bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a two‐color flow cytometric assay detecting in vitro basophil activation for the diagnosis of IgE‐mediated natural rubber latex allergy
Authors: Ebo D. G. , Lechkar B. , Schuerwegh A. J. , Bridts C. H. , De Clerck L. S. , Stevens W. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  IgE‐dependent triggering of basophils not only elicits the release of different mediators but also the up‐regulation of certain markers, e.g. CD63, which can be detected by flow cytometry. We intended to investigate if flow cytometric analysis of basophil activation could be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of latex allergy, and to evaluate if the basophil activation test (BAT) could be helpful in determining the clinical significance of a positive latex IgE in individuals with negative history and negative latex skin test. Additionally we aimed to determine the role of cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) in causing positive latex IgE without apparent clinical significance. Methods:  Twelve healthy controls without a history of latex hypersensitivity with a negative latex IgE and skin test (group 1), 24 individuals without a history of latex hypersensitivity with a negative latex IgE and skin test but with other inhalant allergies (group 2), and 29 latex allergic patients with a compelling history of latex allergy with a positive latex IgE and prick test (group 3) were enrolled. The diagnostic performances of the BAT were further evaluated in 13 individuals with a history of latex allergy but with negative specific IgE and/or skin test (group 4). Twenty‐four individuals with positive latex IgE without apparent clinical relevance, i.e. without history of latex hypersensitivity and negative latex skin tests, were also analyzed (group 5). The putative role of CCDs causing positive latex IgE results without apparent clinical significance was evaluated by quantification of IgE for bromelain. Results:  According, to the receiver operating characteristics(ROC)‐generated threshold value of 17% between latex allergic patients and the pooled group of nonlatex allergic individuals, the sensitivity and specificity of the basophil activation test was 93.1% and 91.7%, respectively. In healthy controls, allergic patients without latex hypersensitivity and latex allergic patients the number of positive BATs was 0/12, 3/24 and 27/29, respectively. In the individuals with an evocative history of latex allergy but with negative latex IgE and/or skin test the BAT was positive in all 13 cases. Twenty of 24 individuals without apparent latex allergy but with positive latex IgE had a negative BAT. IgE for bromelain was positive in 1/19 sera from group 2, 1/24 sera from group 3, none of the 8 sera from group 4, but in 16/18 sera from group 5, respectively. Conclusion:  Flow cytometric analysis of activated basophils seems a highly sensitive and specific tool for diagnosing latex allergy. In addition, the technique might help to determine the clinical relevance of positive IgE quantification in the absence of overt latex allergy. CCDs of natural rubber latex allergens were confirmed to mimic latex sensitization.
Pru p 3 (LTP) content in peach extracts
Authors: Carnés J. , Fernández‐Caldas E. , Gallego M. T. , Ferrer A. , Cuesta‐Herranz J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Lipid transfer proteins are molecules widely distributed in fruits. Sensitization to LTP is frequent in fruit sensitive patients. The aims of this study were to purify LTP and to assess the content of LTP in ripe peach peel and pulp extracts by ELISA inhibition using polyclonal antibodies.Methods: LTP was purified from ripe yellow peach peel by two different column chromatography methods. A polyclonal antibody was produced by injecting purified LTP into two New Zealand white rabbits. ELISA inhibition and rabbit monospecific polyclonal antibody were used to calculate the LTP content in Springcrest and Miraflores varieties of peach peel and pulp extracts. Purified LTP (2.5 mg/ml) was used to skin test 24 peach‐sensitive patients.Results: The purified LTP showed a single band at approximately 9 kDa. The polyclonal antibody raised anti LTP recognized only the LTP molecule in the peach extracts. LTP content, expressed in µg/mg of freeze‐dried extract in four extracts were: yellow peach peel, 15.48; yellow peach pulp 2.25; red peach peel 14.67 and red peach pulp 1.84. Twenty patients (83.3%) had a positive skin test with purified LTP.Conclusions: We have developed a system to determine the concentration of LTP in peach extracts. LTP in peel extracts is approximately seven times greater than in pulp.
Relationship between total and allergen‐specific IgE serum levels and presence of symptoms in farm workers sensitized to Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Gargano D. , Romano C. , Manguso F. , Cutajar M. , Altucci P. , Astarita C. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Clinical complaints in atopic subjects with asthma and rhinitis occur more frequently in the presence of high total and allergen‐specific IgE serum levels. Here we report on the relationship between total and allergen‐specific IgE serum levels and presence of symptoms in an unselected farmer population sensitized to Tetranychus urticae (TU).Methods: Farmers were recruited as previously described. Total IgE and allergen‐specific IgE were measured by immunoassay in TU‐positive skin prick test (SPT) farmers (n = 58) and two control groups including Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp)‐positive SPT subjects (n = 40) and non‐atopic, TU‐negative SPT healthy farmers (n = 25).Results: Both TU+ and Dp+ subjects had significantly higher total IgE values (P < 0.001) than healthy non‐atopic subjects. TU‐specific IgE levels were significantly more elevated in symptomatic than non‐symptomatic TU+ subjects (P = 0.028). Dp‐specific IgE levels were higher in symptomatic than non‐symptomatic Dp+ subjects (P = 0.003). Finally, total IgE levels were significantly higher in the symptomatic than non‐symptomatic subgroups in both TU+ and Dp+ subjects (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.007, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that only total IgE concentrations were significant predictors of current symptoms in TU+ subjects.Conclusions: High total IgE and allergen‐specific IgE levels are associated with symptoms in TU+ subjects. Definition of their predictive value requires further studies.
The upper and lower airway responses to nasal challenge with house‐dust mite Blomia tropicalis
Authors: Wang D. Y. , Goh D. Y. T. , Ho A. K. L. , Chew F. T. , Yeoh K. H. , Lee B. W. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The house dust mite Blomia tropicalis (B. tropicalis) was found to be the most prevalent domestic mite in Singapore. However, its pathogenicity in allergic airway diseases remains to be investigated.Methods: Twenty adults with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) were studied. Five had a history of asthma, and all were asymptomatic except one who was under treatment with low‐dose inhaled corticosteroid. Nasal challenge was carried out by nasal spray with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and with increasing concentrations of crude B. tropicalis extracts (0.6, 6.0 and 60 µg/ml) at 15 min intervals. Subjective symptom scores and absolute number of sneezes were recorded together with objective measurements of spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV1) and acoustic rhinomanometry (volume of the nasal cavity). These were performed at baseline, 5 min after each incremental challenge, and 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 5 h and 7 h after the last challenge. Meanwhile, concentrations of mediators in nasal secretions (tryptase, leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)) were measured in nasal aspirate samples at similar time intervals. An identical (control) challenge procedure with PBS alone was repeated in seven patients after a washout period of at least 2 weeks.Results: Significant increases in the subjective and objective nasal symptoms, together with a significant increase of tryptase and LTC4 concentrations in nasal secretion, were found 5 min after each challenge with B. tropicalis, but not with PBS. There was no definitive pattern of the late‐phase nasal response in either subjective symptoms or objective measurements. Three patients (3/5) with a history of asthma showed a fall in FEV1 readings (33%, 22% and 11% from baseline, respectively) at 7 h post challenge with concomitant mild wheezing in the night.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates direct evidence of allergic nasal response to B. tropicalis in sensitized adults. It shows that nasal provocation may also provoke concomitant asthmatic symptoms during the late‐phase reaction, especially in people with a history of asthma.
Limpet anaphylaxis: cross‐reactivity between limpet and house‐dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: Azofra J. , Lombardero M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Limpet is a mollusc that is frequently found along the shores of warm seas. Few allergic reactions to limpet have been described, and cross‐reactivity with house‐dust mites has not been established.Methods: We report five patients with anaphylactic reactions due to limpet ingestion. A limpet extract was prepared and skin prick tests (SPT), radioallergosorbent assays (RAST), sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), and IgE‐immunoblotting were performed. In order to evaluate cross‐reactivity, an immunoblotting inhibition assay with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was also done.Results: All patients were asthmatics sensitized to house‐dust mites. In each case, severe bronchospasm was evidenced, and three required mechanical ventilation. Positive SPT with limpet extract was found in the four patients tested. RAST showed specific IgE on each patient's sera. Immunoblotting showed several allergenic fractions with a wide molecular weight range (15–250 kDa). D. pteronyssinus inhibited IgE‐binding molecules above 50 kDa in the limpet extract, particularly one molecule of 75 kDa.Conclusions: We describe five patients with IgE‐mediated limpet allergy. Severe bronchospasm was the most important symptom. Cross‐reactivity with D. pteronyssinus was demonstrated.
Carvedilol improves functional class in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction referred for heart transplantation
Authors: Pamboukian Salpy V , Aminbakhsh Amin , Thompson Christopher R , Amin Haitham , Mortimer Susan , D'Yachkova Yulia , Ignaszewski Andrew P 
Published: March 2003

Purpose. Limited options are available to improve the functional class of patients awaiting cardiac transplantation. We assessed the effect of carvedilol on New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), jugular venous pressure (JVP), electrolytes and renal function in patients with markedly decreased left ventricular (LV) function referred for cardiac transplantation assessment.Methods. Sixty‐one patients (age=52±12 yr, EF=23±7%, VO2 max=16±5 mL/kg/min) referred to the cardiac transplant clinic were reviewed before and after the addition of carvedilol (starting dose 3.125 mg twice daily to target dose of 25 mg twice daily) to usual heart‐failure therapy. Over a 1‐yr period, at each visit prior to initiation, at baseline initiation visit and at each follow‐up visit, NYHA class, BP, HR, JVP, electrolytes, and renal function were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using random effects regression approach. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on 52/61 patients to determine possible associations between NYHA improvement and the following patient characteristics: sex, etiology of cardiomyopathy, initial NYHA class, and dose of carvedilol.Results. Three patients died (2 after stopping carvedilol) and 3 were transplanted. Median follow‐up was 100 d. Sixteen patients reached the target dose after a mean of 137 d (2.75 visits). Estimated time‐to‐target dose is 8 months (5.6 visits). BP tended to increase (p=0.07 for change in trend) with no change in JVP, electrolytes or renal function. HR decreased 6±3 b.p.m. (p=0.03). Of 14 patients NYHA class I/II at baseline, none were class III/IV at last follow‐up visit. Of 47 patients NYHA class III/IV at baseline, 25 were class I/II, and 22 were class III/IV at last follow‐up (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis did not demonstrate any factor predictive of subsequent NYHA class improvement.Conclusions. Despite less than target doses in most patients, a favorable effect of carvedilol on functional class in patients with severe congestive heart failure (CHF) referred for transplant was observed. Those with good functional status remained stable and those with poor functional status improved or remained stable. No baseline patient characteristic predicted improvement. The shortage of donor organ requires optimal use of medical regimens which may improve functional class while awaiting transplantation and which may delay the necessity for heart transplantation. Therefore, addition of carvedilol to usual medical therapy may be beneficial even in patients with severe LV dysfunction and poor NYHA classification.
Intratubular calcification in a post‐renal transplanted patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Iguchi Seitaro , Nishi Shinnichi , Shinbo Junnichi , Iino Noriaki , Kazama J Junichiro , Shimada Hisaki , Ueno Mitsuhiro , Saitou Kazuhide , Tanigawa Toshiki , Takahashi Kouta , Gejyo Fumitake 
Published: March 2003

Iguchi S, Nishi S, Shinbo J, Iino N, Kazama JJ, Shimada H, Ueno M, Saitou K, Tanigawa T, Takahashi K, Gejyo F. Intra‐tubular calcification in a post‐renal transplanted patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Clin Transplantation 2001: 15 (Supplement 5): 51–54. ©Munksgaard, 2001In this article, we present a case in which marked intratubular calcification occurred in the transplanted kidney. The patient received living renal transplantation without control of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism, and the tacrolimus hydrate was used as an immunosuppressive agent, the adverse effects of which can induce intratubular calcification. Biopsy of the renal allograft revealed many intratubular calcifications in the cortex region of the specimen, although the histological grade was borderline for the Banff classification. The pathogenic causes of intratubular calcification were difficult to distinguish from the adverse effects of tacrolimus and the uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism.
Telepathology for the biopsy specimens from human allografted kidney: effectiveness and pitfalls
Authors: Ito Hisao , Shomori Kohei , Adachi Hironobu , Taniyama Kiyomi 
Published: March 2003

Ito H, Shomori K, Adachi H, Taniyama K. Telepathology for the biopsy specimens from human allografted kidney: effectiveness and pitfalls. Clin Transplantation 2001: 15 (Supplement 5): 55–58. ©Munksgaard, 2001This study was conducted to examine the validity and accuracy of telepathology for biopsy specimens from allografted kidney. The still video images of paraffin sections were transmitted via a two‐way telephone by use of a digitized telephone network, ISDN. The quality of the transmitted images was sufficient for the diagnosis, especially at higher magnification. A total of 37 needle biopsy specimens from the 31 allografted kidneys were presented for consultation and diagnosed by an expert pathologist at Tottori University, until July 2000. The average number of transmitted images was 7.1 (range 3–12). Of the 37 specimens, diagnoses by telepathology agreed well with those made through direct microscopy in the 30 specimens. Insufficient or improper diagnosis was made in four specimens, in which proper and pathognomonic still images were not transmitted. Three cases were not diagnosed by telepathology because of the difficulty in making differential diagnosis. From these results, we concluded that telepathology is usuful for transplantation pathology, in spite of limitations in some cases.
Rapid kidney allograft failure in patients with polyoma virus nephritis with prior treatment with antilymphocyte agents
Authors: Hussain Syed , Bresnahan Barbara A , Cohen Eric P , Hariharan Sundaram 
Published: March 2003

Interstitial nephritis owing to polyoma virus infection (PVi) mimics acute allograft rejection. The risk factors for graft failure associated with PVi are unknown. This prompted us to analyse the relationship between the use of antilymphocyte agents (ALA) and graft dysfunction in renal transplant recipients with PVi.Renal transplant recipients who were diagnosed to have PVi nephritis at the Medical College of Wisconsin were included in this study. PVi nephritis was confirmed by urine cytology and characteristic renal histological findings in a total of 14 cases. Other viruses were excluded by immunohistochemistry studies. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n=7) received ALA (OKT3/ATGAM) as treatment for presumptive acute rejection and Group B (n=7) did not receive ALA therapy. The progression of renal function (GFR) was estimated by a 100/plasma creatinine and an actuarial kidney survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method.The demographics (age, gender, race, retransplant and kidney versus. kidney/pancreas), prior treatment with steroids for presumptive acute rejection, and renal function at the time of PVi diagnosis were similar between groups. The fall in GFR/month was 6 mL/min/month with prior ALA therapy compared with 1 mL/min/month in those who did not receive ALA, p=0.002. All seven grafts were lost in the ALA group compared with only two of seven grafts in the other group, p=0.005.The use of ALA was associated with a rapid fall in GFR and graft failure in patients with PVi nephritis. Careful diagnosis of PVi is warranted in renal allograft recipients prior to initiating ALA therapy.
Effects of total body irradiation on the vascular endothelium
Authors: Takatsuka Hiroyuki , Wakae Takeshi , Mori Ako , Okada Masaya , Okamoto Takahiro , Kakishita Eizo 
Published: March 2003

Takatsuka H, Wakae T, Mori A, Okada M, Okamoto T, Kakishita E. Effects of total body irradiation on the vascular endothelium. Clin Transplant 2002: 16: . © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002Total body irradiation (TBI) is used as conditioning for stem cell transplantation. We studied its effects on the vascular endothelium in 55 consecutive patients undergoing stem cell transplantation with TBI (TBI group n=35) or without TBI (non‐TBI group: n=20). Fifty patients underwent bone marrow transplantation and five underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The levels of thrombomodulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, and cyclic GMP were measured before and after TBI. At both times, the thrombomodulin and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 levels were within the normal range in all patients from the two groups, without any significant differences between the groups. The cyclic GMP level was increased after TBI in six of 35 patients. Five of these six patients died as a result of complications of transplantation, while one patient survived in whom the cyclic GMP level rapidly returned to normal. In contrast, the cyclic GMP level remained normal in all patients not receiving TBI. These results suggest that conditioning with TBI stimulates vascular endothelial cells, even if it does not cause immediate direct injury. Such stimulation may be related to vascular endothelial dysfunction, the development of which may be mediated by nitric oxide.
31P‐MRS study of acetyl‐L‐carnitine treatment in geriatric depression: preliminary results
Authors: Pettegrew Jay W , Levine Joseph , Gershon Samuel , Stanley Jeffrey A , Servan‐Schreiber David , Panchalingam Kanagasabai , McClure Richard J 
Published: March 2003

Objective:
This 12‐week study of two elderly, depressed subjects investigated the effect of acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALCAR) treatment on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and on measures of high‐energy phosphate and membrane phospholipid metabolism.
Methods:
Two mildly depressed (HDRS 15–20), non‐demented male subjects 70 and 80 years old were compared with six non‐demented controls (all males, mean age of 73.6 ± 3.6 years). High‐energy and membrane phospholipid metabolites were measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (31P MRSI) analysis. HDRS and 31P MRSI measurements were taken at entry, 6 and 12 weeks for the depressed subjects.
Results:

31P MRSI analysis revealed elevated levels of phosphomonesters [PME(s – τc)] in the prefrontal region of these mildly depressed subjects, which decreased with ALCAR treatment and showed a trend for correlation of the PME(s – τc) levels with HDRS. ALCAR treatment also resulted in increasing levels of the prefrontal phosphocreatine (PCr), which correlated with HDRS.
Conclusions:
In the prefrontal region, the mildly depressed subjects compared with controls had elevated PME(s – τc) levels which normalized after 12 weeks of ALCAR and increased PCr levels after ALCAR treatment. These preliminary findings suggest further studies are warranted.
A clinical monitoring form for mood disorders
Authors: Sachs Gary S , Guille Constance , McMurrich Stephanie L 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  The Clinical Monitoring Form (CMF) for mood disorders was developed as a time efficient record keeping tool for routine clinical use. This report presents preliminary data evaluating the correlation between the CMF's dimensional subscales for depression and mood elevation and formal mood rating scales across a wide spectrum of mood states.Methods:  To harvest data for 500 follow‐up visits required collection of data from consecutive records accumulated during the conduct of seven double blind clinical trials involving a total of 58 participants. These trials utilized the CMF as a source document in conjunction with formal study outcome scales, e.g. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), the Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Mania Rating Scale (MRS) from the Schedule of Affective Disorders‐Current (SUM‐C). Correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationship between the formal rating scales, Clinical Global Impression and the depression (SUM‐D) and mood elevation (SUM‐ME) subscales of the CMF.Results:  Robust correlations were observed between SUM‐D and the formal depression scales, HRSD and MADRS, r=0.79, r=0.88, respectively. Similar robust correlations were also found between the SUM‐ME and the formal mood elevation scales, YMRS and the MRS, r=0.84, r=0.86, respectively.Conclusion:  The CMF appears to offer a reasonable alternative to the formal rating scales typically used in research studies.