Nutritional Factors in Occupational Lung Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLung diseases such as asthma and COPD are major public health issues and related to occupational exposures. While therapies to limit the development and progression of these diseases are limited, nutrition interventions could offer potential alternatives to mediate the inflammation associated with these diseases. This is a narrative review of the current state of relevant nutrients on inflammation and respiratory outcomes associated with occupational exposures.Recent FindingsRelevant nutrients that have been investigated in recent years include omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, vitamin D, ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 25, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Herbal Medicines for Allergic Rhinitis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo assess the effects of herbal medicine (HM) therapy in various durations and analyze the effects of HM separately by mechanism of action in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).Recent FindingsThirty-two studies were included (2,697 patients, mean age 34.6 years). For the ≤ 4 weeks of treatment duration, HM brought greater benefits over placebo in reduction of total nasal symptoms score (standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.98, −0.38;p<0.01) and improvement in Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score (SMD −0.53; 95% CI −0.81, âˆ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 25, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Paget ’s Disease of Bone: Osteoimmunology and Osteoclast Pathology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to recognize clinical features of Paget ’s disease of bone and to describe how the osteoclast, a myeloid-derived cell responsible for bone resorption, contributes to the disease.Recent FindingsRecent studies have identified several variants inSQSTM1,OPTN, and other genes that may predispose individuals to Paget ’s disease of bone; studies of these genes and their protein products have elucidated new roles for these proteins in bone physiology.SummaryUnderstanding the pathologic mechanisms in the Pagetic osteoclast may lead to the identification of future treatment ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 25, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Nutritional Factors in Occupational Lung Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLung diseases such as asthma and COPD are major public health issues and related to occupational exposures. While therapies to limit the development and progression of these diseases are limited, nutrition interventions could offer potential alternatives to mediate the inflammation associated with these diseases. This is a narrative review of the current state of relevant nutrients on inflammation and respiratory outcomes associated with occupational exposures.Recent FindingsRelevant nutrients that have been investigated in recent years include omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, vitamin D, ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 25, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Stem Cell Therapy as a Treatment for Autoimmune Disease —Updates in Lupus, Scleroderma, and Multiple Sclerosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEvidence for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) in autoimmune disease has been building since the 1990s; however, many clinicians may not yet be aware of its applications to autoimmune disease. We review the basic tenets of HCT and evidence for autologous HCT in multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and lupus with an emphasis on recent advanced phase trials.Recent FindingsIn MS, the phase 3 randomized MIST trial and the phase 2 randomized ASTIMS trial demonstrated the efficacy of autologous HCT in refractory MS over disease-modifying therapies and mitoxantrone, respectively....
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 24, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
A TRiP Through the Roles of Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channels in Type 2 Upper Airway Inflammation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite their high prevalence, the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear. Recently, transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels emerged as important players in type 2 upper airway inflammatory disorders. In this review, we aim to discuss known and yet to be explored roles of TRP channels in the pathophysiology of AR and CRS with nasal polyps.Recent FindingsTRP channels participate in a plethora of cellular functions and are expressed on T cells, mast cells, respiratory epithelial cells, and sensory neurons of the upper airways. In chronic ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 18, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Skin Testing for Penicillin Allergy: a Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSelf-reported penicillin allergies are frequently reported, though more than 95% of those are not truly allergic when challenged. These patients are more likely to receive alternative antibiotic regimens resulting in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that may be less effective, more toxic, and/or more expensive than preferred agents. Given the significant burden on patient outcomes and the healthcare system, the ability to reconcile an allergy and broaden future antibiotic options is essential.Recent FindingsThis is a narrative review describing risk stratification for penicillin skin testing, ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 18, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
A TRiP Through the Roles of Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channels in Type 2 Upper Airway Inflammation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite their high prevalence, the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear. Recently, transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels emerged as important players in type 2 upper airway inflammatory disorders. In this review, we aim to discuss known and yet to be explored roles of TRP channels in the pathophysiology of AR and CRS with nasal polyps.Recent FindingsTRP channels participate in a plethora of cellular functions and are expressed on T cells, mast cells, respiratory epithelial cells, and sensory neurons of the upper airways. In chronic ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 18, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
A Mimic of Ankylosing Spondylitis, Ochronosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOchronosis and alkaptonuria are manifestations of the same condition —a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting from a constitutional lack of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD) with the consequent accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA). In ochronosis, HGA undergoes autoxidation as well as enzymatic oxidation to form an ochronotic pigment that accumulates in c artilage and connective tissues. In the beginning, there is homogentisic aciduria and pigmentation of cartilages and other connective tissues. In later years, generalized osteoarthritis of the spine and large joints, termed ochronotic ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 5, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Innovative Surgical Techniques for Nasal Septal Perforations: Management and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this study was to review and describe the main innovative surgical techniques for nasal septal perforation (NSP) repair that have been published in recent years.Recent FindingsSeveral techniques for NSP repair have been developed recently. The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) flap is a versatile technique for middle-size perforations in different locations. The greater palatine artery (GPA) flap is an excellent option for anterior-most NSPs. The lateral nasal wall flap and the pericranial flap are the most appropriate techniques for large perforations.SummaryThe advent of these techniques...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 5, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Disease Presentation, Treatment Options, and Outcomes for Myeloid Immunodeficiencies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewUp-to-date review on various types of immunodeficiencies with a significant myeloid component including some more recently described congenital disorders.Recent FindingsWhile a number of disorders have been described in the past, genetic sequencing has led to the identification of the specific disorders and clarified their pathophysiology. Advances in genetic therapies including genetic editing should provide future treatments beyond hematopoietic stem cell transplant for patients with these rare disorders.SummaryNeutrophils (or granulocytes) are a major contributor to infection surveillance and cl...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 5, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Emerging Therapies in Anaphylaxis: Alternatives to Intramuscular Administration of Epinephrine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAnaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, systemic allergic reaction that should be recognized and treated promptly. Intramuscular (IM) epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and there are no absolute contraindications to its use. Despite its established track record of efficacy and safety, physicians and patients face barriers in the recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis, including the maintenance and appropriate use of epinephrine auto-injectors. This has led to investigation into potential alternatives to IM epinephrine administration in anaphylaxis.Recent FindingsThis revie...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 5, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Update on Insect Sting Anaphylaxis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes improvement in diagnostic accuracy, prediction of outcomes, identifying high-risk factors, and refinements of treatment that continue to evolve over the past 5 –10 years.Recent FindingsThe risk of anaphylaxis is relatively low (< 5%) in patients with previous large local reactions or strictly cutaneous systemic reactions, but much higher in those with moderate-to-severe anaphylaxis (40% –70%) or mastocytosis (> 90%). Use of recombinant venom allergens and basophil activation tests may improve diagnostic accuracy. Elevated serum tryptase (and possible mastocytosis) oc...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 5, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Environmental Determinants of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
AbstractPurpose for ReviewSince the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in China in late 2019 turned into a global pandemic, numerous studies have reported associations between environmental factors, such as weather conditions and a range of air pollutants (particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, etc.) and the first wave of COVID-19 cases. This review aims to offer a critical assessment of the role of environmental exposure risk factors on SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 disease severity.Recent FindingsIn this review, we provide a critical assessment of COVID-19 risk factors, identify gaps in our knowledge (e.g., indoo...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - March 5, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
