Sesame seed allergy.

ABSTRACT: In the US, sesame was recognized as the ninth major food allergen in 2021, underscoring the importance of updated allergen labeling to facilitate effective prevention plans and anaphylaxis response. This article discusses the prevalence of sesame seed allergy among children in the US and outlines strategies for nurses to understand the assessment, treatment, and education of patients regarding this allergen.

Recurrent Anaphylaxis with Watermelon and Pumpkin Seeds in a Boy Tolerant to Their Pulps.

Background: Seeds are widely consumed as a traditional snack and have rich contents beneficial to health. With an increase in consumption rates, allergic reactions occur more frequently. We focus on multiple seed consumption related to recurrent anaphylaxis in this case. Case Presentation: We evaluated an 11-year-old boy with recurrent anaphylaxis. According to his medical records, he had been hospitalized several times, diagnosed with anaphylaxis, and treated. The family noticed direct (eating) or indirect contact with pumpkin seeds. In addition, the family mentioned another anaphylactic episode after watermelon seed and poppy seed bread consumption. We conducted skin prick-to-prick tests, examined total immunoglobulin E levels, and prescribed the treatment with an adrenalin autoinjector and preventive dietary recommendations. Conclusion: Anaphylaxis, particularly recurrent ones, should be evaluated with detailed anamnesis and supported with laboratory tests. Although seeds are beneficial and highly nutritious, it is necessary to consider them a source of allergens.

Positivo a opiáceos en análisis de drogas de abuso en orina tras consumo de semillas de amapola. A propósito de un caso / Positive for opiates in urine drug of abuse test after poppy seed consumption. A case report

Antecedentes y objetivos: las semillas de amapola, cuyo consumo solas o contenidas en ciertos alimentos es considerado seguro en España desde el punto de vista toxicológico, presentan cierta cantidad de alcaloides opiáceos que pueden originar resultados «falsos positivos» en los análisis de drogas de abuso en muestras de orina, como los realizados de forma rutinaria, entre otros colectivos, al personal de las Fuerzas Armadas. A raíz de un caso detectado en el Instituto de Toxicología de la Defensa de resultado positivo a opiáceos en una persona que reportó el consumo de un pan con semillas de amapola, se propuso realizar un estudio de esta problemática y cómo abordarla desde el punto de vista analítico. Material y método: se estudió en dos voluntarios cómo afectó el consumo de dicho pan, analizándose muestras de orina, tanto por métodos de cribado como de confirmación, y se apoyó en una revisión bibliográfica empleando distintas bases de datos especializadas en referencia a la interferencia del consumo de semillas de amapola con las analíticas de drogas de abuso en muestras de orina. Resultados: aplicando el punto de corte de 300 ng/ml recomendado por la European Workplace Drug Testing Society (EWDTS) resultaron presuntamente positivos a opiáceos el 62,5% de los análisis de cribado. En ciertas muestras, el análisis de confirmación identificó codeína por encima del límite de detección establecido en la técnica analítica. La bibliografía apoyó estos resultados. Conclusiones: para abordar analíticamente esta problemática se ha propuesto incrementar, en la técnica analítica de confirmación, el punto de corte de confirmación y, asimismo, como otras posibles medidas a implementar se ha planteado la detección de tebaína como biomarcador específico del consumo de semillas de amapola y/o el incremento del punto de corte hasta los 2000 ng/ml. (AU)

Antecedents and objectives: Poppy seeds, whose consumption alone or contained in certain foods is considered safe in Spain from the toxicological point of view, have different amounts of opioid alkaloids that can cause «false positive» results in the analysis of drugs of abuse in urine samples, such as those routinely performed, among other groups, on Armed Forces personnel. Following a case detected at the Institute of Toxicology of the Defense of a positive result to opiates in a person who reported the consumption of a bread containing poppy seeds, it was proposed to carry out a study of this problem and how to approach it from the analytical point of view. Material and methods: We studied how the consumption of this bread affected to two volunteers, analyzing urine samples by both screening and confirmation methods, and was supported by a literature review using different specialized databases in reference to the interference of the consumption of poppy seeds and products containing them with the analysis of drugs of abuse in urine samples. Results: Using the 300 ng/ml cut-off point, 62% of the screening tests were presumably positive to opiates. In certain samples the confirmatory analysis identified codeine above the established detection limit. The literature supported these results. Conclusions: In order to deal with this problem analytically, it has been proposed to increase the confirmation cut-off level in the analytical confirmatory technique. In addition, the detection of thebaine as a specific biomarker for poppy seed consumption and/or the increase of the cut-off point to 2000 ng/ml has been proposed as other possible measures to be implemented. (AU)

Determination of cyanide in whole seeds and brans of linseed (Linum usitatissimum Linn) by molecular spectrophotometry

Abstract The addition of linseed (Linum usitatissimum Linn) in the diet, as a functional food, has increased over the years. However, it possesses cyanogenic glycosides. This study aimed to quantify and compare cyanide concentration in whole seed and bran of brown and golden types to establish a safe limit of intake. Three commercial labels, from brown and golden whole seed types (Ab, Ag, Bb, Bg, Cb and Cg), and six commercial labels of brown and golden bran (1b, 2g, 3g, 4b, 5g, and 6b), were selected, totalizing twelve samples. Total cyanide concentration was quantified by a colorimetric method employing alkaline picrate, after acid hydrolysis. The whole seed cyanide values were between 348.4 and 473.20 µg/g and the bran cyanide values were between 459.53 and 639.35 µg/g. The analyzed bran presented increased cyanide concentrations than the whole seeds with no differences between brown and golden types. Food able to produce cyanide less than 90 µg/kg body weight, daily, is considered secure for consumption. Considering this limit and analyzed samples, it is safe to eat approximately two tablespoons of seeds or one tablespoon of bran. These results point out the importance of cyanide amount daily intake information to be in linseed packaging, to ensure secure consumption

Clinical and Immunological Characterization of Perilla Seed Allergy in Children

Background: Perilla seeds are known to cause immediate allergic reactions. However, reports on perilla seed allergy are limited to a few case reports worldwide, and there is currently no diagnostic test for this allergy. Objective: Our objective was to analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics of perilla seed allergy and to identify allergens for the development of diagnostic methods. Methods: Twenty-one children with clinical perilla seed allergy were enrolled from 2 tertiary hospitals between September 2016 and June 2019. Using perilla seed extract, we developed a skin prick test (SPT) and an IgE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis of perilla seed allergy. IgE immunoblotting was performed to identify putative allergenic components, and amino acid composition analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The median age of children with perilla seed allergy was 3 years; the proportion of children with anaphylaxis was 28.6%. SPT was performed with perilla seed in 15 of 21 children, all of whom tested positive. On ELISA, 85.7% of children tested positive for perilla seed-specific IgE. Proteins with molecular weights of 50, 31-35, and 14-16 kDa bound to the sera of >50% of children with perilla seed allergy. LC-MS/MS analysis of these 3 protein fractions showed 8 putative proteins, including perilla oleosin (Accession No. 9963891), to be allergens. Conclusion: This study documented the clinical characteristics and immunological profiles of 21 children with perilla seed allergy. Our results suggest that oleosin is one of the major allergens in perilla seeds (AU)

Antecedentes: Las semillas de perilla pueden causar reacciones alérgicas inmediatas. Sin embargo, existen escasos estudios, limitados a escasos casos clínicos, sin que existan pruebas diagnósticas para esta alergia alimentaria.Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las características clínicas e inmunológicas de los pacientes con alergia a semillas de perilla e identificar los alérgenos responsables con el fin de desarrollar nuevos métodos diagnósticos. Métodos: Se reclutaron 21 niños con alergia a semillas de perilla procedentes de dos hospitales entre septiembre de 2016 y 2019. Se realizaron prick test y determinación de IgE específica in vitro mediante ELISA utilizando un extracto de perilla. Igualmente se realizó immunoblotting para identificar los componentes alergénicos y determinar su composición mediante cromatografía líquida y espectometría de masas (LC-MS/MS). Resultados: Los niños con alergia a perilla tienen una mediana de edad de 3 años. El 28,6% de estos niños presentaron anafilaxia. Se realizó prick test con el extracto de perilla en 15/21 niños con resultado positivo en todos ellos. La IgE específica in vitro mediante ELISA fue positiva en el 85,7% de los casos. Más del 50% de los niños reconocían proteínas de 50, 31–35 y 14–16 kDa. El análisis mediante LC-MS/MS de estas tres fracciones identificó 8 proteínas diferentes, incluyendo una oleosina (Accession No. 9963891), como posibles alérgenos. Conclusiones: Este trabajo describe las características clínicas e inmunológicas de 21 niños con alergia a semillas de perilla. Nuestros resultados sugieren que una oleosina es uno de los alérgenos mayores en los pacientes con alergia a semillas de perilla (AU)

Biliary obstruction caused by plant seeds.

Biliary obstruction is rarely caused by foreign objects; therefore, the precise diagnosis may be challenging. Even in rare situations, cases of biliary obstruction caused by plant seeds have not been reported previously. To our knowledge, herein, we report the first case of biliary obstruction caused by accumulated plant seeds forming a solid mass with inflammatory cells and bile juice, which were identified as Solanum lycopersicum, Brassica, and Citrus species by DNA analysis and pathological assessment of the specimen after surgical resection for biliary obstruction suggestive of cholangiocarcinoma.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of tree nut and seed allergy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Tree nut (TN) and seed allergies are frequent, and their prevalence appears to be on the rise. Allergic reactions associated with these foods are more frequently severe, and these allergies tend to persist into adulthood, consequently affecting quality of life. In this review, we summarize recent advances in diagnostic modalities and management strategies for TN/seed-allergic patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical manifestations of TN and seed allergy range from asymptomatic sensitization to severe anaphylactic reactions. The use of emerging diagnostic tools such as component resolved diagnostics (CRD) and the basophil activation test (BAT) can help better predict clinical reactivity, the latter being currently reserved for research settings. Strict avoidance of all TN is generally not required, as most patients can tolerate select TN despite co-sensitization. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising alternative treatment instead of complete avoidance of culprit allergens, as it can safely increase the allergy threshold. SUMMARY: Our recent understanding of co-reactivity between various TN and seeds has shaped management opportunities, including select TN introduction and optimization of OIT, two strategies which may improve quality of life. There is a need for better minimally invasive diagnostic methods for TN and seed allergy, with CRD and BAT being promising tools.

The benefit of Silybum marianum in ethanol-induced reprotoxicity of male Wistar rat

Abstract This study investigates the toxic effects of ethanol (Eth) on the reproductive system of male rats and the possible protective role of Silybum marianum seeds-infused solution (SMI) over six consecutive weeks of administration. Animals were divided into the following groups: control, SMI positive control (200 mg/kg/day), Eth1 (1 g/kg/day), Eth2 (2 g/kg/day), Eth1+SMI, and Eth2+SMI. Plasma testosterone concentration, epididymal spermatozoa biology, and testicular and epididymal MDA, GSH and GPx levels were evaluated. The results indicated a significant decrease in testis and epididymis weight, testosterone level, sperm concentration, sperm vitality and sperm motility (total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, velocity average path, beat cross frequency, and lateral head displacement) in both Eth1 and Eth2 compared to the control groups and the combined-treatment groups (Eth1+SMI and Eth2+SMI). Furthermore, results showed a significant elevation in MDA concentration with a significant decrease of testicular and epididymal GSH concentration and GPx activity in theEth1 and Eth2 groups compared to the combined-treatment groups. The administration of SMI succeeded in improving the parameters cited above in the combined-treatment groups compared to the Eth1 and Eth2 groups, and bring them to the levels seen in the control groups. To conclude, SMI has clearly protected reproductive indices against ethanol-induced reprotoxicity in male rats

Edible Plant Sprouts: Health Benefits, Trends, and Opportunities for Novel Exploration.

The consumption of plant sprouts as part of human day-to-day diets is gradually increasing, and their health benefit is attracting interest across multiple disciplines. The purpose of this review was to (a) critically evaluate the phytochemicals in selected sprouts (alfalfa, buckwheat, broccoli, and red cabbage), (b) describe the health benefits of sprouts, (c) assess the recent advances in sprout production, (d) rigorously evaluate their safety, and (e) suggest directions that merit special consideration for further novel research on sprouts. Young shoots are characterized by high levels of health-benefitting phytochemicals. Their utility as functional ingredients have been extensively described. Tremendous advances in the production and safety of sprouts have been made over the recent past and numerous reports have appeared in mainstream scientific journals describing their nutritional and medicinal properties. However, subjects such as application of sprouted seed flours in processed products, utilizing sprouts as leads in the synthesis of nanoparticles, and assessing the dynamics of a relationship between sprouts and gut health require special attention for future clinical exploration. Sprouting is an effective strategy allowing manipulation of phytochemicals in seeds to improve their health benefits.

Safety Assessment of Citrus Plant- and Seed-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 30 Citrus plant- and seed-derived ingredients, which are most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as fragrances and/or skin conditioning agents. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. With Citrus plant- and seed-derived ingredients, the Panel was concerned about the presence of the hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool in cosmetics. Industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities. The Panel reviewed the available data presented and concluded that 18 of these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The data for the remaining 12 ingredients are insufficient to determine safety.

Antihypertensive and safety studies of Cydonia oblonga M.

Antihypertensive studies on aqueous-methanolic extract prepared from seeds of Cydonia oblonga M. were carried out. The test extract in 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg doses was investigated in normotensive, high cholesterol and glucose fed hypertensive rats through non-invasive blood pressure measuring technique. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies were conducted in mice and rats, respectively. The test extract significantly decreased dose dependently the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures. The test extract in 600mg/kg dose produced maximum effect and prevented rise in blood pressure of high cholesterol diet and glucose fed rats as compare to control in 21 days studies. The extract was found safe up to 4g/kg dose in mice. In sub-chronic toxicity study, no significant alteration in blood chemistry of extract treated rats was observed except reduction in the low density cholesterol levels. It is concluded that Cydonia oblonga seeds extract possess antihypertensive effect which supports its use in folklore.

Diet-induced oxalate nephropathy from excessive nut and seed consumption.

Oxalate is a metabolite consumed in nuts, beans and leaves, and excreted in urine. Oxalosis can cause nephropathy. We describe a rare case of a high-oxalate diet intended for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatment causing oxalate nephropathy. A 59-year-old woman with a history of controlled hypertension presented with creatinine 1.8 mg/dL, increased from baseline 1.3 mg/dL. She denied recent illness, urinary stones, medication adjustments, herbal supplements and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use. Diet included six tablespoons of chia seeds and five handfuls of almonds daily to manage IBS symptoms. Her electrolytes, urinalysis and renal ultrasound were unremarkable. Her 24-hour urine output revealed increased oxalate and low citrate. Renal biopsy showed glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis and calcium oxalate deposition. She switched to a low-oxalate diet, with improvement in laboratory markers. An earlier dietary history could have raised concern for oxalosis prior to renal biopsy. Providers should be trained to identify at-risk patients and provide appropriate dietary counselling.