Anaphylaxis Induced by Peptide Coupling Agents: Lessons Learned from Repeated Exposure to HATU, HBTU, and HCTU.

Peptide coupling agents pose a special hazard because they are immune sensitizers. Here, we present a case study of anaphylaxis induced by three uronium coupling agents, HATU, HBTU, and HCTU, as a cautionary note for researchers who handle peptide coupling agents frequently. We also include recommendations for handling coupling agents more safely in the research laboratory.

Adaptation of soil physical measurement techniques for the delineation of mud and lakebed sediments at Neusiedler See.

For many water management issues of shallow lakes with non-consolidated sediments hydrographic surveys of the open water area and reed belt areas are required. In the frame of water management strategy for the steppe lake Neusiedler See, located between Austria and Hungary, a hydrographic survey was conducted. In the open water area (water depth ≥1 m) a sediment echosounder was used.

[Experimental biological effect of the gunshot wound inflicted by type BB 4,5 cartridges fired from an A-101 pneumatic pistol].

The objective of the research was evaluation of the biological effect of gunshots inflicted to particularly sensitive parts of the human body (the eye, lateral cerebrocranial surface) from a distance of up to 7 meters with the use of an A-101 4.5 mm caliber Russian made pneumatic pistol, firing a 4.5 mm caliber BB bullet.

Formoterol, 24 microg bid, and serious asthma exacerbations: similar rates compared with formoterol, 12 microg bid, with and without extra doses taken on demand, and placebo.

Study Objectives: The primary objective was to determine whether high-dose formoterol, 24 mug bid, was associated with more asthma exacerbations compared with lower formoterol doses in patients with stable persistent asthma. Serious asthma exacerbations (life threatening or requiring hospitalization) were the primary end point. Secondary end points included significant exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids, all exacerbations, and changes in FEV1.

Nine episodes of anaphylaxis following cystoscopy caused by Cidex OPA (ortho-phthalaldehyde) high-level disinfectant in 4 patients after cytoscopy.

Background: Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) is a high-level disinfectant commonly used for processing heat-sensitive medical devices.

Objective: We report 4 patients who experienced 9 episodes of anaphylaxis following cystoscopy after a urology practice switched from using Cidex (glutaraldehyde [GTA]) to OPA for disinfecting their cystoscopes.

Methods: Allergic evaluations consisted of: skin testing to saline, histamine, glycerin, lidocaine, latex, GTA, and OPA and blood tests for total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and latex specific IgE.

Comparison of patient preference and ease of teaching inhaler technique for Pulmicort Turbuhaler versus pressurized metered-dose inhalers.

A multicenter, randomized, open-label, crossover study with two 4-week evaluation periods compared patient preference and ease of teaching correct inhaler technique for Pulmicort Turbuhaler versus pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). Patients 18 to 65 years of age with stable, mild to moderate asthma, who required or were eligible for inhaled corticosteroid therapy, were randomized to treatment sequences consisting of 4-week evaluation periods with Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide inhalation powder) two puffs (400 microg) bid and one of three inhaled corticosteroids via pMDI: Aerobid-M (flunisolide) four puffs (1 mg) bid, Flovent (fluticasone propionate) two puffs (440 microg) bid, or Vanceril Double Strength (beclomethasone dipropionate) five puffs (420 microg) bid. Patients indicated device preference at study end and completed the Patient Device Experience Assessment (PDEA) questionnaire after each evaluation period.

A prospective, double-blind, multicenter study comparing clarithromycin extended-release with trovafloxacin in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Background: Treatment guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) generally include use of a macrolide, a fluoroquinolone, or doxycycline, although there is some debate concerning the use of a fluoroquinolone.

Objective: The efficacy and tolerability of a new once-daily, extended-release (ER) formulation of clarithromycin were compared with those of a fluoroquinolone, trovafloxacin, in the treatment of patients with CAP.

Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group trial in which outpatients were randomized to receive 7 days of once-daily treatment with either clarithromycin ER (two 500-mg tablets) or trovafloxacin (200 mg).

Epidemiology of sinusitis in the primary care setting: results from the 1999-2000 respiratory surveillance program.

The Respiratory Surveillance Program (RESP) was undertaken over a 10-month period (July to April) during the 1999-2000 respiratory infection season. A total of 16,213 nasal swab samples were taken by primary care physicians in outpatient settings from patients diagnosed as having acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. The samples were sent to a central laboratory where a pathogen was identified and antibiotic susceptibilities were determined.

Comparison of 5-day, short-course gatifloxacin therapy with 7-day gatifloxacin therapy and 10-day clarithromycin therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

Background: The ideal duration of antibiotic therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) remains controversial.

Objective: This study compared short-course, 5-day gatifloxacin treatment with standard 10-day clarithromycin treatment in patients with AECB; 7-day gatifloxacin therapy was a secondary comparator.

Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind study in which adult outpatients with AECB were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 5 days of gatifloxacin, 7 days of gatifloxacin, or 10 days of clarithromycin.

Prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in California patients with respiratory allergy. Allergy Skin Test Project Team.

Background: The number of allergy skin tests required to evaluate patients with respiratory allergy has recently been challenged by the managed care community.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine which aeroallergens are prevalent in patients with respiratory allergy (allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma) in California.

Methods: Utilizing aeroallergens thought to be relevant from recent aerobiologic and botanic data, 141 allergic and 17 asymptomatic control subjects were tested for the prevalence of 103 allergens.

Extended evaluation of diagnostic skin testing practices in Orange County, California.

In an effort to evaluate conformity with published guidelines for diagnostic allergy skin testing in their locality, a committee of members of the Orange County (California) Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology surveyed their membership for the number, identity, and rates of sensitization of aeroallergens in a selected patient population. Test data were analyzed on patients who were judged appropriate to undergo immunotherapy. Complete test results of 271 patients were obtained from one third of local allergy specialists.

Nasal congestion, urticaria, and angioedema caused by an IgE-mediated reaction to sodium metabisulfite.

A case of metabisulfite-induced anaphylaxis is presented in which convincing evidence of an IgE-mediated mechanism of action was found. The patient demonstrated urticaria, angioedema, nasal congestion, and apparent nasal polyp swelling following provocative challenge with sodium metabisulfite. Skin test to metabisulfite was positive as was a basophil histamine release test when the patient's cells were incubated with metabisulfite.

Uptake rate of phenol by Pseudomonas putida grown in unsteady state.

The uptake rate of phenol by washed cells of Pseudomonas putidagrown on phenol in fermenter in an un steady state, caused by the step increase of dilution rate and/or phenol concentration in the feed, was studied. The Monod-Haldane type equation was applied to fit the data and the best kinetic parameters were calculated by nonlinear least-square techniques. It was found that the minimum period of unsteady state required for induction of the phenol metabolic pathway was approximately 30 min.

Dynamics of continuous stirred-tank biochemical reactor utilizing inhibitory substrate.

The model of a continuous-stirred tank biochemical reactor was developed in which the instant uptake rate of substrate was used. The solutions of the model found for the oxidation of phenol by Pseudomonas putida fitted the experimental data better than the results obtained from the models cited in the literature. The model enables control of the culture parameters so that the unwanted washout of the biomass from the bioreactor can be avoided.

Oxidation of an inhibitory substrate by washed cells (oxidation of phenol by Pseudomonas putida).

The specific uptake rate of phenol by washed cells of Pseudomonas putida grown on phenol in steady-state continuous culture at various dilution rates was studied. The Monod-Haldane-type equation was applied to fit the data and the best kinetic parameters were determined by nonlinear least-squares techniques. The values of the kinetic parameters were found to increase monotonically with the phenol concentration in the original chemostat.

Papain-induced asthma--physiological and immunological features.

Increasing reports of respiratory disease associated with exposure to papain prompted clinical, physiological, and immunological studies of the supervisor of a meat tenderizer factory who developed asthma after long-term contact with papain dust. His symptoms were worse at work and better on weekends and vacations. Bronchial inhalation challenges produced both immediate and late asthma to papain but not to the other ingredients in the food product.

Specificity studies of leukocytic catecholamine receptors.

Using tritium-labeled dl(+/-)epinephrine, we have extended previous studies demonstrating binding of epinephrine to human leukocytes. We have now further assessed the biological significance of this catecholamine binding by comparing the specificity of binding by human leukocytes with the ability of these compounds to inhibit epinephrine-stimulated adenyl cyclase. Binding is specific for catechols, but does not distinguish between physiologically active and inactive stereo isomers, nor between alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists.