The influence of diisocyanate antigen preparation methodology on monoclonal and serum antibody recognition.

Exposure to diisocyanates (dNCOs), such as methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) can cause occupational asthma (OA). Currently, lab tests for dNCO specific IgE are specific, but not sensitive, which limits their utility in diagnosing dNCO asthma. This may be due to variable preparation and poor characterization of the standard antigens utilized in these assays.

Characterization and comparative analysis of 2,4-toluene diisocyanate and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate haptenated human serum albumin and hemoglobin.

Diisocyanates (dNCOs) are low molecular weight chemical sensitizers that react with autologous proteins to produce neoantigens. dNCO-haptenated proteins have been used as immunogens for generation of dNCO-specific antibodies and as antigens to screen for dNCO-specific antibodies in exposed individuals. Detection of dNCO-specific antibodies in exposed individuals for diagnosis of dNCO asthma has been hampered by poor sensitivities of the assay methods in that specific IgE can only be detected in approximately 25% of the dNCO asthmatics.

Respiratory morbidity in a coffee processing workplace with sentinel obliterative bronchiolitis cases.

Rationale: Obliterative bronchiolitis in former coffee workers prompted a cross-sectional study of current workers. Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione levels were highest in areas for flavoring and grinding/packaging unflavored coffee.

Methods: We interviewed 75 (88%) workers, measured lung function, and created exposure groups based on work history.

Allergic sensitization in Canadian chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a societal burden and cause of morbidity in Canada; however, the prevalence of allergic sensitization in Canadian CRS patients has remained poorly characterized.

Objective: In this study, we used skin prick test (SPT) and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and G (sIgG) titers to regionally relevant allergen sources in order to determine whether allergic sensitization is more prevalent in CRS patients compared to chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) control patients.

Methods: One hundred and fifty eight subjects (19-70 years of age) were recruited into the study.

A murine monoclonal antibody with broad specificity for occupationally relevant diisocyanates.

Diisocyanates (dNCOs) used in industrial applications are well known low molecular weight allergens. Occupational exposure is associated with adverse health outcomes including allergic sensitization and occupational asthma. In this study, we report the production and initial characterization of a dNCO-hapten specific murine IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb).

Development of sandwich ELISAs for the detection of aromatic diisocyanate adducts.

Diisocyanates (dNCOs) are highly reactive low molecular weight chemicals commonly used in the manufacturing industry. Occupational exposures to dNCOs have been shown to elicit allergic sensitization and occupational asthma. Among the most commonly used dNCOs in industry are the aromatic dNCOs, toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI).

Fungal and atopic sensitization are low among farmers in the Agricultural Health Study.

Prevalence of fungal sensitization and atopy was lower among farmers than the US population. Fungal sensitization was related to growing specific agricultural commodities.

Post-hire asthma among insect-rearing workers.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of post-hire asthma (PHA) among insect-rearing workers, defined as asthma, the symptoms of which appeared after hire at the current workplace.

Methods: We surveyed the health of workers at three insect-rearing facilities and an associated office facility. We calculated the incidence and estimated hazard ratios for PHA.

Allergen content of patient problem and nonproblem gloves: relationship to allergen-specific patch-test findings.

Background: Identification of putative contact allergen and source material is often done by a combination of patch testing and manufacturer-supplied product information. The accuracy of the identification of allergen-source material and level of allergen in that allergen-source material is not known.

Objective: The objectives of the study were to survey the chemical allergen content of glove allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) patient-identified problem and nonproblem gloves and to evaluate the ability of the patient to discriminate between problem and nonproblem gloves.

Acute upper and lower respiratory effects in wildland firefighters.

Objectives: To assess acute respiratory effects experienced by wildland firefighters.

Methods: We studied two Interagency Hotshot Crews with questionnaires, spirometry, and measurement of albumin, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as indicators of inflammation in sputum and nasal lavage fluid. Assessments were made preseason, postfire, and postseason.

Induced sputum evaluation in microwave popcorn production workers.

Objective: Severe airways obstruction and bronchiolitis obliterans have been reported in microwave popcorn production workers and attributed to inhalation of flavoring agents. We investigated whether exposure to flavoring agents is associated with airways inflammation in popcorn production workers.

Methods: Fifty-nine workers with high exposures and 22 patients with low exposures to flavoring vapors completed a questionnaire, spirometry, and sputum induction.

Effect of diesel exhaust particulate on bacillus Calmette-Guerin lung infection in mice and attendant changes in lung interstitial lymphoid subpopulations and IFNgamma response.

The effect of exposure to diesel exhaust particulate (DEP) on bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) lung infection in mice was studied. C57Bl/6J female mice were infected with BCG (2.5 x 104 bacteria/mouse) by intrapulmonary instillation, with or without coadministration of DEP (100 microg/mouse).