Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Challenge Test (challenge + test)
Kinds of Challenge Test Selected AbstractsInterference with the quorum sensing systems in a Vibrio harveyi strain alters the growth rate of gnotobiotically cultured rotifer Brachionus plicatilisJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007N.T.N. Tinh Abstract Aims:, To evaluate the effect of Vibrio harveyi strains on the growth rate of the gnotobiotically cultured rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, and to establish whether quorum sensing is involved in the observed phenomena. Methods and Results:, Gnotobiotic B. plicatilis sensu strictu, obtained by hatching glutaraldehyde-treated amictic eggs, were used as test organisms. Challenge tests were performed with 11 V. harveyi strains and different quorum sensing mutants derived from the V. harveyi BB120 strain. Brominated furanone [(5Z)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylene)-3-butyl-2(5H)-furanone] as a quorum sensing inhibitor was tested in Brachionus challenge tests. Some V. harveyi strains, such as strain BB120, had a significantly negative effect on the Brachionus growth rate. In the challenge test with MM77, an isogenic strain of BB120 in which the two autoinducers (HAI-1 and AI-2) are both inactivated, no negative effect was observed. The effect of single mutants was the same as that observed in the BB120 strain. This indicates that both systems are responsible for the growth-retarding (GR) effect of the BB120 strain towards Brachionus. Moreover, the addition of an exogenous source of HAI-1 or AI-2 could restore the GR effect in the HAI-1 and AI-2 nonproducing mutant MM77. The addition of brominated furanone at a concentration of 2·5 mg l,1 could neutralize the GR effect of some strains such as BB120 and VH-014. Conclusions:, Two quorum sensing systems in V. harveyi strain BB120 (namely HAI-1 and AI-2-mediated) are necessary for its GR effect on B. plicatilis. With some other V. harveyi strains, however, growth inhibition towards Brachionus does not seem to be related to quorum sensing. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Interference with the quorum sensing system might help to counteract the GR effect of some V. harveyi strains on Brachionus. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the positive effect of halogenated furanone in nongnotobiotic Brachionus cultures and eventually, in other segments of the aquaculture industry. [source] Evaluations of lactic acid bacteria as probiotics for juvenile seabass Lates calcariferAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Sirirat Rengpipat Abstract Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from adult, wild-caught and farmed seabass (Lates calcarifer) intestines for evaluation as possible probiotics using the well agar diffusion method. Five LAB isolates (designated as LAB-1,5) were found to inhibit Aeromonas hydrophila, a known seabass pathogen. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) of A. hydrophila on juvenile seabass were measured in aquaria. Median lethal concentration values of 7.76, 7.47 and 7.26 log10 CFU mL,1 for 72, 96 and 120 h, respectively, were found. Juvenile seabass (0.6±0.2 g) were cultured in aquaria and fed individual LAB-1,5 fortified feeds with 7 log10 CFU g,1 LAB. Seabass fed LAB-4 fortified feed had significantly greater growth (P<0.05) than fish fed other feeds. Seabass fed LAB-4 also had greater survival, but this was non-significant (P<0.05). Challenge tests of LAB-4 fed seabass with A. hydrophila at ,7 log10CFU mL,1 yielded significantly greater survival compared with control seabass (P<0.05). Aeromonas hydrophila infections in seabass were confirmed by observing disease manifestation and by immunohistochemistry techniques. LAB-4 was preliminarily identified using lactic acid analysis, biochemical and physical characteristics. It was further identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. LAB-4 was identified as Weissella confusa (identity of 99%). GenBank accession number for the 16S rDNA sequence for LAB-4 was AB023241. [source] Diagnostic testing in suspected fluoroquinolone hypersensitivityCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 11 2009C. S. Seitz Summary Background Because of their broad antibacterial activity in the gram-negative and gram-positive spectrum, high oral bioavailability, and good tissue penetration, fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used. Besides direct drug-related side-effects, fluoroquinolones may cause hypersensitivity reactions. Objective The aim of this retrospective analysis was to present the results of diagnostic testing in cases of clinically suspected fluoroquinolone-induced immediate or delayed hypersensitivity. Methods We studied 101 patients with a history of immediate or delayed hypersensitivity symptoms in temporal relation to treatment with a fluoroquinolone antibiotic using standardized skin testing, followed by oral challenges. Patients with anaphylaxis symptoms were further evaluated with in vitro tests. Results Fluoroquinolone hypersensitivity was excluded in 71 patients by tolerated oral challenge tests. During positive challenge tests, six patients (three out of these had positive and three had negative skin prick tests) developed anaphylaxis symptoms but the presumed IgE-mediated mechanism could not be confirmed by in vitro tests. Patch testing was constantly negative; however, in two patients a rash was induced by the challenge tests. Conclusion History alone leads clearly to a considerable over-estimation of fluoroquinolone hypersensitivity. Moreover, skin or in vitro tests do not seem to be very useful in identifying hypersensitive patients. Challenge tests appear to be necessary for definitely confirming or ruling out fluoroquinolone hypersensitivity. [source] Latex allergy: diagnosis and managementDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 4 2004James S. Taylor ABSTRACT:, Latex allergy is an IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity response to natural rubber latex (NRL) protein with a variety of clinical signs ranging from contact urticaria, angioedema, asthma, and anaphylaxis. Major allergens include dipped latex products such as gloves and balloons. In highest risk for NRL allergy are patients with spina bifida, but health care workers and others who wear latex gloves are also at risk. NRL allergic patients may also react to fruits/foods, especially banana, kiwi, and avocado. Diagnosis is made by a positive latex RAST and/or skin prick test or challenge test to NRL. Allergen avoidance and substitution and the use of latex-safe devices including synthetic gloves (vinyl, synthetic polyisoprene, neoprene, nitrile, block polymers, or polyurethane) are essential for the affected patient. Accommodation in the workplace may include the use of powder-free, low-allergen NRL gloves or synthetic gloves. These preventive measures have significantly reduced the prevalence of reported reactions to NRL. Hyposensitization is not yet feasible. [source] Development of a bacterial challenge test for gnotobiotic sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvaeENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009K. Dierckens Summary The use of probiotic microorganisms in aquaculture is gaining a lot of interest. Gnotobiotic model systems are required in order to fully understand the effects and modes-of-action of these microorganisms, as the native microbial communities present in non-sterile animals can lead to false conclusions. In this study, a gnotobiotic sea bass larvae (Dicentrarchus labrax) test system was developed. In order to obtain bacteria-free animals, the eggs were disinfected with glutaraldehyde and subsequently incubated in a solution of rifampicin and ampicillin. Axenity was confirmed using culture-dependent and -independent techniques. The gnotobiotic larvae were fed axenic Artemia sp. from 7 days after hatching onwards. In the challenge test, one of the three opportunistic pathogens, Aeromonas hydrophila, Listonella anguillarum serovar O1 and O2a, was added to the model system via the water and encapsulated in Artemia sp. Only serovar O2a led to increased mortality in the sea bass larvae. The presented gnotobiotic model can be used for research on, among others, reciprocal metabolic effects between microorganisms and the host (e.g. as measured by gene expression), immunostimulants, pharmacological research and the histological development of the gastrointestinal tract and growth of larvae. [source] Saccadic peak velocity and EEG as end-points for a serotonergic challenge testHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 2 2002Harm J. Gijsman Abstract We previously reported that a single dose of the serotonin receptor agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine increased the peak velocity of saccadic eye movements and decreased low-frequency electroencephalographic activity. Methods We administered a single dose of the serotonin releaser dexfenfluramine in a double blind, placebo controlled randomised cross-over design and measured saccadic eye movements and EEG every hour up to 6,h. Subjects were 62 males (18,30 years) with a history of no, moderate or heavy use of ecstasy tablets. Results Dexfenfluramine increased saccadic peak velocity and decreased alpha, delta and theta electroencephalographic activity, the latter predominantly in heavy users of ecstasy. Conclusions This study supports the idea that saccadic peak velocity and EEG can be useful endpoints of a serotonergic challenge. This could be an important anatomical extension of these end-points, which until now were limited to the effect on hypothalamic serotonergic projections. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Interference with the quorum sensing systems in a Vibrio harveyi strain alters the growth rate of gnotobiotically cultured rotifer Brachionus plicatilisJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007N.T.N. Tinh Abstract Aims:, To evaluate the effect of Vibrio harveyi strains on the growth rate of the gnotobiotically cultured rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, and to establish whether quorum sensing is involved in the observed phenomena. Methods and Results:, Gnotobiotic B. plicatilis sensu strictu, obtained by hatching glutaraldehyde-treated amictic eggs, were used as test organisms. Challenge tests were performed with 11 V. harveyi strains and different quorum sensing mutants derived from the V. harveyi BB120 strain. Brominated furanone [(5Z)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylene)-3-butyl-2(5H)-furanone] as a quorum sensing inhibitor was tested in Brachionus challenge tests. Some V. harveyi strains, such as strain BB120, had a significantly negative effect on the Brachionus growth rate. In the challenge test with MM77, an isogenic strain of BB120 in which the two autoinducers (HAI-1 and AI-2) are both inactivated, no negative effect was observed. The effect of single mutants was the same as that observed in the BB120 strain. This indicates that both systems are responsible for the growth-retarding (GR) effect of the BB120 strain towards Brachionus. Moreover, the addition of an exogenous source of HAI-1 or AI-2 could restore the GR effect in the HAI-1 and AI-2 nonproducing mutant MM77. The addition of brominated furanone at a concentration of 2·5 mg l,1 could neutralize the GR effect of some strains such as BB120 and VH-014. Conclusions:, Two quorum sensing systems in V. harveyi strain BB120 (namely HAI-1 and AI-2-mediated) are necessary for its GR effect on B. plicatilis. With some other V. harveyi strains, however, growth inhibition towards Brachionus does not seem to be related to quorum sensing. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Interference with the quorum sensing system might help to counteract the GR effect of some V. harveyi strains on Brachionus. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the positive effect of halogenated furanone in nongnotobiotic Brachionus cultures and eventually, in other segments of the aquaculture industry. [source] Prevention of Ventricular Fibrillation by Cilostazol, an Oral Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor, in a Patient with Brugada SyndromeJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2002TAKESHI TSUCHIYA M.D. Cilostazol and Brugada Syndrome. We report the case of 67-year-old man with Brugada syndrome, in whom daily episodes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurred every early morning for 4 days. The episodes of VF were completely prevented by an oral administration of cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. This effect was confirmed by the on-and-off challenge test, in which discontinuation of the drug resulted in recurrence of VF and resumption of the drug again prevented VF. This effect may be related to the suppression of Ito secondary to the increase in heart rate and/or to an increase in Ca2+ current (ICa) due to an elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP concentration via inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity. This drug might have an anti-VF potential in patients with Brugada syndrome. [source] Ovarian stromal blood flow following clomiphene citrate challenge test in infertile womenJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 7 2008Ernest Hung Yu Ng MD Abstract Purpose. To compare ovarian stromal blood flow indices in the follicular phase and after clomiphene citrate (CC) in infertile women. Methods. Pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV) of ovarian stromal vessels were determined by spectral Doppler analysis in the early follicular phase and on day 10 after CC. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol concentrations were determined. Results. A total of 69 infertile women were included in the analysis. No significant differences in the average PI, RI, and PSV of ovarian stromal blood flow were demonstrated in the follicular phase and after CC despite a significant increase in serum estradiol concentration after CC. Serum FSH concentration was similar in the follicular phase and after CC, while serum LH concentration was significantly higher after CC. In the right ovary, ovarian stromal blood flow was absent in 13 (18.8%) patients in the follicular phase and in 6 (8.7%) patients after CC, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. In the left ovary, ovarian stromal blood flow was absent in 13 (18.8%) and 12 (17.4%) patients in the follicular phase and after CC, respectively. Conclusion. Ovarian stromal blood flow indices were similar in the follicular phase and after CC. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008 [source] Are patients with positive screening but negative diagnostic test for gestational diabetes under risk for adverse pregnancy outcome?JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2008Ilknur I. Gumus Abstract Objective:, Our aim was to determine the obstetrics outcomes of patients with positive 1-h glucose challenge test (GCT), but negative diagnostic test for gestational diabetes. Methods:, Pregnancy records of 409 pregnants were reviewed. Patients were screened for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with one-hour 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) at 24,28 weeks of gestation. Patients with glucose challenge tests values , 130 mg/dL were refered for the 3 h, 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Positive GCT but negative for OGTT group (Group A) were compared retrospectively with the group of negative GCT (Group B) for obstetrics outcomes. Result:, GDM and impared glucose tolerance (IGT) were diagnosed in 33 (7.6%) and 46 (10.5%) patients, respectively. We identified 141 (34.4%) patients with positive GCT but negative for OGTT (Group A) and 189 (46.2%) patients with negative GCT (Group B). Gestational weight gain, polyhydramnios, family history of diabetes mellitus were significantly higher in group A than group B (P < 0.05). Prevalance of preterm labor, hypertension, cesarean delivery, mean birthweight, proportion of babies admitted to neonatal intensive care unit were similar in both groups. Conclusion:, There are some differences for pregnancy outcomes between pregnants with positive GCT but negative for OGTT and negative GCT. These patients should be followed up carefully during the antepartum and intrapartum period. [source] Umbilical cord strangulation by an amniotic band resulting in a stillbirthJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2008Samuel Lurie Abstract Background:, Amniotic band syndrome with umbilical cord strangulation is extremely rare and is usually described during second trimester. We present a case of umbilical cord strangulation causing fetal demise in a full-term otherwise healthy fetus. Case:, A 39-year-old gravida 15 para 12 after one previous cesarean section presented with reduced fetal movements at the 41st gestational week. On admission, fetal heart tracing, biophysical profile and oxytocin challenge test were normal. Later, an intrauterine fetal demise was diagnosed. After delivery, an amniotic band causing strangulation of the umbilical cord was observed. The fetus was without apparent anomalies. Conclusion:, Although extremely rare, constriction of the umbilical cord by an amniotic band can cause its strangulation followed by a stillbirth even in full-term otherwise healthy fetus. [source] Rapid and efficient mapping of regional ventilation in the rat lung using hyperpolarized 3He with Flip angle variation for offset of RF and relaxation (FAVOR)MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 6 2008Giles E. Santyr Abstract A novel imaging method is presented, Flip Angle Variation for Offset of RF and Relaxation (FAVOR), for rapid and efficient measurement of rat lung ventilation using hyperpolarized helium-3 (3He) gas. The FAVOR technique utilizes variable flip angles to remove the cumulative effect of RF pulses and T1 relaxation on the hyperpolarized gas signal and thereby eliminates the need for intervening air wash-out breaths and multiple cycles of 3He wash-in breaths before each image. The former allows an improvement in speed (by a factor of ,30) while the latter reduces the cost of each measurement (by a factor of ,5). The FAVOR and conventional ventilation methods were performed on six healthy male Brown Norway rats (190,270 g). Lobar measurements of ventilation, r, obtained with the FAVOR method were not significantly different from those obtained with the conventional method for the right middle and caudal and left lobes (P > 0.05 by a Wilcoxon matched pairs test). A methacholine challenge test was also administered to an animal and reduction and recovery of r was detected by the FAVOR method. The reduced 3He consumption and the improvement in speed provided by FAVOR suggest that it may allow measurement of ventilation in human subjects not previously possible. Magn Reson Med 59:1304,1310, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Definition of an exercise intensity threshold in a challenge test to diagnose food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxisALLERGY, Issue 10 2009M. Loibl No abstract is available for this article. [source] Exhaled nitric oxide and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in young wheezy children , interactions with atopyPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2009L. Pekka Malmberg The association between exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) has not been investigated in young children with atopic or non-atopic wheeze, two different phenotypes of asthma in the early childhood. Steroid naďve 3- to 7-yr-old children with recent wheeze (n = 84) and age-matched control subjects without respiratory symptoms (n = 71) underwent exercise challenge test, measurement of FENO and skin prick testing (SPT). EIB was assessed by using impulse oscillometry, and FENO by standard online technique. Although FENO levels were highest in atopic patients with EIB, both atopic and non-atopic wheezy children with EIB showed higher FENO than atopic and non-atopic control subjects, respectively. In atopic wheezy children, a significant relationship between FENO and the severity of EIB was found (r = 0.44, p = 0.0004), and FENO was significantly predictive of EIB. No clear association between FENO and EIB or predictive value was found in non-atopic wheezy children. Both atopic and non-atopic young wheezy children with EIB show increased FENO levels. However, the association between the severity of EIB and FENO is present and FENO significantly predictive of EIB only in atopic subjects, suggesting different interaction between bronchial responsiveness and airway inflammation in non-atopic wheeze. [source] The clinical significance of food specific IgE/IgG4 in food specific atopic dermatitisPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Geunwoong Noh Food is closely associated with the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Food allergy is usually mediated by IgE antibody to specific food proteins and determination of specific IgE antibody is the basis of the common diagnostic test for food allergy. IgG4 have been reported as blocking antibody and the protective effects of blocking antibody may be clear in inhalant allergy. However, the role of IgG4 in food allergy is still a matter of debate. In this study, the clinical significance of food allergen-specific IgE/IgG4 in atopic dermatitis was investigated and compared with that of IgE. A total of 97 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis participated in this study. Skin prick test and allergy patch test were performed. Specific IgE and IgG4 concentration were measured using allergy protein chip, ,AllergyChip'. Double blinded placebo controlled food challenge test (DBPCFC) was performed for the diagnosis of allergy to milk, egg white, wheat, and soybean. DBPCFCs for milk, egg white, soybean, and wheat were performed. The positive rates were 31.7% (19/60) in milk, 36.7% (18/49) in egg white, 30.4% (7/23) in soybean, and 34.8% (8/23) in wheat. Mean IgE/IgG4 levels in DBPCFC (+) subjects is higher than those in DBPCFC (,) subjects in all food items studied. Of them, there were significantly different between two groups in egg white and wheat (Egg white in DBPCFC (+) vs. (,): 0.4 ± 0.3 vs. 0.2 ± 0.2, wheat in DBPCFC (+) vs. (,): 1.2 ± 1.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). Allergen-specific IgE/IgG4 may provide one of the clues to understand the mechanism of food allergy in atopic dermatitis. The present study suggests that protein microarray can be one of the useful methods to assess ongoing status of allergic diseases. [source] Harlequin Sign (Hemifacial Flushing and Contralateral Hypohidrosis) in a 4-year-old Girl with Horner SyndromePEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Masatoshi Abe M.D., Ph.D. A 4-year-old Japanese girl had an acquired right ocular ptosis and unequal pupils presenting shortly after birth. She also exhibited left hemifacial flushing and loss of sweating on the contralateral side (harlequin sign). Physical examination demonstrated 2.0 mm of ptosis of the right upper lid with normal elevator function. The diameters of the pupils were 4 mm on the left and 2.5 mm on the right. No sweating was induced in the right frontal region at 40°C for 15 minutes of sweat challenge test. Otherwise, no abnormalities were found by the neurophysiologic examinations or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Based on the clinical examination, we speculated that the responsible lesion might be in the preganglionic areas. Harlequin sign was informative for making the diagnosis of Horner syndrome. [source] Airway reactivity in children before and after stem cell transplantationPEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 9 2009Lea Bentur MD Abstract Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is associated with pulmonary complications. We encountered several children post-SCT with a clinical picture suggestive of airway hyper-reactivity (AHR) and evidence of reversible airway obstruction that was not reported pre-transplant. We evaluated the possibility of increased AHR as assessed by methacholine challenge test (MCT) following the course of SCT, and assessed a possible correlation between AHR and pulmonary complications. This was a prospective study evaluating consecutive patients referred for SCT to the Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology. Evaluation included pulmonary function test and MCT before and after SCT, and assessment of pulmonary complications. Twenty-one of 33 patients completed the study. The mean PC20 was 14.3,±,4.1 mg/ml prior to SCT; afterward the mean PC20 decreased to 11.2,±,5.6 mg/ml (P,=,0.018). The number of patients with airway reactivity (PC20,,,8 mg/ml) increased from 2/21 patients before SCT to 8/21 patients after SCT (P,=,0.043; McNemar test with Yates correction). Pulmonary complications and hospitalization were recorded in 33.3% of the patients (7/21 patients): 62.5% of the patients (5 patients) with AHR compared to 15.4% (2 patients) in the group without AHR (P,=,0.041; Fisher exact test). There were 10 hospitalizations among the 8 patients with positive MCT compared to 2 hospitalizations in 13 patients with negative MCT (median 1 vs. 0, P,=,0.045; Mann,Whitney U -test). Increased airway reactivity was observed in our study following the course of SCT. Positive MCT after SCT may be associated with increased risk of pulmonary complications. Larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate the possible mechanisms responsible for increased AHR and the clinical importance of these findings. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:845,850. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The potential use of spirometry during methacholine challenge test in young children with respiratory symptomsPEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Daphna Vilozni PhD Abstract Background The concentration of methacholine that causes a fall of 20% from baseline forced expiratory volume in the first second (PC20-FEV1) in the methacholine challenge test (MCT) is not usually considered a diagnostic tool in preschool children since PC20-FEV1 may not be achievable <6 years of age. Aim To assess the usefulness of various spirometry indices obtained during MCT in a large group of 3- to 6-year-old children with respect to their clinical diagnosis. Methods Standardized MCT (inhaled triple-concentration increments [0.057,13.925 mg] of methacholine solution) was performed by 84 children previously diagnosed with asthma (asthmatics) and 48 with prolonged cough (coughers). Spirometry was determined at baseline and between inhalations; PC20-FEV1 and PC25-FEV0.5 were calculated. Results PC20-FEV1 values were significantly less in the asthmatics than in the coughers (mean,±,SD was 3.21,±,4.32 vs. 22.35,±,3.66 ml/mg). Similarly, PC25-FEV0.5 was 1.48,±,3.08 in the asthmatics and 9.45,±,12.59 mg/ml/Mch in the coughers, P,<,0.0001. A cut-off at 4.0 mg/ml for PC20-FEV1 had 77.4% sensitivity and 75.0% specificity, a cut-off at 2.2 mg/ml for PC25-FEV0.5 had 73.8% sensitivity and 72.9% specificity, for clinical diagnosis of asthma. PC25-FEV0.5 also showed a correlation with age. Conclusions Our findings suggest that MCT can be performed in preschool children with various respiratory symptoms. PC25-FEV0.5 may be a better end-point parameter. Children with a clinical diagnosis of asthma respond to a lower MCT concentration than children with cough. Further studies are needed to determine airway responsiveness in healthy young children and to further assess the contribution of MCT to the clinical diagnosis in this age group. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:720,727. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Rye flour allergens: An emerging role in baker's asthmaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008Antonio Letrán Abstract Background Exposure to wheat flour is usually considered the most important cause of baker's asthma. However, other flours frequently used in bakeries may play an emerging role as relevant allergens causing occupational asthma. Aims of study We report on two cases of baker's asthma mainly caused by exposure to rye flour. The profile of allergen sensitization to cereal flour was investigated. Methods Two bakery workers suffering from rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma symptoms at work underwent an in vivo study (skin prick tests and bronchial allergen challenge) and in vitro study (total serum IgE, specific serum IgE and immunoblotting). Results Specific inhalation challenge with wheat flour did not elicit an asthmatic reaction, however both patients showed an early asthmatic reaction with the rye flour challenge. Rye flour-immunoblotting showed IgE-binding bands around 12,15 kDa, that correspond to rye flour enzymatic inhibitors which were not present in the wheat flour immunoblot. Conclusions Both bakers had developed occupational asthma to rye flour (confirmed by specific inhalation challenge test). Rye flour allergens (enzymatic inhibitors) are important allergens that should be considered in the diagnosis of baker's asthma. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:324,328, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Inhaled corticosteroid for persistent cough following upper respiratory tract infectionRESPIROLOGY, Issue 4 2005Prapaporn PORNSURIYASAK Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical effect of inhaled corticosteroid treatment for persistent cough, post upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in previously healthy individuals, and on bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Methodology: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted at a university hospital. A total of 30 non-asthmatic, non-smoking patients who were >15 years old and who had persistent post-URTI cough for >3 weeks were assessed by a physical examination, CXR and spirometry, and were allocated to receive inhaled budesonide (400 µg/puff, twice daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. If a patient suffered from sinusitis, it was a requirement that it had been well treated. A symptom score (frequency of cough, frequency of coughing bouts, symptoms associated with cough, night-time cough, frequency of taking medications to relieve cough, and number of medications) was recorded at entry, and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. A methacholine challenge test was performed at entry and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: The mean symptom scores for the treatment group (9.4) and the placebo group (9.8) at baseline were not significantly different (P = 0.79), and no differences were found between the groups after week 2 and week 4 of treatment (3.93 and 4.27 vs 2.26 and 2.66, P = 0.29). The mean change in symptom scores from baseline to week 2 and to week 4 of treatment were also not different between groups (5.93 and 5.6 vs 7.00 and 7.58, P = 0.23). No difference between groups was found in the mean changes in FEV1, FVC, and FEF25,75% after 4 weeks of treatment. A positive bronchial provocation test occurred in three patients (10%) but these were borderline. Conclusion: Inhaled corticosteroid is ineffective in treating persistent post-URTI cough in previously healthy individuals. [source] Current and future use of the mannitol bronchial challenge in everyday clinical practiceTHE CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009Celeste Porsbjerg Abstract Objectives:, Asthma is a disease associated with inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airflow limitation. Clinical diagnosis and management of asthma often relies on assessment of lung function and symptom control, but these factors do not always correlate well with underlying inflammation. Bronchial challenge tests (BCTs) assess AHR, and can be used to assist in the diagnosis and management of asthma. Data Source:, Data presented at the symposium ,Use of inhaled mannitol for assessing airways disease' organised by the Allied Respiratory Professionals Assembly (9) of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) at the ERS Congress, Berlin 2008. Results:, Indirect challenge tests such as exercise testing, hypertonic saline or adenosine 5,-monophosphate (AMP) are more specific though less sensitive than direct challenge tests (such as methacholine) for identifying patients with active asthma. Indirect BCTs may be used to diagnose exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or AHR consistent with active asthma, to evaluate AHR that will respond to treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and to determine the effectiveness and optimal dosing of such therapy. An ideal indirect challenge test should be standardised and reproducible, and the test result should correlate with the degree of airway inflammation. The mannitol BCT provides a standardised and rapid point-of-need test to identify currently active asthma, and is clinically useful in the identification of patients with asthma who are likely to benefit from inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Conclusion:, In the future, mannitol BCT may be added to lung function and symptom assessment to aid in the everyday management of asthma. Please cite this paper as: Porsbjerg C, Backer V, Joos G, Kerstjens HAM and Rodriguez-Roisin R. Current and future use of the mannitol bronchial challenge in everyday clinical practice. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; 3: 189,197. [source] Ovarian reserve tests and their utility in predicting response to controlled ovarian stimulation in rhesus monkeysAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Julie M. Wu Abstract Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is an alternative to natural breeding in nonhuman primates; however, these protocols are costly with no guarantee of success. Toward the objective of predicting COS outcome in rhesus monkeys, this study evaluated three clinically used ovarian reserve tests (ORTs): day 3 (d3) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with d3 inhibin B (INHB), the clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT), and the exogenous FSH Ovarian Reserve Test. A COS was also performed and response was classified as either successful (COS+) or unsuccessful (COS,) and retrospectively compared with ORT predictions. FSH and INHB were assessed for best hormonal index in conjunction with the aforementioned tests. INHB was consistently more accurate than FSH in all the ORTs used. Overall, a modified version of the CCCT using INHB values yielded the best percentage of correct predictions. This is the first report of ORT evaluation in rhesus monkeys and may provide a useful diagnostic test before costly follicle stimulations, as well as predicting the onset of menopause. Am. J. Primatol. 72:672,680, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effect of hot water extracts of brown seaweeds Sargassum spp. on growth and resistance to white spot syndrome virus in shrimp Penaeus monodon postlarvaeAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 10 2010Grasian Immanuel Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of a hot water extract of brown seaweeds Sargassum duplicatum and Sargassum wightii on the growth and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) resistance in shrimp Penaeus monodon postlarvae (PL). Artemia nauplii (instar II) were enriched with both seaweed extracts at various concentrations (250, 500 and 750 mg L,1) and fed to the respective P. monodon (PL15,35) group for 20 days. A control group was also maintained without seaweed extract supplementation. The weight gain of the experimental groups was significantly higher (0.274,0.323 g) than the control group (0.261 g). Similarly, the specific growth rate was also significantly higher (16.27,17.06%) in the experimental groups than in the control group (16.03%). After 20 days of the feeding experiment, the shrimp PL were challenged with WSSV for 21 days. During the challenge test, the control shrimp displayed 100% mortality within 8 days. In contrast, the mortality percentage of the highest concentration (750 mg L,1) of seaweed extract enriched Artemia nauplii fed shrimp was 54,79%. Comparatively, low mortality was observed in S. wightii extract-enriched Artemia nauplii fed shrimp. The polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated the concentration-dependent infection of WSSV in P. monodon PL. [source] Effects of dietary organic acids on growth, nutrient digestibility and gut microflora of red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis sp., and subsequent survival during a challenge test with Streptococcus agalactiaeAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 13 2009Wing-Keong Ng Abstract A 14-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary organic acids. The experimental diets were added with 0, 1, 2 or 3 g kg,1 of a novel organic acid blend or with 2 g kg,1 of potassium diformate and fed to triplicate groups of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). Upon completion, tilapia were challenged by immersion with Streptococcus agalactiae. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the growth, feed utilization and nutrient digestibility among treatment groups despite a trend towards improved results with fish fed organic acid-supplemented diets. Diet pH decreased, causing a reduction in the digesta pH of the stomach and gut. Total bacteria per gram of faeces were significantly (P<0.05) reduced from 1.81 × 108 colony-forming units (CFU) (control group) up to 0.67 × 108 CFU in the fish fed organic acid diets. A similar trend was observed for adherent gut bacteria. Cumulative mortality of fish fed no organic acids was higher compared with fish fed organic acid-supplemented diets at 16 days post challenge. The data showed that dietary organic acids can exert strong anti-microbial effects and have the potential to exert beneficial effects on growth, nutrient utilization and disease resistance in tilapia. [source] Influence of ,-hydroxy-,-methylbutyrate on nonspecific humoral defense mechanisms and protection against furunculosis in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006Andrzej K Siwicki Abstract Studies have shown that in both in vitro and in vivo tests, ,-hydroxy-,-methylbutyrate (HMB) increases the nonspecific cellular and humoral immune response and protection against diseases in animals. The present study examines the influence of HMB on nonspecific humoral defense mechanisms and protection against furunculosis in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca). ,-hydroxy-,-methylbutyrate was fed in a pelleted ration of 50 mg kg,1 feed day,1 for 4 weeks. Blood was drawn from 12 HMB-fed and control-fed pikeperch. The lysozyme and ceruloplasmin activities in the plasma, total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, and total serum protein were analysed prior to and then after 2 and 4 weeks of HMB ingestion. After 4 weeks of HMB ingestion, a challenge test was performed by injecting the fish with live pathogenic Aeromonas salmonicida bacteria. ,-hydroxy-,-methylbutyrate at a dose of 50 mg kg,1 feed resulted in a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in the lysozyme activity of the plasma, total Ig, and serum protein levels. Additionally, reduced mortality (40%) after the in vivo challenge with pathogenic A. salmonicida suggested that HMB-activated nonspecific protection against furunculosis in pikeperch. [source] Maternal and neonatal outcomes in the Torres Strait Islands with a sixfold increase in type 2 diabetes in pregnancy over six yearsAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Henrik FALHAMMAR Background:, Torres Strait Islander population has a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Aims:, To review pregnancy data of women and their newborns living in the Torres Strait area. Methods:, All medical charts of mothers and their neonates delivered in two one-year periods (1999 and 2005/2006) were reviewed. The initial screening test for diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) was a random blood glucose level followed by an oral glucose challenge test in 1999 and from 2000 an oral glucose tolerance test. Results:, Diabetes in pregnancy increased by 4.3,13.3% and T2DM by 0.8,4.6%. During the two periods, 258 and 196 mothers delivered respectively 84,92% by midwives/general practitioners at the local hospital and 7,16% by midwives/obstetricians at the regional hospital; in 2005/2006, 58% of women with DIP delivered at the regional hospital. Screening increased from 89.2 to 99.5%. DIP mothers were older and heavier with more hypertension and previous miscarriages. Parity decreased in the DIP mother during the two periods. Caesarean section was five times more common for DIP in 2005/2006 versus non-DIP, while in 1999, there was no difference. In 1999, the DIP infants were heavier, longer (P = 0.053) and had a larger head circumference not seen 2005/2006. There was more neonatal trauma, hypoglycaemia and IV dextrose in the DIP infants. Breastfeeding numbers increased in DIP. In 2005/2006, follow-up of gestational diabetes occurred in 47% (all normal). Conclusion:, A massive increase in DIP was seen. The neonatal outcomes improved slightly. There is need for improvement in follow-up of gestational diabetes. [source] Women's and health professionals' preferences for prenatal testing for Down syndrome in AustraliaAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Sharon M. LEWIS Abstract Aim:, To describe and compare women's and health professionals' preferences for prenatal screening tests for Down syndrome. Design:, Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Participants and setting:, Women (n = 322) attending for a glucose challenge test at 26 weeks gestation and health professionals (266 midwives and 34 obstetricians) at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, between 13 December 2002 and 30 April 2003. Outcome measures:, The relative value participants attach to attributes of Down syndrome screening tests as determined by conjoint analysis and ranking scales. Results:, Women and health professionals shared similar relative values regarding the importance of detection rate of screening tests, according to coefficients from conjoint analysis models. However, health professionals placed higher relative values on timing of prenatal tests and risk associated with the subsequent diagnostic test than did women. Comparison of coefficients suggests that, compared with health professionals, women would wait longer and accept a greater decrease in detection rate for a test if it was safer. Using the more traditional ranking scale, the safest test was ranked first by 56% of women while 47% of health professionals ranked a test with the highest detection rate first. Equal proportions (,10%) in both groups ranked the earliest test first. Conclusion:, There is a general agreement between pregnant women and health professionals regarding the relative importance they attach to different attributes of a test. However, health professionals appeared to favour earlier timing of tests while women placed greater emphasis on safety. Utilising two different measures of preference demonstrated the complexity of decision-making. [source] Carbon-ion beam treatment induces systemic antitumor immunity against murine squamous cell carcinomaCANCER, Issue 15 2010Akinao Matsunaga MD Abstract BACKGROUND: Carbon-ion beam (CIB) treatment is a powerful tool for controlling primary tumors in the clinical setting. However, to date, few clinical or experimental studies have investigated the effects of CIB treatment on tumor recurrence and antitumor immunity. METHODS: A multiple challenge test was performed using syngenic and nude mouse models of a poorly immunogenic squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCCVII) after CIB treatment at a clinically available dose (77 kiloelectron volts [keV]/,m) to primary tumors. To further examine changes in antitumor immunity in this model, the authors used dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy. RESULTS: In a syngenic model, CIB treatment itself resulted not only in efficient elimination of the primary tumor but also in a dramatic reduction of tumor formation after secondary tumor challenge at a contralateral site (P < .0001). Conversely, CIB treatment eliminated neither the primary nor the secondary tumor in nude mice. This antitumor effect produced by CIB treatment was enhanced significantly by combining it with DC immunotherapy (P = .0007). Combined CIB and DC treatment induced more intense cytolytic activity than CIB in a chromium-release assay. The third challenge tests, which included challenge with a third-party tumor cell line (FM3A) and effector depletion, revealed that the antitumor effects were the results of tumor-specific, long-lasting antitumor immunity through CD8-positive T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first demonstration of strong antitumor immunity induced by CIB treatment in a dermal tumor, and this effect was enhanced by combining it with DC-based immunotherapy. The authors concluded that this combination warrants further investigation as a promising modality for the prevention of tumor recurrence. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society. [source] The bronchial response to mannitol is attenuated by a previous methacholine test: but not vice versaCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 7 2009E. Gade Summary Aim To examine the airway response to inhaled mannitol performed before or after a methacholine challenge test in a group of asthmatics with different levels of disease. Methods A total of 48 asthmatics, 18,73 years of age, were included in the study. Two pairs of challenges were performed in a random order on two separate days 24 h apart: either with mannitol performed first on day one, followed 1 h by methacholine, and methacholine as the first on day two, followed 1 h by mannitol or vice versa. A questionnaire-based interview was performed and lung function, exhaled nitric oxide, skin prick test, and blood eosinophil count were measured. Results A total of 44% of the asthmatics used inhaled corticosteroids and 48% were atopic. The airway response to mannitol was attenuated when mannitol was given after methacholine, compared with the response to mannitol when it was given first [log response dose ratio (RDR): 1.42 vs. 1.60 (P=0.004)], whereas the response to methacholine was unchanged in the opposite test order [log RDR: 0.81 vs. 0.96 (P=0.102)]. Conclusion Bronchial challenges with inhaled mannitol and methacholine may be performed on the same day but provocation with mannitol should be performed before methacholine. [source] Respiratory patterns in panic disorder reviewed: a focus on biological challenge testsACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009V. Niccolai Objective:, To provide a systematic review of studies investigating respiration in PD and comments on relative inconsistencies. Method:, A Medline search of controlled studies focusing on pCO2, respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume in PD patients was conducted for baseline/resting condition, challenge, and recovery phase. Respiratory variability and comparisons between panickers and non-panickers were also examined. Results:, Lower pCO2 levels in PD subjects are a consistent finding during the baseline/resting condition, the challenge, and recovery phases. Tidal volume and minute volume are increased in PD subjects relative to controls during the baseline/resting condition. However, the most robust finding is a higher than normal respiratory variability, which appears to be a promising factor for the identification of respiratory etiopathological pathways in PD. Conclusion:, Respiratory variability might be a candidate for a biological marker of PD: an abnormal breathing pattern as found in panic disorder (PD) patients compared with controls might indicate instability of the respiratory homeostasis. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||