bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rooting depth and soil moisture control Mediterranean woody seedling survival during drought
Authors: PADILLA F. M. , PUGNAIRE F. I.
Published: May 2007

Seedling survival is one of the most critical stages in a plant's life history, and is often reduced by drought and soil desiccation. It has been hypothesized that root systems accessing moist soil layers are critical for establishment, but very little is known about seedling root growth and traits in the field.

We related seedling mortality to the presence of deep roots in a field experiment in which we monitored soil moisture, root growth and seedling survival in five Mediterranean woody species from the beginning of the growing season until the end of the drought season.

We found strong positive relationships between survival and maximum rooting depth, as well as between survival and soil moisture. Species with roots in moist soil layers withstood prolonged drought better, whereas species with shallow roots died more frequently. In contrast, biomass allocation to roots was not related to establishment success.

Access to moist soil horizons accounted for species‐specific survival rates, whereas large root : shoot (R:S) ratios did not. The existence of soil moisture thresholds that control establishment provides insights into plant population dynamics in dry environments.
Stimulation of neuronal receptors, neuropeptides and cytokines during experimental oil of mustard colitis
Authors: Kimball E. S. , Prouty S. P. , Pavlick K. P. , Wallace N. H. , Schneider C. R. , Hornby P. J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Oil of mustard (OM), administered intracolonically, produces severe colitis in mice that is maximized within 3 days. The purpose of this study was to characterize the cytokine response, and to establish expression patterns of enteric neuronal mediators and neuronal receptors affected during active colitis. We measured the changes in the mRNA levels for neuronal receptors and mediators by real‐time PCR, and cytokine and chemokine protein levels in the affected tissue. Significant increases in neuronal receptors, such as transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1), cannabinoid type 1 receptor, neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) and delta‐opioid receptor; prokineticin‐1 receptor; and soluble mediators, such as prodynorphin, proenkephalin1, NK1, prokineticin‐1 and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, occurred. Significant increases in cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), and in chemokines, such as macrophage chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP‐1α) and Kupffer cell derived chemokine (KC), were detected, with no changes in T‐cell‐derived cytokines. Furthermore, immunodeficient C57Bl/6 RAG2−/− mice exhibited OM colitis of equal severity as seen in wt C57Bl/6 and CD‐1 mice. The results demonstrate rapidly increased levels of mRNA for neuronal receptors and soluble mediators associated with pain and inflammation, and increases in cytokines associated with macrophage and neutrophil activation and recruitment. Collectively, the data support a neurogenic component in OM colitis coupled with a myeloid cell‐related, T‐ and B‐cell‐independent inflammatory component.
GENETIC STUDY: Polymorphisms of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4 VNTR) and cannabinoid CB1 receptor gene (CNR1) are not strongly related to cue‐reactivity after alcohol exposure
Authors: Van Den Wildenberg Esther , Janssen Rob G. J. H. , Hutchison Kent E. , Van Breukelen Gerard J. P. , Wiers Reinout W.
Published: May 2007

Polymorphisms in the D4 dopamine receptor gene (DRD4) and the CB1 cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) have been associated with a differential response to alcohol after consumption. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether heavy drinkers with these polymorphisms would respond with enhanced cue‐reactivity after alcohol exposure. Eighty‐eight male heavy drinkers were genotyped for the DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) [either DRD4 long (L) or short (S)] and the CNR1 rs2023239 polymorphism (either CT/CC or TT). Participants were exposed to water and beer in 3‐minute trials. Dependent variables of main interest were subjective craving for alcohol, subjective arousal and salivary reactivity. Overall, no strong evidence was found for stronger cue‐reactivity (= outcome difference between beer and water trial) in the DRD4 L and CNR1 C allele groups. The DRD4 VNTR polymorphism tended to moderate salivary reactivity such that DRD4 L participants showed a larger beverage effect than the DRD4 S participants. Unexpectedly, the DRD4 L participants reported, on average, less craving for alcohol and more subjective arousal during cue exposure, compared with the DRD4 S participants. As weekly alcohol consumption increased, the CNR1 C allele group tended to report more craving for alcohol during the alcohol exposure than the T allele group. The DRD4 and CNR1 polymorphisms do not appear to strongly moderate cue‐reactivity after alcohol cue exposure, in male heavy drinkers.
Atopic eczema: role of microorganisms on the skin surface
Authors: Ring J. , Abeck D. , Neuber K.
Published: May 2007

The pathophysiology of atopic eczema (AE) is still poorly understood. One possible concept favors IgE‐mediated reactivity towards allergens that enter the skin from the outside or through the blood. Microorganisms of the cutaneous flora also might represent a stimulus for allergic skin reactions. Abnormal bacterial skin colonization is a characteristic feature of AE. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most common pathogen. Binding to host cells involves special receptors, such as fibronectin or laminin. Specific IgE antibodies to S. aureus can be detected in the blood. Whereas the clinical relevance of anti‐staphylococcal antibodies is still controversial, specific IgE antibodies to Pityrosporum species as well as positive type I prick test reactions to these yeasts seem to correlate with the intensity of eczematous lesions in the head and neck regions of patients with AE. Both antimicrobial and antifungal treatment has been shown helpful in some cases of AE.
Hypersensitivity to trimethoprim
Authors: Alonso M. D. , Marcos C. , Davila I. , de la Hoz B. , Martin J. A. , Parra F. , Diez M. L.
Published: May 2007

We present two patients who experienced life‐threatening immediate reactions and one patient who developed generalized urticaria following oral administration of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) combination. Skin prick tests with TMP were positive in the three patients. No patients reacted to skin prick tests with SMX. No significant levels of IgE antibodies to TMP were found by RAST in the serum of the patients. Normal subjects used as controls did not react to any of these tests. Single‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral challenges were positive with TMP and negative with SMX in all patients. These results suggest that the three patients developed type I hypersensitivity reactions to TMP. In our patients skin prick tests with TMP were useful in TMP hypersensitivity diagnosis.
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) pollen: a frequent cause of allergic sensitization in urban children
Authors: Popp W. , Horak F. , Jäger S. , Reiser K. , Wagner C. , Zwick H.
Published: May 2007

We investigated the incidence of allergic sensitization and the risk factors underlying sensitization in 214 urban children exposed to horse chestnut pollen. By means of the Phadezym RAST, we found IgE specific to horse chestnut pollen in 12.6% of the urban children, whereas it occurred in only 1.9% of control subjects recruited from a rural area. Reports of allergic symptoms in spring during the horse chestnut pollen load coincided with the presence of specific IgE in 5.1% of the urban group as against 1.4% of that recruited from the rural area. Environmental factors other than those related to urban living and higher horse chestnut pollen counts had no significant impact on allergic sensitization. Increased total IgE levels (> 100 kU/1), however, and the sensitization to pollen of other species significantly raised the odds for sensitization to chestnut pollen. They were highest in highly atopic children with sensitization to pollen, especially to that of plane trees (OR = 73.9). These results suggest the relevance of horse chestnut pollen because of the high allergic sensitization rate among urban children, and they should also be borne in mind when it comes to the planting of trees in urban areas.
Onset of action and duration of effect of formoterol and salmeterol compared to salbutamol in isolated guinea pig trachea with or without epithelium
Authors: Ullman A. , Bergendal A. , Lindén A. , Waldeck B. , Skoogh B.‐E. , Löfdahl C.‐G.
Published: May 2007

Formoterol and salmeterol are 2 newly developed β2‐adrenoceptor agonists for inhalation with prolonged duration of effect compared with currently available β‐agonists. The clinical duration of effect has been suggested to be correlated to a decreased washability in vitro, i.e. decreased effect due to continuous washing of the organ bath. In this study we compared the washability and the onset of the relaxatory effect of formoterol (0.01 μM), salmeterol (0.05 μM) and salbutamol (0.1 μM) in isolated guinea pig trachea contracted with carbachol (0.1 μM). We also evaluated a possible influence of the epithelium on onset of action and/or duration of effect. A significant relaxatory effect of formoterol and salmeterol remained after washing, whereas of effect of salbutamol remained. We also found a rapid onset of action for both salbutamol and formoterol, but a significantly slower onset for salmeterol. Both the washability and the onset of action were found to be independent of the presence of the epithehum.

Clinical aspects

An increased knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the onset of action and duration of effect of these new drugs may improve the understanding of the function of the β‐adrenoceptor in the airways. This study confirms the clinical data indicating a prolonged bronchorelaxatory effect of salmeterol and formoterol, and shows that this effect does not depend on an intact epithelium.
Cord blood IgE. III. Prediction of IgE high‐response and allergy
Authors: Hansen L. G. , Høst A. , Halken S. , Holmskov A. , Husby S. , Lassen L. B. , Storm K. , Østerballe O.
Published: May 2007

Screening of total IgE in 2814 cord blood samples was analysed by Phadebas IgE PRIST in 2 1‐year birth cohorts (1983–1984 and 1985–1986) in Denmark (n= 1189 + 1625). For follow‐up we chose all infants with cord blood IgE≥0.5 kU/1 and a randomly chosen group of the same size with cord blood IgE < 0.5 kU/1. A total group of 762 infants were clinically evaluated at 18 months of age, and in 688 of these we evaluated total and specific IgE. A diagnosis of definite atopy, probable atopy or no atopy was established. In the present study we defined allergic disease as atopic disease combined with elevated total IgE. We found a statistically significant correlation between cord blood IgE and IgE at 18 months of age. Significantly more infants with elevated cord blood IgE had developed allergic disease at 18 months. A cut‐off value of 0.3 kU/1 for cord blood IgE was superior to the originally suggested 0.5 kU/1.

Significantly more infants with elevated cord blood IgE had developed specific IgE antibodies at 18 months. The most frequent specific IgE antibody was towards cow's milk. Specific IgE antibodies were very rarely found when total IgE was not elevated. A total IgE at the age of 18 months > 26 kU/1 could be regarded as elevated. With regard to allergic disease the positive predictive values of cord blood lgE≥0.3 kU/1 in the 2 series were 21 % and the corresponding sensitivities 67% and 46%, respectively. The risk of developing allergic disease was elevated with a factor 3 to 4 when cord blood IgE ≥ 0.3 kU/1. In a high‐risk group based on atopic predisposition and elevated eord blood IgE ≥0.5 kU/1 the relative risk of allergic disease was 5, the predictive value of positive test 38%, the sensitivity 24% and the specificity 96%.

Clinical aspects

Cord blood IgE was a good predictor of allergic disease at the age of 18 months. A cord blood cut‐off IgE value of 0.3 kU/l was superior to other cord blood IgE values with the Phadebas IgE PRIST method.
Serum sickness‐like syndrome associated with cefaclor therapy
Authors: Parra F. M. , Igea J. M. , Martin J. A. , Alonso M. D. , Lezaun A. , Sainz T.
Published: May 2007

We describe 2 cases of paediatric patients who developed the main clinical features of a serum sickness reaction, while on treatment with cefaclor. A decrease in complement values was observed in both eases. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of such drug adverse reaction.
Itchy dermatitis from Gynaikothrips ficorum March in a family group
Authors: Piu G. , Ceccio S. , Garau M. G. , Melis S. , Palomba A. , Pautasso M. , Pittau F. , Ballero M.
Published: May 2007

This study reports on the occurrence of an itchy dermatitis in all 4 adult members of a family, 2 men and 2 women, following infestation in the family environment with Gynaikothrips ficorum. The skin manifestations and the environmental study are described.
Urinary LTE4 excretion in antigen‐provoked asthmatic patients treated with the inhaled LTD4 antagonist, L‐648,051
Authors: Rasmussen J. B. , Eriksson L.‐O. , Tagari P. , Margolskee D.J. , Girard Y. , Andersson K.‐E.
Published: May 2007

Leukotriene (LT) E4 represents the major LT metabolite in man, and its urinary excretion can be used as an indirect marker of systemic LTC4 and/or LTD4 synthesis and release. In the present study LTE4 excretion was monitored for 24 h in 12 atopic patients with mild asthma undergoing antigen bronchoprovocation as part of a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, two‐period cross‐over study of the aerosol‐delivered LTD4 antagonist, L‐648,051. Urinary LTE4 excretion was also studied separately in six of the patients after inhaling only diluent. Urine was sampled before, and serially after antigen challenge, at intervals corresponding to the immediate (0–3 h postchallenge) and late (3–6, 6–12, 12–24 h postchallenge) asthmatic reactions. LTE4 was determined by reversed‐phase HPLC and radioimmunoassay. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV), was recorded serially through 8 h after inhalation of antigen and diluent. Compared to base‐line measurements, antigen bronchoprovocation induced significant increases in mean LTE4 excretion rates 0–3 h postchallenge (i.e. during the immediate asthmatic response) after treatment with both placebo (P<0.01) and L‐648,051 (P<0.05). These mean LTE4 excretion rates in the immediate phase were also significantly higher than the mean rates in the late phase (3–6 h and beyond); the excretion rates of LTE4 at these later time intervals were similar to base‐line values. After inhalation of diluent, the LTE4 excretion rates in the intervals 0–3, 3–6, 6–12 and 12–24 h were unchanged from base‐line values. Administration of L‐648,051 caused a modest but significant inhibition of the immediate airway response, whereas the late response was not significantly reduced. The LTE4 excretion rates did not correlate with the maximum percent falls in FEV, after antigen challenge in the immediate or the late phases. These results suggest that peptidoleukotrienes are released by inhaled antigen in atopic asthmatic patients, and suggest a direct involvement of leukotrienes in the immediate airway response.
Effect of astemizole on antigen‐mediated histamine release from the blood of patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Faraj B. A. , Jackson R. T.
Published: May 2007

The main objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of astemizole in vitro in blocking the release of histamine from blood of patients with allergic rhinitis. The results of this investigation indicated that astemizole inhibited allergen‐mediated histamine release from blood basophils of patients with this allergic disorder. The inhibition by astemizole (33–156 μmol) was immediate, requiring no pre‐incubation of the cells, and was dose‐dependent, with maximal inhibition of about 91%. The relatively high potency of astemizole in inhibiting the immunologic release of histamine may provide an additional measure in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with this H i‐receptor antagonist.
Immunotherapy with aluminum hydroxide adsorbed insect venom extracts (Alutard SQ): immunologic and clinical results of a prospective study over 3 years
Authors: Wyss M. , Scheitlin T. , Stadler B. M. , Wüthrich B.
Published: May 2007

This prospective study over 3 years investigated the safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness of immunotherapy (IT) with aluminum hydroxide adsorbed insect venom extracts (Alutard SQ, ALK Laboratories) m patients with previous, severe, systemic, IgE‐mediated, anaphylactic reactions to Hymenoptera stings. Seventeen patients were treated with honeybee venom (BV), 13 with yellow‐jacket venom (YJV), and 5 with both. No severe reactions to IT were noted. Only 3 BV‐allergic patients experienced mild systemic reactions of grades I or II (1 per 139 injections) during the increase phase.

As for the immunologic data, there was a significant decrease in specific IgE antibodies after 1 year, and a significant increase in specific IgG and IgG4 antibodies on reaching the maintenance dose, with a further rise after 1, 2, and 3 years. Moreover, a significant decrease in anti‐IgE autoantibodies was observed in the BV group. Out of the 11 patients that were occasionally restung by the relevant insect (totaling 19 stings in all), only one patient developed mild systemic allergic symptoms after a third sting.

In view of these results, we consider IT with aluminium hydroxide adsorbed insect venom extracts to safe, immunogenic, and effective. The low rate of side‐effects may be due to the slow release of the venom in the aluminium hydroxide adsorbed form.
*Basidiomycete allergens: comparison of three Ganoderma species
Authors: Horner W. E. , Helbling A. , Lehrer S. B.
Published: May 2007

High atmospheric concentrations of basidiospores occur in various parts of the world. Ganoderma basidiospores are distinctive, easily identifiable in aeroallergen surveys, and widely abundant. Previous studies showed that Ganoderma basidiospores cause respiratory allergies. Thus, we investigated various extracts (spore, cap, and/or mycelial) of G. meredithae, G. lucidum, and G. applanatum for allergen components. Analyses included radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition and IgE blots from isoelectric focusing (IEF) and SDS‐PAGE. RAST inhibition with spores and caps of G. meredithae and G. lucidum showed that spores inhibited caps better than caps inhibited spores. Species differences were minor. Coomassie blue (CB) staining of IEF gels detected at least 23 protein bands (pI 3.6‐6.6) in caps of G. meredithae and G. lucidum. G. meredithae spore extracts contained 17 of these (pI 3.6‐5.0, 6.6). Spores and caps of G. meredithae contained 13 and 11 allergen bands, respectively, on IEF blots. SDS‐PAGE of G. meredithae spore and cap showed one and four bands, respectively, by CB staining, but IgE blots showed 13 bands in cap and 17 in spore. Culture mycelia of G. lucidum and G. applanatum attained significant and essentially constant RAST activity by day 4. Activity was also present in culture supernatant by day 4. Blots of mycelium and supernatant detected a single allergen in day‐8 mycelia and subsequently six allergen bands in day‐16 mycelia and eight in day‐16 supernatant (one appeared as a doublet). These data show that Ganoderma extracts contain a complex mixture of allergens. Differences among species were minor; spores and mycelia are apparently better sources of allergens than caps.
Methacholine reactivity and asthma
Authors: Lundbäck B. , Stjernberg N. , Rosenhall L. , Lindström M. , Jönsson E. , Andersson S.
Published: May 2007

Methacholine tests were used in an epidemiologic study of the prevalence of asthma and chronic bronchitis in northern Sweden. Of 6610 subjects in three age groups from eight representative geographic areas in the northernmost province of Sweden, 5698 (86%) completed a postal questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, and 1506 underwent a structured interview and a lung function test. A total of 292 (5%) were diagnosed as having asthma. A subsample of 284 subjects (of 320 invited) classified at the interview as having asthma (n= 98) or as having respiratory symptoms that might be due to asthma but not fulfilling the interview criteria for the diagnosis of asthma (n= 186) underwent a methacholine test. Subjects who, before the interview study, already had a well‐defined asthma diagnosis were not invited to the methacholine testing. Of those 98 subjects classified as having asthma, 61 % reacted to methacholine doses ≤ 4 mg/ml and 79% to doses ≤ 8 mg/ml, while the corresponding figures in the symptomatic but nonasthma group were 20% and 34%, respectively. The results show that a carefully performed structured interview accurately diagnoses asthma in epidemiologic studies. The methacholine tests provide important diagnostic information primarily in subjects in whom the medical history is equivocal.
Skin prick test reactions to brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in adult atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Kortekangas‐Savolainen O. , Lammintausta K. , Kalimo K.
Published: May 2007

The sensitizing capacity of brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was studied with the skin prick test method in 449 subjects, including 226 atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, 50 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or asthma (A), and 173 nonatopic controls. A positive SPT reaction (≥++) was seen in 94% of patients with severe AD, in 76% with moderate AD, and in 25% with mild AD or no history of AD. Patients with AR and/or A and nonatopic controls displayed a positive reaction in only 8 and 2% of cases, respectively. There was also a parallel skin prick test reactivity with other yeasts including Pityrosporum ovale and Candida albicans, suggesting cross‐reactivity. Parallel skin reactivity was observed also with molds and animal dander but not with pollen or house‐dust mite. A significant correlation was also found between total serum IgE level and skin prick test (SPT) results with S. cerevisiae.
Inhaled methacholine does not influence the cellular composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Söderberg M. , Lundgren R. , Bjermer L. , Ångström T.
Published: May 2007

A methacholine or a histamine test is often used to quantitate bronchial responsiveness, in studies investigating the influence of various inhaled stimuli on the responsiveness and composition of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Histamine has been shown to evoke an inflammatory cell response in BAL fluid. In order to test the influence of the methacholine test on the cellular composition of BAL fluid, we investigated 14 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers with a methacholine test 24 h before performing a BAL. The results showed no significant changes in the cellular composition of BAL fluid, as compared with control BAL in the same persons.
Relationship between viral antibodies and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in 495 unselected children and adolescents
Authors: Backer V. , Ulrik C. S. , Bach‐Mortensen N. , Glikmann G. , Mordhorst C.‐H.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether recent and previous subclinical viral respiratory infection can explain the presence of increased bronchial responsiveness to histamine. We studied a randomly selected population of 495 children and adolescents, aged 7–16 years, from Copenhagen. If the subjects had had symptoms of respiratory infection recently, the examination was postponed for at least 6 weeks. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to inhaled histamine was found in 79 (16%) of the subjects, of whom 28 had asthma. Forty‐eight subjects (10%) had increased levels of serum IgM antibodies against either parainfluenza, influenza, adenovirus, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), reflecting a recently acquired infection. No association between BHR and antibodies against respiratory viruses was found, as 7 (8.9%) of the 79 subjects with BHR and 41 (9.9%) of the 416 subjects without BHR had viral antibodies. Furthermore, no association between degree of bronchial responsiveness and viral antibodies was found. Moreover, 251 individuals (51%) had signs of earlier RSV infection, i.e. IgG antibodies against RSV. No relationship was found between age of the subjects and the presence of antibodies against either respiratory viruses in general or IgG‐RSV. No relationship was found between the presence of antibodies against RSV and BHR; furthermore, evidence of earlier RSV infection was unrelated to the level of lung function and degree of bronchial responsiveness. We conclude that increased bronchial responsiveness in asymptomatic, unselected schoolchildren and adolescents is not likely to be caused by recent or previous viral respiratory infections.
Purification and fine characterization of a major allergen from Olea europaea pollen extract
Authors: De Cesare F. , Pini C. , Di Felice G. , Caiaffa M. F. , Macchia L. , Tursi A. , Tinghino R. , Palumbo S. , Sallusto F. , Federico R.
Published: May 2007

Olea europaea (olive) pollen extract was prepared by aqueous extraction and characterized by biochemical and immunochemical methods. Two components, displaying respective mol. wt. of 17000 and 19000, were the most reactive allergens, being the doublet (designated Ole e I) recognized by most sera tested. The 19000 mol. wt. component, purified by conventional biochemical procedure and lectin‐affinity chromatography from the Ole e I doublet, was deglycosylated and analyzed by SDS–PAGE and by ELISA inhibition. The results obtained suggest that the 19000 mol. wt. component represents the glycosylated form of the 17000 component.
Identification of canary grass (Phalaris aquatica) pollen allergens by immunoblotting: IgE and IgG antibody‐binding studies
Authors: Suphioglu C. , Singh M. B. , Simpson R. J. , Ward L. D. , Knox R. B.
Published: May 2007

The pollen of canary grass, which was introduced as a pasture grass from Europe, is a major allergen in the external environment of southern Australia. Seventeen allergenic fractions of canary grass pollen, ranging in mol. mass from 14 to 100 kDa. have been identified by immunoblotting, using IgE antibodies from sera of 24/30 grass‐pollen‐allergic subjects. The highest frequency of IgE binding (77%) was to a major 34‐kDa fraction (tentatively designated Pha a I). This protein bas been partially purified and identified as a group I allergen by immunodepletion experiments, with partially purified Lol p I (from rye‐grass pollen), atopic serum, and Lol p I‐specific MAb. In addition, microsequencing of the N‐terminus of Pha a I showed an amino acid sequence identical to Lol p I. In a separate study. IgE binding to Western blots of Pha a I, Lol p I. and Cyn d I was investigated in 24 sera and found to occur in 19/24. 18/24, and 9/24. respectively. IgE binding to ail three major allergens, and to both Pha a I and Lol p I, occurred in 8/24 sera. Our findings suggest that while tbe N‐terminal sequence of Pha a I is identical to Lol p I, there may be specific allergenic epitopes exclusive to this allergen that are important for allergenicity in southern Australia.
The significance of hypersensitivity to nuts in patients with birch pollen allergy
Authors: Foglé‐Hansson M. , Bende M.
Published: May 2007

This study was performed in patients with allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis to birch pollen to determine whether patients with additional hypersensitivity to nuts and apples differed from patients without such hypersensitivity; the determination was in terms of results of skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE antibodies (RAST), and symptoms during the pollen season. Forty‐seven patients with birch pollen allergy were investigated by RAST against birch and hazel pollen and by SPT. They were treated in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray or placebo. The area of the SPTs was larger and the specific IgE values higher in patients with hypersensitivity to nuts and apples. These patients also had more symptoms during the pollen season. We conclude that hypersensitivity to nuts is an indication of a more severe allergy in patients with birch pollen allergic rhinitis.
Loratadine and terfenadine in perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Carlsen K. H. , Kramer J. , Fagertun H. E. , Larsen S.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy of loratadine and terfenadine in perennial allergic rhinitis was evaluated in a double‐blind, selected cross‐over study consisting of two phases. During the first phase, 76 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, 8–67 years old, were included in the study. Of these, 41 patients received loratadine 10 mg daily, and 35 patients received terfenadine 60 mg twice daily, for 2 weeks. According to symptoms and side‐effects, 32 patients were classified as responders to loratadine, and 28 patients as responders to terfenadine. All observed symptoms were significantly reduced in both treatment groups, but with no significant differences between the two groups. Side‐effects were few and mild. In patients with normal IgE, loratadine was significantly superior to terfenadine in relieving nasal secretion, whereas terfenadine was significantly superior to loratadine in relieving nasal congestion. In patients with increased IgE, patients treated with loratadine showed significantly greater reduction in sneezing than patients treated with terfenadine. A positive correlation between total IgE and reduction in overall symptoms was found for patients treated with loratadine, whereas a negative correlation was found for patients treated with terfenadine. During the second study phase, the nonresponders received the other drug for 2 weeks. All seven nonresponders to terfenadine responded to loratadine after crossing over, whereas four of nine nonresponders to loratadine responded to terfenadine. Nonresponders to one drug may respond to the other drug. Thus, more than one antihistamine drug should be tried in perennial allergic rhinitis if the first fails.
Severe isolated allergy to Ficus benjamina after bedroom exposure
Authors: Schmid P. , Stöger P. , Wüthrich B.
Published: May 2007

Allergies to Ficus benjamina (Fb, weeping fig) have been described first as an occupational disease in plant keepers and later in clearly atopic subjects with known sensitizations to other inhalant allergens. We report a case of a hitherto nonatopic man with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, contact urticaria, and asthma caused by a Fb kept in his bedroom for 18 months. Rubbing and skin prick test with native fig leaves and sap, and RAST to Fb were clearly positive. No other sensitization could be detected. After eliminating his Fb, he became asymptomatic within a few months. This case shows that private close contact to Fb can also induce allergy even in hitherto nonatopic subjects. Therefore, Fb should not be kept in bedrooms.
Hypersensitivity to Parietaria officinalis pollen in newcomers to the area with the plant
Authors: Cvitanović S. , MaruŠić M. , JuriČić M. , Vrdoljak E. , Petrovečki M. , Rozga A. , Stavljenić‐Rukavina A.
Published: May 2007

Hypersensitivity to Parietaria officinalis (wall pellitory) pollen and other environmental allergens was studied in pollinosis patients allergic to P. officinalis pollen who were born in areas without P. officinalis and later moved to the city of Split, where P. officinalis is responsible for some 65% of pollinosis cases. Highly significant positive correlations were found for both the intensity of skin test reaction and concentration of specific serum IgE with the length of residence in the area. In contrast, the respective data on subjects hypersensitive to P. officinalis pollen allergen, but born and living in the area of Split, revealed a tendency to negative correlation between age and intensity of hypersensitivity to P. officinalis. A number of patients from both groups were tested for presence of serum IgE antibodies specific for 14 common environmental allergens. Hypersensitivity to P. officinalis pollen was associated with hypersensitivity to olive, mugwort, and birch pollen in newcomers; hypersensitivity to birch and, to some extent, olive pollen was significantly more frequent in newcomers than in autochthonous patients who were allergic to P. officinalis pollen. Regardless of whether the patients were autochthons or newcomers to the area with P. officinalis, hypersensitivity to P. officinalis mostly excluded hypersensitivity to Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus, and vice versa.
Urticaria caused by sensitization to aztreonam
Authors: de la Fuente Prieto R. , Medina A. Armentia , Palla P. Sanchez , Diez Perez J. M. , Merino M. E. Sanchis , Garcia A. Fernandez
Published: May 2007

A 72‐year‐old woman presented with generalized urticaria after receiving an injection of aztreonam. After successive in vitro and in vivo studies, allergy to aztreonam with a good tolerance of the other β‐lactams was diagnosed.
Optimization of skin testing
Authors: Niemeijer N. R. , Fluks A. F. , de Monchy J. G. R.
Published: May 2007

In this multicenter study we evaluated the results of a previous study (part I) in a relatively large Dutch patient population, using the two previously tested allergens (house‐dust mite and grass pollen) and two other standardized allergens (tree pollen and cat dander). The obtained skin test results were expressed as a histamine ratio and compared with RAST and clinical history (CH), The sensitivity and specificity were calculated at different cutoff values of the skin tests. The optimum cutoff values of 0.7 intracutaneous tests (ICT) and 0.4 skin prick tests (SPT) resulted in a predictive value for the detection of allergic sensitization of 83% (RAST) and 77% (CH), and 91% (RAST) and 86% (CH), for the ICT and SPT, respectively. As the ICT and SPT were performed in different centers, the results of these methods cannot be compared. No systemic side‐effects of the skin tests were recorded. These results generally correspond well with the predictions regarding safety and predictive value of part I of this study, in which a limited number of patients was studied. In conclusion, through the use of a limited number of standardized allergens in a small group of patients, it may be possible to predict a safe and efficacious concentration for routine skin testing and to extrapolate from these results to other standardized allergens.
Effects of interleukin‐4 and interferon‐γ on the secretion of IgG4 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Sutherland M. , Blaser K , Pène J.
Published: May 2007

Whereas IgE antibodies are linked with allergy, IgG4 antibodies may reflect the state of immunity and protection against a particular antigen. It has been shown that interleukin (IL)‐4 is required for induction of IgE synthesis. In order to elucidate the role of IL‐4 in the production of IgG4 and to compare IgG4 and IgE regulatory processes, we quantified these immunoglobulin isotypes after in vitro culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the presence of IL‐4. The production of IgG4 was increased by IL‐4 under the same conditions which are optimal for IgE production but not among PBMC from all donors, depending on the magnitude of spontaneous IgG4 secretion: IL‐4 was effective only when the spontaneous secretion of IgG4 was < 7% of the total IgG secretion; it had no effect when spontaneous IgG4 production was >7% of total IgG. The IL‐4‐induced IgE response was consistently obtained when IgG4 was < 7% of total IgG but was markedly diminished or absent when IgG4 was > 7% of total IgG. If Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowan 1 (SAC) was present during the 48‐h preincubation step, spontaneous IgG4 production was increased, but the stimulatory effect of this mitogen on immunoglobulin production, including IgG4, was markedly blocked by the addition of IL‐4. In contrast, IL‐4‐induced IgE synthesis was strongly blocked by the presence of SAC. Finally, secretion of IgG4 (spontaneous and IL‐4‐induced) was suppressed among cells from most donors by interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). These results suggest that IL‐4 has opposite effects on in vitro IgG4 production and that the in vitro synthesis of both IgG4 and IgE appears to be regulated similarly by IL‐4 and IFN‐γ, whereas additional signals promote the production of one isotype in preference to the other. It is possible that activated B cells respond to IL‐4 less well than do nonactivated cells.
A comparison of topical levocabastine and oral terfenadine in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors:   The Livostin Study Group
Published: May 2007

This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of twice‐daily levocabastine, a new topical H1‐blocking antihistamine, with that of twice‐daily oral terfenadine in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. A total of 128 adult patients with a history of birch‐pollen‐provoked allergic rhinoconjunctivitis participated in this double‐blind, parallel‐group study. Ocular and nasal symptoms, assessed by a 100‐mm visual analog scale, were recorded daily on diary cards for a period of 8 weeks. Global assessments of treatment efficacy were also performed. Conventional statistical analysis detected no significant differences between the two treatment regimens. Similarly, there was no difference in the number or type of adverse reactions in each treatment group. Statistical analysis according to Hauck & Andersson confirmed equivalence between the two treatment regimens. Topical levocabastine appears to be as effective and well‐tolerated as oral terfenadine in the treatment of allergic rhinoeonjunctivitis.

The Livostin Study Group. A comparison of topical levocabastine and oral terfenadine in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
IgE antibodies against bovine serum albumin in a case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Authors: Verdaguer J. , Corominas M. , Bas J. , Valls A. , Mestre M. , Romeu A. , Gonzalez L. , Massip E. , Buendia E.
Published: May 2007

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a disease characterized histologically by an eosinophilic infiltration of the gut. The cause of this disease remains unclear, although both food allergy and food intolerance have been implicated in its pathogenesis. We report the case of a 22‐year‐old man in whom gastrointestinal symptoms first appeared in childhood, with involvement of mucosa and muscularis layers of stomach and bowel. He presented high IgE blood levels, and his prick test was positive to bovine, pig, and lamb sera. Immunoblots from calf, pig, and lamb sera, incubated with the patient's serum and revealed by autoradiography, demonstrated the presence of a 65‐kDa protein band that was recognized by IgE antibodies but not by IgG. This band corresponded to bovine serum albumin, while IgE did not show reactivity with human albumin. These data suggest a possible role for IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity mechanisms in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
Increase and decrease of delayed cutaneous reactions obtained by hypnotic suggestions during sensitization Studies on dinitrochlorobenzene and diphenylcyclopropenone
Authors: Zachariae R. , Bjerring P.
Published: May 2007

Cutaneous reactivity to challenge with dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) was studied in 16 volunteers following hypnotic suggestions to increase and decrease response during sensitization. The immunoreactivity to DNCB and DCP was modulated by direct suggestions and guided imagery under hypnosis. The volunteers were highly susceptible subjects selected by means of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility. Form A. Measurement of skin reactions to the challenge I month after sensitization was performed double blindly. Results showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in visually scored reactions to DCP and DNCB between the group instructed to increase reaction to DCP and decrease reaction to DNCB and the group given the opposite instructions. A non‐significant difference (P= 0.055) in skin thickness measured by ultrasound was found between the two groups. The study supports previous reports of experimental modulation of immunoreactivity and indicates that the specific immunnnological processes involved in the development of allergic reactions may be susceptible to psychological factors.
Terbutaline controlled‐release tablets and ipratropium aerosol in nocturnal asthma
Authors: Tammivaara R. , Elo J. , Mansury L.
Published: May 2007

The effect of oral terbutaline (controlled‐release [CR] tablets) was compared with that of inhaled ipratropium bromide (aerosol) in 21 patients with nocturnal asthma. In a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study, 40 μg four times daily, and the two drugs in combination. Each treatment was given for 3 weeks. Before the start of the study, the patients participated in a 1‐week run‐in period. The mean nocturnal decline in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was 29% in the run‐in period and was reduced to 22% in the terbutaline CR period, 27% in the ipratropium period, and 23% in the period with the combination of the two drugs. The mean night PEFR was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the period with terbutaline CR, as compared with the period with ipratropium. The mean morning PEFR was also highest in the terbutaline CR period. The mean evening PEFR was significantly (P< 0.05) higher during treatment with terbutaline CR alone or the combination was preferred by as many patients as was treatment with ipratropium alone. When present, adverse reactions were to be milk or moderate.

Treatment with terbutaline CR alone and the combination significantly improved the evening and night PEFR, as compared with ipratropium alone.
Facial thermography during nasal provocation tests with histamine and allergen
Authors: Seppey M. , Hessler C. , Bruchez M. , Savary M. , Pécoud A.
Published: May 2007

Changes of skin temperature (T°) of the nose area during nasal provocation tests with histamine and allergen were followed by means of an infrared thermography camera. By a colimator system in which temperatures measured on a given surface can be integrated and averaged, thermography allows the continuous and quantitative recording of the temperature during the whole procedure in a completely noninvasive way. In 10 normal subjects, increasing doses of histamine induced a dose‐dependent rise of the nose external temperature. No significant change was observed with the vehicle solution. In six subjects allergic to grass pollen, the nebulization of increasing concentrations of a pollen extract induced a dose‐dependent rise in T°. The T° rise observed after histamine or allergen corresponded to a marked nasal obstruction. The nebulization of the highest dose of the pollen extract did not induce any T° rise in six nonallergic subjects. The continuous recording of the skin temperature by a noninvasive method might yield additional information on the vascular changes rapidly occurring during nasal challenges.
Can subjects with a positive allergen skin test be selected by a short questionnaire?
Authors: Nielsen N. H. , Dirksen A. , Madsen F.
Published: May 2007

The objective was to evaluate a postal questionnaire screening procedure for selection of subjects with positive reactions to skin prick tests with common allergens. The project consisted of a screening, with subsequent skin prick test of two selected groups. The setting was the Glostrup Population Studies institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants in the screening included 8000 subjects, aged 15–69 years. The subjects were randomly selected from the population of western Copenhagen County, Denmark. From the 6998 respondents (87.5%), 793 subjects were randomly selected (Random Group), and 788 subjects were chosen on the basis of their answers to the questionnaire (Symptom Group). Both groups were invited to take skin prick tests. Attendance rates were 75.5% (Random Group) and 80.6% (Symptom Group).

The main outcome measures were responses (yes or no) to the specific questions and the subjects' skin reaction (positive or negative). The association between symptoms and skin reactivity, adjusted for the effects of sex and age, was summarized by odds ratios. Symptoms on exposure to allergens were highly associated with positive skin reactivity. In the Symptom Group the percentage of subjects with at least one positive skin reaction was 57.7%, which was twice as much (28.4%) as in the Random Group. The results show that it was possible to select a group with high skin reactivity on the basis of the symptoms reported in the screening. Questions about exposure to allergens were the most appropriate for selection of this group.
Pulmonary function changes in asthmatics associated with low‐level SO2 and NO2 air pollution, weather, and medicine intake
Authors: Moseholm L. , Taudorf E. , Frøsig A.
Published: May 2007

This paper presents the response in subjects with asthma to gaseous air‐pollution levels, weather, and medicine intake as identified by principal‐component analysis and neutral network techniques. Pulmonary function measured by respiratory peak‐flow rate in nonallergic asthmatics was associated with ambient, low level, air‐pollution concentrations of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, and medicine intake. Results from 27 nonallergic asthmatics aged 18–60 years with well‐characterized bronchial asthma and regular medical treatment were analyzed from two cities. During an 8‐month period, each subject kept a diary table, which included symptoms, lung function (evening peak flow), medicine intake, and tobbaco smoking.

High intake of medicine and high ambient temperatures correspondend to decreased peak flow. The changes in temperature did not occur in situations with low medicine intake. During frost periods, peak‐flow values decreased independently of medicine intake and levels of so2. During other times, increased levels of so2 and no2 increased temperature, and increased intake of medicine, and low relative humidity corresponded to synergistically to decreased peak flow at levels above 40μ/m3.
In vitro diagnosis of farmers' IgE‐mediated allergy by Phadiatop® and three new multiallergen RAST analyses
Authors: van Hage‐Hamsten M. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: May 2007

Identification of persons with atopic allergy in a population is difficult if the pattern of sensitizing allergens is unique. Three new multiallergen tests, Professional Allergy Mixes (PAX) 1–3 (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Uppsala, Sweden), have recently been inttoduced to screen IgE‐mediated allergy among farmers. PAX 1 contains animal danders and feathers, PAX 2 mites and insects, and PAX 3 pollens and molds. The value of these new tests for the determination of IgE‐mediated allergy among fanners was compared with that of Phadiatop®, a test for general atopy. Of 440 farmers, 91 were positive to Phadiatop and 97 to any of PAX 1–3. None of the farmers were positive in all tests. Only 70/97 sera positive in RAST to PAX 1–3 had a positive Phadiatop, whereas of 91 sera positive in Phadiatop, 70 had specific IgE antibodies to PAX 1–3. The value of using either Phadiatop or PAX 1–3 is limited (sensitivity 74–79%), but, together, these four tests will detect almost all (95.9%) farmers with IgE‐mediated sensitization and all (100%) with symptoms. We have also shown that the grain weevil Sitophilus grcmarius and the botfly Gaslerophihts intestinalis are important sources of allergens in rural environments.
A comparison of the efficacy of Cetirizine and terfenadine
Authors: Andri L. , Senna G. E. , Betteli C. , Givanni S. , Andri G. , Lombardi C. , Mezzelani P.
Published: May 2007

In a 20‐d, double‐blind, randomized, parallel study, the efficacy of cetirizine and terfenadine was compared in 30 patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Subjects were randomly divided into two 15‐patient groups. The first group was given cetirizine (10 mg once daily); the second terfenadine (60 mg twice daily). Cetirizine proved to be more effective than terfenadine in controlling urticaria symptoms. In fact, the score of the investigators' overall assessment was signifieantly lower in the cetirizine‐treated group than in the terfenadine‐treated group. Moreover, patient evaluation by a visual analog scale and symptoms assessed on a 4‐point scale showed a better improvement in the cetirizine group. The number and severity of side‐effects were similar in both treatment groups.