Documents published in Scipedia

• Gastroesophageal dysmotility is associated with the impairment of cough-specific quality of life in patients with cough variant asthma

  Y. Kanemitsu, A. Niimi, H. Matsumoto, T. Iwata, I. Ito, T. Oguma, H. Inoue, T. Tajiri, T. Nagasaki, Y. Izuhara, G. Petrova, S. Birring, M. Mishima

  Allergology International (2016).

  
  

  Abstract

  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is known as a common comorbidity of asthma and chronic cough. The impact of GERD symptoms on cough-specific quality of life (QoL) in patients with asthmatic cough is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to determine the association of GERD symptoms with cough-specific quality of life in patients with cough variant asthma (CVA) using the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). A total of 172 consecutive patients (121 females) with mean cough duration of 45.1 months (range 2–480 months) completed the Japanese version of the LCQ. The Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux was administered to assess symptoms of acid-reflux and dysmotility. A range of clinical variables that may determine cough-specific QoL (LCQ) were estimated. The mean LCQ scores was 12.9 (SD 3.5), consistent with severe impairment in QoL. Female gender, symptoms of gastroesophageal dysmotility, sensitization to allergens (house dust and Japanese cedar pollen) and the number of sensitized allergens were associated with lower LCQ scores (i.e. impaired cough-specific QoL) in univariate regression analysis. Acid-reflux symptoms, airway hyperresponsiveness, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and sensitization to molds were unrelated to the LCQ score. After adjustment for gender, symptoms of gastroesophageal dysmotility was the only significant determinant of impaired cough-specific QoL accounting for 23% of the variance. Cough-specific QoL is severely impaired in patients with CVA. Symptoms of gastroesophageal dysmotility are an independent predictor of cough-specific QoL of patients with CVA.

  Abstract
  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is known as a common comorbidity of asthma and chronic cough. The impact of GERD symptoms on cough-specific quality of life (QoL) in [...]

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• Development of in vivo imaging

  K. Kabashima, K. Izuhara

  Allergology International (2016).

  
  

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• Intravital imaging technology reveals immune system dynamics in vivo

  M. Ishii

  Allergology International (2016).

  
  

  Abstract

  Fluorescent ‘intravital’ imaging is a new research technique by which the interior of living tissues and organs (in living bodies, if possible) can be observed, revealing the kinetics of cell and molecular processes in real time. Recent technological innovations in optical equipment and fluorescence imaging techniques have enabled a variety of cellular phenomena in different tissues and organs to be characterized under completely native conditions. This shift from static to dynamic biology constitutes the beginning of a new era in biomedical sciences.

  Abstract
  Fluorescent ‘intravital’ imaging is a new research technique by which the interior of living tissues and organs (in living bodies, if possible) can be observed, revealing [...]

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• Maculopapular type drug eruption caused by pregabalin: A case and literature review

  A. Inoue, Y. Sawada, S. Ohmori, D. Omoto, S. Haruyama, M. Yoshioka, D. Nishio, M. Nakamura

  Allergology International (2016).

  
  

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• Anaphylaxis caused by γ-cyclodextrin in sugammadex

  E. Hotta, R. Tamagawa-Mineoka, K. Masuda, M. Taura, Y. Nakagawa, F. Kanehisa, S. Tashima, N. Katoh

  Allergology International (2016).

  
  

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• Novel insights into cutaneous immune systems revealed by in vivo imaging

  T. Honda, A. Otsuka, K. Kabashima

  Allergology International (2016).

  
  

  Abstract

  In vivo imaging is a novel experimental approach for biological research. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM), a type of fluorescence microscopy, is a new tool for in vivo imaging analysis. MPM allows observation of both tissue structures and cell behaviors or cell–cell interactions in living animals in real time. Skin is an ideal tissue for MPM analysis as it is directly accessible to the microscope. In the skin, immune cells cooperate to maintain skin homeostasis or to exert immune responses against foreign antigens. In vivo imaging by MPM analysis provides precise information on cell dynamics in the skin, and has significantly expanded our knowledge of the cutaneous immune system. In this review, we will discuss recent insights related to the mechanisms of allergic skin inflammation that have been revealed by MPM analysis.

  Abstract
  In vivo imaging is a novel experimental approach for biological research. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM), a type of fluorescence microscopy, is a new tool for in vivo imaging [...]

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• Optimal step-down approach for pediatric asthma controlled by salmeterol/fluticasone: A randomized, controlled trial (OSCAR study)

  K. Akashi, H. Mezawa, Y. Tabata, J. Atsuta, R. Tokuda, Y. Kawada, T. Kitamura, H. Murasugi, H. Ito, M. Tabata, K. Shirao, S. Sato, H. Nishimura, M. Fujiwara, K. Masuda, H. Arakawa, Y. Adachi, S. Yoshihara, T. Fujisawa, T. Katsunuma

  Allergology International (2016).

  
  

  Abstract

  Several guidelines, including the Japanese Pediatric Guideline for the Treatment and Management of Asthma (JPGL), recommend salmeterol/fluticasone combination therapy (SFC) as step 3 to 4 treatment for moderate to severe asthma. However, the optimal step-down approach to SFC remains unclear. In the current study, we examined step-down approaches in asthmatic children whose symptoms had been stabilized by SFC 100/200 μg/day. This randomized, multicenter, open-label, parallel-group study was conducted over 12 weeks. For step-down therapy, subjects aged 5–15 years were randomly assigned to an SFC group (25/50 μg b.i.d.) or an FP group (100 μg b.i.d.), and treated for 12 weeks. Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) scores, lung function, and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels were monitored. Of 131 enrolled subjects, 128 completed the study and were included in the analysis. Decreases in % peak expiratory flow rate and % forced expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity (V50) were observed in the FP group at each time point. There was a significant difference between the two groups for the change in %V50 from its previous value at each time point. There were no significant changes in FeNO levels (range 15–20 ppb) or C-ACT scores (∼26 points) within or between groups. A high level of asthma control was maintained with both approaches. The use of SFC step-down resulted in somewhat better respiratory function, with no worsening of airway inflammation. However, halving the dose of SFC and switching to FP alone are both optimal step-down approaches.

  Abstract
  Several guidelines, including the Japanese Pediatric Guideline for the Treatment and Management of Asthma (JPGL), recommend salmeterol/fluticasone combination therapy (SFC) [...]

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• Endotypes of allergic diseases and asthma: An important step in building blocks for the future of precision medicine

  I. Agache, C. Akdis

  Allergology International (2016).

  
  

  Abstract

  Discoveries from basic science research in the last decade have brought significant progress in knowledge of pathophysiologic processes of allergic diseases, with a compelling impact on understanding of the natural history, risk prediction, treatment selection or mechanism-specific prevention strategies. The view of the pathophysiology of allergic diseases developed from a mechanistic approach, with a focus on symptoms and organ function, to the recognition of a complex network of immunological pathways. Several subtypes of inflammation and complex immune-regulatory networks and the reasons for their failure are now described, that open the way for the development of new diagnostic tools and innovative targeted-treatments. An endotype is a subtype of a disease condition, which is defined by a distinct pathophysiological mechanism, whereas a disease phenotype defines any observable characteristic of a disease without any implication of a mechanism. Another key word linked to disease endotyping is biomarker that is measured and evaluated to examine any biological or pathogenic processes, including response to a therapeutic intervention. These three keywords will be discussed more and more in the future with the upcoming efforts to revolutionize patient care in the direction of precision medicine and precision health. The understanding of disease endotypes based on pathophysiological principles and their validation across clinically meaningful outcomes in asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, atopic dermatitis and food allergy will be crucial for the success of precision medicine as a new approach to patient management.

  Abstract
  Discoveries from basic science research in the last decade have brought significant progress in knowledge of pathophysiologic processes of allergic diseases, with a compelling [...]

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• La armonía del devenir: zen y poesía en Juan L. Ortiz

  T. Bustillo

  Acta Poética (2016).

  
  

  Abstract

  En este ensayo exploro la relación que existe en la poesía del poeta argentino Juan L. Ortiz, entre la experiencia poética y la iluminación o satori de la filosofía zen. Juan L. Ortiz, por medio de la contemplación de su paisaje natal-cotidiano, logra acceder a un nivel de conciencia en el que entrevé la maravilla de la compenetración del uno con el todo. La renuncia a sí mismo, la atención hacia las cosas por más ínfimas que éstas sean, la aceptación del vacío como fundamento de la existencia, lo llevan a ver al amor como la única respuesta para recobrar su propia armonía. La poesía para Ortiz supone entonces la posibilidad de acceder, mediante el leguaje, a esa armonía tan deseada. Un eje importante de este ensayo es el de mostrar cómo el lenguaje de Ortiz logra configurar en su interior esa experiencia, cómo construye un lenguaje que él mismo calificó de “transparente”, y cómo ese lenguaje logra contener en sí la armonía del devenir.

  Abstract
  En este ensayo exploro la relación que existe en la poesía del poeta argentino Juan L. Ortiz, entre la experiencia poética y la iluminación o satori de la filosofía zen. [...]

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• La nada como ejercicio creador. La Guía espiritual de Molinos en Zambrano y Valente

  T. Bay

  Acta Poética (2016).

  
  

  Abstract

  En este artículo se analiza la Guía espiritual de Miguel de Molinos a partir de los estudios de María Zambrano y José Ángel Valente. Se aborda el papel que en la obra de Molinos desempeña el concepto de la nada como medio para alcanzar la divinidad. También se observa la importancia de la Guía como género literario y se habla en específico de la Guía espiritual como manual de aprendizaje práctico que se opone al conocimiento puramente escolástico y persigue el autoconocimiento. Asimismo la suerte histórica que tuvo Miguel de Molinos se contrasta con la de san Juan de la Cruz.

  Abstract
  En este artículo se analiza la Guía espiritual de Miguel de Molinos a partir de los estudios de María Zambrano y José Ángel Valente. Se aborda el papel que en la obra [...]

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