The immunoregulatory and fibrotic roles of activin A in allergic asthma

Clinical & Experimental Allergy

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Summary

Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily of cytokines, was originally identified as an inducer of follicle hormone release, but has since been ascribed roles in normal physiological processes, as an immunoregulatory cytokine and as a driver of fibrosis. In the last 10-15 years it has also become abundantly clear that activin A plays an important role in the regulation of asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling. 

Prevalence of positive atopy patch test in an unselected pediatric population

Research

Nicola Fuiano¹, Giuliana Diddi¹, Maurizio Delvecchio² and Cristoforo Incorvaia C^3*

Clinical and Molecular Allergy 2015, 13:2  doi:10.1186/s12948-015-0011-2

Abstract

Background

In the latest decades, epidemiological studies on allergic disorders in children, including atopic dermatitis, rhinitis and asthma, demonstrated a continuous increase in prevalence. However, such studies are usually performed by questionnaires and, sometimes, by skin prick test or in vitro IgE tests, while the portion of allergy sustained by the cell-mediated mechanism is neglected, because the essential test, i.e. the atopy patch test is not performed.

Regular inhaled corticosteroids in adult-onset asthma and the risk for future cancer: a population-based cohort study with proper person-time analysis

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

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Authors Kok VC, Horng JT, Huang HK, Chao TM, Hong YF

Published Date March 2015 Volume 2015:11 Pages 489—499

DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S80793

Received 12 January 2015, Accepted 13 February 2015, Published 26 March 2015

Approved for publication by Professor Garry Walsh

Victor C Kok,^1,2 Jorng-Tzong Horng,^2,3 Hsu-Kai Huang,³ Tsung-Ming Chao,⁴ Ya-Fang Hong<sup>5

1</sup>Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; ²Department of Biomedical Informatics, Asia University Taiwan, Taichung, Taiwan;³Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taiwan; ⁴Statistics Unit, Department of Applied Geomatics, Chien Hsin University, Jhongli, Taiwan;⁵Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan

Tissue resident regulatory T cells: novel therapeutic targets for human disease

Review

Cellular & Molecular Immunology advance online publication 20 April 2015; doi: 10.1038/cmi.2015.23

Open

Xiaohui Zhou^1,2,†, Jiayou Tang^3,†, Hao Cao³, Huimin Fan^1,2,3 and Bin Li⁴

1. ¹Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
2. ²Shanghai Heart Failure Research Center
3. ³Department of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
4. ⁴Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Unit of Molecular Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai, 200120, China

Adherence to Oral and Topical Medications in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus is not Well Characterized

Dermatology and Therapy

April 2015,

Open Access

Michael E. Farhangian, 

William W. Huang, 

Steven R. Feldman

Treatment adherence plays a large role in chronic dermatologic diseases and may play an important role in the outcomes of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). We sought to gauge what is currently known about adherence to topical and oral medications in patients with CLE.

Topical treatment with fresh human milk versus emollient on atopic eczema spots in young children: a small, randomized, split body, controlled, blinded pilot study

BMC Dermatol. 2015; 15: 7.

Published online 2015 May 4. doi:  10.1186/s12895-015-0027-9

PMCID: PMC4424556

Teresa Løvold Berents, Jørgen Rønnevig, Elisabeth Søyland, Peter Gaustad, Gro Nylander, and Beate Fossum Løland

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Abstract

Background

Public health nurses report on effects of fresh human milk as treatment for conjunctivitis, rhinitis and atopic eczema (AE), the latter being highly prevalent in early childhood. Emollients and topical corticosteroids are first line treatment of AE. As many caregivers have steroid phobia, alternative treatment options for mild AE are of interest. The aim of this small pilot study was to assess the potential effects and risks of applying fresh human milk locally on eczema spots in children with AE.

Tension-type headache associated with obstructive sleep apnea: a nationwide population-based study

The Journal of Headache and Pain

April 2015, 16:34,Open Access

Yu-Chwen Chiu, 

Hsiao-Yun Hu, 

Fei-Peng Lee, 

Hung-Meng Huang

Abstract :There is still controversy regarding the association between primary headaches and obstructive sleep apnea. We explored the relationship between tension-type headache (TTH) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using a large nationwide population-based data set in Taiwan. We identified 4759 patients diagnosed with OSA from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, based on polysomnography, as the OSA group.

Methods for Preclinical Assessment of Antipruritic Agents and Itch Mechanisms Independent of Mast-Cell Histamine

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin
Vol. 38 (2015) No. 5 p. 635-644

http://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b15-00090

Reviews

Yasushi Kuraishi¹⁾

1) Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and 
Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama

 Released on J-STAGE 20150501  

Keywords: pruritus, animal model, scratching, biting, keratinocyte, itch mediator

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Itch is a sensation that provokes a desire to scratch. Mast-cell histamine was thought to be a key itch mediator. However, histamine and mast-cell degranulation were reported not to elicit scratching in animals. It was difficult to investigate the pathophysiology of itching and to evaluate the antipruritic efficacy of chemical agents in the early 1990 s. We showed that hind-paw scratching and biting were elicited by stimulation with pruritogenic agents in mice. Those results demonstrated for the first time that cutaneous itching could be evaluated behaviorally in animals. We established various animal models of pathological itch of the skin (dry skin, mosquito allergy, surfactant-induced pruritus, and herpes zoster) and mucus membranes (pollen allergy). Mast-cell histamine did not play a key role in itching in any animal model examined except for the pollen allergy model. Histamine is not an exclusive itch mediator of mast cells; tryptase and leukotriene B₄ released from mast cells also act as itch mediators. Epidermal keratinocytes release several itch mediators, such as leukotriene B₄, sphingosylphosphorylcholine, thromboxane A₂, nociceptin, nitric oxide, and histamine, which may play important roles in pathological itching. Appropriate animal models of pathological itching are needed for pharmacological evaluation of the antipruritic efficacy of chemical agents.

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A 12-month, moderate-intensity exercise training program improves fitness and quality of life in adults with asthma: a controlled trial

Research article

Andreas Meyer^1*, Sabine Günther², Timm Volmer³, Karin Taube⁴ and Hans J Baumann²

BMC Pulmonary Medicine 2015, 15:56  doi:10.1186/s12890-015-0053-8

Abstract (provisional)

Background Physical training has been shown to improve exercise capabilities in patients with asthma. Most studies focused on children and younger adults. Previously, the maximum program duration was six months. It is not known whether the same results may be obtained with lower intensity programs and sustained for time periods longer than 6 months. This controlled study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a moderate intensity outpatient training program of one year duration on physical fitness and quality of life in adults with asthma. 

Addition to inhaled corticosteroids of leukotriene receptor antagonists versus theophylline for symptomatic asthma: a meta-analysis

Authors: Xin Chen, Ying-Bo Kang, Li-Qing Wang, Yun Li, Yu-Wen Luo, Zhe Zhu, Rui Chen

Abstract

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are widely used in combination with second controller medications in the management of asthma in adults and children. There lacks a systematic comparison between addition of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) and theophylline to ICS. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the difference of the efficacy and safety profile of adding either LTRAs or theophylline to ICS in adults and children with symptomatic asthma. 

Spotlight on the diagnosis of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (hypersensitivity pneumonitis)

Methodology

Xaver Baur^13*, Axel Fischer¹³ and Lygia T Budnik²³

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2015, 10:15  doi:10.1186/s12995-015-0057-6

Abstract

Repeated inhalative exposures to antigenic material from a variety of sources, mainly from moulds, thermophilic Actinomycetes, and avians, respectively, can induce immune responses with the clinical picture of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Immune thrombocytopenia associated with consumption of tonic water

• Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent)
• v.28(2); 2015 Apr
• PMC4365124

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2015 Apr; 28(2): 213–216.

F. David Winter, Jr., MD, MSc

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Abstract

Thrombocytopenic purpura can develop from an induced antibody response that destroys platelets. Megakaryocyte production may also play a role. Although the inciting antigen is usually not identified, it is important to consider medications. This article presents the case of a man who developed sudden onset of severe thrombocytopenia associated with the ingestion of quinine-containing tonic water.

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