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Background: Protein Fv is an endogenous protein, synthesized in liver and largely released in the digestive tract during acute and chronic viral hepatitis, that binds to immunoglobulin (Ig) from various mammalian and nonmammalian species. Methods: Basophils obtained from normal subjects were purified by a double Percoll gradient and elutriation. The secretion of histamine induced by protein Fv was assayed by a fluorometric technique, the extracellular protein levels of IL–4 and IL–13 were measured by ELISA, and IL–4 mRNA levels were evaluated by RT–PCR. Results: Protein Fv concentration–dependently induced histamine and IL–4 and IL–13 release from purified basophils. IL–4 mRNA, constitutively present in basophils, was increased after stimulation by protein Fv. Histamine and IL–4 secretion from basophils, but not histamine and IL–13 release, activated by protein Fv was significantly correlated (r[sub s ] = 0.70, p<0.001). Basophils from which IgE had been dissociated by brief exposure to lactic acid no longer released IL–4 in response to protein Fv and anti–IgE. Two preparations of human V[sub H] 3[sup +] monoclonal IgM inhibited protein Fv–induced secretion of IL–4 and histamine from basophils. In contrast, V[sub H] 6[sup +] monoclonal IgM did not inhibit the release of mediators caused by protein Fv. Conclusions: These results indicate that protein Fv, which acts as an endogenous superallergen, interacts with the V[sub H] 3 domain of IgE to induce the synthesis and release of IL–4, IL–13 and the secretion of histamine from basophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective. Various venom immunotherapy (VIT) protocols are available for Hymenoptera allergy. Although adverse reactions (ADRs) to VIT are widely reported, controlled trials are still needed. We conducted a randomized prospective study to evaluate ADRs and the efficacy of three VIT regimens. Methods. 76 patients with Hymenoptera allergy, aged 16-76 years, were randomized to receive an ultrarush protocol (group A: 27 patients), a rush protocol (group B: 25), or a slow protocol (group C: 24). Aqueous venom extract was used in incremental phase and an adsorbed depot in maintenance phase. ADRs and accidental Hymenoptera stings during VIT were used to evaluate efficacy. Results. During incremental treatment, ADRs occurred in 1.99%, 3.7%, and 3.9% of patients in groups A, B, and C, and in 0.99%, 1.46%, and 2.7%, respectively, during maintenance. ADRs were significantly fewer in group A (incremental + maintenance phase) than in group C (1.29% versus 3.2%; P = 0.013). Reactions to accidental Hymenoptera stings did not differ among groups (1.1%, 1.2%, and 1.1%). Conclusion. Ultrarush was as effective as the rush and slow protocols and was associated with a low incidence of reactions to stings. This study indicates that ultrarush VIT is a valid therapeutic option for Hymenoptera allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown an association between global warming, air pollution, and allergic diseases. Several air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, toluene, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter, act as risk factors for the development or aggravation of atopic dermatitis (AD). We evaluated the impact of air pollutants and weather changes on AD patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty AD patients ≥5 years of age (mean age: 23.5 ± 12.5 years), living in the Campania Region (Southern Italy), were followed for 18 months. The primary outcome was the effect of atmospheric and climatic factors on signs and symptoms of AD, assessed using the SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) index. We measured mean daily temperature (TOD), outdoor relative humidity (RH), diurnal temperature range (DTR), precipitation, particulate with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10), NO2, tropospheric ozone (O3), and total pollen count (TPC). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations of AD signs and symptoms with these factors. An artificial neural network (ANN) analysis investigated the relationships between weather changes, environmental pollutants, and AD severity. Results: The severity of AD symptoms was positively correlated with outdoor temperatures (TOD, DTR), RH, precipitation, PM10, NO2, O3, and TPC. The ANN analysis also showed a good discrimination performance (75.46%) in predicting disease severity based on environmental pollution data, but weather‐related factors were less predictive. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide evidence that weather changes and air pollutions have a significant impact on skin reactivity and symptoms in AD patients, increasing the severity of the dermatitis. The knowledge of the single variables proportion on AD severity symptoms is important to propose alerts for exacerbations in patients with AD of each age. This finding represents a good starting point for further future research in an area of increasingly growing interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Legionella is an intracellular microorganism living in natural and artificial aquatic environments. Although its transmission to humans is linked to the inhalation of contaminated aerosols, there is no validated air sampling method for the control and prevention of the disease. The aim of the present study was to provide more information on the distribution of Legionella spp. in indoor environments and to determine whether the same Legionella strains are isolated from air and water samples. Methods Ten healthcare facilities located in seven regions of Italy were enrolled. The serological typing of Legionella spp. from water samples and the surrounding air by active and passive sampling was assessed using polyvalent and monovalent antisera. Subsequently, the strains identified as Legionella pneumophila ( Lpn ) underwent molecular typing by sequence-based typing (SBT) using seven genes ( flaA , pilE , asd , mip , mompS , proA , and neuA ). The allelic profile number was assigned using the European Working Group for Legionella Infections–SBT database. Results Lpn serogroup 6 was the most prevalent serogroup; it was found simultaneously in the air and water samples of three different healthcare facilities. In the remaining seven hospitals, Lpn serogroups 1, 6, 7, 9, and 12 were isolated exclusively from water samples. The molecular investigation showed that Lpn strains in the water and air samples of each positive healthcare facility had the same allelic profile. Strains, identified as sequence types (STs) 728 and ST 1638+ST 1324, were isolated in two respective healthcare facilities, and a new strain, identified as ST 1989, was obtained in one healthcare facility. Conclusion The application of the SBT method allowed to verify the homology among Legionella strains from water samples and the surrounding air. The results showed that the same Lpn strains were present in the air and water samples, and a new Legionella strain was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is closely associated with climate change and, in particular, with global warming. In addition to melting of ice and snow, rising sea level, and flooding of coastal areas, global warming is leading to a tropicalization of temperate marine ecosystems. Moreover, the effects of air pollution on airway and lung diseases are well documented as reported by the World Allergy Organization. Methods: Scientific literature was searched for studies investigating the effect of the interaction between air pollution and climate change on allergic and respiratory diseases. Results: Since 1990s, a multitude of articles and reviews have been published on this topic, with many studies confirming that the warming of our planet is caused by the “greenhouse effect” as a result of increased emission of “greenhouse” gases. Air pollution is also closely linked to global warming: the emission of hydrocarbon combustion products leads to increased concentrations of biological allergens such as pollens, generating a mixture of these particles called particulate matter (PM). The concept is that global warming is linked to the emission of hydrocarbon combustion products, since both carbon dioxide and heat increase pollen emission into the atmosphere, and all these particles make up PM10. However, the understanding of the mechanisms by which PM affects human health is still limited. Therefore, several studies are trying to determine the causes of global warming. There is also evidence that increased concentrations of air pollutants and pollens can activate inflammatory mediators in the airways. Our Task Force has prepared a Decalogue of rules addressing public administrators, which aims to limit the amount of allergenic pollen in the air without sacrificing public green areas. Conclusions: Several studies underscore the significant risks of global warming on human health due to increasing levels of air pollution. The impact of climate change on respiratory diseases appears well documented. The last decades have seen a rise in the concentrations of pollens and pollutants in the air. This rise parallels the increase in the number of people presenting with allergic symptoms (e.g., allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma), who often require emergency medical care. Our hope is that scientists from different disciplines will work together with institutions, pharmaceutical companies and lay organizations to limit the adverse health effects of air pollution and global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]