Sensitizing Agents (sensitizing + agent)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The neurophysiology of dyspnea

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 6 2008
Matthew Scott Mellema DVM
Abstract Objective , To review the human and veterinary literature regarding the neurophysiology of dyspnea and to provide evidence for the beneficial effects of several novel therapies aimed at the alleviation of dyspneic sensations. Data Sources , Data sources included scientific reviews, case reports, original research publications, and recent research conference proceedings. Human Data Synthesis , The use of blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging technology has revealed that the brain regions activated by air hunger in humans are also those activated by fear, pain, and thirst perception. In human subjects, it has been found that agents known to enhance the firing of pulmonary slowly adapting receptors (SARs) can alleviate the sensation of dyspnea without altering central respiratory drive. Several small studies have also shown that nebulized opioids can reduce the sensation of dyspnea apparently via activation of peripheral opioid receptors in the lung. Veterinary Data Synthesis , There are several animal models relevant to both small and large animal clinical patient populations. Treatment of rats with a nebulized SAR sensitizing agent (furosemide) enhances SAR firing in response to lung inflation. Behavioral escape responses to airway occlusion are reduced in lightly anesthetized cats when treated with nebulized furosemide. Opioid agonists have been shown to inhibit the release of acetylcholine and other mediators from the airways of dogs and guinea pigs. Studies using a goat model with bilateral destruction of the pre-Bötzinger Complex do not support current paradigms of air hunger origination. Conclusions , Veterinary patients may benefit from an approach to dyspnea that incorporates an understanding of the origins of the unpleasant sensations associated with the condition. Several novel therapies have shown promise in alleviating dyspneic sensations without altering respiratory drive. Further study is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of these therapies in veterinary patients. [source]


Snail anaphylaxis during house dust mite immunotherapy

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
Diego G. Peroni
This study reports a 12-year-old girl who developed an anaphylactic reaction following snail ingestion during house dust mite (HDM) immunotherapy treatment. Radioallergosorbent (RAST) inhibition showed cross-reactivity between the two allergens, leading to consideration of HDM as the sensitizing agent. Children undergoing HDM immunotherapy treatment should be aware of the potential risks of hypersensitivity reactions to invertebrate foods. [source]


Metalworking exposures and persistent skin symptoms in the ECRHS II and SAPALDIA 2 cohorts

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2009
Maria C. Mirabelli
Background:, Diseases of the skin are important and often preventable conditions occurring among workers with dermal exposures to irritant and sensitizing agents. Objective:, We conducted this analysis to assess the associations between metalworking exposures and current and persistent skin symptoms among male and female participants in two population-based epidemiologic studies. Methods:, We pooled data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) and the Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Disease in Adults 2 (SAPALDIA 2), two prospective cohort studies in Europe. Each participant completed interviewer-administered questionnaires to provide information about symptoms and exposures related to selected occupations, including metalworking, during the follow-up periods. We assessed associations between skin symptoms and the frequency of metalworking exposures among 676 ECRHS II/SAPALDIA 2 respondents. Results:, Current skin symptoms were reported by 10% of metalworkers and were associated with frequent use, defined as four or more days per week, of oil-based metalworking fluids [prevalence ratio (PR): 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25,2.49)] and organic solvent/degreasing agents (PR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.21,3.50). Conclusions:, Skin symptom prevalence is associated with increasing frequency of oil-based metalworking fluid and degreasing agent use. Our findings justify assessing strategies for reducing the frequency of metal-related exposures. [source]


Clinical trial: pilot study of metformin for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2009
R. LOOMBA
Summary Background, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of progressive fatty liver disease that is strongly associated with insulin resistance, which suggests that insulin sensitizing agents such as metformin may be beneficial for NASH. Aim, To assess the effects of metformin on insulin sensitivity, body composition, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver histology in patients with NASH. Methods, Patients underwent liver biopsy, metabolic profiling and imaging studies before and at the end 48 weeks of metformin (2000 mg/day) therapy. The primary endpoint was a three-point improvement in the histological NASH activity index. Results, Of 28 patients enrolled, 26 (13 females; average age 44 years) completed 48 weeks of treatment and underwent repeat metabolic studies, imaging and liver biopsy. Thirty per cent achieved a histological response. Most patients lost weight, the average being 6 kg. There was a marked association between weight loss and improvements in NASH activity index and ALT levels (both, P < 0.01). Insulin sensitivity also improved, but the degree of change did not correlate with histological improvement. Conclusion, Metformin leads to improvements in liver histology and ALT levels in 30% of patients with NASH, probably by its effects in causing weight loss. [source]


Contact Sensitization in 1094 Children Undergoing Patch Testing over a 7-Year Period

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
Stefania Seidenari M.D.
However, because exposure to sensitizing agents varies rapidly, it is of utmost importance to perform a periodic evaluation of patch test results. Our purpose was to compare our data on contact sensitization in children during the past 7 years to our previous 1988,1994 findings, in order to identify emerging allergens and update our pediatric series. From 1995 to 2001, 1094 consecutive children were examined. Of these, 997 patients were patch tested with our pediatric series, which includes 30 allergens, whereas 97 underwent patch testing with 46 allergens. A total of 570 children proved allergic (52.1%). The highest sensitization rate was observed in children under 3 years of age. No differences between atopic dermatitis patients and nonatopic ones were observed in the sensitization rate. Neomycin, nickel, wool alcohols, thimerosal, and ammoniated mercury gave most of the positive responses. With respect to 1988,1995 data, allergy to substances such as neomycin, nickel, wool alcohols, thimerosal, ammoniated mercury, propolis, potassium dichromate, and thiuram mix proved more frequent. In conclusion, as sensitization rates to different allergens show great variations over time, periodic evaluations of patch test results in children is necessary in order to update the test trays. [source]