Search Results (2,357)

Grass and birch pollen are major allergens in the United Kingdom (UK), responsible for seasonal respiratory diseases between late March and July. East Anglia is an under-represented region in pollen allergy research, while patterns of continuous days of high pollen levels have not been studied at all. Analysis of pollen statistics and trends in East Anglia addresses a regional gap for pollen exposure in the UK and assesses the intensity of the exposure. Trends and statistics for start, end, length, first high day (FH), number of high days (NH), seasonal pollen integral (SPIn) and number of high days occurring in a run together were presented. Birch pollen occurred from late March to late April, with little indication that onset, end or duration were changing temporally. Severity (SPIn) and the number of days in a run together have increased, in line with severity trends in nearby regions. Grass pollen occurred from late May until the third week in July, with almost no indication of changing trends in this region, apart from a likely earlier first high day. These results inform clinicians that the information and advice on when to treat hay fever symptoms and for how long should not change at the present time. Full article

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a retroviral disease of equids, for which there is no vaccine particularly adapted to American viral strains. In this work we searched for possible epitope regions for the surface proteins gp90 and gp45, rationally employing the latest available bioinformatics tools that constitute the state of the art in the field. We selected eight regions that contain numerous overlapping epitopes that have a high coverage amongst American viral strains and designed a chimeric envelope protein with those proteins fused in tandem as a novel vaccine candidate. In silico predictors were used to analyze chimeric protein physicochemical and immunogenic properties, as well as its allergenicity and toxicity. Protein structure was predicted and validated, and its ability to trigger cytotoxic immune responses was predicted by molecular docking to ELA alleles. The proposed sequence is predicted to be highly immunogenic and sets the base for a novel EIAV vaccine that could be used to protect against several American field strains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Topical treatment efficacy is fundamentally dependent on effective delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and its compatibility with the compromised skin barrier. Many commercially available industrial formulations contain poorly tolerated excipients or lack essential therapeutic combinations, frequently leading to complex polypharmacy and reduced patient adherence. In contrast, magistral galenic preparations offer a degree of therapeutic personalization unmatched by standardized products, positioning the compounding laboratory as a strategic resource in dermatological care. This analysis aims to identify and evaluate ten indispensable magistral formulations selected based on their high clinical frequency and the absence of equivalent, globally available commercial alternatives. Materials and Methods: Each formulation was according to four strategic pillars: (i) dosage customization, (ii) excipient modification (removing allergens like parabens or fragrances), (iii) synergistic ingredient association, and (iv) vehicle optimization. The dermatological conditions addressed include pediatric scabies, melasma, hidradenitis suppurativa, and autoimmune mucosal diseases. Key selections include Kligman’s formula for hyperpigmentation and personalized trichological preparations. Results: The identified “top 10” magistral formulation reveals significant gaps within the standardized pharmaceutical market. In pediatric scabies (specifically patients < 15 kg), benzyl benzoate and precipitated sulfur demonstrate superior efficacy over permethrin, addressing emerging resistance patterns. For acute inflammatory dermatoses, Hoffmann Paste and Lime Liniment provide effective protective barriers while neutralizing local acidity. Antiseptic and astringent solutions, including Burow’s and Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃) offer targeted mechanisms and biocidal activity, often absent in standardized topicals. Furthermore, specialized adhesive oral pastes for autoimmune conditions minimizing systemic absorption and associated risks. Conclusions: Magistral compounding represents a cornerstone of precision medicine in dermatology enabling tailored therapies that bridge critical gaps left by standardized formulations, particularly in complex cases and vulnerable populations. Full article

The fining of red wines is a crucial process for enhancing their sensory quality, involving the elimination of compounds that compromise stability or generate undesirable attributes. Against the backdrop of growing interest in sustainable and allergen-free alternatives, this study examines the potential of using cell wall material from white grape pomace (Zalema, Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel varieties) as fining agents in red wine. Cell wall samples were isolated and characterised using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). PCA applied to the cell wall spectra revealed homogeneous matrices dominated by structural polysaccharides, including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectins and arabinogalactans. Following the fining treatments, significant differences were observed in the generated sediments compared to the control, primarily due to signals attributable to phenols, proteins, and carbohydrates. This demonstrates the active involvement of these compounds in the formation of precipitates. The results confirm that the composition of the cell wall favours interaction with phenols and proteins in wine, thereby contributing to their elimination. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of cell wall material from white grape pomace as plant-based oenological fining agents, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of action. Full article

Trained immunity confers protection against subsequent unrelated infections through metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming. Unlike adaptive immunity, trained innate immunity provides broad, non-specific protection against diverse heterologous pathogens. In addition to potentiating inflammatory responses upon secondary challenge, trained innate immune cells can also acquire anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic phenotypes, a property with important implications for chronic inflammatory diseases such as allergic disorders. Trained immunity-based vaccines (TIbVs) have emerged as promising immunomodulatory strategies capable of attenuating allergic inflammation by inducing immune tolerance. Similarly, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) promotes long-term tolerance to allergens through metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of innate immune cells. AIT drives the differentiation of monocytes into tolerogenic dendritic cells, thereby reshaping downstream adaptive immune responses. This review summarizes the current understanding of trained immunity and its role in protection against the same and heterologous infections. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying trained immunity, with an emphasis on metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming. Furthermore, we highlight the therapeutic potential of TIbVs and AIT as next-generation vaccines for allergic diseases. A deeper understanding of AIT-induced immune tolerance, the identification of predictive biomarkers, and the optimization of delivery platforms—such as lipid nanoparticle-based systems—will be critical for improving the safety and efficacy of future anti-allergy vaccines. Full article

Background: Food allergy (FA) is an increasing public health concern with significant implications for child health and quality of life. Early introduction of allergenic foods has been shown to reduce the risk of food allergy development; however, maternal awareness and adherence to these recommendations remain inconsistent. This study aimed to assess maternal awareness and practices regarding the timing of allergenic food introduction among mothers residing in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and March 2024 involving parents of children aged younger than 48 monthsin the Makkah region. Data were collected via a self-administered electronic questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. Results: A total of 391 parents participated. Parent-reported food allergy was identified in 11.3% of children, while 14.6% had eczema. Early introduction (<12 months) was more common for egg (43.3%) and wheat (71.1%) compared to peanut (28.9%), tree nuts (30.9%), sesame (30.9%), and seafood (28.9%). A considerable proportion of children had not been introduced to key allergenic foods even after 36 months, particularly peanuts (45.3%) and sesame (42.2%). Children with eczema were significantly more likely to have early introduction of egg (p = 0.035), tree nuts (p = 0.046), and seafood (p = 0.031). Similarly, children with a family history of food allergy had higher early introduction rates of tree nuts (55.3% vs. 44.0%, p = 0.043) and seafood (62.3% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.019). Only 25.8% of mothers were aware that early introduction might prevent food allergies, and just 22% reported receiving professional advice to introduce allergenic foods early. Conclusions: Maternal awareness regarding the timely introduction of allergenic foods in Makkah remains limited, with delayed introduction persisting beyond 36 months for several high-risk allergens. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions and improved counseling by healthcare providers. Full article

Pru du 8 is a 31 kDa antibacterial protein and officially recognized almond allergen, but its native form in mature almonds has not been characterized, and no effective extraction method has been established. In this study, we successfully isolated a high-purity (>95%) 15 kDa protein from almond extract using a one-step chromatographic approach. Mass spectrometry identified this protein as a fragment of Pru du 8. The purified 15 kDa fragment exhibited strong IgE-binding activity with sera from almond-allergic patients, and its IgE-binding specificity was confirmed by negative reactivity with non-atopic control blood serum. Structural characterization by circular dichroism and ultraviolet spectroscopy revealed that the fragment adopts a predominantly α-helical, compact fold. Furthermore, computational epitope prediction identified key B-cell epitopes on this naturally occurring fragment. This study provides the isolation method for a native Pru du 8 fragment and confirms its allergenic potential, offering a valuable tool for future research on almond allergy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with food allergy (FA) may exhibit dysfunctional eating behaviours and/or food aversions that extend beyond the necessary allergen elimination diet and may result in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) or food neophobia (FN); however, no data are available on adults. This study aimed to explore ARFID, FN, FA anxiety, and eating styles in adults with FA, analysing influences of sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods: This cross-sectional preliminary study involved 79 adults with FA, who completed the Nine Item ARFID screen (NIAS), Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), Scale of Food Allergy Anxiety (SOFAA), and Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ—brief). Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients and multiple linear regressions were performed (p < 0.05). Results: In total, 25% and 73% of participants scored positively for ARFID and FN, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between FN and ARFID levels (p < 0.006), and between FN and FA anxiety (p < 0.001). Current psychological problems positively correlated with ARFID (p = 0.004), FN (p = 0.006), and FA anxiety scores (p = 0.03). Restrained eating was positively associated with female gender (p < 0.001), and ARFID (p = 0.002) and FN scores (p = 0.028). External eating was negatively correlated with ARFID (p = 0.004). Adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) prescription was negatively associated with ARFID (p < 001) and restrained eating (p = 0.006), while previous anaphylaxis was negatively associated with ARFID (p = 0.020) and positively associated with external eating (p = 0.021). Multiple logistic regression models confirmed that restrained eating was associated with a higher probability of both ARFID (p = 0.031) and FN (p = 0.074). Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the risk of ARFID and FN among adult patients with FA and recommend appropriate psychological and dietary support. Further studies are needed to better understand the protective and precipitating factors of ARFID and FN to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Full article

Background: House dust mites (HDM) are one of the significant indoor allergen sources which cause IgE-mediated responses in most of the allergic individuals. HDMs are found in human habitats worldwide and Der p 2 is one of the major clinically relevant HDM allergens involved in triggering allergic diseases. The recombinant production of Der p 2 in plant systems provides a cost-effective and viable platform for developing diagnostic kits and allergen-specific immunotherapy. Methods: The D. pteronyssinus Der p 2 allergen was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana and its immunogenicity was evaluated in mice. The Der p 2 coding sequence was cloned into a geminiviral plant expression vector and introduced into N. benthamiana leaves via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated infiltration. Recombinant Der p 2 proteins were purified from the crude extracts and confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot. The immunogenicity of the plant-produced Der p 2 proteins was further evaluated by immunizing mice following a prime–boost immunization regimen, and Der p 2-specific antibody responses were assessed by ELISA. Results: Recombinant Der p 2 was successfully expressed and purified from N. benthamiana, and immunized mice developed high levels of Der p 2-specific IgG antibodies, with antibody titers increased after booster immunization. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the transient expression of Der p 2 in plants is a feasible and effective strategy for producing immunologically active recombinant allergen proteins for diagnostic and potential clinical applications. Full article

Background: Current recommendations for infant weaning suggest the early introduction of solid and diverse foods. Although homemade meals are advisable, there is a demand for commercially available complementary foods (CACFs), and the information present on their labeling influences caregivers’ choices. The aim of this study was to evaluate recommended-age-of-introduction labeling of CACFs in the Portuguese market, in light of current guidelines for complementary feeding. Methods: Between November and December 2025, labels of all CACFs found in infant feeding sections of 13 Portuguese grocery retailers were analyzed. Milk formulas, powders, products for children over 15 months, and those for children with food allergies or intolerances were excluded. Results: Of the 539 products analyzed, 458 showed a recommended age for introduction, ranging from 4 to 12 months, with significant variability being observed between food categories. Significant variability was also observed in the recommended age for introduction depending on whether major allergens were present. Conclusions: The results of our study identified an age-segmented approach to complementary feeding recommendations in CACF labeling, not reflecting current infant feeding guidelines that support complementary feeding. Our results reinforce the need for more support from scientific evidence and health guidelines in food availability and marketing. Full article

Background: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the principal reservoir for active tuberculosis, with >85% of cases attributable to reactivation. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin fails to block this transition, leaving a critical gap in prevention. Methods: An immunoinformatics/reverse-vaccinology pipeline was applied to seven dormancy-related antigens retrieved from Mycobrowser. T-cell epitopes were predicted with NetMHCI/IIpan-4.1 and B-cell epitopes with ABCpred; antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity were evaluated with VaxiJen, AllerTOP, and ToxinPred. Secondary/tertiary structures were modeled with PSIPRED and AlphaFold-3; docking to Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2/4 and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations assessed complex stability. Immune responses were simulated with C-ImmSim, and the mRNA sequence was human-codon-optimized using ExpOptimizer. Results: The resulting construct, RP14914P, encodes 14 cytotoxic T lymphocyte, 9 helper T lymphocyte, and 14 B-cell epitopes within an 866-aa, 90.4 kDa polypeptide. Antigenicity score = 0.7797, immunogenicity score = 8.58629. and no toxicity or allergenicity was predicted. Physicochemical analysis: instability index = 28.65, and solubility = 0.513. Estimated population coverage is 82.35% and 99.67% for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-I and HLA-II globally. Docking energies: −1477.8 kcal/mol (TLR2) and −1480.1 kcal/mol (TLR4). Molecular dynamics trajectories confirm stable binding. Immune simulation predicts potent activation of Natural Killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, Th1 polarization, high interferon-γ/interleukin-2 secretion, and durable memory. Conclusions: In silico analyses predict that RP14914P exhibits favorable immunogenicity, safety, and broad population coverage, suggesting its potential as a promising mRNA vaccine candidate to prevent LTBI reactivation. However, these computational predictions require thorough experimental validation to confirm the vaccine’s immunogenicity and protective efficacy. Full article

Approximately 10–24% of people suffer from a cat allergy. Fel d 1, the major allergen, triggers reactions in approximately 94% of sensitized individuals. Current therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases primarily involve medication or immunotherapy to alleviate symptoms, which are often burdened by low efficacy, high cost, and extended duration, posing significant challenges for patients. In contrast, IgY antibodies offer a promising alternative by reducing the level of allergens produced by cats. In this study, T-cell epitopes of Fel d 1 were predicted using ProPred/CTLpred, connected via a suitable linker (GGGGS), and expressed in E. coli. Immunization of mice and hens with recombinant cFel d 1 yielded high-titer specific antibodies (IgG: 1:301,500; IgY: 1:4,194,304). Cats administered anti-cFel d 1 IgY-enriched yolk powder (1–3% of diet) for four weeks exhibited a 30–71% reduction in salivary Fel d 1. These findings indicate that the allergen epitope-targeted IgY strategy effectively reduces allergen levels in cats, providing a promising basis for preventing and treating allergic conditions. Full article

The analytical surveillance of sulfite species (SO₃²⁻, SO₂ and HSO₃⁻) is critical for food safety due to their roles as preservatives and potent allergens. Despite stringent regulations, conventional methods like Monier-Williams distillation remain limited by labor-intensive protocols and matrix interferences. This review elucidates the chemical mechanisms of sulfites in food matrices and critically evaluates recent advancements in electrochemical sensing. A primary focus is placed on delineating physicochemical bottlenecks, such as electrode fouling and cross-reactivity from polyphenols and organic acids, which hinder commercialization. We analyze the strategic integration of nanostructured interfaces—including bimetallic nanoparticles, carbon-based hybrids (rGO/PPy), and nanozymes—to reduce oxidation overpotentials and enhance sensitivity below regulatory thresholds. Furthermore, the transition from laboratory prototypes to decentralized, field-deployable platforms using screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and smartphone-based potentiostats is explored. By synthesizing technical innovations with “green” analytical principles, this work provides a roadmap for real-time quality control in the food industry, bridging the gap between fundamental electrochemistry and industrial scalability. Full article

Food allergies arise when environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and genetic predispositions affect the integrity of the gut epithelial barrier. Under healthy conditions, gut microbiota supports intestinal tight junction integrity and promotes immune tolerance to dietary allergens. Disruption of this microbiota increases susceptibility to epithelial barrier leakage, thereby enabling food allergens to penetrate the bloodstream from the gut and leading to allergic sensitization. Restoring gut homeostasis through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), executed via oral termed as oral immunotherapy (OIT), skin as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), or under the tongue in the form of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), remains a promising yet complex and multifaceted approach. In parallel, probiotics offer a simpler alternative to reinforce epithelial barrier function, restore cellular homeostasis, mitigate allergy symptoms, and represent the probiotics-based OIT. Recently, several bioengineering strategies have been developed toward enriching gut microbiota, such as using additives such as carbohydrates, polyphenols, and probiotics. While generic probiotics have shown efficacy, their undefined dosages and administration protocols pose challenges for clinical standardization in the form of OIT. Emerging developments include recombinant probiotics engineered to express the specific allergen in a controlled manner inside the gut. However, safety concerns regarding their clinical application remain under active discussion. This review highlights various bioengineering strategies to enhance the probiotic capacity, address safety considerations, and explore future prospects for managing food allergies. Full article

Background/Objectives: As an escalating global health challenge, food allergies impose substantial burdens on the physical and psychological well-being of pediatric populations, profoundly compromising their quality of life. Given the marked geographical heterogeneity in allergen distribution patterns, this epidemiological investigation systematically characterizes prevalent pediatric food allergens sensitization patterns in Southwest China, yielding critical region-specific data to inform targeted prevention strategies and clinical management protocols. Methods: A cohort of 36,399 pediatric participants (age <18 years) underwent hospital-based testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) reactivity against 10 regionally prevalent food allergens, utilizing a semi-quantitative, immunocapture-based, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Of the 36,399 children whose food allergen sensitization profiles were analyzed, 48.12% (n = 17,514) demonstrated elevated sIgE reactivity in response to at least one tested allergen, with milk and eggs emerging as the predominant allergenic triggers. Age-stratified analyses identified preschool age (≤6 years) as the critical window for food sensitization, demonstrating peak IgE reactivity to major allergens, including milk, peanuts, soybeans, shrimp, eggs, wheat, and beef. Male subjects exhibited significantly higher sensitization rates to peanuts, soybeans, crustaceans and wheat compared to females (p < 0.05), underscoring the importance of sex-based considerations in allergy prevention strategies. Conclusions: Milk and eggs emerge as the dominant food allergens that cause sensitization in Chengdu’s pediatric population. Age- and sex-dependent vulnerabilities were identified, with younger children and male participants demonstrating higher sensitization rates than their counterparts. These age-stratified and male-predominant sensitization patterns provide a scientific foundation for public health initiatives. Full article