bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasal air sampling used for the assessment of occupational allergen exposure and the efficacy of respiratory protection
Authors: Renström A. , Karlsson A.‐S. , Tovey E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Occupational exposure to rodent allergens may cause laboratory animal allergy. Personal exposure to occupational allergens is measured by collecting airborne dust on filters using person‐carried pumps. This technique cannot be used to evaluate personal protective respiratory equipment. Recently developed intranasal air samplers collect inhaled particles by impaction on adhesive strips within the samplers.Objective The aims were to compare rodent aeroallergen exposure assessment using nasal air samplers with personal air sampling, and to evaluate the efficacy of using respiratory protection during rodent work using nasal air samplers.Methods Aeroallergen exposure was assessed during rodent work using both nasal air samplers and personal air samplers. The efficacy of respiratory protection (P2 facemasks and fresh‐air helmets) was studied in subject pairs working side by side, one person with protection, the other without. Right nostril samples were laminated with protein‐binding membrane and immunostained for rat urinary allergen‐containing particles. Left nostril samples and air samples were eluted in buffer and analysed in amplified ELISAs for rat (RUA) and mouse (MUA) urinary allergen content (detection limit 10 pg/mL). Allergen collection efficacy of the nasal air samplers was tested at high and low exposure levels and at different flow rates using static sampling.Results P2 facemasks decreased the amount of inhaled allergen by about 90%, and very little allergen was inhaled using fresh‐air helmets. Allergen levels in air and nasal samples correlated well (rs was about 0.8 for both RUA and MUA). The number of RUA‐positive particles and nasal allergen levels measured in ELISA also correlated significantly (rs = 0.8). Collection efficacy of the nasal air sampler was better during high exposure (cleaning cages, median 73% of allergenic particles collected), than during low exposure (undisturbed room, 49% of particles).Conclusion Nasal air sampling is a relevant and sensitive complement to personal air sampling and enables evaluation of personal respiratory protection equipment. Use of P2 facemasks and fresh‐air helmets may substantially reduce occupational exposure to inhaled allergens.
Cloning and expression of Blo t 1, a novel allergen from the dust mite Blomia tropicalis, homologous to cysteine proteases
Authors: Mora C. , Flores I. , Montealegre F. , Díaz A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground House dust mite allergens have been shown to be a very important stimulus in the causation of asthma and triggers for the exacerbation of symptoms. Therefore, characterization of mite‐derived allergens at the molecular level is an important step for the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as for epidemiological studies.Objective To clone, express and characterize at the molecular level the cysteine protease from Blomia tropicalis (Bt).Methods A full‐length cDNA encoding Blo t 1 was cloned from a Bt cDNA library using a PCR and RACE‐based strategy. The cDNA was PCR‐amplified, sequenced and subcloned into a prokaryotic expression vector. The allergenicity of the recombinant Blo t 1 was evaluated for IgE reactivity by Western blot.Results Blo t 1 cDNA encodes a 221 amino acids polypeptide with an estimated molecular weight of 25 kDa. The recombinant protein is 35% identical to other mite cysteine proteases. Recombinant Blo t 1 (rBlo t 1) bound IgE from 62% of Bt skin test‐positive serum. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) skin test‐positive sera did not react with rBlo t 1, indicating the possible presence of unique IgE epitopes on the rBlo t 1 molecule. A three‐dimensional image of Blo t 1, constructed based on predicted analysis, showed conserved secondary and tertiary structure with other cysteine proteases.Conclusion We report the cloning, expression and IgE reactivity of Blo t 1, a novel allergen from the domestic mite Blomia tropicalis (Bt), highly homologous to cysteine proteases. This putative cysteine protease, designated Blo t 1, may play a major role as an immunodominant allergen involved in dust mite‐specific IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity.
Anti‐avian antibodies and rheumatoid factor in pigeon hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Aguilar León D. E. , Novelo Retana V. , Martínez‐Cordero E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Although several immunological abnormalities may be present in pigeon hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), few specific hallmarks have been described.Objective To determine whether the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) could be useful to discriminate pigeon HP from asymptomatic breeders (AB) and other interstitial lung diseases.Methods Fifty‐three patients with pigeon HP, 47 AB, 31 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) group were studied. IgM RF was determined through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot using human IgG and IgG Fc fragment as antigens. IgG and IgA anti‐avian antibodies (AA) against pigeon serum antigen were also measured. The use of F(ab′)2 fraction of peroxidase‐labelled anti‐human immunoglobulins prevented endogenous interferences. Possible cross‐binding of RF with avian antigens and the reactivity against human IgG by AA were studied.Results RF tests were frequently positive in HP (52.8%) in comparison to AB (4.2%) and IPF (12.9%; P = 2.6 × 10−10 and 4.1 × 10−5). Therefore, the presence of RF in pigeon HP showed a sensitivity of 52% and was highly specific considering the results of AB and IPF (95 and 87%, respectively). The RA group revealed positive RF but negative AA tests. RF activity was confirmed through western blot using purified IgG Fc fragment. Overlapping levels of IgG and IgA AA were found in HP and AB. The frequency of AA was low in IPF. The cross‐reaction of RF with avian antigens was excluded, and no reactivity against human IgG by AA was detected. Other endogenous interferences were ruled out.Conclusion No single immunological test may definitively distinguish pigeon HP from AB and other interstitial lung disorders; however, positive RF, together with high AA levels, seems to be useful in differentiating the diagnosis.
Effect of various stabilizing agents on Imperata cylindrica grass pollen allergen extract
Authors: Bijli K. M. , Singh B. P. , Sridhara S. , Gaur S. N. , Arora N. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Allergen extracts are unstable, heat labile or susceptible to proteases. Stability of allergen extracts is important for proper diagnosis and therapy of allergic disorders.Objective The present study was undertaken to determine the preservation and stabilization conditions of Imperata cylindrica (Ic) grass pollen extract.Methods The Ic extract was kept with 0.1 mε‐aminocaproic acid (EACA), 0.75 m sucrose, 5% glycerol, 0.03% human serum albumin (HSA) or 0.4% phenol for different time periods. The extracts were stored for 3, 6 and 12 months each at 4 °C, 4 °C with daily exposure to room temperature (RT) for 1 h, and RT. The quality of extracts was analysed by SDS‐PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, ELISA inhibition and skin test.Results Extracts kept with EACA and sucrose retained most of the protein bands followed by glycerol as determined by SDS‐PAGE and Western blot during all storage periods and conditions in comparison with standard extracts. The extracts kept with HSA, phenol and without preservative (WP) showed protein degradation below 33 kDa after 3 months storage at all conditions. However, a 67‐kDa allergen was stable in these extracts. EACA extract required 75 to 120 ng of protein for 50% inhibition in IgE binding under different conditions, whereas standard extract required 70 ng for the same. ELISA also demonstrated high allergenic reactivity of EACA extract. ID test on allergy patients with EACA extract demonstrated same allergenic potency as that of standard extract.Conclusion EACA is the best preservative/stabilizing agent of Ic pollen extract, followed by sucrose and glycerol. Ic extract kept with phenol, HSA and without preservative showed degradation within 3 months. EACA preserved extract is equally potent as that of standard extract up to 1 year's storage.
Allergen‐specific conventional immunotherapy decreases immunoglobulin E‐mediated basophil histamine releasability
Authors: Shim J.‐Y. , Kim B.‐S. , Cho S.‐H. , Min K.‐U. , Hong S.‐J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Allergen‐specific immunotherapy has proven to be clinically effective in the treatment of patients with atopic asthma; however, the mechanisms are still unclear. Several noted immunological changes include an increase of the allergen‐specific IgG antibody, a reduction in the allergen‐specific IgE antibody subsequent to transient increase, an allergen‐specific T cell shift in cytokine production from Th2 to Th1, and a decrease in quantity and activity of basophils and mast cells.Objective To analyse the changes of basophil histamine release in response to IgE‐mediated and non‐IgE‐mediated stimuli before and after conventional house‐dust mite immunotherapy in children who suffer from atopic asthma.Methods Fourteen Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) sensitive asthmatic children with conventional immunotherapy were examined. Basophil histamine releasability was measured 0 months (just before immunotherapy), 4 months and 9 months after immunotherapy. Basophils were stimulated with Df and goat anti‐human IgE antibody as IgE‐mediated stimuli; and formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe (fMLP) and calcium ionophore A23187 as non‐IgE‐mediated stimuli. Accordingly, the asthma symptom score was used to assess clinical outcome and the skin test reactivity to Df was measured.Results In contrast to pre‐immunotherapy activity, 4 and 9 months after immunotherapy there were significant decreases in histamine release by Df and by anti‐IgE antibody. The histamine release by fMLP and by calcium ionophore showed no significant changes after immunotherapy. Histamine release by Df demonstrated significant correlation to that by anti‐IgE antibody and by fMLP, yet there was no observable correlation between histamine release by Df and by calcium ionophore. The asthma symptom score decreased significantly 4 and 9 months after immunotherapy and showed significant correlation with histamine release by Df. The skin test reactivity (allergen/histamine ratio) remained constant 4 months after immunotherapy, but decreased significantly 9 months after immunotherapy.Conclusion Basophils have the potential to play an important role in the early clinical improvement of conventional immunotherapy in children with atopic asthma, which may be a result of the decreased IgE‐mediated histamine releasability during immunotherapy.
Local release of eosinophil peroxidase following segmental allergen provocation in asthma
Authors: Erpenbeck V. J. , Hohlfeld J. M. , Petschallies J. , Eklund E. , Peterson C. G. B. , Fabel H. , Krug N. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) is an eosinophilic basic protein, which leads to increased permeability and damage of bronchial epithelial cells in asthma.Objective As little is known about its local expression and release in humans the intracellular expression in lung and peripheral eosinophils and the concentrations of EPO in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and serum was investigated in patients with asthma.Methods Twelve mild atopic asthmatic and nine control subjects underwent segmental sham and allergen challenge. EPO concentrations in BAL fluid and serum were determined by immunoassay and flow cytometry was used to determine the intracellular expression of EPO in BAL‐derived and peripheral eosinophils.Results In asthmatic patients a large increase in BAL eosinophils – total cells: median 9.5 × 106 (range: 0.5 to 455.0 × 106); relative: 38% (1 to 91%) – was detectable 24 h following allergen challenge, but peripheral blood eosinophil counts did not change. Concentrations of EPO in BAL fluid increased from 1 µg/L (1.0 to 6.8 µg/L) to 42 µg/L (5.6 to 379.6 µg/L; P < 0.01) after allergen but not after saline challenge (1.5 µg/L; 1.0 to 21.9 µg/L), whereas in control subjects all measurements were below the detection limit. Serum concentrations of EPO increased slightly from 18.3 µg/L (3.0 to 56.8 µg/L) to 27 µg/L (3.8 to 133.9 µg/L; P < 0.05) 24 h after allergen challenge in asthmatic patients. Furthermore, the intracellular expression of EPO (measured as mean fluorescence intensity) was decreased in BAL eosinophils compared with blood eosinophils (mean fluorescence intensity 29 (7 to 71) vs. 48 (20 to 85); P < 0.01) after allergen challenge.Conclusion The finding of increased EPO concentrations in the BAL fluid and decreased intracellular EPO expression in pulmonary eosinophils of asthmatic patients reflects the allergen‐triggered release of EPO into the bronchial space.
Extended freeze‐dried Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guérin induces the release of interleukin‐12 but not tumour necrosis factor‐α by alveolar macrophages, both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hubeau C. , Singer M. , Lagranderie M. , Marchal G. , Vargaftig B. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR), chronic airway inflammation and predominance of the T helper type‐2 (Th2; IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13) over the Th1 (IL‐2, IFN‐γ) immune response are hallmarks of asthma. Alveolar macrophages (AM) are the most numerous cells in the airway lumen, where they represent the first immune cell population encountered by inhaled antigens. AM act as antigen‐presenting cells (APC) and they release various soluble mediators and enzymes. AM thus play a prominent role in the modulation of the local immunity in airways. In allergic airways, AM have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation by promoting the Th2 versus the Th1 cytokine patterns.Objectives Infections with attenuated bacteria or challenges with bacterial products may involve AM. Such stimuli have been shown to potentially restore the Th1/Th2 balance in asthmatic airways, but they also induce the release of inflammatory mediators. We investigated the response of AM when stimulated by two preparations of non‐proliferating Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG).Methods We evaluated the cytokine production by AM from BP2 and C57BL/6 mice when cultured with heat‐killed (HK) and extended freeze‐dried (EFD) BCG. We then investigated in vivo the release of soluble factors in the airway lumen of mice after instillation of these BCG preparations. Finally, we studied the profile of cytokine transcripts in the lung of mice pre‐treated with BCG and then challenged with ovalbumin (OVA).Results HK BCG induced the production of both TNF‐α and IL‐12, and did not prevent high levels of Th2 cytokine transcripts. In contrast, EFD BCG induced a response dominated by the production of IL‐12, with no later over‐expression of Th2 cytokine transcripts.Conclusion Our results show that EFD BCG induce the release of the Th1‐promoting cytokine IL‐12 by AM, without the deleterious effects of HK BCG. These data suggest that EFD BCG may be considered as a potential novel treatment to restore the Th1/Th2 imbalance in asthma.
Neonatal eosinophilic pustular folliculitis
Authors: Buckley D. A. , Munn S. E. , Higgins E. M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) of infancy is a rare disorder which may begin in the neonatal period and cause considerable parental anxiety. It must be distinguished from other causes of a pustular eruption in neonates, including infection and erythema toxicum neonatorum, and rare disorders such as transient neonatal pustular melanosis, infantile acropustulosis and Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Skin smears and occasionally skin biopsy may be necessary to reach a diagnosis. We report a case of a Caucasian child with an unusually early onset of EPF in the first day of life. We wish to emphasize the importance of recognizing this self-limiting condition in order to prevent inappropriate antimicrobial treatment.
Lipoatrophy semicircularis induced by trauma
Authors: Gruber P. C. , Fuller L. C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Lipoatrophy semicircularis is thought to be a rare condition characterized by band-like horizontal depressions of the skin typically involving the lower limbs. Previous literature has suggested that repetitive trauma to the lower limbs could explain this condition; however, no direct causal link has ever been clearly established. There have also been several reports where no preceding history of trauma could be found. In our series we report seven cases of lipoatrophy semicircularis representing over one-third of the staff in a particular office. We propose that the most logical explanation for the indentations present in these individuals is repetitive trauma to their thighs by the sharp edge of the desks. The consistent nature of the distance between the floor and the horizontal indentations on the lower limbs despite differences in height weight and body mass index support this theory. It is likely that this condition is more common than initially thought.
Terbinafine treatment of Trichophyton equinum infection in a child
Authors: Amor E. , Gutiérrez M. J. , Lamoneda C. , Del Palacio A. , Pereiro M 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
A case of tinea faciae caused by Trichophyton equinum affecting a 5-year-old boy is described. The boy had ridden a pony a month earlier and responded to a 6-week course of treatment with oral and topical terbinafine.
Glucocorticoid inhibition of adjuvant arthritis synovial macrophage nitric oxide production: role of lipocortin 1
Authors: Yang Y H , Hutchinson P , Santos L L , Morand E F 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) is a mediator of inflammatory injury which is inhibited by glucocorticoids and is implicated in rheumatoid (RA) and adjuvant arthritis (AA). The glucocorticoid-induced anti-inflammatory molecule lipocortin 1 is expressed in RA synovium, but the effects of lipocortin 1 on synovial inflammation have been little studied. We investigated the effects of glucocorticoids and lipocortin 1 on inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and glucocorticoids on the induction of lipocortin 1 in AA synovial macrophages. NO production was measured by Griess assay in supernatants of day 14 AA rat synovial explants and of synovial macrophages purified from enzyme-digested synovium and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 1 μg/ml, dexamethasone (DEX) 10−7 m, and anti-lipocortin 1 MoAb. iNOS and lipocortin 1 expression were detected by flow cytometry using specific MoAb. Cell surface lipocortin was determined by Western blot. NO was produced by all AA synovial explants and NO was released by cultured synovial macrophages (14.5 ± 2.1 μmol/24 h). iNOS was detected in synovial macrophages (ED-1+) by permeabilization flow cytometry. LPS increased synovial macrophage NO release (P &lt; 0.0001) and iNOS expression (P = 0.04). DEX inhibited constitutive (P = 0.002) and LPS-induced (P &lt; 0.001) NO release and iNOS expression (P = 0.03). DEX inhibition of synovial macrophage NO was associated with induction of cell surface and intracellular lipocortin 1. Anti-lipocortin 1 MoAb treatment reduced the inhibition of NO release by DEX (P = 0.002), but had no effect on iNOS expression. These findings demonstrate a role for lipocortin 1 in the inhibition by glucocorticoids of AA synovial macrophage iNOS activity.
Binding of gluten-derived peptides to the HLA-DQ2 (α1*0501, β1*0201) molecule, assessed in a cellular assay
Authors: Shidrawi R G , Parnell N D J , Ciclitira P J , Travers P , Evan G , Rosen-Bronson S 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe nature of the immunopathogenic relationship underlying the very strong association of coeliac disease (CD) to the HLA-DQ (A1*0501, B1*0201) genotype is not known, but probably relates to binding of gluten-derived epitopes to the HLA-DQ (α1*0501, β1*0201) heterodimer (DQ2). These epitopes have not yet been defined. In this study we have tested the binding of various gluten-derived peptides to DQ2 in a cellular assay using Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B lymphocytes and murine fibroblast transfectants. One of these peptides (peptide A), which has previously been shown to exacerbate the CD lesion in vitro and in vivo, was found to bind to DQ2, albeit only moderately, lending further credence to its possible role in the pathogenesis of CD. The nature of peptide A's binding to DQ2 was explored with truncated and conservative point substituted analogues and compared with the published DQ2 binding motif, the results of which explain the observed level of binding.
Characterization of porcine CD5 and CD5+ B cells
Authors: Appleyard G D , Wilkie B N 
Published: March 2003

AbstractEvidence strongly supports a role for the lymphocyte transmembrane glycoprotein CD5 in intracellular signalling events, whereby antigen-dependent growth and differentiation signals are augmented. Apart from its role in activation-related signalling, CD5 has been regarded as a possible B cell lineage marker differentiating subsets, CD5+ B cells (also termed B1 cells) and conventional B cells (or B2 cells). To extend these investigations to the study of pigs, porcine B cells were examined for evidence of CD5 expression. The influence of cellular activation on CD5 expression and CD5's role in signal transduction events and lymphocyte proliferation were examined. Using an anti-porcine CD5 MoAb (b53b7), porcine B cells were shown to be heterogeneous for CD5 expression. As in other species, B lymphocyte CD5 expression is low (dull), while IgM is high (bright). Ten to 30% of pig blood B lymphocytes are CD5+, with the highest frequency in neonates. Anti-CD5 antibody treatment was sufficient to induce rapid but transient calcium ion flux in porcine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). CD5 expression increased on PBL following treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or immobilized anti-IgM. LPS, PMA, and concanavalin A (Con A) but not anti-CD5, anti-IgM, or combinations of these antibodies induced lymphocyte 3H-thymidine uptake. CD5+ B cells are a common constituent of porcine circulating lymphocytes and resemble B1 cells of mice, man and other species in CD5 expression, frequency and lymphoid organ distribution. Porcine CD5, like CD5 in other species, mediates signal transduction, leading to changes in intracellular calcium concentration, but this signal alone is insufficient to promote cell division. A subset of porcine B cells up-regulates CD5 expression following phorbol ester activation.
Improvement of the lymphoproliferative immune response and apoptosis inhibition upon in vitro treatment with zinc of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from HIV+ individuals
Authors: Neves I , Bertho A L , Veloso V G , Nascimento D V , Campos-Mello D L A , Morgado M G 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY
Clinical improvement has been described in AIDS patients submitted to zinc therapy, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. In order to evaluate the effect of the zinc ions in the enhancement of the immune response, we tested its role in the lymphoproliferative response to a mitogen, as well as in the prevention of apoptosis. The mitogenic effect of zinc (10−4 m ZnCl2) on the lymphocyte proliferative response was observed in healthy controls as well as in HIV-1+ asymptomatic individuals. Very low stimulation index could be observed in AIDS patients (CD4+ &lt; 200/mm3). However, zinc treatment of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA; 5 μg/ml)-stimulated PBMC cultures significantly enhanced 3H-thymidine incorporation in both asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. A decreased percentage of apoptotic cells could be identified in cell cultures from HIV-1+ individuals submitted to zinc treatment compared with cells treated only with PHA, as detected by both flow cytometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. Further studies with zinc supplementation associated to anti-retroviral therapy would be of great interest to evaluate the in vivo role of this oligoelement in the improvement of the immunological functions of HIV-1-infected individuals and AIDS patients.