In this study, we showed that birch immunotherapy-induced IgG antibodies are associated with a reduction in basophil allergen threshold sensitivity. Further studies are needed to show whether the changes in basophil sensitivity are of clinical relevance in pollen immunotherapy.

Large differences in COVID‐19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage were associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS‐CoV‐2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS‐Cov‐2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT 1 R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistanceas well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID‐19. The nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block the AT 1 R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are given: Kimchi in Korea, westernized foods and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof‐of‐concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2‐associated antioxidant effects helpful in mitigating COVID‐19 severity.

High basophil allergen CD63 sensitivity phenotype was a major indicator of severe adverse SRs during the build-up phase of honeybee VIT. Possibly role was also showed for short latency to filed sting reaction and low sIgE to rApi m1. Before honeybee VIT, measurement of basophil allergen sensitivity should be used to identify patients with a high risk for severe side-effects.

Background: The European baseline series (EBS) of contact allergens is subject to change. An allergen is considered for inclusion when routine patch testing of patients with suspected contact dermatitis results in ≥0.5% prevalence rate.Objectives: We aimed to determine the frequency of sensitizations to 30 EBS allergens and 10 locally added allergens. Additionally, we assessed the strength and evolution of reactions to all tested allergens and co-reactivity of additional allergens.Methods: Patch testing with our baseline series of 40 allergens was done in 748 consecutive adults. Tests were applied to the upper back and removed by patients after 48 h. Readings were done on Day 3 (D3) and D6 or D7 (D6/7). Positive reactions fulfilled the criteria of at least one plus (+) reaction. A retrospective analysis was done.Results: Eight allergens not listed in the EBS had ≥0.5% prevalence rate (i.e., cocamidopropyl betaine, thiomersal, disperse blue mix 106/124, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol, diazolidinyl urea, propylene glycol, Compositae mix II and dexamethasone-21-phosphate), and 16.6% of positive reactions would have been missed without D6/7 readings. Conclusion:We propose further studies to evaluate whether cocamidopropyl betaine, disperse blue mix 106/124, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, diazolidinyl urea and Compositae mix II need to be added to the EBS.

To the Editor, European hornets (Vespa crabro) and wasps (Vespula germanica) belong to the Vespidae family. There are marked differences in distribution and behaviour between these species. The genus Vespula is more common than Vespa throughout Europe. 1Wasps are aggressive in their search for food, and their field stings are common. European hornets sting rarely, mostly in defence and near their nests. Wasps release 5-10 micrograms of venom per sting. The exact quantity of venom in European hornet stings is not known; it should be much larger than that in wasp stings because the dry weight of venom per sac was found to be 260 micrograms.