated an indoor climate favorable to organisms that excrete allergens inducing sensitization and allergic disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the installation of highly insulated windows and central heating systems on indoor climate, and mite‐allergen (Der f 1) and mold spore concentrations. Methods: The bedrooms of 98 apartments were examined before and 7 months (mean) after installation of insulated windows and central heating systems. The air‐exchange rate, temperature, and humidity were measured. In settled dust on carpets and mattresses, the number of colony‐forming mold spores and the Der f 1 concentration were determined. The inhabitants completed a questionnaire about their lifestyles and housing conditions. Results: The air‐exchange rate decreased from geometric mean 0.73 to 0.52 per hour (P=0.029). Temperature (mean 13.4 vs 17.5°C, P<0.001), and absolute humidity (mean 4.6 g vs 6.2 g H2O/kg air, P<0.001) increased. Relative humidity remained nearly unchanged (mean 47.6 vs 49.1%). Der f 1 concentrations on carpets (geometric mean 0.65 vs 1.28 μg/g dust, P<0.001) and mattresses (geometric mean 1.56 vs 2.40 μg/g, P=0.002) increased. Among the fungi that were analyzed, only the thermotolerant species Aspergillus fumigatus increased (geometric mean 20 vs 60 colony‐forming units/g carpet dust, P=0.02). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the installation of insulated windows and central heating systems is associated with an increase of Der f 1 concentrations in carpet and mattress dust and A. fumigatus in carpet dust in apartment bedrooms.
IgE reactivity to patatin‐like latex allergen, Hev b 7, and to patatin of potato tuber, Sol t 1, in adults and children allergic to natural rubber latex
Authors: Seppälä U. , Palosuo T. , Kalkkinen N. , Seppälä U. , Ylitalo L. , Reunala T. , Turjanmaa K. , Reunala T. 
Published: March 2003

Backround: Patients allergic to natural rubber latex (NRL) frequently show positive skin prick tests (SPT) and hypersensitivity reactions to various fruits, such as avocado, banana, and kiwi, as well as to vegetables such as potato. Methods: Hev b 7 was purified from NRL “C‐serum” and Sol t 1 from potato extract, and they were detected by immunoblotting. IgE antibodies to Hev b 7 and Sol t 1 were measured with ELISA in sera from 35 adults and 35 children allergic to NRL. ELISA inhibition and immunoblotting were used to study allergen cross‐reactivity. The in vivo reactivity of Hev b 7 and Sol t 1 were demonstrated in the SPT. Results: Seventeen (49%) of the 35 NRL‐allergic adults had IgE antibodies to Hev b 7, in contrast to none of the 35 NRL‐allergic children. Fifteen (43%) of the NRL‐allergic adults and 23 (66%) of the NRL‐allergic children had IgE antibodies to Sol t 1. Ten (29%) of the adult sera showed IgE binding to both Sol t 1and Hev b 7, and crosswise inhibition tests with pooled sera revealed marked cross‐reactivity. In the SPT, both natural Hev b 7 and Sol t 1 were able to produce a wheal and flare reaction. Conclusions: One‐half of the NRL‐allergic adults, but none of the NRL‐allergic children, had IgE antibodies to natural Hev b 7. These results suggest that Hev b 7 is an important NRL allergen for adults, but not for children. Elucidation of the clinical importance of the observed cross‐reactivity between Hev b 7 and Sol t 1 requires further studies.
The initial care of newborn infants and subsequent hay fever
Authors: Montgomery S. M. , Wakefield A. J. , Morris D. L. , Pounder R. E. , Murch S. H. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Patterns of neonatal exposure to microorganisms have changed substantially over the last 100 years, and it has been suggested that this has influenced the risk of immune‐mediated disease. Using a proxy measure, we tested the hypothesis that the initial handling of newborn infants, which is known to affect the pattern of exposure to microorganisms, may alter the risk of developing subsequent atopy, as indicated by hay fever. Methods: Analysis was performed on 5519 members of the 1970 British Cohort Study, a nationally representative birth cohort. Cohort members with hay fever were identified at intervals up to the age of 26 years. Details of neonatal care and childhood circumstances were recorded prospectively. Those who had spent their first night away from their mother in the communal infant nursery were selected as likely to have experienced atypical exposure compared with infants who remained with their mother. Adjustment was made for potential confounding factors in infancy and childhood by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Unadjusted relative odds (with 95% CI) for developing hay fever among those spending the first night in the communal nursery, when compared with other infants who remained with the mother, were 1.48 (1.23–1.77), P<0.001. Comprehensive adjustment for the potential confounding factors, including feeding practices on the first day of life, markers of social and material circumstances, and region, did not substantially alter this relationship, with adjusted relative odds of 1.31 (1.08–1.59), P=0.005. Conclusions: While our proxy measure is associated with an increased risk of hay fever, further research is required to confirm that this is due to the pattern of infectious exposure in very early life. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the first challenges are particularly important in the development of the newborn infant's immune system.
Reactivity to IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor is due to monomeric IgE
Authors: Kleine Budde I. , Aalbers M. , Aalberse R. C. , Van Der Zee J. S. , Knol E. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor (HRF) can distinguish between IgE+ and IgE−. In contrast to IgE−, IgE+ sensitizes basophils to release histamine in response to HRF. But we do not know what particular feature distinguishes IgE+ from IgE−. The objective was to investigate the hypothesis that IgE+ is polymeric IgE. Methods: IgE+plasma was separated by size‐exclusion chromatography. The basophil‐sensitizing capacity of the fractions was analyzed in response to HRF produced by mononuclear cells. Results: We showed that monomeric IgE sensitized basophils to release histamine in response to HRF and to house‐dust mite, whereas no enhanced reactivity was found in the fractions containing polymeric IgE. Conclusions: HRF reacts with monomeric IgE, and not (exclusively) with polymeric IgE.
Side‐effects of insect venom immunotherapy:results from an EAACI multicenter study
Authors: Mosbech H. , Müller U. , Behalf Of The Study Group* On 
Published: March 2003

Background: The effect of venom immunotherapy (VIT) is well documented, but fear of systemic side‐effects (SE) may prevent its use. The study aimed to analyze the character and frequency of SE and risk factors. Methods: In a prospective study, 19 European centers included patients starting on VIT for systemic reactions to insect stings. Various dose regimens were applied. Results: Data from 840 patients with a total of 26601 injections were obtained. Seventy‐one percent were treated with Vespula‐venom extract and 27% with honeybee‐venom extract. Twenty percent of patients had SE corresponding to 1.9% of injections during dose increase and 0.5% during the maintenance phase. The vast majority of the 280 reactions were mild: only one‐third required medical treatment. Injected or inhaled adrenaline was applied in six patients, of whom only one had a drop in blood pressure and collapse. Female sex, bee‐venom extract, and rapid dose increase, but not severity of insect sting reactions, increased the risk of SE. The severity of SE was less in males but was not related to age, treatment phase, species of insect, or severity of insect sting reactions. Conclusions: The frequency of SE was low, and the majority of thesecould be managed without treatment. Risk was increased in females, in bee‐venom‐treated patients, and in those with rapid dose increase.
Expression of the skin‐homing receptor in peripheral blood lymphocytes from subjects with nonimmediate cutaneousallergic drug reactions
Authors: Blanca M. , Torres M. J. , Leyva L. , Mayorga C. , Posadas S. , Gonzalez L. , Fernández J. , Juarez C. , Santamaria L. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In nonimmediate cutaneous reactions to drugs, the skin is the organ most frequently involved, and T cells may play a relevant role. T cells related to skin immune responses express the cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen (CLA), the skin‐homing receptor. Methods: We studied the expression of the CLA in peripheral blood T cells from nine subjects with exanthematous reactions induced by β‐lactams (
4), phenytoin (
2), propyphenazone (
1), spiramycin plus metronidazol (
1), and captopril plus tiazide (
1). The cutaneous symptoms appeared at least 6 h after drug intake. CLA expression was evaluated by flow cytometry at the time of the reaction (T1) and 1 month later (T2). HLA‐DR activation marker expression was also evaluated at T1. In four patients, it was necessary to readminister the culprit drug to establish a causal relationship, and sequential estimation of the markers was performed. Two control groups were included: healthy controls and subjects exposed to the culprit drugs with good tolerance. Values were compared by nonparametric statistics. Results: The expression of circulating CLA+ T cells at T1 was increased compared to healthy controls (median=20.4 vs 9.4) (P<0.001), and the patients also expressed increased levels of HLA‐DR (median=3.8) (P<0.005). Comparison between T1 and T2 (median=11.2) also showed differences in levels of CLA+ T cells (P<0.01). The patients re‐exposed to the culprit drug showed an increase followed by a decrease of circulating CLA+ T cells (P<0.05) and CLA+ HLA‐DR+(P<0.05) paralleling the symptoms. Conclusions: These data support the immunologic nature of delayed skin reactions to drugs, and suggest that these CLA+ T cells parallel the disease evolution and may participate in the pathophysiologic mechanisms.
What safety measures need to be taken in oral food challengesin children?
Authors: Reibel S. , Röhr C. , Ziegert M. , Sommerfeld C. , Wahn U. , Niggemann B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Food allergens are often accused of causing numerous ailments. This is particularly true for the pediatric population, where the incidence of food allergy is four times as high as in adults. As food challenges may provoke life‐threatening reactions, intensive safety measures need to be taken during provocation, and prompt medical intervention may become necessary. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 349 oral challenges in 204 children with atopic dermatitis, looking for criteria to help the physician decide which patients need medical intervention. Results: A total of 178 (51%) oral food challenges with the four allergens (cow's milk [CM], hen's egg [HE], wheat, and soy) showed a positive clinical reaction. Of these, 120 (67%) needed medical intervention. In 42 (35%) cases, intervention was parenteral, and oral medication was given in 78 (65%) cases. There was a strong positive correlation (90%) between the level of specific IgE and the need for medical intervention (≥17.50 kU/l for CM, wheat, and soy; ≥3.50 kU/l for HE). Patient history of food allergy was an indicator of the need for medical intervention (P=0.01). A positive patient history and a high level of specific IgE were significantly (P=0.003) associated with parenteral medication in HE. Conclusions: Patient history of food allergy is a reliable indicator of the need for medical intervention in the cases of CM, wheat, and soy regardless of the level of specific IgE. With HE, a positive patient history plus a high level of specific IgE significantly indicates the need for parenteral medication. On the basis of our results, we recommend establishing intravenous access in children with a level of specific IgE of ≥17.50 kU/l (CAP class 4) to CM and wheat, or with specific IgE of ≥3.50 kU/l (CAP class 3) to HE.
Epidemiology of allergic occupational diseases induced by Tetranychus urticae in greenhouse and open‐field farmers living in a temperate climate area
Authors: Astarita C. , Gargano D. , Manguso F. , Romano C. , Montanaro D. , Pezzuto F. , Bonini S. , Altucci P. , Abbate G. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The role of Tetranychus urticae (TU) as an occupational allergen has thus far been investigated only in selected farmer samples. Methods: The prevalence of TU‐induced sensitization and occupational diseases in a randomized sample of farmers living in a temperate climate area was investigated. Occupational/nonoccupational symptoms, skin prick test (SPT) results with common allergens and TU, specific occupational test results, and greenhouse or open‐field sources of TU exposure were assessed. The study design was cross‐sectional. Results: The prevalence of positive SPT to TU was 6%. TU‐induced allergic/nonallergic complaints accounted for 65% of farmers with challenge‐confirmed occupational disease. In all farmers, sensitization to common allergens was a risk factor for both current occupational and nonoccupational complaints, while TU sensitization was a prominent risk factor for occupational complaints. Furthermore, in SPT‐positive farmers, only the presence of seasonal occupational complaints was significantly associated with TU sensitization. Common allergen sensitization was a risk factor for development of TU sensitization, which was more frequent in greenhouse than in open‐field workers. Conclusions: TU was a common nontraumatic, allergic occupational hazard for farmers. Since occupational seasonal symptoms could be directly related to the presence of TU sensitization, allergy to this mite should be routinely investigated in farmers.
Prevalence of and risk factors for IgE sensitization to Anisakis simplex in a Spanish population
Authors: Valiñas B. , Lorenzo S. , Eiras A. , Figueiras A. , Sanmartin M. L. , Ubeira F. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The number of allergic reactions to A. simplex reported in Spain has increased dramatically in the last decade. Nevertheless, there have been no studies of the prevalence of and possible risk factors for IgE sensitization to this parasite, possibly because suitably specific diagnostic methods have only recently become available. The objective was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for IgE sensitization to A. simplex in Galicia, a region of northwestern Spain with a population of about 3 million and high average fish consumption (78.5 g/person per day). Methods: The study was performed with a random sample of 2801 healthy blood donors distributed in 53 geographic areas, proportional to the density of donors. IgE sensitization to A. simplex was tested by a capture ELISA method that has proved to be the most specific method currently available. Results: The results showed a total of only 12 positive subjects, of whom five also showed IgG1 sensitization. All positive subjects and 101 randomly selected seronegative subjects were then included in a case‐control study of risk factors for sensitization to A. simplex, based on a telephone interview about fish consumption (especially raw and undercooked fish). All seropositive subjects (but only 25% of seronegative subjects) reported consumption of undercooked fish or homemade raw‐fish products. Conclusions: Our results strongly suggest that sensitization to A. simplex is caused only by live larvae, and not by allergens contained in fish tissues, and that ingestion of homemade boquerones (anchovies [Engraulis encrasicholus] in vinegar), and to a much lesser extent of undercooked fish, are the main risk factors for IgE sensitization to Anisakis in this region.
Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of cutaneous skin test reactions to predict hay fever and asthma symptoms in the Normative Aging Study
Authors: Weintraub J. M. , Sparrow D. , Weiss S. T. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine optimal cutoff values and to evaluate the ability of ragweed, mixed grasses, mixed trees, and house‐dust antigens to predict symptoms of hay fever and asthma. Methods:  Between 1984 and 1993, 1386 members of the Normative Aging Study cohort had at least one examination that included evaluation of cutaneous hypersensitivity to common aeroallergens by skin prick testing. Standard questionnaires based on the American Thoracic Society DLD‐78 questionnaire obtained information on respiratory symptoms, illness, and smoking habits. Results:  Ragweed was the best univariate predictor for both hay fever and asthma symptoms: the area under the ROC curve for hay fever was 0.71 (95% CI 0.67–0.74); for asthma, it was 0.65 (95% CI 0.55–0.75). For hay fever, dichotomizing the average reaction to four antigens at 2 mm gave a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 83%; at 3 mm, the sensitivity was 38% and specificity 92%. For asthma, dichotomizing the skin test reaction at 2 mm gave a sensitivity ranging from 30% for reaction to mixed grasses to 56% for the ragweed antigen reaction. Conclusions:  Although in this older population skin test reactivities did not predict current asthma symptoms with high sensitivity, our results support the use of cutoff values of 2 or 3 mm as commonly used in studies of hay fever symptoms.
A prospective study of the relationship between exposure and specific antibodies in workers exposed to organic acid anhydrides
Authors: Welinder H. , Nielsen J. , Rylander L. , Ståhlbom B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The exposure–response relationships for the induction of specific IgE and IgG were evaluated in a prospective study of workers exposed to organic acid anhydrides (OAAs). Special attention was paid to the modifying effects of atopy and smoking. Methods: The subjects were 163 previously unexposed persons exposed to epoxy resins with hexahydro‐, methylhexahydro‐, and methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride as curing agents. The levels of OAAs in air and of specific IgE and IgG in serum were recurrently monitored. The mean observation time was 32 (1–105) months. Results: The mean combined OAA exposure of the subjects was 15.4 (<1–189) μg/m3. Positive specific IgE was demonstrated by 21 (13%) subjects with a mean induction time of 8.8 (1–35) months. The incidence of sensitization was 4.1 cases/1000 months at risk. The relative risk (OR) for atopics was 5.4 (1.9‐15.3; 95% CI). An exposure–response relationship was demonstrated by an increasing risk of sensitization with increasing exposure. Conclusions: An association between exposure and atopy, respectively, and the induction of specific antibodies against OAAs were observed. The risk for atopics was comparable with the risk for the subjects in the most exposed group.