Allergy
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Increased proliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells leading to hyperplasia and increased ASM mass is one of the most characteristic features of airway remodelling in asthma. A bioactive lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), has been suggested to affect airway remodelling by stimulation of human ASM cell proliferation. ⋯ S1P induces a steroid-resistant, pro-remodelling pathway in ASM cells. Targeting S1P or its receptors could be a novel treatment strategy for inhibiting airway remodelling in asthma.
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Altered metabolism of eicosanoids is a characteristic finding in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Bronchial challenge with lysyl-aspirin can be used as a confirmatory diagnostic test for this clinical condition. Induced sputum allows to measure mediators of asthmatic inflammation in bronchial secretions. ⋯ During the bronchial challenge, decrease in PGE2 and its metabolite is accompanied by a surge in bronchoconstrictory cysteinyl leukotrienes produced at the expense of LTB4 in AERD subjects. Bronchial PGE2 inhibition in AERD seems specific and sensitive to a low dose of aspirin.
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Red meat allergy presents a novel form of food allergy with severe delayed allergic reactions where IgE antibodies are directed against the carbohydrate α-Gal epitope. Food preparation and processing can influence the allergenicity of proteins. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteomic profile of different beef preparations and to investigate their α-Gal reactivity and potential allergenicity. ⋯ We show that the α-Gal epitope is commonly present in IgE-reactive beef proteins recognized by meat-allergic patients. Seven novel α-Gal-containing IgE-binding proteins were identified, of which four were stable to heat treatment. Thus, the allergenicity of red meat proteins is preserved even upon different thermal cooking.
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Allergy to atracurium is a rare condition with serious consequences of diagnostic error. However, correct diagnosis is not always straightforward. The aim of this study is to assess the utility of the basophil activation test (BAT) in atracurium sensitization and to investigate its role in identifying cross-reactivity between muscle relaxants. ⋯ The BAT proves to be a useful diagnostic for atracurium-induced anaphylaxis and may be complementary to STs. The technique enables quick and simultaneous testing of potentially crossreactive NMBA and the identification of safe alternatives for future surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Medical clowns ease anxiety and pain perceived by children undergoing allergy prick skin tests.
Intervention of medical clowns (MC) during various medical procedures performed in children has been used to relieve anxiety and pain. Their role in allergy skin testing has never been evaluated. ⋯ Medical clowns significantly decrease the level of anxiety perceived by both children undergoing allergy SPT and their parents, as well as the pain perceived by young children.