Component-resolved diagnosis in hymenoptera allergy

Publication date: Available online 22 July 2017
Source:Allergologia et Immunopathologia
Author(s): D. Antolín-Amérigo, B. Ruiz-León, E. Boni, T. Alfaya-Arias, M. Álvarez-Mon, J. Barbarroja-Escudero, D. González-de-Olano, C. Moreno-Aguilar, M. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, M.J. Sánchez-González, L. Sánchez-Morillas, A. Vega-Castro
Component-resolved diagnosis based on the use of well-defined, properly characterised and purified natural and recombinant allergens constitutes a new approach in the diagnosis of venom allergy. Prospective readers may benefit from an up-to-date review on the allergens. The best characterised venom is that of Apis mellifera, whose main allergens are phospholipase A2 (Api m1), hyaluronidase (Api m2) and melittin (Api m4). Additionally, in recent years, new allergens of Vespula vulgaris have been identified and include phospholipase A1 (Ves v1), hyaluronidase (Ves v2) and antigen 5 (Ves v5). Polistes species are becoming an increasing cause of allergy in Europe, although only few allergens have been identified in this venom.In this review, we evaluate the current knowledge about molecular diagnosis in hymenoptera venom allergy.



http://ift.tt/2uUpYgl

Single and multiple food allergies in infants with proctocolitis

Publication date: Available online 22 July 2017
Source:Allergologia et Immunopathologia
Author(s): B.T. Koksal, Z. Barıs, F. Ozcay, O. Yilmaz Ozbek
BackgroundFood protein-induced allergic proctocolitis is a frequent cause of rectal bleeding in infants. Characteristics of infants with multiple food allergies have not been defined.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify characteristics of infants with proctocolitis and compare infants with single and multiple food allergies.MethodsA total of 132 infants with proctocolitis were evaluated retrospectively. All of the infants were diagnosed by a paediatric allergist and/or a paediatric gastroenterologist according to guidelines. Clinical features of the infants, as well as results of a complete blood count, skin prick test, specific immunoglobulin E, and stool examinations or colonoscopy were recorded.ResultsCow's milk (97.7%) was the most common allergen, followed by egg (22%). Forty-five (34.1%) infants had allergies to more than one food. Infants with multiple food allergies had a higher eosinophil count (613±631.2 vs. 375±291.9) and a higher frequency of positive specific IgE and/or positive skin prick test results than that of patients with a single food allergy. Most of the patients whose symptoms persisted after two years of age had multiple food allergies.ConclusionsThere is no difference in clinical presentations between infants with single and multiple food allergies. However, infants with multiple food allergies have a high blood total eosinophil count and are more likely to have a positive skin prick test and/or positive specific IgE results.



http://ift.tt/2uUig5P

Effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) bark essential oil on the halitosis-associated bacterium Solobacterium moorei and in vitro cytotoxicity

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 83
Author(s): Geneviève LeBel, Bruno Haas, Andrée-Ann Adam, Marie-Pier Veilleux, Amel Ben Lagha, Daniel Grenier
ObjectivesHalitosis, also known as bad breath or oral malodour, is a condition affecting a large proportion of the population. Solobacterium moorei is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that has been specifically associated with halitosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of essential oils, more particularly cinnamon bark oil, on growth, biofilm formation, eradication and killing, as well as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production by S. moorei.MethodsA broth microdilution assay was used to determine the antibacterial activity of essential oils. Biofilm formation was assessed by a crystal violet staining assay and scanning electron microscopy. The biofilm of S. moorei was characterized by enzymatic treatments. Biofilm killing was determined by a luminescence assay monitoring ATP production. H2S production was quantified with a colorimetric assay. The biocompatibility of cinnamon oil was investigated using a gingival keratinocyte cell line.ResultsAmong the ten essential oils tested, cinnamon oil was found to be the most powerful against S. moorei with MIC and MBC values of 0.039% and 0.156%, respectively. The biofilm formed by S. moorei was then characterized. The fact that DNase I and to a lesser extent proteinase K significantly reduced biofilm formation by S. moorei and induced its eradication suggests that the extracellular matrix of S. moorei biofilm may be mainly containing a DNA backbone associated with proteins. At concentrations below the MIC, cinnamon oil reduced S. moorei biofilm formation that resulted from an attenuation of bacterial growth. It was also found that treatment of a pre-formed biofilm of S. moorei with cinnamon oil significantly decreased its viability although it did not cause its eradication. Cinnamon oil had an inhibitory effect on the production of H2S by S. moorei. Lastly, it was found that at concentrations effective against S. moorei, no significant loss of viability in gingival keratinocytes occurred after a 1-h exposure.ConclusionsOur study brought evidence that cinnamon oil may be a promising substance to incorporate into oral hygiene products for controlling bad breath by inhibiting growth, killing biofilm, and reducing H2S production by S. moorei. Moreover, at the effective concentrations, cinnamon oil was found to have no toxic effects on oral keratinocytes.



http://ift.tt/2uMILJM

The treatment and outcome analysis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid

Publication date: Available online 22 July 2017
Source:Auris Nasus Larynx
Author(s): Ryuji Yasumatsu, Masanobu Sato, Ryutaro Uchi, Takafumi Nakano, Kazuki Hashimoto, Ryunosuke Kogo, Masahiko Taura, Mioko Matsuo, Torahiko Nakashima, Takashi Nakagawa
ObjectivesPrimary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the thyroid is a rare disease. It usually presents with locally advanced disease and has an overall poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the characteristics and outcomes of patients with SCC of the thyroid, and reported our experience with chemotherapy with lenvatinib in the treatment of SCC of the thyroid.MethodsThe management outcome of 10 patients who had SCC of the thyroid between January 2000 and 2015 at Kyushu University Hospital or associated facilities was reviewed.ResultsThere were 3 males and 7 females, ranging in age from 53 to 77 years. Extent of disease was staged as follows: stage IVA, 3 cases; stage IVB, 3 cases; stage IVC, 4 cases. Only tracheostomy was applied for 2 cases, surgical resection, such as total thyroidectomy and neck dissection, for the other 8 cases. Radiotherapy following surgical treatment was applied for 9 cases. Four patients started on oral lenvatinib due to recurrent or progressive SCC of the thyroid. The one year actuarial survival rate of patients was 22.7%. There was no 2-year survivor of all patients.ConclusionsTreatment should primarily be targeted at surgical resection with negative margins in patients with resectable disease. Lenvatinib may show promise to potentially extend survival.



http://ift.tt/2uU6nNg

Sesame allergy in adults

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) allergy is the most common seed allergy and has been increasingly reported worldwide.1 The variation in prevalence between populations is likely due to different food habits and awareness. Similar to peanut, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated sesame allergy begins early in life (usually before 2 years of age) and persists in 80% of patients.2 Clinical manifestations range from mucocutaneous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal manifestations to life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis.

http://ift.tt/2vx5oQm

Identifying the relationship between beliefs and medication adherence in asthma

Many individuals with asthma choose not to take their medication in the way it was prescribed despite strong evidence recommending regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs).1 Medication nonadherence in asthma is associated with the majority of asthma-related morbidity, mortality, and excess health care use.2,3

http://ift.tt/2uUh6aD

Utility of minor determinants for skin testing in inpatient penicillin allergy evaluation

Most patients with a history of penicillin allergy can tolerate penicillin. Skin testing can identify tolerant patients, but not all known allergenic determinants are commercially available. Protocols exist that use only available reagents, but the sensitivity and safety of these protocols, particularly for hospitalized patients, are controversial.

http://ift.tt/2vwEU1i