The custom clearance of pro- and prebiotics in allergy prevention

Although allergy was considered a "white elephant" in the previous century,1 it currently affects large strata of the population, not only in the industrialized world but also with an increasing incidence in emerging countries. After the increase in respiratory allergy from 1960 through 1990, there has been a remarkable increase in food allergy, which has reached epidemic proportions.2 Australian data have indicated that more than 10% of 1-year-old infants in the 2010s have challenge-proved immunoglobulin A-mediated food allergy to one of the common allergenic foods of infancy, with sensitization reported at 8.9% for peanut, 16.5% for egg white, and 5.6% for cow's milk.

http://ift.tt/2efKFJg

Updating knowledge about food allergy: critical needs for the practicing clinician

Food allergy has become a major part of the practice of allergy and immunology, necessitating that the allergist/immunologist remain current on the most cutting edge knowledge in patient management and research. We also need to be equipped to answer the "million dollar questions," such as why food allergies are on the rise, and can food allergies be treated. Allergy/Immunology clinicians need to separate the "haves" from the "have nots" – that is, defining the patients who have food allergies, from those who think they have food allergies, but in reality they do not.

http://ift.tt/2dBIZMq

What is new in food allergy diagnostics? A practice-based approach

The literature is replete with reviews listing diagnostic methods for food allergy and their utility. However, for the practicing allergist/immunologist, the diagnosis, or the dediagnosis, of food allergy starts with the patient presentation. Unlike other disorders, for which a patient presents, a history is obtained, and tests are performed to elucidate the disorder, in food allergy, the sequence of events is often reversed. The ubiquitous availability and indiscriminate ordering of food specific serum IgEs, the prior recommendations of late introductions of allergenic foods in the diet of infants, and the avoidance of allergenic foods in the diets of siblings and families of persons with food allergy may have contributed to this situation.

http://ift.tt/2efJppp

Editorial Board

http://ift.tt/2dBIfXC

The latest on food allergy immunotherapy

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common and have a significant effect on patients and families. In 2007 the estimated prevalence of food allergies among school-aged children was approximately 3.9%, an 18% increase since 1997, with other studies estimating up to 8% of children affected (and 5% of adults).1,2 However, exposures and symptoms may occur well before children enter school. When egg allergy was specifically looked at, the cumulative prevalence was estimated at 2.6% by 2.5 years old.

http://ift.tt/2efIndd

Information for Readers

http://ift.tt/2dBIzFN

Aspiration-induced pulmonary syndromes

Aspiration of foreign material into the lungs is not uncommon and has been described even in healthy individuals.1 However, in many clinical pulmonary syndromes, aspiration as an important triggering event remains unsuspected and undiagnosed. The purpose of this review is to present the various facets of aspiration-related lung disease and discuss the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Aspiration-related pulmonary and airway disease can result in a plethora of conditions.

http://ift.tt/2efKE8h

Analysis of 10 Environmental Allergen Components of the American Cockroach in Taiwan

Cockroaches are important sources of indoor airborne allergens. The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is the second leading inhalant allergen causing allergic airway diseases in Taiwan. We previously reported a difference in pathogenicity of different allergen components from American cockroaches.

http://ift.tt/2dBMphS

Issue Information - Editorial Board

http://ift.tt/2e3fBKW

Announcement

http://ift.tt/2ex6XYF

Forthcoming Events

http://ift.tt/2e3fFKZ

Issue Information - TOC

http://ift.tt/2ex6buQ

The olfactory bulbectomized rat as a model of depression: The hippocampal pathway

Publication date: 15 January 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research SreeTestContent1, Volume 317
Author(s): J.C. Morales-Medina, T. Iannitti, A. Freeman, H.K. Caldwell
In rodents, the removal of the olfactory bulbs (OBs), i.e. olfactory bulbectomy (OBX), results in numerous alterations in neurotransmitter, endocrine and immune systems, as well as behavioral changes, similar to those observed in depressed patients. Because the behavioral deficits induced in OBX animals are reversed after repeated administration of antidepressants, this is a model often used to test the effectiveness of putative antidepressant agents. Recent evidence suggests that OBX results in the dysfunction of various cellular processes within the hippocampus, including decreases in dentate gyrus neurogenesis, disruption in long-term potentiation in CA1 and CA3 subregions and neuronal atrophy in the CA1 subregion, along with downstream markers, all of which are consistent with abnormal neuronal activity in the hippocampus of clinically depressed populations. Moreover, repeated administration of novel natural and synthetic antidepressant compounds can improve certain aspects of depression-like behavior and hippocampal function. In an effort to bring together the existing literature, this review will focus on the mechanisms by which proposed pharmaceuticals impact hippocampal-dependent processes and behavior.



http://ift.tt/2eKday9

A novel synthetic cathinone, 2-(methylamino)-1-(naphthalen-2-yl) propan-1-one (BMAPN), produced rewarding effects and altered striatal dopamine-related gene expression in mice

Publication date: 15 January 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research SreeTestContent1, Volume 317
Author(s): Chrislean Jun Botanas, Seong Shoon Yoon, June Bryan de la Peña, Irene Joy dela Peña, Mikyung Kim, Taeseon Woo, Joung-Wook Seo, Choon-Gon Jang, Kyung-Tae Park, Young Hun Lee, Yong Sup Lee, Hee Jin Kim, Jae Hoon Cheong
The recreational use of synthetic cathinones has grown rapidly which prompted concerns from legal authorities and health care providers. However, in response to legislative regulations, synthesis of novel synthetic cathinones by introducing substituents in cathinone molecule has dramatically increased the diversity of these substances. Based on current trends, the aromatic ring is one of the popular sites in cathinone molecule being explored by designer-type modifications. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel synthetic cathinone, 2-(methylamino)-1-(naphthalen-2-yl) propan-1-one (BMAPN), which has a naphthalene substituent on the aromatic ring. Thereafter, we determined whether BMAPN has rewarding and reinforcing effects through the conditioned place preference (CPP) test in mice and self-administration (SA) paradigm in rats. Locomotor sensitization was also assessed in mice during daily BMAPN treatment for 7days and drug challenge. Furthermore, we investigated the effects on BMAPN on dopamine-related genes in the striatum of mice using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). BMAPN induced CPP at 10 and 30mg/kg and was modestly self-administered at 0.3mg/kg/infusion. Repeated BMAPN (30mg/kg) administration also produced locomotor sensitization. qRT-PCR analyses revealed decreased dopamine transporter and increased dopamine receptor D2 gene expression in the striatum of the BMAPN-treated mice. These data indicate that BMAPN has rewarding and reinforcing properties, which might be due to its effects on dopamine-related genes. The present study suggests that these findings may be useful in predicting abuse potential of future cathinone entities with aromatic ring substitutions.



http://ift.tt/2emUeHI

Urtica dioica pollen allergy

The most emblematic members of Urticaceae at allergic risk level are wall pellitories (Parietaria), whereas nettle (Urtica) pollen is considered as poorly allergenic. No allergen from nettle pollen has yet been characterized, whereas 4 are listed for Parietaria pollen by the International Union of Immunological Societies. Clinical and biological profiles of 2 adult men who developed symptoms against nettle pollen and/or leaves were studied.

http://ift.tt/2efIqWr

Evaluation of long-term safety and efficacy of omalizumab in elderly patients with uncontrolled allergic asthma

Severe asthma management in elderly patients may be difficult because of increased comorbid conditions, polypharmacy, physiologic changes that occur with aging, incorrect use of inhaler devices, and poor adherence.

http://ift.tt/2dBJx4G

Allergic contact conjunctivitis and cross-reaction between phenylephrine and epinephrine due to phenylephrine eye drops

Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic (α-adrenergic) drug used in eye drops to dilate the pupil to facilitate visualization of the retina and to treat nasal congestion and increased sinus pressure that result from rhinitis. Although sympathomimetic drugs are used often, allergic reactions are rare, especially when the drugs are administered systemically. Phenylephrine is responsible for most of the cases of allergic reactions to sympathomimetic reported in the literature.1 Since the first description of contact dermatitis to phenylephrine in 1979, further cases have been described.

http://ift.tt/2efJM3l

Assessment of inhibitory antibodies in patients with hereditary angioedema treated with plasma-derived C1 inhibitor

Limited data are available regarding C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) administration and anti–C1-INH antibodies.

http://ift.tt/2dBIDp5

The clinical relevance of filaggrin mutations

Allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), have increased in prevalence and now affect approximately 20% of the world population.1,2 AD (the most common form of eczema) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children and is characterized by dry, itchy skin and reduced skin barrier function.2,3 Children with AD often develop other allergic diseases, including asthma and food allergy.1 Within the first 7 years of life, approximately 70% of children with AD develop allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma.

http://ift.tt/2efKxtr

Association of neighborhood crime with asthma and asthma morbidity among Mexican American children in Chicago, Illinois

There is increasing evidence that neighborhood-level factors, in addition to individual-level factors, may contribute directly or indirectly to childhood asthma by affecting environmental and lifestyle factors. Exposure to neighborhood crime and violence has been associated with poor health outcomes, especially among underserved and minority populations, and its effect on respiratory health is an area of active research.

http://ift.tt/2dBIjqk

Non–IgE-mediated food allergy syndromes

In contrast to IgE-mediated food allergies, diagnosis of the various non–IgE-mediated food allergy syndromes can be challenging because of the overall lack of noninvasive confirmatory testing for these disorders. Many of the non–IgE-mediated food allergy syndromes are diagnosed clinically based on history and managed empirically with food avoidance. Therefore, it is essential for the practicing allergist to be familiar with the myriad presentations of non–IgE-mediated food allergy. This review focuses on the presentation and management of the non–IgE-mediated food allergy syndromes.

http://ift.tt/2efIFAT

Instructions for Authors

http://ift.tt/2dBJztg

Not every seafood “allergy” is allergy!

The increasing production and consumption of seafood has been associated with increased adverse reactions that can be either immune-mediated allergic reactions or nonimmunologic adverse reactions; both may present with similar symptoms and often may be misdiagnosed as an allergy. The objective of this report is to describe various types of adverse reactions that can occur after eating seafood and may be misdiagnosed as seafood allergy.

http://ift.tt/2efJt8D

Erratum

In the article entitled "Chronic granulomatous disease as an SOS call for multicenter cooperative effort to prevent infections: A meta-analysis of the treatments" (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016;117:285-289), the third author's name was incorrectly listed as Annamaria Zicari. The author's correct name is Anna Maria Zicari.

http://ift.tt/2dBIiTi

The platelet-activating factor pathway in food allergy and anaphylaxis

The synchronous release of multiple chemical mediators and their combined effects on target organs are responsible for the disruption of homeostasis seen in anaphylaxis. The exocytosis and release of these mediators collectively contribute to the multisystem manifestations of anaphylaxis, but clearly the actions of certain mediators appear to be more prominent and contribute disproportionately to severe and fatal outcomes.

http://ift.tt/2efLdP9

Tolerance to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol after omalizumab treatment in a patient with chronic urticaria

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most commonly used drugs in the world, and it is estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States use an NSAID on a regular basis.1 Given our aging population and increases in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions and cardiovascular disease, the use of NSAIDs is increasing significantly in clinical practice. Not surprisingly, the number of adverse reactions from NSAID ingestion have paralleled this increase in use.

http://ift.tt/2dBJxSe

The custom clearance of pro- and prebiotics in allergy prevention

Although allergy was considered a "white elephant" in the previous century,1 it currently affects large strata of the population, not only in the industrialized world but also with an increasing incidence in emerging countries. After the increase in respiratory allergy from 1960 through 1990, there has been a remarkable increase in food allergy, which has reached epidemic proportions.2 Australian data have indicated that more than 10% of 1-year-old infants in the 2010s have challenge-proved immunoglobulin A-mediated food allergy to one of the common allergenic foods of infancy, with sensitization reported at 8.9% for peanut, 16.5% for egg white, and 5.6% for cow's milk.

http://ift.tt/2efKFJg

Updating knowledge about food allergy: critical needs for the practicing clinician

Food allergy has become a major part of the practice of allergy and immunology, necessitating that the allergist/immunologist remain current on the most cutting edge knowledge in patient management and research. We also need to be equipped to answer the "million dollar questions," such as why food allergies are on the rise, and can food allergies be treated. Allergy/Immunology clinicians need to separate the "haves" from the "have nots" – that is, defining the patients who have food allergies, from those who think they have food allergies, but in reality they do not.

http://ift.tt/2dBIZMq

What is new in food allergy diagnostics? A practice-based approach

The literature is replete with reviews listing diagnostic methods for food allergy and their utility. However, for the practicing allergist/immunologist, the diagnosis, or the dediagnosis, of food allergy starts with the patient presentation. Unlike other disorders, for which a patient presents, a history is obtained, and tests are performed to elucidate the disorder, in food allergy, the sequence of events is often reversed. The ubiquitous availability and indiscriminate ordering of food specific serum IgEs, the prior recommendations of late introductions of allergenic foods in the diet of infants, and the avoidance of allergenic foods in the diets of siblings and families of persons with food allergy may have contributed to this situation.

http://ift.tt/2efJppp

Editorial Board

http://ift.tt/2dBIfXC

The latest on food allergy immunotherapy

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common and have a significant effect on patients and families. In 2007 the estimated prevalence of food allergies among school-aged children was approximately 3.9%, an 18% increase since 1997, with other studies estimating up to 8% of children affected (and 5% of adults).1,2 However, exposures and symptoms may occur well before children enter school. When egg allergy was specifically looked at, the cumulative prevalence was estimated at 2.6% by 2.5 years old.

http://ift.tt/2efIndd

Information for Readers

http://ift.tt/2dBIzFN

Aspiration-induced pulmonary syndromes

Aspiration of foreign material into the lungs is not uncommon and has been described even in healthy individuals.1 However, in many clinical pulmonary syndromes, aspiration as an important triggering event remains unsuspected and undiagnosed. The purpose of this review is to present the various facets of aspiration-related lung disease and discuss the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Aspiration-related pulmonary and airway disease can result in a plethora of conditions.

http://ift.tt/2efKE8h

Analysis of 10 Environmental Allergen Components of the American Cockroach in Taiwan

Cockroaches are important sources of indoor airborne allergens. The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is the second leading inhalant allergen causing allergic airway diseases in Taiwan. We previously reported a difference in pathogenicity of different allergen components from American cockroaches.

http://ift.tt/2dBMphS

Comments on cutaneous surgical specimen shrinkage

http://ift.tt/2ez0tpt

γδ T cell in cutaneous and subcutaneous lymphoid infiltrates: malignant or not?

http://ift.tt/2engP9c

Basal cell carcinoma, arising within a granular cell-type fibrous papule

http://ift.tt/2eyZDc4

Acquired anhidrosis in a case of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy

http://ift.tt/2dBu84j

Case of lichen planus induced by sitagliptin phosphate hydrate

http://ift.tt/2efxAj4

Limited incremental effect of inflammatory bowel disease on risk of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis

http://ift.tt/2dBv352

Potential inhibition of development of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease by prompt and sufficient immunosuppressive treatment in patients with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis

http://ift.tt/2efxOqj

Revised guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis in Japan

Abstract

Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) is characterized by an acquired impairment in total body sweating despite exposure to heat or exercise. Severe cases may result in heatstroke. Most cases of AIGA have been reported in Asia, especially in Japan. However, there is limited information on the epidemiology of this condition, and no diagnostic criteria or appropriate treatment options have been established. This guideline was developed to fill this gap. It contains information on the etiology, diagnosis, evaluation of disease severity and evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of AIGA. Appropriate treatment according to disease severity may relieve the clinical manifestations and emotional distress experienced by patients with AIGA.

http://ift.tt/2dBwf8e

Livedoid vasculopathy and popliteal artery occlusion in a patient with protein S deficiency

Abstract

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a chronic disease with recurrent reticularis and ulcers, mainly affecting the feet and lower legs. The pathogenesis of LV has not been yet thoroughly understood, but thrombosis is thought to play a major role because fibrin deposition within both the wall and lumen of affected vessels is pathologically detected. A 68-year-old woman first presented to our hospital in 2004 with a 6-year history of a reticular rash and ulceration on the lower legs. Screening tests for vasculitis and collagen disease were mostly normal, leading to diagnosis of LV. After failed treatment with steroid and aspirin, she was started on warfarin, to which she had a favorable response. However, she had to be admitted to the hospital because complication of swelling and infection in her left lower leg in 2004 + 10. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed thrombosis in the left popliteal artery. Screening tests for thrombotic tendency revealed that protein S activity was low (27%) although total protein S antigen was within normal range (73%). Analysis of protein S-alpha gene revealed 155 Lys>Glu mutation in exon VI, which was reported in 1994 and named as protein S Tokushima. Thus, we conclude that protein S deficiency could contribute to LV.

http://ift.tt/2efwGDd

Simultaneous onset of sporotrichosis in mother and daughter

http://ift.tt/2dBv0WU

Case of autosomal recessive woolly hair/hypotrichosis with atopic dermatitis

http://ift.tt/2efvTlA

Impact of adalimumab treatment on cardiovascular risk biomarkers in psoriasis: Results of a pilot study

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis associated with several comorbidities. Psoriasis patients are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD), namely, coronary heart disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease, and psoriasis seems to be an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Antipsoriatic systemic therapy, especially anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, seems to exert a beneficial effect on these comorbidities. The purpose of this study was: (i) to measure the level of cardiovascular serum markers in psoriasis patients in comparison with healthy volunteers; and (ii) to compare the serum level of the same markers in patients before and 3 months after adalimumab therapy. We investigated six biomarkers connected to CVD: C-reactive protein (measured high sensitively, hsCRP), oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), oxLDL/β-glycoprotein I complex (oxLDL/β2GPI), vascular endothelial adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin and interleukin (IL)-22. These biomarkers were measured in 21 patients with moderate/severe psoriasis before and after treatment with adalimumab and in healthy volunteers. hsCRP (P < 0.05), oxLDL-β2GPI complex (P < 0.05), E-selectin (P < 0.001) and IL-22 (P < 0.001) were significantly increased in comparison with healthy controls, whereas oxLDL and VCAM-1 were also higher in psoriasis patients but the difference did not reach statistical significance. A decrease of E-selectin (P < 0.001) and IL-22 (P < 0.001) was observed after 3 months of adalimumab therapy. Inhibition of TNF-α seems to not only improve psoriasis but also decreases serum cardiovascular biomarkers. E-selectin and IL-22 could serve for monitoring of the efficacy of antipsoriatic systemic therapy on cardiovascular risk.

http://ift.tt/2dBsa47

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Mirizzi Syndrome, a Rare Cause of Cholestasis in Childhood

Mirizzi syndrome is the compressive blockage of the cystic or choledochal duct caused by a biliary stone occupying the cystic canal or Hartmann's pouch. This occurrence is rare and, in English literature, three cases defined in children have been observed. In order to draw attention to this rare occurrence, we preferred a 14-year-old male patient with Mirizzi syndrome. In this case, ERCP was performed preoperatively and the diagnosis was carried out with the help of clear visualisation and identification of the tissue structures as well as the stent placed in bile duct; so we protected the patient from the possible iatrogenic injury occurring during surgery.

http://ift.tt/2e2UmsP

Technique: See and seq the regulome

Nature Reviews Genetics. doi:10.1038/nrg.2016.143

Author: Linda Koch

http://ift.tt/2e2Emak

Genetic variation: Diving deep into the genome

Nature Reviews Genetics. doi:10.1038/nrg.2016.144

Author: Denise Waldron

http://ift.tt/2ews4dO

The state of play in higher eukaryote gene annotation

Nature Reviews Genetics. doi:10.1038/nrg.2016.119

Authors: Jonathan M. Mudge & Jennifer Harrow

http://ift.tt/2e2BGth