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Cross-reacting allergens in natural rubber latex and avocado.

BACKGROUND: An association between allergy to latex and avocado has been reported but the responsible cross-reacting allergens have not been identified or characterized. METHODS: Immunoblotting, immunoblot inhibition, and RAST inhibition methods were used to study cross-reactive proteins between natural rubber latex (NRL) and avocado. Sera from 18 patients with previously verified latex allergy were used as the source of IgE antibodies, and 11 of the patients underwent skin prick testing with fresh avocado. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 18 sera (78%) had IgE antibodies that bound to a total of 17 avocado proteins with apparent molecular weights ranging from 16 to 91 kd. Ten most strongly reacting sera were used for immunoblot inhibition studies. When NRL proteins were used as soluble inhibitors, binding of IgE antibodies to solid-phase avocado proteins was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner: 100 micrograms of NRL proteins inhibited IgE binding to 15 of the 17 avocado proteins, and 10 micrograms caused inhibition to 13 protein bands. Comparably, soluble avocado proteins were able to inhibit IgE binding to solid-phase NRL. Corresponding RAST inhibitions were performed with two patient sera; in both, avocado inhibited IgE binding to NRL and in one NRL proteins inhibited IgE binding to avocado. Skin prick test responses to fresh avocado were positive in seven of the 11 patients with latex allergy who were tested. CONCLUSIONS: The large number of inhibitable proteins in immunoblot experiments and clinical observations from skin prick tests suggest considerable immunologic cross-reactivity between NRL and avocado. The observed cross-reacting protein components may be responsible for the recently reported type I hypersensitivity reactions to NRL and avocado in patients with a preexisting allergy to either allergen.

Adolescent↗

Lymphocyte proliferation response to extracts from different latex materials and to the purified latex allergen Hev b 1 (rubber elongation factor).

BACKGROUND: Type I allergy to latex is a growing problem, especially among health care workers. A detailed study of the peripheral blood cell responses to latex allergens has not been reported. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients and healthy subjects were isolated and stimulated with protein extracts from latex sap and latex gloves and the purified latex allergen Hev b 1 (rubber elongation factor) at different concentrations to determine the antigen-specific proliferation response. The examined patients were sensitized to latex by occupational exposure (n = 23) and had rhinitis, conjunctivitis, contact urticaria, and/or asthma. Two control groups of nonsensitized subjects were studied: one occupationally exposed to latex (n = 8), and the second, not exposed to latex (n = 8). RESULTS: In general, only latex-exposed subjects responded to the different latex antigen preparations. Lymphocyte proliferation responses to latex sap extract were found in 65% of latex-sensitized subjects and in 37.5% of the latex-exposed healthy subjects. Latex glove extract induced a significant proliferative responses in 47.8% of latex-sensitized patients and in 25% of the latex-exposed individuals. Hev b 1 induced lymphocyte proliferation responses in 52% of the latex-sensitized patients and in 25% of the latex-exposed subjects indicating that Hev b 1 is relevant antigen in these latex-sensitized and latex-exposed groups. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 39.1% of the latex-sensitized subjects responded to all three allergen preparations (latex sap and latex glove extract, as well as Hev b 1). We could find no correlation between latex-specific IgE level and latex-induced lymphocyte proliferation response. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the 14 kd protein Hev b 1 is a relevant allergen in health care workers. It can be detected by specific IgE antibodies to Hev b 1, as well as in lymphocyte proliferation assay. In addition, our study suggests that antigen-specific proliferation response to latex is associated with exposure to latex, but not with the level of specific latex IgE. This may be useful for the evaluation and prediction of latex hypersensitivity development.

Adult↗

A prospective, controlled study showing that rubber gloves are the major contributor to latex aeroallergen levels in the operating room.

BACKGROUND: Although protocols have been published for reducing natural rubber latex exposure in medical environments, there are no objective data documenting their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: We prospectively studied the impact of a single intervention, substitution of low-allergen-containing latex gloves for high-allergen-containing latex gloves, on latex aeroallergen levels in a single operating room (OR). METHODS: We sampled OR air on 52 consecutive days, including 33 surgery days and 19 nonsurgery days. On each surgery day all personnel wore either high-allergen gloves (n = 18 days) or low-allergen gloves (n = 15 days). Latex aeroallergen levels (in nanograms per cubic meter) and extractable latex glove allergen contents (in allergen units per milliliter) were measured by inhibition immunoassays. An on-site study monitor recorded the number of gloves used, the total time spent by all patients in the OR each day (OR time), and the total time of all procedures for each day (operating procedure time). RESULTS: Latex aeroallergen levels during low-allergen glove use days (mean, 1.1 ng/m3; median, 0.9 ng/m3; range, 0.1 to 3.5 ng/m3) were significantly lower than on high-allergen glove use days (mean, 13.7 ng/m3; median, 7.7 ng/m3; range, 2.2 to 56.4 ng/m3) (p < 0.001) but not significantly different from that on nonsurgery days (mean, 0.6 ng/m3; median, 0.3 ng/m3; range, 0.1 to 3.6 ng/m3). Latex aeroallergen levels were strongly correlated with the total number of gloves used on designated high-allergen glove days (r = 0.66, p = 0.003). There was no appreciable day-to-day carryover of latex aeroallergen. CONCLUSIONS: The substitution of low-allergen-containing latex gloves for high-allergen-containing latex gloves can reduce levels of latex aeroallergen by more than 10-fold in an OR environment.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Loss of preservative from a tuberculin solution in rubber stoppered vials fastened with different seals.

A tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) solution containing 0.3% phenol as a preservative was dispensed in glass vials closed with rubber stoppers fastened in three different ways, namely with Tear-off seals, Flip-off seals and partial seals. After various times of storage at 5 degrees C and 37 degrees C, the phenol content in the tuberculin solution was determined. It was found that the Flip-off seals allowed the phenol to escape at a faster rate than the Tear-off seals and that vials closed with partial seals showed the highest loss of phenol. Although these losses were much more pronounced at 37 degrees C than at 5 degrees C, the phenol content at the latter temperature was, over a period of three years, within the limits of acceptability for tuberculin products capped with Tear-off or Flip-off seals. A loss of phenol also occurred from tuberculin solution stored at -28 degrees C in vials capped with either Tear-off or partial seals. In addition to the Tear-off and Flip-off seals other seals such as the "controlled score' Flip-off seal and the Alcoa Steri-Twist cap were evaluated for their imperviousness to air. Except for the Alcoa Steri-Twist cap none of the seals we have investigated were air tight and hence entirely satisfactory to prevent losses of phenol by evaporation from tuberculin products.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Drug Packaging↗

Hardness and stress-corrosion of rubber dam clamps.

Rubber dam clamps fracture infrequently during use. There are no American National Standards Institute or International Standards Organization standards for their manufacture. The purpose of this study was to measure the hardness of the clamps and test their resistance to a stress-corrosion test. Upper molar, lower molar, and premolar clamps were obtained from two manufacturers (A, B). The Rockwell C hardness at four sites on the bow of each clamp was then determined. Fresh clamps were placed on blocks corresponding to the average buccal-lingual dimension of the tooth on which they would be used. These blocks were then submerged in room temperature 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for 20 min and then allowed to air dry for 30 min. This was repeated 10 times. Rockwell C hardness values ranged from C30 to 38, with the clamps of manufacturer B being significantly harder. None of the clamps from manufacturer B cracked or corroded. When a third batch received from manufacturer A was tested in the same manner, none of the clamps fractured or corroded either.

Analysis of Variance↗

Allergic and irritant reactions to rubber gloves in medical health services. Spectrum, diagnostic approach, and therapy.

Delayed-type allergies account for most reactions to gloves. These have been found in 32 of 39 patients (82%) attending our department with occupationally induced contact dermatitis to gloves. Accelerators, mainly of the thiuram group, antioxidants, vulcanizers, organic pigments, and, presumably, glove powder ingredients are known responsible allergens. In contrast, immediate-type allergies to rubber gloves were less frequent (13 of 39 patients [33%] with occupationally induced glove allergies). They usually present as contact urticaria. Responsible allergens are latex, glove powder, and accelerators. On the basis of the numerous glove-related allergens, a comprehensive schedule of diagnostic tests is proposed. In addition, we introduce a new classification of hypoallergenic gloves according to their basic materials and ingredients and thus provide a guideline for individual therapy.

Allergens↗

Silicone-rubber interposition arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.

Since 1969, a slightly modified silicone-rubber neurosurgical burr-hole cover has been used for a type of interposition arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. The short stem of the device fits into a hole burred into the distal surface of the trapezium. The flat surface of the device covers the distal surface of the trapezium. Forty-nine operations were done on 42 patients, 35 women and seven men. The age range of the patients was 34 years to 72 years, with an average of 55 years. The average follow-up time was 31 months. Forty results were rated as excellent. There were two failures due to breakage of the device, and in both cases the breakage was due to a technical error.

Adult↗

Sequence analysis of a gene product synthesized by Xanthomonas sp. during growth on natural rubber latex.

Xanthomonas sp. secretes an extracellular protein (Mr approximately 70+/-5 kDa) during growth on purified natural rubber [poly(1,4-cis-isoprene)] but not during growth on water-soluble carbon sources such as glucose or gluconate. A 1.3 kbp DNA fragment coding for an internal part of the structural gene of the 70 kDa protein was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using amino acid sequence information obtained after Edman degradation of selected trypsin-generated peptides of the purified 70 kDa protein. The PCR product was used as a DNA probe to clone the complete structural gene from genomic DNA of Xanthomonas sp. The sequenced DNA contained a 2037 bp open reading frame which coded for a polypeptide of 678 amino acids (Mr 74.6 kDa) and which included the features of the N-terminal signal peptidase cleavage site (Mr approximately 72.9 kDa for the mature protein). Analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed the presence of two heme binding motifs (CXXCH) and a approximately 20 amino acids long sequence that is conserved in the Paracoccus denitrificans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa diheme cytochrome c peroxidases (CCPs). This region includes a histidine residue (H519 in Xanthomonas sp. and H265 and H271 in the Pseudomonas strains, respectively) that is essential for activity in CCPs and that is also conserved in other bacterial oxidases. Blast analysis confirmed the relatedness of the 70 kDa protein to heme-containing oxidases and suggested that it is a member of a new family of relatively large (approximately 500 to approximately 1000 amino acids) extracellular proteins with so far unknown function being only far related in amino acid sequence to P. denitrificans and P. aeruginosa CCPs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of natural rubber processing sludge on the degradation of crude oil hydrocarbons in soil.

Crude oil-polluted soil (five parts of weathered crude oil per 100 parts of soil; equivalent to 50,000 mg oil kg(-1) soil) samples were slurried in deionised water (300% of the water retention capacity of the soil) and treated with various amounts of natural-rubber processing sludge (nitrogen content 62.15 mg kg(-1) and phosphorus contents 8.75 mg kg(-1)) in a well-stirred, continuously-aerated tank at 29 degrees C. Changes in the total hydrocarbon content of the soil sample were determined, using a spectrophotometric technique, as a function of time. The extent of crude oil degradation was markedly higher (by up to 100%) in the sludge-treated soil than in the untreated soil sample. The efficiency of biodegradation of the crude oil hydrocarbons using the slurry-phase technique was compared with that of solid-phase technique.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Allergenic proteins of natural rubber latex.

As the living cytoplasm of laticiferous cells, Hevea brasiliensis latex is a rich blend of organic substances that include a mélange of proteins. A small number of these proteins have given rise to the problem of latex allergy. The salient characteristics of H. brasiliensis latex allergens that are recognized by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) are reviewed. These are the proteins associated with the rubber particles, the cytosolic C-serum proteins and the B-serum proteins that originate mainly from the lutoids. Procedures for the isolation and purification of latex allergens are discussed, from latex collection in the field to various preparative approaches adopted in the laboratory. As interest in recombinant latex allergens increases, there is a need to validate recombinant proteins to ascertain equivalence with their native counterparts when used in immunological studies, diagnostics, and immunotherapy.

Allergens↗

Incidence of malposition of polyvinylchloride and red rubber left-sided double-lumen tubes and clinical sequelae.

Currently, fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) is recommended for correct positioning of double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs) because of the high incidence of malpositions not appreciated by clinical signs. The aims of this study were to assess whether clinical signs allow accurate confirmation of adequate positioning with left red rubber (RR) or polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) double-lumen tubes and to compare the incidence of malpositions between the two tubes. Another goal was to assess whether these malpositions, not appreciated by clinical assessment, adversely affected outcome. Twenty-one adult patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery were randomly assigned to the RR (11 patients) or PVC group (10 patients). After endobronchial intubation, the position of the tubes was adjusted until clinically satisfactory lung separation had been achieved. A single investigator performed all the FB assessments were performed in the supine (SUP) and lateral positions. The anesthesiologists responsible for the clinical evaluation were "blinded" to the bronchoscopic findings. While in the SUP position, the tube was "too deep" to permit visualization of the carina during tracheal bronchoscopy in 5 patients (2 RR, 3 PVC). In 17 of 21 (10 RR, 7 PVC), the bronchial cuff could not be visualized, although in 1 patient (RR group), the cuff was overinflated and bulged out to partially obstruct the right main bronchus orifice. Bronchial bronchoscopy showed 4 of 11 patients in the RR group in whom the left upper lobe orifice was occluded compared with 1 only in the PVC group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Rubber stoppers as sources of contaminants in electrospray analysis of peptides and proteins.

Using MS/MS, we have identified ions at m/z 399, 421, 609.4, and 819.9 as those of tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, originating in the gray rubber stoppers commonly used as closures in commercial sources of peptides and proteins. The compound is readily extracted by contact with organic solvents such as alcohol or acetic acid and even by water alone. Zinc salts of proteins are also observed, presumably from zinc oxide fillers present in the stoppers.

Drug Packaging↗

Crab shell chitin whisker reinforced natural rubber nanocomposites. 2. Mechanical behavior.

In a previous work (part 1), nanocomposite materials were obtained using a latex of either unvulcanized or prevulcanized natural rubber as the matrix and a colloidal suspension of crab chitin whiskers as the reinforcing phase. The mechanical behavior of the resulting nanocomposite films was analyzed in both the linear and the nonlinear range in the present study. The effects of the filler and processing technique were evaluated, and the results are discussed based on the knowledge of the structural morphology and swelling behavior reported in our previous work. The reinforcing effect of chitin whiskers strongly depended on their ability to form a rigid three-dimensional network, resulting from strong interactions such as hydrogen bonds between the whiskers. The results emanating from the successive tensile test experiments give clear evidence for the presence of a three-dimensional chitin network within the evaporated samples. Cross-linking of the matrix was found to interfere with the formation of this network.

Animals↗

Oxidative degradation of cis- and trans-1,4-polyisoprenes and vulcanized natural rubber with enzyme-mediator systems.

Oxidative degradation of cis- and trans-1,4-polyisoprenes by two types of enzyme-mediator systems, lipoxygenase/linoleic acid and horseradish peroxidase/1-hydroxybenzotriazole, was investigated at 37 degrees C in aqueous media and analyzed by gel permeation chromatography. Lipoxygenase and horseradish peroxidase activate their substrates, linoleic acid and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, respectively, for scission of main chains of both 1,4-polyisoprenes. Molecular weights of 1,4-polyisoprenes decreased during the treatment under both enzyme-mediator systems, and the depolymerization was completely inhibited by the addition of butylated hydroxytoluene. When the enzyme or the mediator from a reaction system was omitted, depolymerization did not progress, indicating that the scission of polymer chain is induced by the radicals generated only in the presence of both enzyme and mediator. Fenton reagent with linoleic acid was also effective against the degradation of both 1,4-polyisoprenes. Vulcanized natural rubber latex gloves were treated under these three methods, and surface degradation with hole formation was observed with a scanning electron micrograph.

Chromatography, Gel↗

Water sorption studies of hybrid biofiber-reinforced natural rubber biocomposites.

Hybrid biofibers (sisal and oil palm) were incorporated into natural rubber matrix. The water absorption characteristics of the composites were evaluated with reference to fiber loading. The influence of temperature on water sorption of the composites is also analyzed. Moisture uptake was found to be dependent on the properties of the biofibers. The mechanism of diffusion in the gum sample was found to be Fickian in nature, while in the loaded composites, it was non-Fickian. Sisal and oil palm fibers were subjected to different treatments such as mercerization and silanation. The effect of chemical modification on moisture uptake was also analyzed. Chemical modification was seen to decrease the water uptake in the composites. The thermodynamic parameters of the sorption process were also evaluated. Activation energy was found to be maximum for the gum sample.

Absorption↗

Novel rubbers from cationic copolymerization of soybean oils and dicyclopentadiene. 1. Synthesis and characterization.

Novel thermosetting copolymers, ranging from tough and ductile to very soft rubbers, have been prepared by the cationic copolymerization of regular (SOY) and 100% conjugated soybean oils (C(100)SOY) with dicyclopentadiene (DCP) catalyzed by Norway fish oil (NFO)-modified and SOY- and C(100)SOY-diluted boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFE). The gelation time of the reactions varies from 4 to 991 min at 110 degrees C. The yields of the bulk copolymers are essentially quantitative, while the yields of the cross-linked copolymers remaining after Soxhlet extraction with methylene chloride range from 69% to 88%, depending on the monomer stoichiometry and the catalyst used. (1)H NMR spectroscopy and Soxhlet extraction data indicate that these copolymers consist of a cross-linked soybean oil-DCP network plasticized by certain amounts of methylene chloride-soluble linear or less cross-linked soybean oil-DCP copolymers, unreacted oil, and some low molecular weight hydrolyzed oil. The molecular weights of these soluble fractions are in the range from 400 to 10,000 g/mol based on polystyrene standards. The bulk copolymers have glass transition temperatures ranging from -22.6 to 56.6 degrees C, while their tan delta peak values range from 0.7 to 1.2. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that these soybean oil-DCP copolymers are thermally stable below 200 degrees C, with 10% and 50% weight loss temperatures ranging from 280 to 372 degrees C and 470-554 degrees C, respectively. These properties suggest that these biobased thermosets may prove useful alternatives to current petroleum-based plastics and find widespread utility.

Boranes↗