PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Barbara

Publications and source records attributed to J Barbara.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Immunoadjuvant properties of glove cornstarch powder in latex-induced hypersensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Cornstarch powder present in medical gloves plays an important role in latex-induced hypersensitivity as allergen carrier either, by the inhalation route, by skin contact or by direct contact with mucous membranes. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that cornstarch could act as an immunoadjuvant in immediate type-I latex-induced hypersensitivity. METHODS: Guinea-pigs were sensitized by intraperitoneal route with two different antigens (latex proteins and ovalbumin) with or without cornstarch powder. Airway responsiveness after specific bronchial provocation was evaluated and specific IgG and IgG1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Controls were treated with cornstarch powder or saline alone. RESULTS: Animals sensitized with latex proteins (n = 7 in each group) showed significant bronchoconstriction (P < 0.03) and higher anti-latex antibody levels than the controls (P < 0.005). Guinea-pigs sensitized with latex-contaminated cornstarch had higher levels of specific antibodies than those sensitized with latex alone (P < 0.05). Animals sensitized to latex mixed with cornstarch showed higher bronchospasm than those treated with latex alone (P < 0.003). Animals sensitized to ovalbumin mixed with cornstarch also showed higher antibody and bronchoconstriction levels (P < 0.05) than those immunized with ovalbumin alone but antibody titres were significantly lower than those of the animals treated with ovalbumin and Freund's complete adjuvant (P < 0.01; n = 5 in each group). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that cornstarch powder increases antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and antibody production. This role of immunoadjuvant is not antigen-specific. The cornstarch powder used as donning agent in latex gloves is an allergen carrier and it can enhance latex-induced hypersensitivity.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2001

Retention of airborne latex particles by a bacterial and viral filter used in anaesthesia apparatus.

We have developed a series of laboratory tests to evaluate the efficiency of a heat and moisture exchanger filter (Pall BB25) in retaining latex particles in order to protect allergic patients during anaesthesia. Latex particles were nebulised with cornstarch as a support and collected for assay in a flask, with or without the filter integrated into the experimental circuit. With the Pall BB25 filter in the circuit, no natural latex proteins were detected by measurement of either total protein or antigenic latex proteins. The Pall BB25 filter may represent a useful means of preventing inhalation of latex particles during anaesthesia in susceptible patients.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2000

Experiences with genetic screening for established and new agents.

In England the introduction of PCR for HCV RNA in minipools has been a nationally coordinated project. The current programme is designed to ensure that all frozen components will have been tested for HCV RNA on pools of 96 samples before their release. To meet EEC requirements, the original planning was aimed at the PCR testing of minipools of 480 samples before making final pools of plasma for fractionation. However, with the sourcing of plasma for fractionation from the USA as a precaution against possible risk from new variant CJD, the project was modified to allow release of HCV PCR tested components.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome↗
PubMed2000

Surrogate tests.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1999

Large-scale HCV RNA screening in first-time blood donors: the first step towards genomic screening of blood donations. HCV RNA Screening Study Group.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Individual genomic screening for viruses in blood donations is becoming increasingly pressing as an alternative to pool testing to improve the safety of the blood supply. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine the feasibility and, possibly, efficacy of genomic screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the blood service setting, a representative population of first-time blood donors was screened individually with a semi-automated genomic amplification assay for HCV RNA. First-time blood donors in two blood centres in the United Kingdom were screened in parallel for anti-HCV and HCV RNA by RT-PCR. RESULTS: 8, 417 serum samples were screened. A 99.95% specificity was observed and one anti-HCV-positive, HCV-RNA-positive donation was found. No seronegative HCV-RNA-positive donations were detected. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the low prevalence of HCV infection in blood donors from the London area and demonstrate the high level of performance of the individual genomic screening method used in this study. When fully automated, such a method would be a highly suitable candidate for routine, automated genomic screening of HCV and, subsequently, of other pathogenic blood-borne viruses.

Autoanalysis↗