bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A field experiment on climatic and herbivore impacts on post‐fire tree regeneration in north‐western Patagonia
Authors: TERCERO‐BUCARDO NORLAN , KITZBERGER THOMAS , VEBLEN THOMAS T. , RAFFAELE ESTELA
Published: May 2007

Wildfires are predicted to increase in many ecosystems in relation to globally increasing temperatures but future patterns of post‐fire vegetation change are largely unknown, particularly when there are synergistic effects from introduced biota. In the late 1990s northern Patagonia, Argentina, experienced extreme droughts which led to severe wildfires affecting a range of Andean ecosystems.

We experimentally examined how variations in moisture, temperature and herbivory by livestock affect post‐1999 fire patterns of the three main tree species. Over two years we monitored, in three forest types, the survival and growth of tree seedlings in a factorial warming (+2 °C)/livestock exclosure/watering experiment.

Seedling survival in the warmed treatments and in the controls was nil for the evergreen Nothofagus dombeyi and the conifer Austrocedrus chilensis at the two low‐elevation experimental sites. Survival of the subalpine Nothofagus pumilio in the warmed treatments at high elevation tended to be lower than in the control; for all treatments of warming alone there were no significant differences compared with the controls.

In all three forest types, increased water availability was essential for higher rates of tree seedling survival. Doubling water availability during the growing season resulted in up to fourfold increases in seedling survival and up to threefold increases in seedling biomass.

In the subalpine forest, livestock reduced seedling survival by c. 30% in non‐watered treatments compared with watered treatments, probably due mainly to soil desiccation and to consumption of or damage to facilitating plants. In contrast, at lower elevation, where livestock pressure was lower, seedling survival of N. dombeyi and A. chilensis tended to be higher in unfenced sites, possibly due to reduced competition from highly palatable shrub species.

General circulation models predict a warming–drying trend in northern Patagonia during the twenty‐first century. The resulting increase in wildfire is likely to be followed by inadequate tree regeneration and conversion from forest to shrubland cover types. This and similar studies suggest that under relatively slight changes in regional climate, increased fire occurrence interacting synergistically with moisture limitations will result in long‐lasting displacements of forest by more xeric vegetation shrublands.
South African Iridaceae with rapid and profuse seedling emergence are more likely to become naturalized in other regions
Authors: VAN KLEUNEN MARK , JOHNSON STEVEN D.
Published: May 2007

Plant invasions constitute a large biological problem and screening protocols are needed to assess the invasive potential of species considered for introduction. However, insufficient information is available on species characteristics associated with successful establishment outside their native range.

We tested experimentally whether seed and seedling emergence characteristics and early growth of seedlings are associated with naturalization of South African Iridaceae. In a common garden experiment, we compared these characteristics between 30 species that have become naturalized elsewhere and 30 congeneric species that have been introduced elsewhere but have failed to become naturalized.

The average seed mass did not differ between naturalized and non‐naturalized species but seedlings of naturalized species emerged faster and more profusely than their non‐naturalized congeners. As a consequence of fast seedling emergence, naturalized species reached a larger size early in the season than did non‐naturalized species.

The results of our study indicate that rapid and profuse seedling emergence play important roles during naturalization, at least for Iridaceae from South Africa.
Appetite and obesity: a gastroenterologist's perspective
Authors: Camilleri M. , Grudell A. B. M.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  This review focuses on the gastrointestinal tract's control of appetite and interventions directed to the gut that are effective in the treatment of obesity. It examines the evidence linking gut hormones to the control of both appetite and upper gastrointestinal motility, the evidence that stomach function is altered and contributes to satiation in obesity and outlines the principles of therapy for obesity which are directed at the gastrointestinal tract. These therapies impair fat absorption or alter stomach functions through pharmacological, device, endoscopic, or surgical approaches. Gastroenterologists need to understand the role of factors controlling appetite in order to effectively manage the increasing number of obese patients and the ways the gut function may be altered as a result of the treatments and their complications.
CLINICAL STUDY: The influence of blood alcohol concentrations of around 0.03% on neuropsychological functions—a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled investigation
Authors: Breitmeier Dirk , Seeland‐Schulze Irina , Hecker Hartmut , Schneider Udo
Published: May 2007

There is a general agreement that blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of about 0.05% result in impairment of the ability to drive. This fact has been supported by means of experiments. In addition, there are only a few studies to date investigating low BACs. The present study aims to investigate the extent and quality of cognitive changes in low BACs of around 0.03%. Sixteen healthy male subjects were examined in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. During the trials the BAC was regulated to about 0.03%. As part of the study a record was made of the general level of intelligence, subjective impairments, possible depressive symptoms, general ability to perform, vigilance, divided attention, response times and performance of memory. Statistical analysis took place using the two‐period crossover design. Verbal intelligence, general performance, vigilance (optical stimuli), divided attention, vigilance towards acoustic stimuli and the general response time to acoustic and visual–acoustic sequential stimuli, and memory were not impaired significantly by a BAC of around 0.03%. The total response and motor response time to optical stimuli as well as decision time about sequential optical stimuli were, however, significantly changed for BACs of around 0.03%. In conclusion, the present results show that already in BACs of around 0.03%, particular cognitive functions which rely on perception and processing of visual information, are significantly impaired. This was evident in the more complex and urgent tasks.
Local nasal immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis to Parietaria
Authors: Andri L. , Senna G. E. , Betteli C. , Givanni S. , Andri G. , Falagiani P. , Lugo G.
Published: May 2007

Preseasonal local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) by means of an extract in macronized powder form has been studied in allergic rhinitis to parielaria. Twenty‐four Parietari‐sensitive patients have been studied for 18 weeks in a double‐blind controlled trial. Subjects were selected on the basis of a positive skin test, RAST and intranasal challenge to Parietaria antigen. Three eight‐patient groups were randomly planned: the first group was given native Parietaria product, the second modified Parietaria product, and the third placebo. During the pollen season no difference was observed in mean weekly symptom score between the three groups, while the mean weekly medication score was significantly lower in the treated groups than the control group. Only the treated groups showed a significant increase in specific nasal threshold to Parietaria after treatment. Adverse reactions to LNIT, limited to the upper respiratory tract, occurred rarely and did not interfere with the dose schedule. This study indicates that Lnit in powder form may be a suitable alternative to the traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy in terms of clinical efficacy and safety.
Conjunctival provocation test: high clinical reproducibility but little local temperature change
Authors: Rimås M. , Gustafsson P. M. , Kjellman N.‐I. M. , Bjöorkstéen B.
Published: May 2007

Ten atopic and five healthy individuals participated in eight conjunctival provocation tests (CPT) in an effort to improve the CPT procedure. Results were evaluated by thermography and the use of conventional criteria under various conditions. Due to considerable spontaneous variability and change in temperature already after instillation of diluent, thermography was not sensitive enough to identify positive CPT results. The precision of the CPT was within one 10‐log step in all tests and in all patients. Itching appeared before erythema in 83% of subjects and within 5–8 min after instillation of the allergen. This was true also when only one eye was used for the CPT. We therefore conclude that the CPT procedure can be used in one eye every 5–8 min when indicated in clinical routine and that it is a safe, precise method.
Early and late‐phase asthmatic reactions: a hypothesis
Authors: Picado C.
Published: May 2007

Why might a foreign particle, exercise or fog inhalation precipitate two asthmatic reactions? It is reasonable to suspect that asthmatic patients develop two reactions because healthy subjects may also develop two physiological responses to the same stimuli. This suggestion is supported by the observation that living things have developed adaptative systems to confront either sudden or persistent changes in the environment or within the internal milieu. The results of several studies suggest that the early phase response (EPR) usually involves cells which are normal residents of the respiratory epithelium (mast cells) and pre‐formed substances (histamine), whereas cells participating in the late phase reaction (LPR) are recruited from the circulation (eosinophils, basophils and T cells). Up to now most of the studies of the EPR and LPR have been addressed to detecting a cell or metabolite abnormality. This simplistic approach would probably not improve the knowledge of the mechanisms involved in asthmatic responses. Since the presence of isolated or dual responses seems to depend on the intensity and duration of the stimuli it is reasonable to suspect that EPR and LPR are the result of an excessive adaptative response of the bodies of asthmatics to sudden and prolonged/strong stimuli, respectively.
Nasal memory T lymphocytes capable of producing IL‐4 in the allergic reaction
Authors: Hellquist H. B. , Karlsson M. G.
Published: May 2007

This paper reports the presence of memory T cells in the nasal mucosa of allergic patients. The demonstration of CD4 +/CD29 + (CD4 +/CD45RO +) T lymphocytes, which are capable of interleukin‐4 production, can indicate a complementary cell‐mediated regulatory mechanism for mast cell proliferation and IgE synthesis in human nasal allergy. No substantial IgE production can be obtained in the absence of IL‐4. Therefore, the existence of IL‐4 producing cells on site in the nasal mucosa of allergic subjects probably implies a complementary interaction between cytokines and different immunocompetent nasal cells in the regulation of B cells and IgE synthesis.
Reduction of indoor airborne mould spores
Authors: Prahl P.
Published: May 2007

In 23 dwellings in Copenhagen high concentrations of airborne mould spores were shown by the “open Petri dish” method. The families were instructed how to reduce this contamination. One year later the number of mould spores was estimated again. At that time their number was 1/10 of that shown at the first sampling in 11 dwellings, and in 7 dwellings the reduction of mould spores decreased to 1/5. Only one dwelling showed no reduction.
Cold urticaria as a model of mediator release: platelet factor 4, eosinophil cationic protein and histamine
Authors: Rosenkranz A. R. , Wekkeli M. , Hippmann G. , Benda H. , Jarisch R. , Götz M.
Published: May 2007

Platelet factor 4 (PF4) has previously been linked to precipitation of cold urticaria (CU). The aim of the study was to assess the liberation of PF4, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and histamine after cold challenge in patients with CU. Ten controls and 8 patients with CU verified by clinical data and cold challenge test were investigated. Assessment of histamine, ECP and PF4 were done using radioimmunoassays. In patients histamine increased after 10 min on the challenged arm (NS), PF4 increase was statistically significant (p≤0.05) both in patients and controls. ECP release showed no significant changes. Treatment with doxepin results in clinical improvement, but no changes in mediator release were seen. Thus, in contrast to previous reports an increase of PF4 was seen both in controls as well as in patients. An involvement of ECP was not ascertained. Our data suggest that neither basophils, nor eosinophils or platelets are directly involved in cold urticaria and that mast cell‐dependent mediators may be of greater relevance.
Reduced nonspecific bronchial reactivity and decreased airway response to antigen challenge in atopic asthmatic patients treated with the inhaled leukotriene D4 antagonist, L‐648,051
Authors: Rasmussen J. B. , Eriksson L.‐O. , Tagari P. , Stahl E. G. , Andersson K.‐E.
Published: May 2007

We studied the effect of the inhaled leukotriene D4 antagonist, L‐648,051, on antigen‐induced bronchoconstriction and nonspecific bronchial reactivity. Ten males with mild atopic asthma completed a double‐blind, randomized, two‐period, placebo‐controlled cross‐over study. For a 7‐day period patients inhaled either placebo or 6 mg of L‐648,051 four times daily. Bronchial reactivity to methacholine was measured at base line (day 1) and after 6 days, treatment (day 7). On day 8, after inhaling 6 mg of the antagonist (or placebo), the patients were challenged by inhaled antigen; they received an additional 6 mg of the antagonist (or placebo) 3 h later. Pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV1) was measured serially through an 8‐h post‐antigen challenge. Nonspecific airway reactivity was again measured on day 9. Compared to placebo, L‐648,051 treatment diminished the methacholine reactivity, on both day 7 (NS) and on day 9 (P<0.05). In addition, the immediate and late bronchial responses to antigen challenge on day 8 were attenuated in the patients when treated with L‐648,051. In the immediate phase (0–3 h postchallenge), the airway response was significantly reduced at all recordings between 20 min and 1 h postchallenge. In the late phase (3–8 h postchallenge), the pulmonary response was also reduced. However, the reduction was statistically significant only at the 5–h recording. The results suggest that sulfidopeptide leukotrienes are of importance for nonspecific airway reactivity, and that leukotriene D4 is a significant mediator in the immediate asthmatic reaction.
Histamine‐induced inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis and T‐lymphocyte proliferation in man
Authors: Bury T. B. , Corhay J. L , Radermecker M. F.
Published: May 2007

Histamine inhibits in vitro human neutrophil chemotaxis and T‐lymphocyte proliferation via H2 receptors. The aim of this study was to verify these inhibitory effects of histamine in man in vivo. Healthy volunteers were challenged with histamine by intravenous (1 mg), subcutaneous (1 mg) and inhalatory (2.4 mg) routes. Venous blood was taken before and at different times after challenge. Neutrophil chemotaxis was studied by the Boyden assay and T‐lymphocyte proliferation by counting H3‐thymidine incorporation in cultured mononuclear cells. Plasma histamine was measured by radioimmunoassay. Histamine infusion caused transient systemic symptoms as well as a significant decrease of neutrophil chemotaxis (x̄−26%± 6) and of PHA‐pulsed T‐lymphocyte proliferation (x̄−16%± 6) 4 h after histamine challenge. Subcutaneous injection of histamine caused only a significant decrease of neutrophil chemotaxis (x̄−24%± 15) 4 h after injection. Histamine inhalation was well tolerated and caused a significant depression of neutrophil chemotaxis (x̄−40%± 15) and of T‐lymphocyte proliferation (x̄−27%± 6) 2 and 4 h after the challenge. Histamine challenges were always accompanied by a rapid and transient rise in plasma histamine. Inhalation of an H3 agonist (impromidine) but not of an H2 agonist (betahistine) caused a decrease of neutrophil chemotaxis and of T‐lymphocyte proliferation. Oral pretreatment with an H1 antagonist (cimetidine) before histamine inhalation prevented histamine‐induced decrease of neutrophil chemotaxis and T‐lymphocyte proliferation, whereas astemizole, an H3 antagonist, had no effect. In conclusion, during the few hours following administration, exogenous histamine in man causes a depression of neutrophil chemotaxis and T‐lymphocyte proliferation via H2 receptors. These observations are consistent with the concept that endogenous histamine may exert some modulatory effects on inflammatory and immune cells in man.
Clinical atopy and associated factors in primary‐school pupils
Authors: Kuehr J. , Frischer T. , Karmaus W. , Meinert R. , Barth R. , Urbanek R.
Published: May 2007

To investigate potential risk factors for clinical atopy in childhood, we obtained cross‐sectional data a cohort of 1376 8‐year‐old pupils. Parental atopy (hay fever, asthma, eczema), gestational age, maternal smoking habits, and the child's history of asthma, hay fever, and eczema were ascertained by questionnaire. Combining the history and the result of a skin prick test using seven aeroallergens, we defined the child's atopic diseases.

Of the population evaluated, 25.4% were categorized as atopic (10.2% allergic asthma, 17.3% eczema, 6.9%, hay fever). As compared with the clear nonatopics (40.2%), parental atopic diseases were more prevalent in each of the atopic groups. Significant associations of the parents' and child's disease were obvious for eczema and hay fever. Low gestational age (LGA) was more frequent in children with any atopy or with an allergic asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.97; OR frequently in girls (OR 0.5; 95%, confidence interval 0.3–0.8; OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4–0.9).

In conclusion, our data underline the importance of parental atopy for the clinical outcome in the offspring. In addition, L GA appears to be a risk factor for allergic asthma and for general atopy in later life.
Occupational asthma in a hairdresser caused by persulphate salts
Authors: Parra F. M. , Igea J. M. , Quirce S. , Ferrando M. C. , Martin J. A. , Losada E.
Published: May 2007

Persulphate salts, which are common constituents of hair bleaches, have occasionally been reported to cause occupational asthma in hairdressers. We describe the clinical and immunological studies carried out in a hairdresser who developed cutaneous and respiratory symptoms, about 1 year after being employed in a hairdressing salon. Skin prick tests with 1:5 w/v potassium and sodium persulphate extracts were positive in our patient at 15 min and negative in control subjects. The European standard contactans (ECDRG) and a battery of hairdressing agents were patch tested with positive result to KATHON CG (isothiazolinone). The methacholine‐inhalation test showed airway hyper responsiveness. Bronchial provocation test with a 1:50 w/v potassium persulphate extract elicited a non immediate asthmatic reaction, followed by recurrent nocturnal fall in FEV, lasting up to 3 days after the test. Plethysmography results revealed air trapping caused by a marked increase of airway resistance 3 h after the specific bronchial challenge. Histamine release test was not conclusive, and the determinations of specific IgA, IgM, IgG and IgG subclasses by EIA and IgE by RAST against persulphate salts were negative.
Early and late nasal symptom response to allergen challenge
Authors: Grønborg H. , Bisgaard H. , Rømeling F. , Mygind N.
Published: May 2007

We challenged 30 pollen‐sensitive volunteers with allergen, recorded symptoms and signs over a 10‐h period, and rechallenged them after 24 h, in order to characterize the early and late allergic symptom response in the nose. The challenge was performed after topical pretreatment with the glucocorticosteroid budesonide (200 μg twice daily) for 14 d and with placebo in a double‐blind, cross‐over trial. The early response, consisting of sneezing, discharge, and blockage, was followed by a weak late response, consisting of a few sneezes and nose‐blowings, and of a sustained nasal blockage These symptoms did not have a well‐defined peak in time, and a biphasic symptom curve could not be identified. The rechallenge response showed increased nasal responsiveness. The degree of budesonide effect on the early response varied, depending on the symptom; there was a marked effect on sneezing (72% reduction; P<0.01), a moderate effect on discharge (37% reduction; P<0.01), and a slight effect on blockage (17% reduction of nasal inspiratory peak flow rate; P<0.02). The degree of inhibition of the rechallenge response was similar to the effect on the initial early response. The effect on the late response was very pronounced for all symptoms and signs (97% reduction of sneezes 76% reduction of nose‐blowings, 96% reduction of blockage; P<0.01). In conclusion, we found it difficult in the individual subject to identify a well‐defined late symptom response by criteria similar to those employed to characterize the late response in the bronchi. The effect of budesonide was more marked on sneezing than on blockage, and the drug was considerably more effective on the late response than on the early response.
House‐dust mites and associated environmental conditions in Danish homes
Authors: Harving H. , Korsgaard J. , Dahl R.
Published: May 2007

The Concentration of house‐dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) was investigated in 96 Danish homes with one or more members suffering from asthma. The air‐exchange rates, humidity, and temperature were measured in all the homes. A positive correlation was found between indoor air humidity and mite concentration (P<0.01), and an inverse correlation (P=0.027) between house‐dust mite concentration and indoor air‐exchange was found. Homes of mite‐allergic persons had a higher concentration of house‐dust mites than did those of the non‐mite‐allergic group. House‐dust mite concentration was above the proposed limit of 10 mites/0.1 g dust in 76% of the homes of persons allergic to mites and in 48% of the homes of nonsensitive persons. The high proportion of homes infested with house‐dust mites suggests an increased prevalence of house‐dust mites in Danish homes. The results support the concept that reduced ventilation in homes involves a risk of increased house‐dust mite exposure.
Serum total IgE levels in a representative sample of a Greek population
Authors: Grigoreas C. , Pappas D. , Galatas I. D. , Kollias G. , Papadimos S. , Papadakis P.
Published: May 2007

The distribution of IgE in a large randomly stratified Greek population sample was determined in 1187 subjects (793 men and 394 women) aged between 20 and 60 years. Skin prick testing was performed and serum total IgE expressed in iu/ml was measured by Phadebas PRIST: the data are presented as the geometric mean. Subjects were classified as atopic (257 men, 118 women) and nonatopic (536 men, 276 women) according to the results of skin testing with various aeroallergens. At any age, atopic males (120.5 vs 38 iu/ml) and females (99.8 vs 29.3 iu/ml) had higher mean IgE levels, as compared to nonatopic subjects (P<0.0001). In our adult nonatopic sample, IgE levels did not differ with age (P>0.05). At any age, nonatopic males had higher (38 iu/ml) mean IgE levels than nonatopic females (29.3 iu/ml) (P<0.05). The comparison of normal IgE values (nonatopic subjects) from this study with those reported by other investigators revealed that Greek adult males and females had higher IgE levels than populations from other nations. Our results represent the first report on reference values regarding serum total IgE in Greek adults.
Effect of lifestyle on levels of specific IgE antibodies
Authors: Shirakawa T. , Morimoto K.
Published: May 2007

Specific IgE antibodies against cobalt‐conjugated human serum albumin (Co‐HSA) were determined in serum samples from 706 hard metal workers who responded to a questionnaire on 17 physical and mental health practices. Hard metal (an alloy of cobalt) exposure resulted in significant (P<0.05) increases in Co‐HSA RAST indices in male subjects. In contrast, no factor concerning health practices made an independent contribution to elevation or suppression of specific IgE levels against cobalt. Although total IgE level was found to be significantly (P<0.01) modulated by the cumulative health practice index (HPIA: Health Practice Index in Allergic reaction), which was extracted by MANOVA analysis while controlling for sex, age, and environmental factors, no significant association was found between HPIA and specific IgE level against cobalt. Multiple logistic analysis also revealed that health practices and hard metal exposure had a significant relative risk (>2.3; P<0.05) of elevating Co‐HSA RAST index when the total IgE level was more than 400 IU/ml. Thus, a healthy lifestyle as well as discouragement of occupational exposure may be of benefit in reducing allergic disorders for persons with high IgE levels.
Aeroallergen‐induced dyspnea in freely moving guinea pigs: quantitative measurement by bias flow ventilated whole body plethysmography
Authors: Chand N. , Nolan K. , Pillar J. , Lomask M. , Diamantis W. , Sofia R. D.
Published: May 2007

Guinea pigs were sensitized and boostered with i.p. injections of ovalbumin (OA) 10 μg + Al(OH)3, 100 mg. Thirteen days after the last injection animals (800‐1100 g) were placed in bias flow ventilated whole body plethysmographs and allowed to stabilize for 2 h. Lung function was recorded for up to 2 h before and 5 h after aeroallergen challenge (OA 20 mg/ml, 60 s, 20 psi)by a noninvasive pulmonary analyzer for unrestrained rodents. Aeroallergen challenge produced immediate dyspnea and gasping (peaking between 8 and 17 min). Gasping was associated with an increase in amplitude in the box pressure fluctuations (93%), and in the slope of the fluctuations (391%). Respiratory rate increased (103 to 175 breaths/min. 78%), the product of breathing rate times box pressure amplitude increased (161 to 432, 180%). Relaxation time (the time it takes the box pressure signal to drop from its peak to 1/3 of its peak value) declined (0.16 to 0.05 s. 72%). All of these lung dysfunction changes were highly significant (p<0.001). Lung dysfunction persisted for 60 to 120 min after challenge. One of 8 animals tested died within 10 min. None of the animals exhibited late asthmatic responses during the 5 h post‐challenge period. Based on these data we conclude that this technique allows quantitative analysis of dyspnea, gasping, and an abnormal pattern (waveform) of breathing. The increase in the slope of the fluctuations, especially at the start of expiration, the concomitant decline in relaxation time, and increased pause time between respiratory cycles appear to be reliable and reproducible markers of early asthmatic responses in the airways of freely moving guinea pigs.
Humoral immune response to the insect allergen Chi t I in aquarists and fish‐food factory workers
Authors: Liebers V. , Hoernstein M. , Baur X.
Published: May 2007

Our examination of 225 subjects who had been exposed to the insect allergen Chi t I involved the degree of allergen exposure, the exposure‐associated symptoms, and their relationship to the presence of specific IgE and IgG antibodies as well as sensitization to ubiquitous allergens. It could be shown that specific IgE antibodies found in 34% of these subjects were closely associated with symptoms (P<0.01), whereas no relationship between IgG antibodies and complaints could be observed. Conjunctivitis (63%) and rhinitis (62%) were predominant, followed by asthma (45%) and urticaria (37%). Antibody levels of patients suffering from asthma were highest. In addition, symptoms were associated with the degree of exposure. While nearly all IgE‐sensitized subjects of the medium‐, high‐, and very high‐exposure group were symptomatic, only 57% of the sensitized individuals of the low‐exposure group reported complaints. Furthermore, specific IgE antibodies were most frequently present in the groups with medium (46%) and high (54.5%) exposure, whereas IgG antibodies predominated in individuals with very high exposure (69.1%). In the low‐exposure group, most subjects (73.6%) had neither IgE nor IgG antibodies.

In addition, within Chi t I sensitized subjects, sensitization to common allergens and elevated total IgE levels were more frequently present than within non‐Chi t 1 sensitized individuals, indicating a predisposition to allergy.
Manifestation of atopy is not related to patient's month of birth
Authors: Schafer T. , Przybilla B. , Ring J. , Kunz B. , Greif A. , Überla K.
Published: May 2007

The first months of life may be an important period for allergic sensitization. Several studies suggest a relationship between the month of birth (MB) and the development of skin sensitivity to aeroallergens or the manifestation of an atopic disease. In 1988 and 1989 we investigated a population of 1066 Bavarian preschool children aged 5–6 years. Skin prick tests were performed with common aeroallergens (grass pollen, birch pollen, house‐dust mite, eat epithelia). The personal history of atopic disease (atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma) was recorded by a questionnaire, and the presence of overt atopic disease was documented by a personal examination. Positive prick test reactions to the above‐mentioned aeroallergens were found in 15.4%, 9.2%, 12.2%, and 10.4% of the subjects, respectively; lifetime prevalence of manifest atopic disease was 22.2% for atopic eczema, 11.7% for allergic rhinitis, and 4.5% for asthma. The MB distributions of children reacting to aeroallergens or of those with atopic diseases were compared with those of subjects with corresponding negative findings. Chi‐square tests were performed for each aeroallergen and each of the atopic diseases separately. No significant differences among the MB distributions were found (P>0.3). Thus, in this coherent group. MB correlated neither to allergic sensitization nor to manifest atopic disease.
Neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) in nasal secretions from atopic and nonatopic subjects
Authors: Kowalski M. L. , Grzegorczyk J. , Śliwinska‐Kowalska M. , Wojciechowska B. , Rożniecka M. , Rożniecki J.
Published: May 2007

In order to elucidate the mechanism responsible for infiltration of nasal mucosa by granulocytes, we tested neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) in nasal lavages, by the modified Boyden chamber method, in 16 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (AR), six ASA‐sensitive patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and seven normal, nonatopic control subjects (NC). Nasal secretions from all three groups showed significant NCA (mean 157.1±54.0, 62.2±20.7, and 39.4 ± 11.4% of FMLP chemotactic activity for AR, CRS, and NC subjects, respectively). Nasal secretions from patients with AR expressed significantly higher NCA (P<0.02) than did secretions from NA patients.

NCA was unchanged by heating at 56°C for 60 min and was not susceptible to degradation by trypsin. Nasal challenge with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen induced clinical symptoms and resulted in significant increases in total protein and albumin concentrations in nasal lavages in AR patients, but failed to change the mean NCA activity for up to 40 min after the challenge. These results indicate that nasal secretions from both atopic and nonatopic patients express NCA, but its relation to allergic inflammation remains to be established.
Clinical improvement after unusual avoidance measures in the home of an atopic dermatitis patient
Authors: Kort H. S. M. , Koers W. J. , van Nes A. M. T. , Young E. , Vorenkamp J. , Wolfs B. G. , van Bronswijk J. E. M. H.
Published: May 2007

A 27‐year‐old female office clerk with widespread atopic dermatitis (AD) since infancy appeared to be highly sensitized and exposed to molds, storage mites, and chicken feathers and moderately sensitized to house‐dust mites and grass and birch pollens. Hardly any textiles were present in her home; that is, only 28 m2, which is less than 25% of the Dutch national average. The causal relationship between eczema and molds plus storage mites in this case of AD was strengthened by the positive effect of an unusual, multidisciplinary home‐sanitation program involving cleaning of mineral surfaces and ventilation improvement. This home‐sanitation program led to a gradual drop of total IgE and clinical symptom scores to 21% and 13%, respectively, of the original values.
Optimization of skin testing
Authors: Niemeijer N. R. , Goedewaagen B. , Kauffman H. F. , de Monchy J. G. R.
Published: May 2007

Standardized extracts ofPhleum pratensis(grass) andDermatophagoides pteronyssinus(house‐dust mite) were used as test allergens for multiple regression in order to determine optimum concentrations and cutoff values with regard to diagnostic capacity and safety. If a RAST value of class 1 or more was taken as an indication of sensitization, it was found that the optimum concentrations for the detection of sensitization are in the range 10–100 BU/ml and 1500–10000 BU/ml for intracutaneous tests (ICT) and skin prick tests (SPT), respectively. The skin test results were expressed as histamine ratios. Using allergen concentrations of 30 and 3000 BU/ml, we found cutoff values of 0.87 and 0.53 and predictive values of 87.1% and 19.1% for ICT and SPT, respectively. The maximum wheal size (mean wheal size + 2 SD) to be expected in 95% of the population was 26.6 mm (ICT) and 10.9 mm (SPT), sizes regarded as safe by most clinicians. In conclusion, by using this method with a limited number of patients, one can probably improve the diagnostic precision and safety of the skin test. In the second part of this study, these hypotheses were prospectively tested in a multicenter study.
Comparison of IgE‐binding antigens in horse dander and a mixture of horse hair and skin scrapings
Authors: Fjeldsgaard B. E. , Paulsen B. Smestad
Published: May 2007

Extracts of horse dander (HD) and horse hair and skin scrapings (HHSS) have been compared with respect to their content of proteins and carbohydrates. The protein content of HD is more than double that of HHSS, while the carbohydrate content is of the same order. SDS‐PAGE and IEE, both combined with immunoblotting, and CIE/CRIE showed the IgE‐binding ability of the proteins/glycoproteins present in the two extracts. SDS‐PAGE/immunoblotting showed the presence of mainly the same IgE‐binding bands in the two extracts. Nine were detected in HD, and seven in HHSS. Four of these were glycoproteins. The most important allergen was a glycoprotein with molecular mass of 27 kDa showing IgE‐binding ability to the 16 patient sera available. Another important allergen with molecular mass of 67 kDa is probably horse albumin, IEF/immunoblotting showed the presence of a glycoprotein with IgE‐binding ability at pH 3.2 in both extracts. Tandem CRIE showed that both extracts contained the same four allergens as major allergens. In addition, as we observed when analyzing both extracts in CRIE against 16 different patient sera, each extract contained allergens not present in the other extract. We may conclude from this investigation that commercial allergen extracts to be used in diagnosis and immunotherapy should include both horse dander and horse hair and skin scrapings in the starting material for the preparation of extracts. If not, allergens which may be of importance for some patients will be missing.
Hypersensitivity to mustard seed
Authors: Malet A. , Valero A. , Lluch M. , Bescos M. , Amat P. , Serra E.
Published: May 2007

Two patients were studied. Both underwent a thorough clinical evaluation, including a comprehensive physical examination. Both were also prick tested for inhalants, pollens, and food (including fruit). A nasal provocation test, serum immunoglobulins, total IgE serum, specific IgE serum, and a histamine release test were also carried out. The results of all these tests were positive to mustard seed.
Prevention of pollen rhinitis symptoms: comparison of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray and disodium cromoglycate aqueous nasal spray
Authors: Bousquet J. , Chanal I. , Alquié M. C. , Charpin D. , Didier A. , Germouty J. , Greillier P. , Ickovic M. H. , Maria Y. , Montané F. , Perrin‐Fayolle M. , Seignalet C. , Severac J. C. , Vergnenégre A. , Aubert B. , Bons J.
Published: May 2007

Fluticasone propionate aqueous spray, a new intranasal corticosteroid preparation, and disodium eromoglyeate 2% aqueous nasal spray, an established preventive treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis, were compared in a double‐blind, double‐dummy, parallel‐group, multicentric study in France. A total of 218 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by grass pollen (verified by positive skin prick test) were preventively treated before the onset of the grass pollen season with either fluticasone propionate 200 μg once daily or disodium cromoglycate 5.2 mg four times daily. Half of these doses was given in each nostril. Treatment started before the onset of the pollen season in most patients (178/218). Diary cards, including symptoms of rhinitis and usage of nasal sprays, were filled in twice daily for 5 weeks.

Terfenadine in 60‐mg tablets and eye‐drops could be used as rescue medications. We treated 110 patients with fluticasone propionate and 108 patients with disodium cromoglycate. Patients treated with flutieasone propionate had significantly more days free of primary efficacy symptoms of sneezing (P < 0.001) and nasal discharge during the day (P= 0.002), as well as free of all the other nasal symptoms (P < 0.0l), and significantly lower median scores (P < 0.05) for all nasal symptoms except nasal discharge than patients treated with disodium cromoglycate. There was no difference in eye symptoms or in rescue medication use between the two groups. Compliance with the treatment was assessed. Eleven patients recorded incorrect use of both nasal sprays for over 25% of days, and 55 patients recorded incorrect use of four‐times‐daily spray only; no patient recorded incorrect use of morning spray only. Both treatments were generally well tolerated.
Elevated levels of soluble ICAM‐1 in sera from patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Hashimoto S. , Imai K. , Kobayashi T. , Amemiya E. , Takahashi Y. , Tomita Y. , Iwatal T. , Suguro H. , Yamaguchi M , Yachi A. , Horie T.
Published: May 2007

We measured the levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1) in sera from patients with bronchial asthma. sICAM‐1 levels in sera from atopic asthmatic patients in stable conditions were higher than in normal control subjects. Furthermore, the sICAM‐1 levels in sera obtained during bronchial asthma attacks were higher than those in sera obtained in stable conditions. These results suggest that higher levels of sICAM‐1 in sera reflect the upregulation of ICAM‐1 expression in allergic inflammation.
The effect of salmeterol on the early‐ and late‐phase reaction to bronchial allergen and postchallenge variation in bronchial reactivity, blood eosinophils, serum eosinophil cationic protein, and serum eosinophil protein X
Authors: Pedersen B. , Dahl R. , Larsen B. B. , Venge P.
Published: May 2007

The late asthmatic response to bronchial allergen challenge and the associated increase in nonspecific bronchial reactivity provides a model for studying the acute inflammatory mechanisms in asthmatic airways. In 12 asthmatic patients (aged 22–37 years) with known dual reaction to allergen challenge, salmeterol 50 μg, 100 μg, or placebo was administered as a single dose 10 min before allergen challenge in a double‐blind, randomized order on three different study days 2 weeks apart. The bronchial reactivity (BH) to histamine was measured the day before and 24 and 48 h after allergen challenge. Salmeterol significantly inhibited the early (P<0.02) and the late (P<0.05) asthmatic reactions. After placebo, mean BH was significantly increased above base line at 24 and 48 h (P<0.02). After 50 and 100 μg salmeterol, BH was less than base line at 24 h and returned to prechallenge values at 48 h. Blood eosinophils increased significantly (P<0.05) 24 and 48 h after allergen challenge, and no difference was found between treatments. After pretreatment with placebo, serum eosinophil cationic protein (s‐ECP) and serum eosinophil protein X (s‐EPX) increased significantly (P<0.05) 24 and 48 h after allergen challenge. After treatment with salmeterol 50 μg, s‐EPX, but not s‐ECP, increased significantly 24 h after challenge, but was normal at 48 h. After salmeterol 100 μg, no change in s‐EPX or s‐ECP was found. The results showed that salmeterol eliminated the allergen‐induced dual asthmatic reaction and gave protection against increased BH. Measurement of blood eosinophils, s‐ECP, and s‐EPX indicated that salmeterol may modify this inflammatory cell activity, because raised s‐levels of ECP and EPX may be linked to eosinophil activation and granule secretion. In addition to inducing a long‐lasting bronchodilation, salmeterol may influence acute inflammation.
Decrease of T‐lymphocyte proliferation in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: Bury T. B. , Corhay J. L. , Louis R. , Radermecker M. F.
Published: May 2007

The present study was designed to examine the effect of physical exercise on T‐lymphocyte proliferation in patients with exercise‐induced asthma (EIA). Indeed, a decrease in different immune functions is described in normal man after exercise. Thirty subjects (10 normal and 20 asthmatic subjects with or without EIA) underwent a submaximal exercise test on an electrically driven treadmill. Before and after this test, ventilatory variables were measured, and venous blood was taken to study plasma histamine (RIA) and spontaneous and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)‐pulsed T‐lymphocyte proliferation (mononuclear cells isolated on Ficoll‐Hypaque; tritiated thymidine incorporation). Ten minutes after the end of the exercise, there was a significant FEV1 decrease only in asthmatic subjects with EIA (mean: 24 ± 5%). In the same group, the mean plasma histamine level was 0.31 ng/ml 1 (± 0.06) before the challenge. It rose to 0.62ng/ml‐1 (± 0.14) 10 min after the end of the exercise (P < 0.05), and returned to normal limits 20 min after the test. In this group, there was also a significant decrease (by about 35%) of spontaneous and PHA‐pulsed T‐lymphocyte proliferation 2 and 4 h after the exercise. By contrast, exercise challenge had no effect on either plasma histamine level or T‐lymphocyte proliferation in the normal group. Our results show a rapid and transient increase in plasma histamine in EIA. This was followed 2 and 4 h later by a significant decrease of T‐lymphocyte proliferation. A possible relationship between these two phenomena is discussed.
Neonatal leukocyte cAMP‐phosphodiesterase determination is not suitable for allergy prediction
Authors: Odelram H. , Björksten B. , Chan S. C. , Hanifin J. M. , Kjellman N.‐I.M.
Published: May 2007

The atopy‐predictive value of cord blood (CB) cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐phosphodiesterase (cAMP‐PDE) in mononuclear leukocytes (MN) was studied prospectively in 57 neonates. Reliable determination of cAMP‐PDE was achieved in only 20 CB samples. The levels tended to be higher in infants developing signs of atopy up to 18 months of age. The combination of CB cAMP‐PDE and family history (FH) of allergy showed a higher predictive value (P = 0.040) than each of them separately (P= 0.370 and P= 0.102, respectively). The cAMP‐PDE levels in CB also correlated to FH of allergy/atopy in accordance with earlier studies (P = 0.027). In conclusion, determination of cAMP‐PDE in neonates may have some predictive value, but it is not suitable for general screening.
Soluble markers of allergic inflammation
Authors: Venge P.
Published: May 2007

Venge P. Soluble markers of allergic inflammation.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of immunotherapy with an alginate‐conjugated extract of Parietaria Judaica in patients with Parietaria hay fever
Authors: Ortolani C. , Pastorello E. A. , Incorvaia C. , Ispano M. , Farioli L. , Zara C. , Pravettoni V. , Zanussi C.
Published: May 2007

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy (IT) with a partially purified alginate‐conjugated extract of Parietaria judaica (Conjuvac®Parietaria, Dome/Hollister‐Stier) in patients suffering from rhinoconjunctivitis caused by Parietaria pollen. Eighteen patients (10 women, 8 men, mean age 35 years) received active treatment and 17 (10 women, 7 men, mean age 42.5 years) received placebo. Actively treated patients had significantly lower nasal symptom/medication scores (running nose P= 0.0087 and sneezing P= 0.048) during the Parietaria pollen season. Significant decreases in specific skin (P > 0.01), nasal (P > 0.05), and conjunctival (P > 0.01) reactivity to the Parietaria extract and significant increases of specific IgG (P > 0.001), IgGI (P > 0.001), and IgG4 (P > 0.001) in actively treated patients, but not in placebo, were found. IT was well tolerated, the active extract inducing five mild systemic reactions (four rhinitis and one urticaria) and placebo two (rhinitis). A significant correlation was found between low skin reactivity and high specific IgG (P= 0.0002) and IgG4 (P= 0.036). These findings indicate that IT with a partially purified P. judaica extract is an effective and safe treatment for Parietaria pollen allergy. The correlation between low immediate skin reactivity and high specific IgG and IgG4 suggests that, at least in the studied cutaneous model, these antibodies may exert a blocking effect.
Can mite‐specific IgE be used as a surrogate for mite exposure?
Authors: De Lovinfosse S. , Charpin D. , Dornelas A. , Birnbaum J. , Vervloet D.
Published: May 2007

Several epidemiologic studies suggest that in mite‐sensitive patients symptoms are dependent upon mite‐exposure level. However, in clinical practice, it is not easy to measure major mite allergens. In contrast, assay of specific IgE antibodies can be done routinely. Thus, we wanted to compare, in a group of 40 mite‐sensitive patients, the levels of mite‐specific IgE (measured by RAST grade 0–6) and the level of mite group I allergen in mattresses (measured in μg/g house dust). The correlation coefficient between both variables was highly significant (P= 0.001). Subjects with a RAST grade of 3 or more had a 77% probability of being exposed to high (i.e., < 10 μg/g dust) mite allergen level. In contrast, subjects with RAST grades 0, 1, or 2 had a 77% probability of not being exposed to such high levels. Thus, measurement of serum mite‐specific IgE level could be used in routine prediction of mite exposure.
Clinical efficacy of budesonide Turbuhaler® compared with that of beclomethasone dipropionate pMDI with volumatic spacer
Authors: Selroos O. , Backman R. , Forsén K.‐O. , Löfroos A.‐B. , Niemistö M. , Pietinalho A. , Riska H.
Published: May 2007

A total of 102 patients had their asthma treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) optimized in order to achieve the best possible control of symptoms. Thereafter, the BDP doses were gradually reduced over a 2‐year period (1988–90) to the lowest possible without deterioration of their asthmatic condition. In the beginning of 1990, treatment was changed in 76 patients (group A) to the nearest possible dose of budesonide delivered via Turbuhaler® Twenty‐six randomly selected patients (25% of the study population; group B) continued treatment with BDP. In both groups, dose reductions were tried during 1990–2 every third month as long as the patients remained symptom‐free and without significant decreases in FEV1 or PEF. In group A, the maintenance dose could be reduced from 1003.9 ± 325.4 μg BDP (mean ± SD) to 602.9 ± 454.4 μg budesonide Turbuhaler (P<0.001). In group B, no significant dose reduction was possible; the mean dose was ± SD 1067.3 ± 36.6 μg in 1990, and 1019.2 ± 324.7 μg in 1992. The results indicate that, in efficacy, 0.6 mg budesonide Turbuhaler corresponds to approximately 1.0 mg BDP with volumatic spacer. This difference is probably due to an improved pulmonary delivery of budesonide with Turbuhaler.