Latex Allergens Research Articles

B-060 Prevalence of CCD and profilins antibodies in a seasonal allergy study

Abstract Background Allergen sources are complex and heterogeneous mixtures of proteins, which may contain from innocuous IgE-binding structures such as CCDs (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants), which are not associated with symptoms, to a panallergen such as profilin, which is associated with multiple sensitizations to pollen and pollen-food-latex syndromes. CCDs are present in many plant and animal allergens and cause strong cross-reactivity due to the high similarity of their structure. They complicate the interpretation of positive in vitro diagnostic results because they do not associate symptomatology and, thats why, the determination of specific IgE antibodies against CCDs can provide useful information when positive IgE results are not consistent with the clinical picture. Profilins are ubiquitous proteins present in all eukaryotic cells and identified as allergens in pollen, latex and plant foods. The highly conserved structure explains the cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies against plant profilins and their designation as panallergens. As a panallergen, profilin is associated with multiple pollen sensitization and pollen-food-latex syndromes that the allergist must be aware of for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of allergic diseases. We intend to evaluate the prevalence of these two markers with a new diagnostic tool, since profilins and CCDs are the substances most likely to cause in vitro cross-reactivity. Methods In our study 8,242 adults who presented rhinoconjunctivitis and visited their primary care center were included. The samples were analyzed in serum samples which were routinely processed in our laboratory with the EUROLINE Mediterranean Inhalation 2 (IgE) assay from Euroimmun® from February to July 2023, according to the manufacturer’s protocols. Patients with specific IgE levels ≥ 0.35 kU/L were identified as sensitized to allergen. Results A total of 8,242 patients were enrolled in this study, 5,173 women and 3,069 men, ranging in age from 15 to 65 years. Of these, 279 patients (3.39%) had antibodies against CCD, 570 (6.92%) antibodies against profilins and 183 (2.22%) had both. A higher prevalence of these antibodies was observed in men (CCD, n = 168, 5.47%; Profilins, n = 308, 10.04%) than in women (CCD, n = 111, 2.15%; Profilins, n = 262, 5.06%). Both markers were more frequently found in the presence of specific IgE antibodies to grass and weed pollens. Conclusions The possibility of detecting the presence of IgE antibodies against CCD and panallergenic profilins is useful to detect cross-reactivity in vitro, which could explain the differences found between laboratory results and patients' symptoms, helping the allergist to make a diagnosis with greater certainty and accuracy.

Analysis of the electrophoretic profiles of the protein extracts of the species Manihot esculenta (Crantz, 1975), Persea Americana (Mill., 1768) and Actinidia delicious (A. Chevalier., 1984), and their association with the latex-fruit syndrome for searching for potential allergens

Determine the electrophoretic profiles of the extracts of Manihot esculenta, Actinidia Deliciosa and Persea Americana and their possible relationship with Latex-Fruit Syndrome. Protein extracts of M. esculenta, P. Americana and A. Deliciosa were prepared through the processes of maceration and solvent extraction from plant samples. In the case of the avocado, a prior extraction by soxhlet was carried out to eliminate the fat. The extracts were vacuum filtered, dialyzed and finally lyophilized. Separation of proteins based on molecular weight was performed by SDS PAGE electrophoresis. The electrophoretic profiles obtained were compared with the allergenic proteins previously identified in the latex extract, in order to determine a possible relationship with Latex-Fruit Syndrome, depending on the molecular weight. The extracts of M. esculenta and P. Americana showed a wide range of protein fractions with molecular weights varying from 10 to 250 KD, finding that the region with the highest concentration of bands was between 20 and 89 KD, (60 and 65%), respectively. A 20-band profile was obtained for the M. esculenta extract (Figure 1), with seven bands sharing similar weights with the latex allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 2, Hev b3, Hev b 4, Hev b 5, Hev b 6.03, Hev b 8 and Hev b 10) (3-5). For the P. Americana extract, 20 bands were also observed (Figure 2), seven of which presented approximate weights to the Latex allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 2 Hev b 4 Hev b 6.01 Hev b 6.03 Hev b 8 , Hev b 10 Hev b 11 Hev b 14). The Kiwi extract showed two bands of 19.1 and 22.9 KD, with weights close to latex proteins (figure 3), (Hev b 3 and Hev b 6.01), and allergens (Act d 2 and Act d 6), reported in the literature for this fruit. When analyzing the relationship between the separated protein fractions and the latex allergens described in the literature, a possible association of 35% was found for the extracts of M. esculenta and P. Americana, and 10% for A. Delicious, with great relevance being the association found with the allergens Hev b 4, Hev b 2, Hev 8 and Hev b 11, which are involved in Latex-Fruit Syndrome. The electrophoretic profiles of the prepared extracts were determined and compared with the Latex allergens. This information generates a contribution for the development of new research and advances in the standardization of these extracts on a large scale and for their future use in diagnostic tests.

Integrated approaches to prevent exposure risks related to latex-derived products

Natural rubber latex is a widely used industrial raw material to produce many consumer and commercial products. Chronic exposures to latex allergenic proteins residual in the finished products can promote hypersensitive immune responses, which affects millions of workers and the general public worldwide. Research has shown the average prevalence of latex allergy worldwide remains approximately 10% among healthcare workers, 7% among susceptible patients, and 4% among general population. Although most effective in preventing latex allergy, completely avoiding contact to latex-derived products is extremely challenging, given the fact that millions of products possibly contain latex, but few are regulated and properly labeled. Due to the difficulty to assure a product completely absent of latex allergens, the United States Food and Drug Administration has recommended to stop using labels like “latex-free” or “does not contain latex.” Here we evaluate published data, industrial standards and regulations, identify possible countermeasures, and propose an integrated strategy, including some more practicable approaches (e.g., education/training, product labeling, the use of proper personal protective equipment, occupational selection, and searchable product database) and novel medical treatments (e.g., immunotherapy) to help decreasing latex allergy prevalence.

Synergistic effects of gold nanoparticles enhanced the sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for latex allergens

Hevea brasiliensis rubber elongation factor (Hev b1), a non-glycosylated protein, is a notable allergen in natural latex products. This study aims to assess enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) combined with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a Hev b1 detection substrate. AuNP synthesis precursor and reducing agent concentrations were optimized using factorial design and multiple linear regression (MLR). The optimized conditions yielded spherical AuNPs with an average particle size of 73 ± 23 nm. This substrate enhanced detection sensitivity by around 50% compared to the limit of detection of the bare substrate, in the linear range of 0.25–1.75 μg/mL. Additionally, the heightened absorbance intensity observed during Hev b1 ELISA signifies both augmented surface immobilization of the analyte and optical induction arising from the aggregation of suitably small AuNPs (<80 nm) into dimer clusters, supported by discrete dipole approximation (DDA). Overall, the findings highlighted the synergistic effects of AuNPs in enhancing the performance of ELISA for Hev b1 detection.

Bioinformatic and literature assessment of toxicity and allergenicity of a CRISPR-Cas9 engineered gene drive to control Anopheles gambiae the mosquito vector of human malaria

BackgroundPopulation suppression gene drive is currently being evaluated, including via environmental risk assessment (ERA), for malaria vector control. One such gene drive involves the dsxFCRISPRh transgene encoding (i) hCas9 endonuclease, (ii) T1 guide RNA (gRNA) targeting the doublesex locus, and (iii) DsRed fluorescent marker protein, in genetically-modified mosquitoes (GMMs). Problem formulation, the first stage of ERA, for environmental releases of dsxFCRISPRh previously identified nine potential harms to the environment or health that could occur, should expressed products of the transgene cause allergenicity or toxicity.MethodsAmino acid sequences of hCas9 and DsRed were interrogated against those of toxins or allergens from NCBI, UniProt, COMPARE and AllergenOnline bioinformatic databases and the gRNA was compared with microRNAs from the miRBase database for potential impacts on gene expression associated with toxicity or allergenicity. PubMed was also searched for any evidence of toxicity or allergenicity of Cas9 or DsRed, or of the donor organisms from which these products were originally derived.ResultsWhile Cas9 nuclease activity can be toxic to some cell types in vitro and hCas9 was found to share homology with the prokaryotic toxin VapC, there was no evidence from previous studies of a risk of toxicity to humans and other animals from hCas9. Although hCas9 did contain an 8-mer epitope found in the latex allergen Hev b 9, the full amino acid sequence of hCas9 was not homologous to any known allergens. Combined with a lack of evidence in the literature of Cas9 allergenicity, this indicated negligible risk to humans of allergenicity from hCas9. No matches were found between the gRNA and microRNAs from either Anopheles or humans. Moreover, potential exposure to dsxFCRISPRh transgenic proteins from environmental releases was assessed as negligible.ConclusionsBioinformatic and literature assessments found no convincing evidence to suggest that transgenic products expressed from dsxFCRISPRh were allergens or toxins, indicating that environmental releases of this population suppression gene drive for malaria vector control should not result in any increased allergenicity or toxicity in humans or animals. These results should also inform evaluations of other GMMs being developed for vector control and in vivo clinical applications of CRISPR-Cas9.

Alergia ao Látex em Contexto Ocupacional

Introduction/framework/objectives Latex allergy is recognized as a widespread health problem that assumed serious proportions in the 1990s. Although preventive measures have markedly decreased its incidence, recent studies have shown that it remains an important health problem in certain population groups, particularly in developing countries. This work aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current status of occupational latex allergies. We summarize various aspects of this condition, such as prevalence, risk groups, latex allergens, the diagnostic approach, prevention, and treatment. Methodology A bibliographic review was carried out in January 2023 in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Evidence-based Medicine, Canadian Medical Association, Practice Guidelines and National Guideline Clearinghouse. Content Repeated exposure to latex in an occupational context can lead to worker sensitivity, with a significant clinical and socio-economic impact. We summarize various aspects of this condition, such as prevalence, risk groups, latex allergens, the diagnostic approach, prevention and treatment. Discussion and Conclusions The history of latex allergies has demonstrated that potent allergens such as Natural Rubber Latex proteins can cause rapid immunoglobulin-E-mediated sensitization and clinical allergies, reaching serious proportions in highly exposed individuals. Occupational exposure has a decisive influence on the allergen sensitivity profile, with important clinical and therapeutic consequences. The effectiveness of secondary prevention measures is limited. Thus, it is essential to implement early primary prevention measures in individuals belonging to risk groups, to avoid or minimize exposure to latex allergens. KEYWORDS: Healthcare Professionals, Latex allergy, Latex gloves, Latex hypersensitivity, Natural rubber latex, Occupational diseases, Occupational health, Occupational Medicine.

Sensitization to nsLTP: A Retrospective Study in An Italian Pediatric Population over the Last Decade.

Food allergy is common in the Mediterranean, especially concerning lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) allergy. LTPs are widespread plant food allergens in fruits, vegetables, nuts, pollen, and latex. Also, LTPs are prevalent food allergens in the Mediterranean area. They can sensitize via the gastrointestinal tract and cause a wide range of conditions: from mild reactions, such as oral allergy syndrome, to severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis. LTP allergy in the adult population is well described in the literature, concerning both the prevalence and clinical characteristics. However, there is poor knowledge about its prevalence and clinical manifestation in children living in the Mediterranean. This study, including 800 children aged from 1 to 18 years, investigated the prevalence of 8 different molecules of nonspecific LTP over time in an Italian pediatric population visited over the last 11 years. About 52% of the test population was sensitized to at least one LTP molecule. For all the LTPs analyzed, sensitization increased over time. In particular, using the years 2010 through 2020 as a comparison, the major increases were observed for the LTPs of the English walnut Jug r 3, the peanut Ara h 9, and the plane tree Pla a 3 (about 50%); the increase of the LTP of the Hazelnut Cor a 8 was about 36%, and that of the LTP of the artemisia Art v 3 was approximately 30%. The latest evidence in the literature indicates an increase in food allergy prevalence in the general population, including children. Therefore, the present survey represents an interesting perspective about the pediatric population of the Mediterranean area, exploring the trend of LTP allergy.

Effect of Latex Purification and Accelerator Types on Rubber Allergens Prevalent in Sulphur Prevulcanized Natural Rubber Latex: Potential Application for Allergy-Free Natural Rubber Gloves.

Natural rubber (NR) gloves manufactured from NR latex are widely utilized in various applications as a personal protective device due to their exceptional barrier characteristics in infection control. However, the use of NR gloves was associated with concerns on NR protein allergy. With comprehensive leaching procedures now a common practice in NR latex glove factories to eliminate latent rubber proteins and chemical allergens, occurrences and complaints of protein allergy from medical glove users have decreased drastically over the past two decades. The present work aims to eliminate further the residual rubber allergens in NR latex through effective purification of the NR latex and compounding the thus purified latex with an established formulation for allergy-free NR for glove applications. NR latex was purified by deproteinization and saponification, respectively. Several analytical techniques were used to verify rubber allergens eliminated in the purified latexes. Saponified NR (SPNR) latex was the purified NR latex of choice since it is devoid of allergenic proteins and poses the lowest risk of Type I allergy. The purified NR latex was compounded with zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate (ZDBC), and zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZMBT), respectively, for glove dipping. Among the investigated accelerators, only ZDBC was not detected in the artificial sweat that came into contact with the dipped articles. Thus, it is deduced that ZDBC poses the lowest risk of Type IV allergy to consumers. Additionally, the morphological and physical properties of dipped articles were assessed. It was revealed that the dipped film from the SPNR latex compounded with ZDBC provided thinner and less yellow products with a more uniform internal structure and a tensile strength comparable to those of commercial NR gloves.

Improving Deproteinization in Colombian Latex from Hevea brasiliensis: A Bibliometric Approximation.

Natural Rubber Field Latex (NRFL) allergens restrict its use in some markets due to health-threatening allergic reactions. These molecules are proteins that are related to asymptomatic sensitization and hypersensitivity mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). Although NRFL allergens have been investigated since the 1980s, there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the development of deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR). Therefore, in this study, the deproteinization of NRFL from the lower basin of the Cauca River, Antioquia-Colombia was evaluated using eight systems. The highest removal value was 84.4% and was obtained from the treatment containing SDS (Sodium dodecyl sulfate), Urea, and Ethanol. It was also possible to determine that at high concentrations of SDS, removal percentages higher than 70% are reached. On the other hand, all deproteinizing systems decreased NRFL Zeta potentials without self-coagulation, suggesting enhanced colloidal stability in DPNR latex. On the other hand, the bibliometric analysis presented technological advances in DPRN through different parameters and bibliometric networks. The analysis presented makes an important contribution from the bibliometric approach that could be positive for the development of research on DPNR.

Identification of allergen encoding sequences in a novel food ingredient from Moringa oleifera leaves

Alternative sources of edible proteins are required to feed the world’s growing population, such as Moringa oleifera leaves, a protein source with a balanced amino acid composition. Since Moringa leaf proteins is a novel food in the EU and UK, an assessment of their potential allergenicity of is required.Proteins from Moringa leaf powder were characterised using traditional proteomic approaches. The proteins identified were evaluated for their allergenic potential using in-silico tools.The main proteins identified belonged to photosynthetic and metabolic pathways. In-silico analysis of the leaf proteome identified moritides as potential allergens by homology with a latex allergen implicated in fruit-latex syndrome. This analysis also identified a nsLTP, a major panallergen in food. The presence of these putative allergens was confirmed by de-novo sequencing. Our study allowed identification of putative allergens, Morintides and nsLTP. Further in-vitro and in-vivo investigations are required to confirm their allergenic potential.

Latex Allergens in the Ear Straps of Face Coverings and Masks in the UK: Initial Findings

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to an unprecedented demand for PPE and generated a small-scale industry making personalised face coverings. Concerns had been raised about the use of natural rubber latex (NRL) as an elastomeric material, with its health risks. We have investigated the levels of four NRL allergens and total protein in elastomeric ear-straps in manufactured face coverings and the material sold for their production, and a number of imported N95/KN95 PPE masks. None of the samples identified whether NRL was involved or not. NRL allergens levels in manufactured masks were low or not detectable; 3/10 of the N95/KN95 masks showed levels above the limit of detection, probably reflecting low-level cross-contamination during manufacture. Three batches of material sold for “the manufacture of ear straps for face coverings” had significant but variable levels of allergen (250–2526 ng/g of material). Historically, extractable protein measurements have been used as an indicator of possible NRL proteins. This study showed significant levels of apparent protein in sample extracts without measurable NRL allergens or confirmation by electrophoresis. Therefore, the immunochemical measurement of NRL allergens remains key to rule out elastomeric material with the potential to cause latex-related health problems.

Contribution of the Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Test to the Evaluation of Cellular Immunoreactivity against Latex Extracts for Non—IgE-Mediated Latex-Fruit-Pollen Syndrome in Allergic Candidates to Exclusion Diets and Allergic Desensitization

Background: Due to the lack of standardized laboratory procedures able to demonstrate specific non—IgE-mediated immune responses against latex allergens, these conditions are diagnosed mostly by clinical criteria based on empiric exclusion prescriptions monitored by in vivo challenge tests.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the opportunity of an ex vivo challenge immunoassay, the Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition (LAI) Test (LAIT), to discriminate non—IgE-mediated latex-specific immunoreactivity.&#x0D; Methods: Ex vivo challenge tests performed with Hevea Brasiliense’s latex extract, monitored by LAIT, were assayed in an asymptomatic control group and a group of patients with diverse respiratory and cutaneous non—IgE-mediated allergic conditions, clinically diagnosed by a certified allergologist.&#x0D; Results: The mean LAI of the control group was 8.3%. The mean LAI of the complete patients’ group was 41.1%. The non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U (WMWU) test comparing the control group with the whole patient’s group showed significance with a p-value &lt; 0.00001. The WMWU test comparing the control group with each other patient’s group showed significance with a p-value &lt; α = 0.05 for all comparisons. The WMWU test comparing the patients’ groups between each other did not show any significant p-value.&#x0D; Conclusion: Several patients from the diverse non—IgE-mediated allergic phenotypes presented variable immunoreactivity against the latex extract, as demonstrated by the LAIT, which proved to be an easy, quick, and inexpensive ex vivo immunoassay with the potential to predict individual immunoreactivity against Hevea brasiliensis latex allergens in real-world patients with non—IgE-mediated allergies.

Evaluation of proteins in natural rubber latex gloves and pulmonary function amongst female nurses in two tertiary hospitals in southern, Thailand.

Inhaled natural rubber latex (NRL) allergens in a healthcare environment can cause NRL sensitization and reduce pulmonary functions. To determine the amount of proteins and the effects of NRL gloves on the pulmonary functions of female nurses in two hospitals in the southern Thailand. The study included 340 female nurses from two hospitals in which self-reported information and a blood sample were collected. NRL sensitization was determined by using a solid-phase enzyme-labeled fluoroenzyme-immunoassay for anti-NRLIgE antibodies. Proteins in NRL gloves were measured by a modified Lowry method. Pulmonary function was measured by a spirometer. The prevalences of respiratory effects self-attributed to NRL glove use and of NRL sensitization were 6.5 and 4.7%, respectively. Four of the 16 sensitized nurses reported respiratory symptoms. NRL sensitized nurses had lower forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75% predicted value) than those who were non-sensitized (Adj. difference = -12.56, 95% CI = -24.41 to -0.70). Furthermore, examination gloves contained protein levels in the range of 111-250 mg/dm2. Difference types of NRL glove contained with different amount of proteins.NRL sensitization was more prevalent in nurses with high concentrations of proteins in NRL gloves (p = 0.04). Sensitization to NRL was associated with a decrease in FEF25-75% predicted value, indicating narrowing of the small airways of the lung. Use of gloves with low proteins can reducing NRL allergen exposure in these hospitals, which may reduce the risk of developing respiratory problems and NRL sensitization.

Characteristics of hand eczema in final-year apprentice nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundApprentice nurses are considered at high risk to developing occupational skin diseases.ObjectivesThis study assessed the frequency and origin of hand eczema, and work‐related risk factors in apprentice nurses.MethodsThe study involved 240 final‐year apprentice nurses (females 75%, median age 19 years) from vocational schools in Zagreb, Croatia. The study was performed in 2020/2021 and included a questionnaire and clinical examination by means of the Osnabrück Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI). Skin prick test (SPT) with natural rubber latex (NRL) allergen, and patch test with the basic series of allergens, and disinfectants, were performed in 42 apprentice nurses with hand eczema that lasted more than 3 months.ResultsClinically observed and self‐reported hand eczema were found in 49% and 46% of apprentice nurses, respectively. Those with observed changes were older and reported more days per month spent on practical work than those with healthy skin (P = .001). Median OHSI was 4 (interquartile range 2‐6). There were no positive SPTs to latex, and 11 (26%) apprentice nurses had positive patch test reactions to one or more tested allergens, mostly nickel.ConclusionsHand eczema was common in final‐year apprentice nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It was mostly of irritative origin, associated with the duration of practical training, confirming cumulative effect of hazards on skin barrier.

ADJUSTING THE LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE AND APPLIED TO EXTRACT PROTEINS IN NATURAL RUBBER LATEX

Natural rubber latex (NRL) with “low protein content” is regarded as less allergenic latex for medical gloves, medical products, condoms, etc. Therefore, this study was conducted to strengthen the fundamental approach of making “low protein NRL” via oligosaccharide hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (oligoHEC) treatment. OligoHEC (Mw ~10,000 g/mol) is degradation product of HEC (Mw ~90,000 g/mol) by 1.5% H2O2 treatment combined with hydrothermal at temperature for 30 minutes at 121°C, pressurized rate of 0.38 mPa by autoclave equipment. OligoHECs were employed to form electrical bonds with the proteins. The target of this study is protein content of NRL ≤ 50 µg/g of rubber, we surveyed the effect of oligoHEC treatment towards the solution proteins content of NRL. Results show that oligoHEC at low concentration (0.25%) effectively extracted the proteins molecules. Interestingly, allergenic proteins content of NRL serum was decreased proportionally (&lt; 50 µg/g of rubber) with the upsurge of oligoHEC concentration, suggesting deactivation of allergenic. These preliminary results indicate a potential approach to produce low allergenic risk NRL products with adding of oligoHEC

Prevalence of allergens of atopic asthma at Square Hospitals Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Asthma is one of the major substantial public health problems, caused by both the genetic and the environmental factors (allergens and air pollution). Here, the prevalence of allergens of atopic asthma was investigated and carried out at Square Hospitals Limited., Dhaka from November 2019 to July 2020. The study group consisted of 168 asthmatic subjects who suffered from asthma. Skin prick test of 56 listed allergens, serum immunoglobulin E level, and clinical history were assessed to investigate the prevalence. The survey depicted an 80% positive reaction to Dermatophagoides farinae and a 71% to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. For these allergens, a high prevalence was recorded in males (50% and 47.02%) who belonged to the age group of 26 to 45 years (28.57% and 24.40% respectively). Furthermore, the significance of family history of allergy (51.79% and 48.81%) and medication history (41.07% and 39.29%) was found to be substantial for these allergens. Additionally, 57% of respondents were tested positive for dog epithelia and cockroach allergens, 56% for grain (wheat) dust, 44% to mosquito allergen, 42% for house dust and Aspergillus fumigatus, 36% to chicken feather, 35% for pigeon feather, and 6% to latex. Moreover, 80.36% of respondents had elevated serum immunoglobulin E level concerning their ages and 11.90% did not have serum reports. Interestingly, the respondents who had no family history of allergy were found to be more allergic to fungi allergens. Lastly, 39.1% of respondents were allergic to different kinds of foods like aquatic or seafood, animal products, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Among the respondents, 64.9% reported to have a positive family history. Association and correlation of allergens with different risk factors were analyzed and it was concluded that people predominantly suffered from mite allergens followed by animal dander, insect, dust, fungi and pollen, and a minute amount of latex allergens.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RUBBER HOUSEHOLD GLOVES STANDARD

&lt;p&gt;Rubber gloves are widely used for hand protection in medical, food industries, and household purposes. The Indonesian national standard (SNI) that regulates quality specifications of these products is SNI 06-1301-1989, while for international standard is ISO 20057:2017. This study aimed to assess whether or not the SNI 06-1301-1989 needs to be updated referred to ISO 20057:2017 using comparative analysis. Eight samples of rubber household gloves have tested using ISO 20057:2017 as guidance. The result treated using descriptive analysis method then SNI 06-1301-1989 and ISO 20057:2017 were being compared. The result showed that only 4 samples namely G1, G2, G3, and G8 fulfilled requirements. Based on the result, several update were recommended for SNI 06-1301-1989 following ISO 20057:2017. Specifications such as letter and number size code and whether the gloves are ambidextrous or hand specific should be on the package. A uniform finish, free from discoloration appearance also width, length and thickness dimension and pH test needs to follows ISO 20057:2017 since latex allergen is can be found. Physic test i.e. tensile strength and elongation at break at standard laboratory temperatures and humidity and tensile strength after ageing should be kept as well as liquid for immersion test while tear strength and permanent set at 200% was unnecessary.&lt;/p&gt;

Adverse reaction to Ficus Carica: reported case of a possible cross-reactivity with Der p1

BackgroundFicus carica is an edible fruit, belonging to the Moraceae family, rarely described as cause of food allergy. We describe the first case of fig allergy that occurred as a cross-reactivity between fig and Derp 1.Case presentationWe present a case of a 10-years-old-girl, with a history of no-seasonal mild intermittent rhinitis, who experienced an immediate reaction after ingestion of a fresh fig. Skin prick tests (SPT) with commercial extracts of food, airborne allergens, latex and panallergens (profilin, PR-10 and lipid transfer protein) were performed. SPT revealed a sensitization only for dermatophagoides farina and dermatophagoides pteronyssinus which was then confirmed with by specific IgE assay (UniCAP, Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden). We also carried out a positive SPT with a commercial fig allergen (Lofarma, Milan, Italy) and prick-by-prick (PBP) both with skin and pulp of green raw and cooked fig. Fig specific serum IgE levels were 1.08 U/ml and specific IgE for rDer p1 was 16.20 U/ml (total serum IgE = 377 U/ml). In contrast specific IgE levels for latex, LTP, profilin, PR-10 and pollen allergens were negative.ConclusionThe ficin, the major fig allergen, belongs to cysteine protease family like Der p 1. The symptoms presented by our patient could be related to a cross reactivity between these two proteins which present a structural homology.

Proteomic analysis upon peach fruit infection with Monilinia fructicola and M. laxa identify responses contributing to brown rot resistance

Brown rot, caused by Monilinia spp., is a major peach disease worldwide. In this study, the response of peach cultivars Royal Glory (RG) and Rich Lady (RL) to infection by Monilinia fructicola or Monilinia laxa, was characterized. Phenotypic data, after artificial inoculations, revealed that ‘RL’ was relatively susceptible whereas ‘RG’ was moderately resistant to Monilinia spp. Comparative proteomic analysis identified mesocarp proteins of the 2 cultivars whose accumulation were altered by the 2 Monilinia species. Functional analysis indicated that pathogen-affected proteins in ‘RG’ were mainly involved in energy and metabolism, while, differentially accumulated proteins by the pathogen presence in ‘RL’ were involved in disease/defense and metabolism. A higher number of proteins was differentiated in ‘RG’ fruit compared to ‘RL’. Upon Monilinia spp. infection, various proteins were-down accumulated in ‘RL’ fruit. Protein identification by mass spectrometric analysis revealed that several defense-related proteins including thaumatin, formate dehydrogenase, S-formylglutathione hydrolase, CBS domain-containing protein, HSP70, and glutathione S-transferase were up-accumulated in ‘RG’ fruit following inoculation. The expression profile of selected defense-related genes, such as major latex allergen, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase and UDP-glycoltransferase was assessed by RT-PCR. This is the first study deciphering differential regulations of peach fruit proteome upon Monilinia infection elucidating resistance responses.

Antigenic cross-reactivity between Schistosoma mansoni and allergenic invertebrates putatively due to shared glycanic epitopes

Previous studies have shown that rabbit IgG antibodies against Schistosoma mansoni egg antigens (SmSEA) cross-react with allergens in natural rubber latex, peanuts and grass and tree pollens. Here we describe antigenic molecules that cross-react with rabbit anti-S. mansoni IgG antibodies in extracts of the house dust mite (HDM) Dermatophagoides farinae, the Australian cockroach (ACR) Periplaneta australasiae and in the venom of the honey bee Apis mellifera (HBV). Tandem mass spectrometry identified the cross-reactive allergens as Der f 15 in HDM, two homologues of the Periplaneta americana cockroach allergen Cr-PI/Per a 3 in ACR and two isoforms of the allergen Api m 1 (phospholipase A2: PLA2) in HBV. Cross-reactive rabbit anti-SmSEA IgG antibodies eluted from the three invertebrate allergens reacted with S. mansoni egg antigens and variably with schistosome cercarial and worm antigens. Treatment of the electroblotted allergens with sodium metaperiodate abrogated most of the cross-reactivity of the rabbit anti-SmSEA antibodies, suggesting it was due to cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). Furthermore, analyses of the allergens’ amino acid sequences indicated that they had potential for both N- and O-linked glycosylation. A potential role for the CCDs shared by the schistosome and invertebrates in inducing an allergy-protective effect, as proposed by the hygiene hypothesis, is discussed.