Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of four Aspergillus-specific IgG assays for the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.

Measurement of Aspergillus-specific IgG is central to the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), but manufacturers' guidance on test interpretation is based on unpublished data. We performed the first receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) analysis to identify optimal cut-offs for this test in relation to European controls. Aspergillus-specific IgG levels were measured in sera from British adults with CPA and European healthy controls by ImmunoCAP, Immulite, Serion and Bio-Rad assays.

Between-laboratory quality control of automated analysis of IgG antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus.

Measurement of IgG antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus is an important criterion for the diagnosis of aspergilloma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and extrinsic allergic alveolitis. In the present study, we compared IgG antibody analysis against A. fumigatus using 2 widely used automated immunochemistry systems.

Pharmacokinetics of intravenous immunoglobulin and outcome in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Objective: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is the first choice treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). All patients initially receive the same arbitrary dose of 2g per kg body weight. Not all patients, however, show a good recovery after this standard dose.

IgE-mediated hypersensitivity: patients with complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS1) vs the Dutch population. A retrospective study.

Objective: To investigate whether hypersensitivity is more common in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS1) patients than in the general population. In a recent study, the level of tryptase, a specific marker for mast cells, was significantly higher in blister fluid from the involved extremity of CRPS1 patients. This suggested that mast cells may play a role in the pathophysiology of CRPS1.

The role of topical negative pressure in wound repair: expression of biochemical markers in wound fluid during wound healing.

The clinical effects of topical negative pressure therapy (TNP) on wound healing are well described in numerous articles. While the mechanism(s) of action are not completely understood, it is postulated that reduction of local and interstitial tissue edema, increased perfusion of the (peri-) wound area, changed bacterial composition, and mechanical stimulation of the woundbed contribute to the clinical success. Our hypothesis is that with the removal of excessive fluid, proteolytic enzymes negatively influencing the healing process are removed.

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels and blood pressure in short children born small for gestational age and effects of growth hormone treatment.

Context: Short small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children have an increased systolic blood pressure (BP) that decreases during long-term GH treatment. The underlying mechanism is still unknown. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endoproteinases that are involved in the remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are thought to play a role in atherosclerosis.

Heterophilic antibody interference in a tryptase immunoassay.

Objective: Investigation of the susceptibility of a tryptase immunoassay to interference by heterophilic antibodies.

Methods: The effect of preincubation with a blocking agent was investigated on the levels of tryptase, human anti-mouse antibodies and IgM rheumatoid factor in sera with elevated IgM rheumatoid factor levels.

Results: In 5 of 30 sera with IgM rheumatoid factor, tryptase levels were reduced at least twofold after pre-incubation with blocking reagent.

Tumor pyruvate kinase isoenzyme type M2 and immunochemical fecal occult blood test: performance in screening for colorectal cancer.

Objectives: Immunochemical fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and determination of tumor pyruvate kinase isoenzyme type M2 (TuM2-PK) in stool samples may be valuable new screening tools for colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of fecal TuM2-PK testing with immunochemical FOBT in patients with CRC or adenomas.

Methods: A total of 52 patients with CRC were analyzed, 47 with colorectal adenomas, and 63 matched controls with a normal colonoscopy.

Long-term GH treatment is not associated with disadvantageous changes of inflammatory markers and adipocytokines in children born small for gestational age.

Context: Low birth weight is associated with increased risks for adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Adiponectin and resistin are hormones, considered, respectively, protective and disadvantageous regarding these risks. No data exist on the effect of long-term GH treatment on these hormones and inflammatory markers in children born small for gestational age (SGA).

Effect of growth hormone therapy on serum adiponectin and resistin levels in short, small-for-gestational-age children and associations with cardiovascular risk parameters.

Background: Adiponectin and resistin are fat cell-derived hormones, which are thought to be respectively protective and disadvantageous with regard to the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus type 2. Low birth weight has been associated with increased risks for the development of these diseases. In short, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children, GH therapy has several positive effects regarding cardiovascular risk factors.

Immunoblot and radioallergosorbent test inhibition studies of allergenic cross-reactivity of the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris with the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Background: In 1999, an extensive study among bell pepper growers showed that a predatory mite, Amblyseius cucumeris, is a potentially relevant source of occupational allergens because 23% of the population had positive skin prick test reactions.

Objective: To investigate whether cross-reactivity between A. cucumeris and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is responsible for the cosensitization to both mite species found in 58.

Mast cells are involved in inflammatory reactions during Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1.

Background: The Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS1) is a complication of surgery or trauma but spontaneous development is also described. Although the pathogenesis remains debatable, afferent, efferent and central nervous system mechanisms are proposed. Recently we showed involvement of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFalpha which is direct evidence for an inflammatory process.