Prick Test Research Articles

Penicillin Allergy Management in India and Sri Lanka: Current Challenges.

Data regarding Penicillin allergy labels (PALs) from India and Sri Lanka are sparse. Emerging data suggests that the proportion of patients declaring an unverified PAL in secondary care in India and Sri Lanka (1%-4%) is lesser than that reported in High Income Countries (15%-20%). However, even this relatively small percentage translates into a large absolute number, as this part of the world accounts for approximately 25% of the global population. There is a huge unmet need for allergy specialists in India and Sri Lanka. Penicillin allergy management is further compromised by unavailability of skin test reagents, lack of formal training in drug allergy, pre-emptive, non-standardised and unregulated skin testing by untrained operators and a weak health service framework. This has an adverse impact on antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in the management of rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, bacterial endocarditis, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. This narrative review highlights the burden of PALs in India and Sri Lanka, as well as gaps in the published literature. It describes current challenges and a pragmatic, cautious and staged bespoke mitigation approach to improve and standardise antimicrobial stewardship in accordance with the World Health Organisation AWaRe guidance.

The role of IgE sensitisation in acute FPIES: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evidence on the role of IgE sensitisation in acute Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome ('atypical FPIES') is limited. Initial reports claimed association with persistent disease, however recent studies have not replicated this. To systematically review the relationship between sensitisation to the culprit food(s) in acute FPIES and the outcome of follow-up oral food challenges. To assess rates of sensitisation, seroconversion (i.e. switch from negative tests to sensitisation) and phenotype switch to IgE-mediated food allergy over time in individuals with acute FPIES. Systematic review searching 10 databases. Studies of children and adults with acute FPIES diagnosis assessing IgE sensitisation to culprit food at onset or follow-up measured by skin prick or serological test were included. Of 1830 studies identified, 53 were eligible including 3514 participants. Ten studies had an analytical design assessing whether sensitisation was associated with disease persistence, with 4 showing an association and 6 showing no association. In individuals with acute FPIES, the sensitisation rate was 9.8% (95% CI: 7.4-12.1%; 34 studies, 2587 participants, I2 = 82%); the frequency of seroconversion was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.1-2.1%; 9 studies, 673 participants, I2=32%); and phenotype switch occurred in 1.1% (95% CI: 0.4-1.7%; 14 studies, 935 participants, I2 =0%) and 13% (95% CI: 5.5-20.5%, 12 studies, 93 participants; I2=18%) of sensitised participants. We did not find consistent evidence for the relationship between IgE sensitisation and FPIES persistence. We found phenotype switch to IgE-mediated food allergy is uncommon in acute FPIES. IgE-sensitisation in FPIES does not have a clear relationship with clinical outcomes.

Increased thyroxine levels of patients with allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are common respiratory conditions with complex etiologies involving genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. In these conditions, the role of thyroid function remains underexplored. This study enrolled 116 participants with a mean age of 29.55 years: 66 with allergic rhinitis, 20 with concomitant asthma, and 30 healthy controls. BMI and serum IgE, T3, T4, and TSH levels were measured. A significant familial history of atopy was reported by 66.4% of participants. Skin prick tests revealed predominant sensitivity to house dust mites (55.2%). BMI was within normal ranges across all groups, serum IgE levels were significantly elevated in patients with respiratory allergies compared to controls (Mean = 36.85 IU/mL), especially those with allergic rhinitis and concomitant asthma (Mean = 218 IU/mL). Significant differences in serum T4 levels were observed, particularly among those with allergic rhinitis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant associations between age, BMI, and thyroid hormones, with notable sex-specific differences (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). The study highlights the complex interplay between metabolic, endocrine, and immune responses in respiratory allergies. Elevated serum IgE levels and alterations in thyroid function, particularly among males, suggest potential pathways for targeted therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed to elucidate these relationships and their underlying mechanisms.

Lovastatin and Resveratrol Synergistically Improve Wound Healing and Inhibit Bacterial Growth.

Wound healing is a complex physiological process, with scarring and infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most common complications. The reutilization of known medications has received increased attention for their role in cell function as small molecules. Examples of these include lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering agent, and resveratrol, which have multiple biological properties. Both molecules have been reported to improve wound healing and possess antibacterial properties, with conflicting results. The wound-healing capabilities of human mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated after exposure to lovastatin, resveratrol, and their combination through scratch test, migrations assay, and qPCR. Protein docking was performed to assess the lovastatin/resveratrol combination as potential wound-healing targets. AlamarBlue assay was used to determine cell viability. Additionally, the impact of lovastatin and resveratrol combination to inhibit the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was tested using broth microdilution test and checkerboard assay to determine synergism. The combination of lovastatin 0.1 μM and resveratrol 0.1 μM synergistically improved wound healing and demonstrated an additive effect against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, presenting potential antibacterial applications.

Influence of Spray Angle on Scratch Resistance of Cold-Sprayed SS316L Deposits.

In this study, we investigated the effect of spray angle on the microstructure, bonding quality, and scratch resistance of cold-sprayed SS316L coatings on SS304 substrates. The coatings were deposited at spray angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° using a high-pressure cold spray system. A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the spray angle and coating properties was conducted, with a particular focus on fracture toughness and porosity. Scratch testing, combined with real-time acoustic emission monitoring, enabled the precise identification of failure mechanisms and the assessment of coating integrity. The results indicate that microhardness and porosity are significantly influenced by the spray angle. The highest microhardness was achieved at a 45° angle, while a 90° angle resulted in the lowest porosity and superior bonding due to superior normal impact velocity. Fracture toughness was found to correlate with microstructural cohesion and particle deformation. Optimizing the incidence angle improved the coating performance by balancing strain hardening and ductility, thereby reducing the risk of premature failure. These findings are particularly relevant for industrial applications, where wear resistance and high-quality bonding are critical, such as in aerospace, automotive, and marine sectors. By adjusting the spray angles, manufacturers can enhance the longevity and reliability of the coated components, thus reducing maintenance costs and improving performance. This research highlights the importance of process parameters in achieving durable, high-quality coatings and emphasizes scratch testing as an effective, sustainable, and semi-destructive evaluation method for coating integrity.

The Role of Climate and Residency in Storage Mite Sensitivity Among Children with Allergic Diseases in The Mediterranean Region.

Mite allergy is the most common inhalant allergen sensitivity. In addition to house dust mites, which are indoor allergens, well-known storage mites also exist. This study examines the frequency of storage mite sensitivity in children with allergic diseases, the rate of cross-sensitization with other mite species, and the relationship between mite sensitivities and various factors such as the type of region where patients reside and meteorological data from their locations. A total of 368 children with allergic diseases were included in the study. According to the results of the epidermal prick tests, 224 (60.9%) patients had sensitivity to at least one type of mite, while 171 (46.5%) patients had sensitivity to at least one house dust mite, and 135 (36.7%) had sensitivity to at least one storage mite. Among those with storage mite sensitivity, 82 patients (60.7%) also had sensitivity to house dust mites. In the group of patients living in rural areas, storage mite sensitivity was 57.9%, while in urban centers this rate was 16.8% (p < 0.001). An increase in humidity level was found to increase the likelihood of developing house dust mite sensitivity and storage mite sensitivity (p <0.05, OR: 2.542 and p < 0.001, OR: 7.792). Additionally, increase in average wind speed was found to increase the likelihood of developing storage mite sensitivity (p < 0.001, OR: 9.582). Storage mites, an often-overlooked factor in daily practice, are a respiratory allergen that is more common in children than often believed. Susceptibility to storage mites can be affected by the average wind speed and humidity in the region. When assessing the sensitization profiles of allergic children, storage mite sensitization should be considered in addition to house dust mites, and appropriate precautions should be taken.

Effects of Food Processing on Allergenicity.

There is an increasing awareness among clinicians that industrial and household food processing methods can increase or decrease the allergenicity of foods. Modification to allergen properties through processing can enable dietary liberations. Reduced allergenicity may also allow for lower risk immunotherapy approaches. This review will equip physicians, nurses, dieticians and other health care providers with an updated overview of the most clinically oriented research in this field. We summarize studies assessing the allergenicity of processed foods through clinically accessible means, such as oral food challenges, skin prick tests, and sIgE levels. Baking, boiling, canning, fermenting, pasteurizing, peeling, powdering, and roasting heterogenously impact the likelihood of reactivity in egg-, milk-, peanut- and other legume-, tree nut-, fruit-, and seafood-allergic patients. These variations may be due to the use of different temperatures, duration of processing, presence of a matrix, and the specific allergens involved, among other factors. Accurate prediction of tolerance to processed allergens with skin prick tests and sIgE levels remains largely elusive. Food allergy management strategies, especially with milk and egg, have capitalized on the decreased allergenicity of baking. Many milk- and egg-allergic patients tolerate baked and heated forms of these allergens, and the use of these processed foods in oral immunotherapy (OIT) continues to be extensively investigated. Heat is also well recognized to reduce allergic symptoms from some fruits and vegetables in food-pollen syndrome. Other forms of processing such as boiling, fermenting, and canning can reduce allergenicity to a diverse array of foods. Roasting, on the other hand, may increase allergenicity. The application of food processing to food allergy treatments remains largely unexplored by large clinical studies and provides a key avenue for future research. The recognition that food allergy represents a spectrum of hypersensitivity, rather than an all-or-nothing phenomenon, has led to approaches to enable dietary liberation with processed, less-allergenic foods and their use in food allergy immunotherapies.

Brucea javanica oil inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral squamous carcinoma by regulated the MTFR2 pathway

IntroductionOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in oral and maxillofacial region. The development of new chemotherapy agents and new drug combinations may improve patient survival and quality of life, but both surgery and radiotherapy have significant functional side effects and drug resistance, ultimately resulting in a 5-year survival rate of no more than 60% for OSCC patients. Studies have shown that Brucea javanica oil (BJO) extracts have anti-cancer effects against a variety of cancers, but little research has been reported on OSCC. MethodsCCK8, Colony formation, Scratch test and Transwell invasion assays were applied to determine the effects of BJO on the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of OSCC cells in vitro. MTFR2 knockdown (shRNA) and overexpression (cDNA) OSCC cells were constructed to evaluate the effect of MTFR2 on the proliferation and invasion of OSCC cells. The nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft tumor was used to evaluate the effect of BJO on OSCC cells in vivo. PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to verify the expression of MTFR2, glycolysis markers and related pathway molecules after BJO treatment.ResultsIn vivo experiments using nude mice with xenografted OSCC cells and in vitro experiments with OSCC cell lines demonstrated that BJO treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of OSCC cells. WB and PCR proved that BJO could effectively reduce the expression levels of MTFR2 and SOD2/H2O2 related signal transduction pathways. At the same time, the expression of oxidative phosphorylation markers increased, the expression of glycolytic markers decreased, and glycolysis-mediated decomposition of reactive oxygen species decreased, and H2O2 and oxygen levels decreased.In addition, when MTFR2 expression increased or decreased, SOD2/H2O2 expression also increased or decreased.DiscussionIn this study, we concluded through in vitro and in vivo experiments that BJO may affect the SOD2/H2O2 signaling pathway by down-regulating MTFR2-mediated aerobic glycolysis, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation, Migration, and Invasion. The elucidation of this mechanism helps us to understand the molecular mechanism ofinhibiting OSCC invasion and metastasis by BJO, which has important clinical value or improving the survival rate of OSCC patients.

The association between skin allergy testing and oral squamous cell carcinoma in oral lichen planus: a retrospective cohort study.

There is a reported association between oral contact allergy and oral lichen planus (OLP). Likewise oral squamous cell carcinoma (oSCC) is associated with OLP. It is hypothesized that chronic inflammation may contribute to oSCC risk. Ostensibly, we hypothesized that allergy testing positivity may increase inflammation and thus may be associated with oSCC in OLP. As a secondary objective, we assessed oSCC prevalence in OLP, allergen prevalence in OLP, and associations between allergy testing and OLP phenotype. To do this, we performed a retrospective cohort evaluation of OLP patients seen at the University of Utah from 2015 to 2022. Odds of oSCC occurrence by allergy testing status, clinical/demographic factors and asssociations between allergy testing and OLP phenotype were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. The prevalence of oSCC and allergy testing (patch + scratch testing) results were summarized descriptively. OLP diagnoses were confirmed by our OLP-specialized clinicians, and/or histologic assessment. Allergy testing was performed by two specialized dermatologists. oSCC diagnosis was identified via chart review and histologic data. Among 587 OLP patients identified, 133 were allergy tested and 77.4% were positive (52.4% metals, 55.3% flavorings/fragrances, 47.6% preservatives). Of those with a positive allergy test, 10 (25.6%) developed oSCC compared with 2 (5.1%) of patients with a negative allergy test. There was insufficient evidence to support an association between allergy positivity and oSCC (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 0.76-3.15). A higher percent of symptomatic visits was the only other clinical and/or demographic factor associated with oSCC occurrence (median 87.5% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.03). Of the OLP disease characteristics assessed (mouth area involved, extent of disease involvement, erosive subtype, etc.), only OLP involving the gingiva was associated with positive allergy testing (OR = 2.54,1.11-5.81). These data suggest that allergy test positivity may not be associated with oSCC. However, it was associated with more pervasive symptomatology, suggesting a possible association with more severe or recalcitrant disease.

Challenges in diagnosing polyethylene glycol and polysorbate 80 allergies: implications for allergic reactions in COVID-19 mRNA vaccination program: experience from Qatar.

COVID-19 vaccination has been a key intervention in reducing the severity of symptoms; however, concerns about vaccine safety, particularly regarding allergic reactions, arose early on. Healthcare workers faced the challenge of addressing these concerns to ensure safe vaccine administration. This study aimed to review the practical aspects of using allergy skin testing for COVID-19 vaccine excipients in patients with a history of allergic reactions developed following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who reported allergic reactions after the COVID-19 vaccine and underwent allergy skin testing for COVID-19 vaccine excipients in the Adult Allergy and Immunology Service at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. The testing protocol, developed based on published data during the pandemic, included skin prick (SPT) and intradermal (ID) testing using medications containing polysorbate 80 and polyethylene glycol (PEG), the primary excipients in the COVID-19 vaccines suspected of triggering allergic responses. Of the 88 patients reviewed, 38 reported different types of allergic reactions following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, with the majority being female. Anaphylaxis was reported in 21.1% of the patients, while the remaining experienced less severe allergic reactions. All patients underwent SPT and ID testing with PEG and polysorbate 80. By SPT, two patients tested positive for PEG and none for polysorbate 80. By ID, seven tested positive for polysorbate 80 and one for PEG. Among patients who experienced anaphylaxis, 50% had positive allergy test results. Twenty-three percent of patients with negative test results could receive additional vaccine doses without adverse reactions. Managing patients with a history of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine is challenging, as the exact mechanisms and accurate and valid allergy testing are yet to be determined. In our cohort, most patients had mild allergic reactions following vaccination. Excipients' allergy skin testing has helped to reduce vaccine hesitancy despite its questionable utility in clinical practice.

Fecal Calprotectin Determination in a Cohort of Children with Cow's Milk Allergy.

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy among children. An oral food challenge (OFC) remains a mainstay of the diagnosis of CMA, especially for the non-IgE-mediated type; however, this test can be risky and time-consuming. Hence, there is a need to identify biomarkers. Fecal calprotectin (FC) showed variable results, with good reliability and reproducibility in CMA patients. In this prospective study, we enrolled 76 children (aged 5-18 months) with CMA-related gastrointestinal and cutaneous symptoms following guidelines from the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Clinical assessments included history, physical examination, skin prick tests, and IgE assays. FC levels and the Cow's Milk Related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) were measured in 51 patients pre (T1) and post-diet (T2), with a subgroup analysis of 15 patients with elevated baseline FC (>50 mg/kg). The results showed that FC levels significantly decreased after the elimination diet (median: 30 mg/kg at T1, 16 mg/kg at T2; p < 0.01). In the subgroup with higher FC levels, median values dropped from 90 mg/kg to 33 mg/kg (p < 0.01). CoMiSS also improved (median: 8.50 at T1, 3.00 at T2; p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed no correlation between FC values and the CoMiSS at T1 and T2. In conclusion, the reduction in FC value after an elimination diet suggests that it could be considered a possible biomarker of bowel inflammation in CMA patients. Further studies are necessary to confirm these data and to evaluate and standardize the use of FC for diagnosis and follow-up of CMA.

Enhancing Corneal Sensitivity in Diabetic Patients Through an Innovative Ophthalmic Solution: In Vivo and Vitro Results.

Background/Objectives: Diabetes is a well-recognised factor inducing a plethora of corneal alterations ranging from dry eye to reduced corneal sensibility, epithelial defects, and reduced cicatrisation. This cohort study aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel ophthalmic solution combining cross-linked hyaluronic acid (CHA), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and inositol (INS) in managing diabetes-induced corneal alterations. Specifically, it evaluated the solution's impact on the tear breakup time (TBUT), the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and corneal sensitivity after three months of treatment. Additionally, the solution's potential to promote wound healing was examined. Methods: Two different populations were retrieved from the database; the first one was composed of 20 diabetic subjects treated for three months with the ophthalmic CAH-CS (OPHTAGON srl, Rome, Italy), while the second group was composed of 20 diabetic subjects who did not want to use any eye lubricant or other treatment. The outcome measures were the TBUT, the OSDI score, and the corneal sensitivity measured using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. To investigate the wound-healing properties, in vitro tests were conducted using two cell lines, comparing the results of scratch tests with and without the solution. Results: The results indicate that CHA-CS significantly improved the tear film stability, as evidenced by an increased TBUT and a reduction in dry eye symptoms reflected by lower OSDI scores. Moreover, the solution was associated with an enhanced corneal sensitivity in treated patients. In wound-healing assays, CHA-CS promoted cell motility, suggesting a supportive role in tissue repair compared to untreated cells. Conclusions: Collectively, the results suggest that CHA-CS could serve as an innovative tool for the treatment of diabetic patients with corneal alterations and delayed corneal sensitivity. Clinical trial registration number: Clinical Trial.gov NCT06573606.

Biodegradable PHBVHHx-PEG/Collagen Hydrogel Scaffolds for Cartilage Repair.

Recently, there has been increased attention on the treatment of cartilage repair. Overall, we constructed PHBVHHx-COL, a composite hydrogel of PHBVHHx-co-PEG and collagen, and evaluated its cartilage repair efficacy through in vitro and invivo studies using hydrogel loaded with peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs). Rheological properties and compressive mechanical properties of the hydrogels were systematically evaluated. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogels was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 test, live/dead staining, scratch test, and transwell test. The effect of chondrogenic differentiation of PBMSCs on hydrogels was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the invivo cartilage repair ability of the hydrogels was confirmed following in situ injections in rabbit chondral defect models. Finally, the induced polarization of the hydrogel scaffold on macrophages was explored by the expression of CD86 and CD206. In vitro experimental results confirmed that PHBVHHx-COL-gel led to better cell migration, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation than PHBVHHx-PEG and COL hydrogels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated that the tissue of the repaired area in the PHBVHHx-COL group was nearly in fusion with the surrounding normal tissue and the reconstruction of subchondral bone was good. Safranin-O staining and COL-2 immunohistochemistry indicated that the tissue of the repaired area in the PHBVHHx-COL group had more cartilage-specific matrix secretion. The PHBVHHx-COL group exhibited more M2 macrophage infiltration and less M1 macrophage presentation than the other groups. This study demonstrated that PHBVHHx-COL scaffolds loaded with PBMSCs significantly promoted the repair of cartilage injury through immune regulation by M2 polarization and could be potential candidates for cartilage tissue engineering.

Natural history of sesame allergy in pediatric patients: Insight from a retrospective analysis.

Sesame allergy (SA) is a growing concern because of its association with severe reactions and the limited knowledge of long-term outcomes. This retrospective study aimed to identify the risk factors influencing persistent SA (PSA) in children to improve management and select suitable candidates for oral immunotherapy (OIT). We analyzed the electronic medical records of 84 children with confirmed SA, as defined by consistent clinical reactions and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated sensitization. Patients were followed for a median (IQR) of 56.5 (46.0-82.5) months. Most participants were male (72.6%) with concurrent food allergies (71.4%). They experienced a median (IQR) of 3.0 (2.0-3.7) allergic episodes, with 46.4% experiencing at least one anaphylactic reaction. PSA was observed in 82.1% (69/84) of the patients. A larger skin prick test (SPT) wheal size at the first reaction (adjusted OR = 1.79, CI:1.05-3.04; p = .03) and allergic reaction grade≥2 (adjusted OR = 19.93, CI:1.37-289.13; p = .02) were independent risk factors for persistence. A 3-fold increase in the likelihood of persistence was observed in patients with SPT results greater than 6.7 mm at first reaction compared with those with results less than 6.7 mm during follow-up (HR = 3.08; CI:1.17-8.12; p = .02). Patients with sustained or increased SPT wheal size (93% remained allergic) and specific IgE (95% remained allergic) at the final visit were more likely to have PSA, whereas those with decreased levels (37% and 39% developed natural tolerance, respectively) were less likely to have resolved SA. This study identified novel risk factors for PSA, including SPT wheal size at the first reaction, reaction severity, and sustained sensitization markers. These findings can inform management strategies and the selection of OIT candidates. Further long-term studies are crucial to elucidate the natural history of SA across populations and to evaluate early interventions, such as OIT.

Safety of 1 mcg/mL as the starting dose in cluster protocol for hymenoptera immunotherapy.

Hymenoptera venom allergy is a potentially severe allergic reaction in the general population. The only preventative approach in these cases is venom immunotherapy (VIT), which follows different protocols. The recommended initial dose is 0.001-0.1 mcg of venom extract. However, few reports have declared the safety of 1 mcg venom as the starting dose. The study was conducted on Iranian patients with a history of anaphylaxis to venom. Skin tests confirmed hypersensitivity to honeybee, yellow jacket, and/or paper wasp from subfamily Polistes using Apis melifera, Vespula spp, and Polistes spp venom extracts, respectively. Subsequently, the patients were treated with the cluster protocol. Twenty-two patients (17 males and 5 females, aged 28.3±11.8 years) were enrolled in the study. Skin prick tests and intradermal tests showed positive results for yellow jacket in 17 (77.3%) and 21 (95.4%) patients, honeybee in 14 (63.6%) and 17 (77.3%) patients, and wasp in 14 (63.6%) and 17 (77.3%) patients, respectively. Upon administering the initial dose of 1 mcg/mL, 40.9% (9 cases) of patients presented mild local reactions, including 7 with yellow jacket allergy, 5 with honeybee allergy, and 3 with wasp allergy. One patient with yellow jacket allergy had a mild systemic reaction. Patients with a positive skin test for wasp had significantly lower rate of reactions after the first dose of venom (p=0.026). Throughout the entire build-up phase, more than 90% (20 of 22) of patients experienced mild local reactions, followed by large local reactions (3 cases, 13.6%), mild systemic reactions (1 case at 1 mcg/mL dose), and moderate-to-severe systemic reactions (3 cases, 13.6%). Large local and moderate-to-severe systemic reactions were detected after injecting 50 mcg (each one case) and 100 mcg (each 2 cases) of venom extracts. This study recommends 1 mcg/mL of the venom extract as a safe starting dose for VIT. This accelerated protocol could successfully reduce the time and costs of therapy for patients undergoing out-patient cluster VIT.

Gradient disparities in allergy and the gut microbiome among rural, migrant, and urban populations across China.

While much of the evidence linking the rapid urbanization and the increasing prevalence of allergen sensitization, but little is known regarding rural-to-urban migrants. The aim of this study was to identify the disparities in allergy, the gut microbiome and factors among native urban, migrating, and native rural Chinese. We redesigned the dataset of the China Alliance of Research on Respiratory Allergic Disease secondary survey, and after stratified sampling, a subsample of 2422 subjects were enrolled for the analysis of a questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPT), and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) titer measurements against 8 common allergens. Fecal microbiotal composition was also sequenced by 16S rRNA and regression-based analyses with covariate adjustment applied. From urban to migrant and rural populations, IgE sensitization was predominantly directed against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p). The titers of Der p-sIgE decreased sequentially across the 3 respective populations and co-sensitization to other allergens also showed a sequential decrease. Rural-to-urban migrants showed a low prevalence of Der p-SPT and Der p-sIgE initially, but developed substantial IgE titers and their gut microbiotal diversity, as well as species richness, appeared to change along with residential time spent in the urban area. High-fat diet, using a mattress, an SPT wheal size from Der p≥6mm, and duration of immigration >5 years were significantly associated with sIgE positivity in the migrants. The Der p-sIgE responses and the composition of gut microbiota differs synchronously with extended living time in an urban area. Studies in immigrants provide a unique opportunities to evaluate the effects of environmental factors in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders.

Biodegradation and mechanical performance of Silane-chitosan-graphene oxide composite coating on AZ31 magnesium alloys for biomedical applications.

Biodegradable magnesium alloy medical implants have attracted considerable interest thanks to their remarkable biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, the rapid corrosion rate of magnesium alloys in physiological environments presents a major challenge to their practical application. Therefore, this study attempted to design a silane/chitosan /graphene oxide composite coating that reduces the corrosion and enhances the biodegradation of magnesium alloys used in temporary implants. The composite fabrication process adopted a cost-effective spin-coating technique providing a uniform coating of magnesium alloy substrates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) results showed a dense and compact silane/chitosan/graphene oxide (Silane/CS/GO) coating on the magnesium coated alloy surface. The mechanical properties of the fabricated silane/chitosan/graphene oxide composite were also investigated by microindentation and scratch tests. The hardness of the magnesium alloy increased from ~268HV ±13.4 to ~644.13HV±32.2 upon the application of the coating. Moreover, the results showed that the cohesive critical load (LC) of the ternary composite was greater than LC~3.02±0.15N. In addition, compared to uncoated AZ31 alloys, the friction coefficient and wear volume of the ternary composite decreased from ~0.13±0.02 to ~0.07±0.004 and from ~18 to ~0.04 (106μm3), respectively. Finally, the corrosion of the composite coating was assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) in vitro at 37°C. Hydrogen evolution results revealed that graphene oxide seemed to delay the diffusion of corrosive ions into the Mg matrix, while Silane prevented the coupling of GO graphene oxide sheets to the metal surface. Consequently, silane / chitosan /graphene oxide composite coatings could be a very useful material for coating magnesium implant devices. It contributed to reduce the corrosion of the substrate and alleviate the cost and discomfort of implants.

Carboxymethylated yeast β-glucan: Biological activity screening in zebrafish, sprayable hydrogel preparation, and wound healing study in diabetic mice

Yeast β-glucan exhibits dramatic potential as wound healing regent owing to its various biological properties including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. But, the poor water solubility of yeast β-glucan limits its application. In this study, some carboxymethylated yeast β-glucans (CMGs) with different substitution degree was prepared. The effect of substitution degree on biological activities of carboxymethylated yeast β-glucan was investigated using zebrafish model. CMG3 with substitution degree 0.55 showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities in zebrafish. CMG3 also showed potential ability to promote angiogenesis and caudal fin regeneration. The cytotoxicity of CMG3 was investigated on L929 cells and the effect of CMG3 on cell migration was studied by scratch test. The hemolysis ratio of CMG3 was determined, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was studied. Next, CMG3 was used to prepare a sprayable hydrogel through a simple method, and the wound healing ability was studied using a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model. The results indicated that CMG3-based sprayable hydrogel could accelerate wound healing in a diabetic mice and influence the expression of biomarkers related to inflammatory, macrophage polarization, and angiogenesis.

The Role of Basophil Activation Test in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Egg Allergy in Turkey: A Comparison of Clinical and Laboratory Findings with Real-Life Data.

Egg allergy is among the most common food allergies in children, significantly affecting the dietary habits and quality of life of both the affected children and their families. This study aims to assess the clinical role of the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) in children with egg allergy and to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy in comparison to other tests. The study included 46 children with egg allergy. Patients were classified into three groups: IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, and mixed-type allergies. Each patient underwent a Skin Prick Test, serum-specific IgE test, BAT, and Oral Food Challenge. The sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic test were evaluated. Egg SpIgE positivity was observed in all patients with IgE-mediated allergy (100%) and in 77.78% of those with mixed-type allergy, while only 47.1% of patients with non-IgE-mediated allergy were positive (p = 0.008). BAT positivity was significantly higher in IgE-mediated (72.7%) and mixed-type allergies (50.0%) compared to non-IgE-mediated allergies (17.6%) (p = 0.013). Compared to the oral provocation test, Egg SpIgE had a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.33, BAT had a sensitivity of 0.46 and specificity of 0.67, and SPT had a sensitivity of 0.44 and specificity of 0.60. Although Egg SpIgE demonstrated the highest sensitivity, its low specificity makes it less reliable for accurately identifying non-allergic individuals. In contrast, BAT, with its highest specificity and moderate sensitivity, aligns more closely with the oral provocation test in accurately diagnosing egg allergy. When comparing the positivity rates of Egg SpIgE, BAT, and SPT according to allergy types, IgE-mediated allergies showed significantly higher positivity rates. BAT demonstrated high specificity and moderate sensitivity in both IgE-mediated and mixed-type allergies, making it the most compatible test with the oral provocation test for the accurate diagnosis of egg allergy. Given that this test is currently used only for research purposes in our country, it is recommended that BAT be more widely adopted in clinical practice in accordance with guideline recommendations.

Production of Honeycomb-Patterned Hybrid Ti2AlN/TiNi Films and Examination of Mechanical, Tribological, Adhesion and Fatigue Properties

Honeycomb-patterned hybrid Ti2AlN/TiNi films were produced on M2 and Inconel 718 substrates using a magnetron sputtering system. These films were subjected to heat treatment at 750°C. In the XRD patterns of annealed films, crystalline formations corresponding to the Ti2AlN MAX phase (honeycomb edge) and super elastic TiNi (honeycomb inner) films were achieved. Mechanical properties were separately determined for each film area due to the honeycomb-patterned hybrid Ti2AlN/TiNi films having two different film areas. The film deposited on Inconel 718 exhibited the highest hardness values, with 10.2 GPa for the TiNi film and 25.4 GPa for the Ti2AlN film. Considering the results of wear tests performed both at room temperature and at high temperature, it was detected that the friction coefficients and wear rates of the films decreased by at least 50% at high temperatures. Upon examining the adhesion performance of the films, the critical load values for the films deposited on M2 and Inconel 718 were 21 N and 26 N, respectively. According to the multi-pass scratch test results, it was observed that the film deposited on M2 maintained its structural integrity under a load of 7N and exhibited better fatigue performance. This study proved that multi-coating components with different geometric architectures can be produced in a single layer. It also showed that such hybrid coatings exhibit good performance in machine components operating under various service conditions.