MedWorm: Allergy

Soda Linked to Lung Disease (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- More bad news for soda lovers: in addition to obesity and heart disease, the sugary drinks may be tied to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Australian researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

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Luminal decoration of blood vessels by activated perivasal mast cells in allergic rhinitis

Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionDirect membrane transfer from perivasal mast cells into nearby blood vessels constitutes a novel mechanism to modulate endothelial surface features with apparent significance in allergic diseases. (Source: Allergy)

Acupuncture compared with oral antihistamine for type I hypersensitivity itch and skin response in adults with atopic dermatitis – a patient‐ and examiner‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial

Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsBoth VA and cetirizine significantly reduced type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with AD, compared with both placebo and NI. Timing of acupuncture application was important, as VAa had the most significant effect on itch, potentially because of counter‐irritation and/or distraction. Itch reduction following cetirizine coincided with reduced attention. (Source: Allergy)

Sky News presenter Gemma Morris nearly died from allergy on Austria ski holiday

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:49:16 +0100

Gemma Morris was holidaying in the ski resort of Filzmoos, in Austria, with her mother when she was rushed to A&E after tucking into a starter at her hotel. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Dendritic Cells and Aging: Consequences for AutoimmunityDendritic Cells and Aging: Consequences for Autoimmunity

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:20:38 +0100

The immune system has evolved to mount immune responses against foreign pathogens and to remain silent against self-antigens. Expert Review of Clinical Immunology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Within Weeks Of Smoking Cessation, Coughing And Other Respiratory Symptoms Improve

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

If the proven long-term benefits of smoking cessation are not enough to motivate young adults to stop smoking, a new study shows that 18- to 24-year olds who stop smoking for at least two weeks report substantially fewer respiratory symptoms, especially coughing. The study findings are detailed in Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. The article is available online... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Sunshine May Help To Prevent Allergies And Eczema

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study. Researchers from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, along with several Australian institutions, have found that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight are at greater risk of developing food allergies and the skin condition eczema, compared to those in areas with higher UV. The research team used data from a study of Australian children and analysed how rates of food allergy, eczema and asthma varied throughout the country... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Comparison of Oxidized and Reduced Glutathione in the Bread‐Making Qualities of Rice Batter

Journal of Food Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The demand for gluten‐free bread is growing as the recognition of celiac disease and wheat allergy has increased worldwide. In our previous study, reduced glutathione (GSH) was found to improve the gas‐retaining properties of rice batter used for gluten‐free bread. In this article, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was shown to have the same effect. Moreover, sensory tests revealed that GSSG bread had a significantly reduced sulfurous odor. Analyses by a gas chromatography‐flame photometric detector demonstrated the presence of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan in the headspace of GSH bread, and also their significant reduction in GSSG bread. The viscoelastic properties and microstructures of GSSG and GSH bread did not noticeably differ. These observations suggest the us...

Non‐atopic males with adult onset asthma are at risk of persistent airflow limitation

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceWe conclude that in patients with adult onset asthma, male gender and absence of atopy are associated with persistent airflow limitation. This might suggest that amongst patients with adult onset asthma, non‐atopic male patients are at increased risk of accelerated decline in lung function.© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd (Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

Nitric oxide and asthma severity: towards a better understanding of asthma phenotypes

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

One hundred years of allergen immunotherapy European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology celebration: review of unanswered questions

Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study presents outcomes and conclusions from these discussions. (Source: Allergy)

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Thermographic imaging during nasal peanut challenge may be useful in the diagnosis of peanut allergy

Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThis feasibility study shows thermography can detect inflammation caused by nasal challenges whilst employing one thousand‐fold less peanut than an oral challenge. This novel technique could be developed to provide a rapid, safe and objective clinical allergy test. (Source: Allergy)

Prenatal negative life events increases cord blood IgE: interactions with dust mite allergen and maternal atopy

Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsPrenatal stress was independently associated with elevated cord blood IgE. Mechanisms underlying stress effects on fetal immunomodulation may differ based on maternal atopic status. (Source: Allergy)

Clara cell protein in nasal lavage fluid and nasal nitric oxide - biomarkers with anti-inflammatory properties in allergic rhinitis

Clinical and Molecular Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The correlation between nasal CC16 and nNO levels in patients with allergic rhinitis, along with an inverse relationship between their levels and the occurrences of MC in allergic inflammation, may indicate that both biomarkers have anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of cell recruitment. The mechanisms behind these observations warrant further analyses. (Source: Clinical and Molecular Allergy)

Enhanced effects of cigarette smoke extract on inflammatory cytokine expression in IL-1beta-activated human mast cells were inhibited by Baicalein via regulation of the NF-kappaB pathway

Clinical and Molecular Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results showed that CSE significantly increased inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 production in IL-1-activated HMC-1. It may partially explain why cigarette smoke contributes to lung and cardiovascular diseases. BAI inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation. This inhibitory effect of BAI on the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by CSE suggests its usefulness in the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies. (Source: Clinical and Molecular Allergy)

Playing in the sun ¿reduces risk of eczema and food allergies in children¿

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:48:15 +0100

Scientists used data from analysis of Australian children and how rates of food allergies, eczema and asthma varied throughout the country. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: inflammasomes: mechanisms of activation.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:37 +0100

Authors: Mankan AK, Kubarenko A, Hornung V Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: Initiation of a successful immune response requires a working set of sensors that detect any noxious agent within the cellular microenvironment and molecular platforms that process this signal to trigger an appropriate effector response. Pattern recognition receptors can engage different signalling cascades that lead to proinflammatory gene expression. At the same time, transcription-independent events such as activation of proteases and/or phagocytosis are also initiated. The inflammasome pathway constitutes a signalling platform that leads to the activation of so-called ...

Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: role of inflammasomes in autoinflammatory syndromes.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:26 +0100

Authors: Ozkurede VU, Franchi L Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: Autoinflammatory syndromes are disorders characterized by the hyperactivation of the innate immune system in the absence of microbial infection or autoantibody production. Some autoinflammatory syndromes are associated with recurrent episodes of fever and systemic inflammation that are caused by dysregulated activation of inflammasomes, molecular platforms responsible for the activation of caspase-1 and the production of interleukin (IL)-1β. In this review we will discuss the role of IL-1β and the inflammasomes in host defence and how mutations of two genes, NLRP3 and PYRIN, leads ...

Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: update on monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: the role of interleukin (IL)-1 and an emerging role for cytokines beyond IL-1.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:15 +0100

Authors: Goldbach-Mansky R Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: The disease-based discovery of the molecular basis for autoinflammatory diseases has led not only to a rapidly growing number of clinically and genetically identifiable disorders, but has unmantled key inflammatory pathways such as the potent role of the alarm cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 in human disease. Following its initial failures in the treatment of sepsis and the moderate success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, IL-1 blocking therapies had a renaissance in the treatment of a number of autoinflammatory conditions, and IL-1 blocking therapies have been Food and Drug Administ...

200 Years Of Infectious Diseases

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Unpredictable, ever-changing and with potentially far-reaching effects on the fates of nations, infectious diseases are compelling actors in the drama of human history, note scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. In an essay marking 200 years of publication of the New England Journal of Medicine, NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., and coauthor David M. Morens, M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Breastfeeding Linked to Better Lung Function (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:13:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Children who were breastfed for at least four months had significantly better lung function at age 12 than did children who were not breastfed, data from a large cohort study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

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Allergan Stops Lap-Band Sales to '1-800-Get-Thin' SurgeonsAllergan Stops Lap-Band Sales to '1-800-Get-Thin' Surgeons

Medscape Today Headlines — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:18:43 +0100

The weight-loss surgery centers in Southern California are under intense scrutiny for their safety record, advertising, and billing practices. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

National Peanut Butter Day No Picnic for Kids with Peanut Allergies

Disabled World — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:44:49 +0100

National Peanut Butter Day is No Picnic for Kids with Peanut Allergies, But Educating Our Kids About Food Allergies Can Be - With over six million children in the US now facing peanut and other food allergies, food allergy education in schools is a must. Author Sue Ganz-Schmitt strives to help with the release of her children's book The Princess and the Peanut. (Source: Disabled World)

Lower levels of sunlight exposure link to allergy and eczema in children, study suggests

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:33:33 +0100

Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Allergan to rely less on U.S. for sales, Asia key

Reuters: Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:51:14 +0100

(Reuters) - Allergan Inc, maker of wrinkle treatment Botox, eye drops and obesity treatments, said it will rely less on the United States for revenue in coming years as its products gain wider acceptance in Asia, particularly China. (Source: Reuters: Health)

clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XL

MedicineNet Allergies General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XLCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

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hydrocortisone oral, Hydrocortone, Cortef

MedicineNet Allergies General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: hydrocortisone oral, Hydrocortone, CortefCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

cetirizine, Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec Hives

MedicineNet Allergies General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: cetirizine, Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec HivesCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

Lower levels of sunlight link to allergy and eczema

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry) Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study published this week. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Coughing and other respiratory symptoms improve within weeks of smoking cessation

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News) A new study shows that 18- to 24-year olds who stop smoking for at least two weeks report substantially fewer respiratory symptoms, especially coughing. The study appears in the peer-reviewed journal Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Pink Eye

About.com Eating Disorders — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Pink eye can be caused by a virus, fungus, bacteria, allergy or by something irritating the eye. Sometimes, pink eye is a sign of a more serious infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea. (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

Bronchial And Alveolar Nitric Oxide In Exercise‐Induced Bronchoconstriction In Asthmatic Children

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Our results suggest that inflammation is present in the central and peripheral airways and that it is associated with the severity of EIB. Clinicaltrials.govNCT00952835© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd (Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

[Allergic march in children, from rhinitis to asthma: Management, indication of immunotherapy.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Scheinmann P, Pham Thi N, Karila C, de Blic J Abstract Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common IgE dependent disorder. AR is maybe one of the steps of the allergic march, which starts with atopic dermatitis and food allergy and includes atopic asthma. AR and asthma are frequently associated. AR is frequently under-diagnosed and undertreated although it affects quality of life and school performance. Management of AR depends on its severity and will associate environmental control (best guided by environmental investigation and skin testing of specific IgE antibodies), pharmacotherapy (with antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids as first line drugs). At present allergen immunotherapy is considered in patients with severe AR, insufficiently controlled by pharmacotherapy an...

Allergan expects strong European sales

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:44:16 +0100

The US maker of Botox is betting that its European business will see a lift as plastic surgeons shift away from lower cost breast implants (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

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Allergan halts Lap-Band sales to 1-800-GET-THIN clinics

Los Angeles Times - Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:26:00 +0100

Lap-Band's maker, Allergan, will no longer sell the device to facilities affiliated with the marketing campaign.The maker of the Lap-Band will no longer sell its product to clinics affiliated with the 1-800-GET-THIN marketing company — a blow to Southern California surgery centers that have built an empire implanting the weight-loss devices in people looking to shed pounds. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Emerging Sexual Health Issues Among Women Who Have Sex with Women

Current Infectious Disease Reports — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:13 +0100

Abstract Women who have sex with women (WSW) comprise a diverse group of people who evidence a spectrum of sexual identity, sexual behaviors, sexual practices, and risk behaviors. WSW are at risk of acquiring a diversity of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from current and prior partners, both male and female. Notably, human papillomavirus (HPV) is sexually transmitted between female partners, and Pap smear guidelines should be followed in this group. Bacterial vaginosis is common among WSW. WSW should not be presumed to be at low or no risk for STIs based on sexual orientation, and reporting of same sex behavior by women should not deter providers from considering and performing screening for STIs, including Chlamydia trachomatis, according to current guidelines. Eff...

RSV hospitalisation and healthcare utilisation in moderately prematurely born infants

European Journal of Pediatrics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:28 +0100

In conclusion, RSV hospitalisation in moderately prematurely born infants is associated with increased health-related cost of care. Nevertheless, if RSV prophylaxis is to be cost-effective, a high risk group of moderately prematurely born infants needs to be identified. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00431-012-1673-0Authors Deena Shefali-Patel, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King’s College London, London, UKMireia Alcazar Paris, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King’s College London, London, UKFran Watson, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma...

Allergan Reports Fourth Quarter 2011 Operating Results

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:12:21 +0100

Board of Directors Declares Fourth Quarter Dividend IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 2, 2012 - Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) today announced operating results for the quarter ended December 31, 2011. Allergan also announced that its Board... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

Cough and dyspnoea may discriminate allergic and infectious respiratory phenotypes in infancy

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To cite this article: Rancière F, Clarisse B, Nikasinovic L, Just J, Momas I. Cough and dyspnoea may discriminate allergic and infectious respiratory phenotypes in infancy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01257.x.AbstractAsthma symptoms are non‐specific during infancy, making the identification of different subgroups among preschool children with early respiratory manifestations an important challenge. We previously used a clustering approach to identify bronchial obstructive phenotypes in 1‐yr‐old infants from the Pollution and Asthma Risk: an Infant Study (PARIS) birth cohort. In the present study, we examined whether these phenotypes were stable at 3 yr and studied their comorbidity and risk factors. Partitioning around medoids (PAM) method was app...

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Direct experimental evidence that early‐life farm environment influences regulation of immune responses

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Here, we provide the first direct evidence, derived from intervention, that components of the early‐life environment present on farms profoundly affects both local development of regulatory components of the mucosal immune system and immune responses to food proteins at weaning. We propose that neonatal piglets provide a tractable model which allows maternal and treatment effects to be statistically separated. (Source: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology)

Birth order effect on childhood food allergy

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To cite this article: Kusunoki T, Mukaida K, Morimoto T, Sakuma M, Yasumi T, Nishikomori R, Heike T. Birth order effect on childhood food allergy. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01246.x.AbstractHigher birth order is associated with a smaller risk of allergy (birth order effect). The purpose of this study was to compare the significance of the birth order effect on the prevalence of specific allergic diseases [bronchial asthma (BA), atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), and food allergy (FA)] among schoolchildren. A questionnaire survey dealing with the prevalence of allergic diseases was administered to the parents of 14,669 schoolchildren aged 7–15 yr. Based on the data, the prevalence of each allergic disease...

A long‐term follow‐up of allergic diseases in Iceland

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Discussion: The prevalence of allergic diseases is high in Iceland among children and young individuals. Asthma and atopic eczema are very common in childhood, but decreases with age while the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis increases markedly. The very high and increasing prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis among 15‐ to 21‐year‐old individuals is noteworthy. (Source: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology)

The Effect of Combined Medical Treatment on Quality of Life in Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:14:03 +0100

Abstract Allergic rhinitis may significantly affect the patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of nasal steroids alone, to nasal steroids plus Levocetirizine or Montelukast, on quality of life in persistent allergic rhinitis. This is a prospective, randomized study and included 56 patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis. All patients had house dust mite allergy on skin prick test and we divided the patients into three groups. 1 month long medical treatment was; topical Mometasone furoate 200 mcg/day in the first group (n:14), Mometasone furoate 200 mcg/day plus oral Levocetirizine 5 mg/day in the second group (n:21), and Mometasone furoate 200 mcg/day plus oral Montelukast 10 mg/day i...

Management of Smell Dysfunction

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:13:10 +0100

Abstract Olfaction is an essential chemosensory system in the living world. Although less appreciated in humans, smell impairment significantly affects many aspects of quality of life. Smell disorders may be caused by an impaired nasal airway or by lesions in the olfactory system, leading to reduced or distorted smell perception. The most common causes of smell disorders are aging, upper respiratory tract infection, sinonasal disease, and head trauma. Recovery is rarely complete. Counseling is important in progressive or severe smell loss. In patients with distorted smell perception, antidepressant medication is sometimes necessary. Best response to treatment is achieved for nasal obstruction and sinonasal inflammatory disease. Treatment of olfactory impairment caused by s...

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Sinus Imaging for Diagnosis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Children

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:13:09 +0100

Abstract Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a relatively common disease in children but is often overlooked because at times the clinical symptoms are subtle and nonspecific. This makes imaging very important in the diagnosis. Among the different techniques, plain radiography has limited utility, whereas CT scan and MRI have a major role in evaluating the modifications caused by the disease. In particular, a CT scan provides higher resolution of bone and soft tissue and removes the overlapping structures that are present in conventional radiography. CT is recommended in isolated sphenoid sinusitis, is essential in diagnosing fungal sinusitis, and is the technique of choice when orbital complications are suspected. MRI allows investigation of not only the morphology of structu...

Does Decline of Lung Function in Wheezy Infants Justify the Early Start of Controller Medications?

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:12:04 +0100

Conclusions Lung function, eosinophilic percentage, total serum IgE and asthma risk factors could be used as predictors for ongoing wheeze in this subset of children. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s12098-012-0694-zAuthors Magdy Zedan, Allergy Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Pin Code: 35516 Box 50, Mansoura, EgyptNehad Nasef, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptMohamed El-Bayoumy, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptMohamed El-Assmy, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptGehan Attia, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptMohamed...

fexofenadine, Allegra, Allegra Allergy, Allegra Hives, Children's Allegra

MedicineNet Allergies General — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: fexofenadine, Allegra, Allegra Allergy, Allegra Hives, Children's AllegraCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/1/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

Diagnosis and management of cow's milk protein allergy in infants.

World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Elimination diet by a double-blind placebo controlled food challenge is the gold standard for diagnosis. Elimination of the offending allergen from the infants' diet is the main treatment principle. PMID: 22282379 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP)

Cover 1

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

Brief Overview of This Month's JACI

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

Editorial Board

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

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Information for Readers

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

News & Notes

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

For this month's interview, we talked with Stuart L. Abramson, MD, PhD, AE-C, FAAAAI, the incoming chair of the Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC). Dr. Abramson leads the Allergy/Immunology Service at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, TX. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

CME Activities Calendar

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

▪ Online Teaching Slide Presentations (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

News Beyond Our Pages

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Previous research on reslizumab, an anti–IL-5 mAb, in asthmatic patients did not provide a clear clinical benefit; however, improvements were noted in small studies in subgroups of patients with eosinophilic asthma. Castro et al (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011;184:1125-32) investigated reslizumab's effectiveness in 106 patients with uncontrolled asthma with eosinophilia exclusively. The primary outcome (asthma control questionnaire) was not significantly improved. However, the authors found that airway function improved and sputum and blood eosinophilia decreased in the reslizumab-treated group. Moreover, they reported a novel finding. Patients with nasal polyposis had a statistically significant improvement in asthma control compared with those without polyposis. Thus there might be a s...

A Special Thank-You to Our Reviewers

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Rob C. Aalberse∗ Jun Abe (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

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Fungi and allergic lower respiratory tract diseases

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Asthma is a common disorder that in 2009 afflicted 8.2% of adults and children, 24.6 million persons, in the United States. In patients with moderate and severe persistent asthma, there is significantly increased morbidity, use of health care support, and health care costs. Epidemiologic studies in the United States and Europe have associated mold sensitivity, particularly to Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum, with the development, persistence, and severity of asthma. In addition, sensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus has been associated with severe persistent asthma in adults. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is caused by A fumigatus and is characterized by exacerbations of asthma, recurrent transient chest radiographic infiltrates, coughing up thick mucus plugs,...

Mendelian traits causing susceptibility to mucocutaneous fungal infections in human subjects

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Mucocutaneous candidiasis and dermatophyte infections occur either in isolation or alongside other symptoms in patients with various primary immunodeficiency diseases with diverse genetic defects, which result in impaired IL-17 immunity, IL-22 immunity, or both. In patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, disease-associated polymorphisms in DECTIN1 act on the level of fungal recognition, whereas mutations in caspase recruitment domain–containing protein 9 (CARD9) disturb the subsequent spleen tyrosine kinase 2–CARD9/BCL10/MALT1–driven signaling cascade, impairing nuclear factor κB–mediated maturation of antigen-presenting cells and priming of naive T cells to differentiate into the TH17 cell lineage. TH17-priming cytokines signal through the transcription factor signal tr...

New approaches to personalized medicine for asthma: Where are we?

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Access to an electronic medical record is essential for personalized medicine. Currently, only 40% of US physicians have such access, but this is rapidly changing. It is expected that 100,000 Americans will have their whole genome sequenced in 2012. The cost of such sequencing is rapidly dropping, and is estimated to be $1000 by 2013. These technological advances will make interpretation of whole genome sequence data a major clinical challenge for the foreseeable future. At present, a relatively small number of genes have been identified to determine drug treatment response phenotypes for asthma. It is anticipated that this will dramatically increase over the next 10 years as personalized medicine becomes more of a reality for asthma patients. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immun...

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Advances in mechanisms of asthma, allergy, and immunology in 2011

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

2011 was marked by rapid progress in the identification of basic mechanisms of allergic disease and the translation of these mechanisms into human cell systems. Studies published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology this year provided new insights into the molecular determinants of allergenicity, as well as the environmental, cellular, and genetic factors involved in sensitization to allergens. Several articles focused on mechanisms of allergen immunotherapy and the development of novel strategies to achieve tolerance to allergens. Additional studies identified substantial contributions from TH17-type cells and cytokines to human disease pathogenesis. Finally, new therapeutic applications of anti-IgE were identified. The highlights of these studies and their potential clinical...

The Editors’ Choice

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is a common disease caused by environmental allergens, such as pollens and animal dander, in allergic persons. Characteristic symptoms include runny nose, nasal itching, sneezing, and congestion. Antihistamines that block the first of 4 different receptors, molecules that mediate the effects of histamine released during allergies, are available over the counter and by prescription. These antihistamines are effective in treating allergic rhinitis–associated itching, runny nose, and sneezing but are not very effective against nasal congestion, often the most bothersome symptom. A number of decongestants are available either alone or in combination with these antihistamines, but they are not completely effective in treating nasal congestion either, and they of...

Addendum

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

With regard to the August 2011 article entitled “Tiotropium is noninferior to salmeterol in maintaining improved lung function in B16-Arg/Arg patients with asthma” (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011;128:315-22), a full list of the investigators and other important participants who contributed to the study has been added to the article’s Supplemental Materials section on the Journal’s Web site (www.jacionline.org). (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

Bacterial identification and analytic challenges in clinical microbiome studies

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The importance of the human microbiome is rapidly emerging. Our bodies host complex communities of microbes with much greater genetic diversity than our own genome. This complexity is variable across subjects, and there is still much to learn about the processes that drive the establishment and maintenance of these communities. More importantly, these communities fundamentally affect the normal function of our bodies and thus are critical to understand as modifiers of human processes, including disease. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

CD27 expression on allergen-specific T cells: A new surrogate for successful allergen-specific immunotherapy?

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To date, allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only causal treatment for allergic diseases. The principle of ASIT is to administer gradually increasing doses of allergen, either as allergen extracts or as recombinant allergen. The aim is to reprogram the allergen-specific immune response from a TH2-driven IgE-dominated response toward a tolerant state. By inducing immune tolerance to an allergen, diseases such as allergic rhinitis might even be prevented in progressing toward a severe chronic disorder, such as asthma. Although the concept of specific immunotherapy is more than 100 years old, our knowledge about the underlying immunologic mechanisms is limited (for overview, see ). Moreover, some patients are clinically unresponsive to ASIT, and the identification of solid predictor...

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Correction

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

With regard to the February 2011 article entitled “The burden of adult asthma in the United States: Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey” (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011;127:363-9.e3), several numbers need to be corrected. First, the initial sentence of the Results section, both in the abstract and in the body of the article, should read “Of 44,795 adults, 1,935 reported an encounter for asthma.” Second, in , the Proportion rows for all headings other than “Adult MEPS total” are incorrect as given. A corrected version of the Table appears below: (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

NIAID scientists consider 200 years of infectious diseases

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) Unpredictable, ever-changing and with potentially far-reaching effects on the fates of nations, infectious diseases are compelling actors in the drama of human history, note scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

ALLERGY RELIEF (Echinacea Angustifolia, Ignatia Amara, Lycopodium Clavatum, Sulphur, Thuja Occidentalis, Ledum Palustre, Phosphorus, Antimonium Crudum, Histaminum Hydrocloricum, Selenium) Tablet [GMP Laboratories Of America, Inc]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Feb 1, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Growth of Preschool Children After Discontinuation of Fluticasone

AAP Grand Rounds — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: AAP Grand Rounds)

Late Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Patients With Kawasaki Disease

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: IVIG treatment ≥10 days after illness onset achieves resolution of inflammation but was found to be insufficient for preventing CALs. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Prospective Study of Sunburn and Sun Behavior Patterns During Adolescence

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: With at least 50% of children experiencing sunburns before age 11 and again 3 years later, targeting children in pediatric offices and community settings regarding unprotected UV exposure may be a practical approach. Because periadolescence is a time of volatility with regard to sun behaviors, learning more about children who receive sunburns versus those who avoid them is a critical research task. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Comparison of sampling methods for assessment of indoor microbial exposure

Indoor Air — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, different sampling methods were compared regarding their assessment of microbial exposures, including culturable fungi and bacteria, endotoxin, as well as the total inflammatory potential (TIP) of dust samples from Danish homes. The GSP filter sampler and BioSampler were used for sampling of airborne dust, whereas the Dust Fall Collector (DFC), the Electrostatic Dust Fall Collector (EDC) and vacuum cleaner were used for sampling of settled dust. The GSP assessed significantly higher microbial levels than the BioSampler, yet measurements from both samplers correlated significantly. Considerably higher levels of fungi, endotoxin and TIP were found in the EDC compared to the DFC, and regarding fungi, the EDC correlated more strongly and significantly to vacuumed dust than the D...

Sensitization to aeroallergens at Mohamed V Hospital (Rabat, Morroco).

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abbi R, Zinsou CM, Dami A, Ouzzif Z, Elmechtani S, Tellal S, Bouhsain S Abstract This transversal case study aimed at drawing the biological profile of sensitized patients consulting for respiratory allergies at Mohamed V Military Hospital-Rabat. One hundred four patients were included in the case study, who have benefitted from specialized medical consultation and those who came to the biochemistry laboratory holding a medical check-up prescription for allergy (NFS and biochemical check-up). The biochemical analysis were made up of TMA Phadiatop(®), correct proportioning of specific IgE serum, and complete IgE. The different anamnestic and clinical parameters acting upon the sensitization to respiratory allergens have been collected through a multiple choice question sur...

Perspectives on immunomodulation early in life

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis – do co‐effects in therapy exist?

JDDG — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary Atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis frequently appear together in the same patients. The pathogenesis of both disorders is complex and still incompletely understood. Nevertheless, pathophysiological overlaps suggest the existence of potential therapeutic co‐effects. While data pointing towards a positive effect of allergen elimination for both diseases is still limited, there is now increasing evidence showing beneficial effects of specific immunotherapy in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and additional type I allergies. H1‐antihistamines were also found to exert moderate positive effects on the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in single studies. In summary, a limited therapeutic co‐effect of the above mentioned treatment options can be expected in case of the p...

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Allergen of the month-rice.