bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of asthma in an inner city general practice
Authors: Chadwick S 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThis study was undertaken to find out the problems which children with asthma experience at school and at home. Patient interviews with 32 asthmatic children aged between 6 and 16 years using a semi‐structured questionnaire were carried out in an inner city practice in Bristol. Twenty‐three (71.8%) children experienced exercise‐induced bronchospasm which particularly upset them at school. Eleven of 14 (78.5%) secondary schoolchildren said not being able to participate in sport was the worst thing about having asthma. Children seemed to accept that their inability to participate in sport was normal. Fourteen primary schoolchildren (77.7%) had restricted access to their inhalers. Primary schoolchildren were upset most by coughing or wheezing. Of 21 children who said smoke made their asthma worse, 18 lived in households where someone smoked. Children were more distressed by how their asthma affected‐them at school than at home. Thirty‐one (96.8%) of the children viewed their asthma negatively, although 26 (81.2%) felt they were in control of their asthma. School age children may have undiagnosed, exercise‐induced bronchospasm causing considerable physical and psychological morbidity and are therefore being inadequately treated. Children's negative views of their asthma may be missed by conventional questioning and asthma clinics should ensure that children are encouraged to reveal the issues that concern them. Children should have easy access to their medication at school. Locally agreed management of asthma in schools may improve morbidity from asthma.
Serum IgE levels in amoebiasis
Authors: GELLER M. , GELLER M. , FLAHERTY D. K. , BLACK PAULA , CAPANEMA‐SOUZA A. P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryElevated levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) are found in many parasitic diseases. In order to determine the influence of Entamoeba histolytica on IgE levels of clinically symptomatic patients with intestinal amoebiasis, a controlled study was performed. There was no difference between the serum IgE values from Brazilian patients with amoebiasis and those from age‐, race‐ and sex‐matched normal Brazilian controls. Based also on our previous similar studies on giardiasis and Chagas’ disease, we conclude that protozoan infections do not elevate serum IgE levels.
Occupational asthma in Finland
Authors: KESKINEN HELENA , ALANKO KARI , SAARINEN LAURI 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn Finland occupational asthma caused by protein allergens and reactive chemicals present in the air of work environments is increasing. This communication describes provocative challenge tests and methods for measuring exposure under simulated work conditions. The importance of lung function measurements during non‐exposure and placebo periods is stressed. Especially late reactions are difficult to assess because of the great circadian variation in the lung function parameters of asthmatics. For a positive challenge test, a decrease in peak flow values of at least 15% and a clear deviation from normal circadian variation and placebo periods is required. The allergens of vegetable or animal origin primarily affect patients with an atopic constitution. Chemical allergens seem to attack all exposed workers in the same way. The report lists the occupations with risk for asthma and refers to the population at risk; bakers seem to be the group with the most risk. The importance of early diagnosis, removal of the worker from exposure and improvement of the hygienic aspects of the work environment are stressed.
The diagnostic value of antibodies to the traditional antigens of farmer's lung in Finland
Authors: KATILA M.‐L. , MÄNTYJÄRVI R. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPrecipitating antibodies towards antigens associated with farmer's lung disease were studied in Finnish dairy farming and non‐farming rural populations and the results were compared to those of serum samples of patients suspected of having a fungal allergy. The antigen panel consisted of Aspergillus fumigatus, Micropolyspora faeni and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. All three microbes seemed to be important environmental inducers of antibody formation. The prevalence of antibodies towards all of them was higher in the patient group. The presence of A. fumigatus and T. vulgaris antibodies correlated best with the occurrence of respiratory disease. The difference in M. faeni antibody prevalence between patients and the control group was less significant.The results suggest that in Finland the relative importance of those microorganisms associated with farmer's lung disease may be different from that reported from other countries.
Aerobiological studies based in Derby
Authors: BROWN H. MORROW , JACKSON F. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn order to determine whether a sampling site in the centre of Derby, where air sampling had been carried out for five summers, really provided valid aerobiological data for the surrounding area, eight identical volumetric spore traps were operated simultaneously during the summer of 1969 at various sites up to 56 km from Derby, For most pollen and spore types, total numbers and seasonal pattern at all the sampling sites were found to be similar, although a few extreme and unexpected variations were noted. Figures varied somewhat in different types of site, and local effects are emphasized.
Partial characterization of allergens associated with hypersensitivity to the ‘green nimitti’ midge (Cladotanytarsus lewisi, Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: TEE ROSEMARY D. , CROMWELL O. , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L. , CRANSTON P. S. , KAY A. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAllergens in extracts of the ‘green nimitti’ midge, Cladotanytarsus lewisi Freeman (Diptera: Chironomidae), a cause of widespread hypersensitivity in the Sudan, were isolated and partially characterized by assays which depend on the binding of 125I‐anti‐IgE to allergen‐IgE complexes. These methods included RAST inhibition, crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) and rocket radioimmunoelectrophoresis (RRIE). Following Sephadex G100 chromatography the ‘major peak’ of allergcnicity as determined by RAST inhibition. RRIE and SDS‐PAGE was associated with molecules of approximately 17 000 daltons. The peak eluting at Vo contained material of molecular weight 66000 daltons which also bound 125‐I‐anti‐IgE. but had only 61% of the activity of the ‘major peak’ by RAST inhibition. By isoelectric focusing and RRIE of fractions obtained by chromatofocusing with polybuffer exchanger 94, the ‘major peak’ was associated with multiple bands with a pI range of 3.5‐5.5. These results indicate that the major allergens from C. lewisi are a group of closely related acidic peptides.
Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria with terfenadine
Authors: CERIO R. , LESSOF M. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe usefulness of antihistamines is impaired by their sedative side effects. In a double blind crossover study of twenty‐four patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria, we have found terfenadine to be a non‐sedative and highly effective drug.
Toxic oil syndrome, clinical and immunological characteristics: a review
Authors: BLANCA M. , BOULTON P. , BROSTOFF J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn May 1981 a new disease, with epidemic characteristics, appeared in Spain. Initially it was thought that an infectious agent was responsible for the disease, a theory that was later discarded when the disease was found to be associated with the ingestion of adulterated olive oil contaminated with potentially toxic chemicals. More than 20 000 people have been affected, and whilst official reports put the death toll at 250, the true figure may exceed 300. The disease is multi‐systemic in presentation, affecting several organs and systems of the body. The disease has a poor prognosis in its chronic stages, which affect approximately 10% of victims, and its ultimate natural history is still to be observed. The pathogenesis of the disease remains to be elucidated, despite considerable efforts already made in this direction.
Delivery of sodium cromoglycate by pressurized aerosol
Authors: LOZEWICZ S. , ROBERTSON C. F. , COSTELLO J. F. , PRICE J. F. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySodium cromoglycate (SCG) has recently been formulated as a pressurized aerosol. Twenty‐five asthmatic outpatients taking SCG via the Spinhaler were studied in a double‐dummy, double‐blind cross‐over trial in which subjects took Spincaps containing 20 mg of SCG for 2 months, and for the alternate 2 months were treated with SCG aerosol delivering 1 mg/actuation.There was no evidence of clinical deterioration occurring during the period on aerosol SCG. During this period however cough frequency was significantly lower and when data for the 8‐13 and 14‐46 year age groups were analysed separately, this decrease was seen to be confined to the younger group. Furthermore, this group but not the adults, showed a significant improvement in morning peak expiratory flow rate.We conclude that the aerosol preparation of SCG is a useful alternative to delivery by Spinhaler for patients who are able to coordinate, and that it may have special advantages for children.
Barn allergy among Scottish farmers
Authors: CUTHBERT O. D. , JEFFREY I. G. , McNEILL HELEN B. , WOOD JEAN , TOPPING M. D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that allergy to storage mites is a significant contributor to allergic disease among an isolated farming community in the Orkneys. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of disease due to storage mites among farmers on the mainland of Scotland. Of the 290 subjects employed on 102 randomly selected farms studied, eighty‐seven (30%) reported allergic symptoms on entering barns or byres, and prick tests to storage mites were positive in 62 (21%). Rhinitis and conjunctivitis together were the more frequently reported symptoms, with less than half the subjects recording respitatory symptoms. Specific IgE antibody to storage mites was detected in 43% of subjects reporting allergic symptoms associated with hay dust. Specific IgE to storage mites was strongly associated with atopy in those subjects who reported allergic symptoms.
ASTHMA IN DARLEY DALE: GP AUDIT
Authors: Martys Cedrick R 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAsthma is a common illness in the United Kingdom and its incidence and severity has increased in recent years. In a paper published recently in the BMJ (1) I reported the results of a first audit cycle of asthma care in Darley Dale after starting an asthma clinic in the practice. I showed that, as a result of an audit exercise undertaken before the clinic was set up and after it had been in operation for one year, significant improvements in recording of data relevant to the management of patients with asthma was obtained – the term “asthma” entered in the patient's computerised summary record, smoking history and numbers of peak expiratory flow readings recorded. However, objective improvement in patients asthma – less requirement for oral steroids and salbutamol nebulisation – could not be demonstrated. There was an improvement in the ratio average:best peak flow rate in patients who had one or more measurements pre‐clinic and post‐clinic (81%→ 89%), but this difference was not statistically significant. A longer period of study will be required before major clinical improvement can be demonstrated.As a result of undertaking this audit exercise there has been renewed emphasis on prophylaxis of asthma for patients attending the clinic, greater effort made to see all patients with asthma for clinical review at least once annually, and to facilitate these activities a second clinic has been started.
Analysis of specific IgE and IgG subclass antibodies for diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: KHABIRI A. R. , BAGHERI F. , ASSMAR M. , SIAVASHI M. R. 
Published: April 2006

SUMMARY The potential roles of specific antibodies of different immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses and IgE in serological diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) were investigated by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on Antigen 5 (Ag5). Presence of IgG1 was demonstrated in all sera from 58 patients with CE. The most discriminatory and specific antibodies found in this study belonged to IgG4 and IgE. Only one false‐positive reaction was observed with IgG4 and no IgE cross‐reactivity occurred with 40 sera from healthy controls. In 36 sera from patients infected with parasites other than CE two false‐positive reactions with IgG4 were observed but none occurred with IgE. In immunoblotting, it was shown that IgG1 subclass was responsible for cross‐reactivity of human antibodies that reacted with a 38 kDa subunit of Ag5. IgG4 and IgE antibodies could not recognize the 38 kDa subunit and under non‐reducing conditions reacted with the 57 kDa subunit without any cross‐reactivity to other parasites. The results demonstrated that IgG4 and IgE are the most important antibodies for serological diagnosis of hydatid cyst in an Ag5 based immunoassay system.
Serum‐induced basophil CD63 expression by means of a tricolour flow cytometric method for the in vitro diagnosis of chronic urticaria
Authors: Frezzolini A. , Provini A. , Teofoli P. , Pomponi D. , De Pità O. 
Published: April 2006

Background:  Functional autoantibodies against the α‐chain of the high‐affinity IgE receptor (FcɛRIα) identify a subset of patients with chronic urticaria (CU) due to autoreactivity, as assessed by an in vivo positive response to autologous serum skin test (ASST). We performed a study to standardize the serum‐induced basophil activation assay by flow cytometry (FCM) using a new tricolour method, assessing the diagnostic performance of this test in discriminating between ASST+ and ASST− CU patients.Methods:  Sera of 64 CU patients (22 ASST+ CU and 42 ASST− CU) and 10 healthy subjects were tested for their ability to induce basophil CD63 expression when incubated with whole blood of both atopic (DA) and non‐atopic donors (DNA). Using a triple‐labelled strategy with anti‐CD123, anti‐HLA‐DR and anti‐CD63 antibodies, CD63+ basophils were identified on a selected population of CD123+ HLA‐DR‐ cells. In 3 ASST+ CU patients who underwent cyclosporine therapy, the assay was performed before and after treatment.Results:  The ASST+ CU sera resulted in a significant higher induction of basophil CD63 expression compared with ASST− CU and healthy donors sera; when whole blood from DA was used, sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 95.5% and 90.5% respectively. ASST+ CU serum activity was significantly decreased during cyclosporine A treatment, in parallel with clinical remission.Conclusions:  Chronic urticaria serum‐induced CD63 expression assay performed on DA whole blood by means of our tricolour FCM method could be the most useful tool for identification of a subset of patients with autoimmune CU and may become a promising tool also for monitoring treatment efficacy.
Contribution of virus‐induced lysis and protozoan grazing to benthic bacterial mortality estimated simultaneously in microcosms
Authors: Fischer Ulrike R. , Wieltschnig Claudia , Kirschner Alexander K. T. , Velimirov Branko 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn contrast to the water column, the fate of bacterial production in freshwater sediments is still a matter of debate. Thus, the importance of virus‐induced lysis and protozoan grazing of bacteria was investigated for the first time simultaneously in a silty sediment layer of a mesotrophic oxbow lake. Microcosms were installed in the laboratory in order to study the dynamics of these processes over 15 days. All microbial and physicochemical parameters showed acceptable resemblance to field data observed during a concomitant in situ study, and similar conclusions can be drawn with respect to the quantitative impact of viruses and protozoa on the bacterial compartment. Viral decay rates ranged from undetectable to 0.078 h−1 (average, 0.033 h−1), and the control of bacterial production from below the detection limit to 36% (average, 12%). The contribution of virus‐induced lysis of bacteria to the dissolved organic matter pool as well as to benthic bacterial nutrition was low. Ingestion rates of protozoan grazers ranged from undetectable to 24.7 bacteria per heterotrophic nanoflagellate (HNF) per hour (average, 4.8 bacteria HNF−1 h−1) and from undetectable to 73.3 bacteria per ciliate per hour (average, 11.2 bacteria ciliate−1 h−1). Heterotrophic nanoflagellate and ciliates together cropped up to 5% (average, 1%) of bacterial production. The viral impact on bacteria prevailed over protozoan grazing by a factor of 2.5–19.9 (average, 9.5). In sum, these factors together removed up to 36% (average, 12%) of bacterial production. The high number of correlations between viral and protozoan parameters is discussed in view of a possible relationship between virus removal and the presence of protozoan grazers.
Nitrite concentration influences the population structure of Nitrospira‐like bacteria
Authors: Maixner Frank , Noguera Daniel R. , Anneser Bettina , Stoecker Kilian , Wegl Gertrude , Wagner Michael , Daims Holger 
Published: April 2006

SummaryChemolithoautotrophic nitrite oxidizers of the genus Nitrospira are a monophyletic but diverse group of organisms, are widely distributed in many natural habitats, and play a key role in nitrogen elimination during biological wastewater treatment. Phylogenetic analyses of cloned 16S rRNA genes and fluorescence in situ hybridization with newly developed rRNA‐targeted oligonucleotide probes revealed coexistence of uncultured members of sublineages I and II of the genus Nitrospira in biofilm and activated sludge samples taken from nitrifying wastewater treatment plants. Quantitative microscopic analyses of their spatial arrangement relative to ammonia oxidizers in the biofilm and activated sludge flocs showed that members of the Nitrospira sublineage I occurred significantly more often in immediate vicinity to ammonia oxidizers than would be expected from random community assembly while such a relationship was not observed for Nitrospira sublineage II. This spatial distribution suggested a niche differentiation of these coexisting Nitrospira populations with respect to their preferred concentrations of nitrite. This hypothesis was tested by mathematical modelling of nitrite consumption and resulting nitrite gradients in nitrifying biofilms and by quantifying the abundance of sublineage I and II Nitrospira in activated sludge during incubations with nitrite in different concentrations. Consistent with the observed localization patterns, a higher nitrite concentration selected for sublineage I but suppressed sublineage II Nitrospira.
The effects of calcipotriol and methylprednisolone aseponate on bcl‐2, p53 and ki‐67 expression in psoriasis
Authors: Adi5en E , Gülekon A , Erdem Ö , Dursun A , Gürer MA 
Published: April 2006

AbstractObjective  The decrease of physiological apoptosis in the psoriatic lesions is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and induction of apoptosis was shown to contribute to the regression of psoriatic hyperplasia. In the present study, we compared the effects of calcipotriol and methylprednisolone aseponate (MPA) treatments on bcl‐2, p53 and ki‐67 expressions in psoriatic patients in order to define a relationship between regulation of apoptosis and healing process in psoriasis.Methods  Thirty psoriatic patients with stable and moderate chronic plaque psoriasis applied either calcipotriol or MPA ointment for 6 weeks twice daily. Evaluation of bcl‐2, p53 and ki‐67 positivity was performed at baseline and was repeated at sixth week for each therapy.Results  The mean percentage of positive keratinocytes was 8.63 ± 7.15% for p53, 20.66 ± 14.45% for ki‐67, and 3.74 ± 2.83% for bcl‐2 in psoriatic skin at baseline. Normal skin values were 3.27 ± 3.21% for p53, 4.93 ± 4.77% for ki‐67, and 1.80 ± 0.41% for bcl‐2. The psoriatic skin showed higher ki‐67 (P < 0.05) and bcl‐2 (P < 0.05) expression rates when compared to normal skin. The p53 positivity observed in psoriatic skin and normal skin was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Following calcipotriol and MPA treatments, there was a significant reduction in p53 and ki‐67 positivity accompanied by an increase in bcl‐2 positivity (P < 0.05 each). No significant differences were found at sixth week between calcipotriol and MPA groups with respect to p53, ki‐67 and bcl‐2 positivity (P > 0.05). The post‐treatment psoriatic skin showed lower expression of p53, higher expressions of ki‐67 and bcl‐2 when compared to normal skin (P < 0.05 each).Conclusion  The results of this study provide evidence that both calcipotriol and MPA decrease the p53 and ki‐67 expression and increase bcl‐2 expression. However, it should further be elucidated if these changes were the common behaviour of psoriatic keratinocytes to any antipsoriatic medication.
Efficacy and functionality of silver‐coated textiles in patients with atopic eczema
Authors: Gauger A , Fischer S , Mempel M , Schaefer T , Foelster‐Holst R , Abeck D , Ring J 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Microbial skin colonization with Staphylococcus aureus is known to play an important role in atopic eczema (AE). Recently, an antibacterial effect of silver‐coated textiles on S. aureus colonization has been demonstrated.Objectives  To investigate clinical efficacy and functionality of silver‐coated textiles in AE, a multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted.Patients/methods  From November 2001 to August 2002, 68 consecutive outpatients clinically diagnosed with generalized AE were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were the clinical diagnosis of AE with a moderate severity as measured by the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index with at least 20. Patients were instructed to wear either silver‐coated (verum, 35 patients + 2 dropouts) or cotton garments (placebo, 22 patients + 9 dropouts) directly on the skin for 2 weeks. Only basic skin care and ongoing therapy with topical steroids or oral antihistamines was permitted. Clinical severity was assessed using the ‘SCORAD’ before, during and at the end of study. Quality of life (QOL), wearing comfort (WC) and functionality (FU) of study clothes were measured in parallel. Patients documented their subjective and objective symptoms daily.Results  In the verum group, eczema improved significantly after 1 week with further enhancement until the end of study (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001). Silver‐coated textiles were comparable to cotton in WC and FU. Pruritus and self‐assigned skin condition improved significantly more than with placebo (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003).Conclusions  In conclusion, silver‐coated textiles are able to improve objective and subjective symptoms of AE significantly within 2 weeks, showing a good wearing comfort and functionality comparable to cotton.
Suicide prevention in adolescents: a controlled study of the effectiveness of a school‐based psycho‐educational program
Authors: Portzky Gwendolyn , Van Heeringen Kees 
Published: April 2006

Background:  Psycho‐educational programs are among the most commonly applied suicide prevention approaches for young people. This study examined the effectiveness of these programs in a controlled study by assessing the effect on knowledge, attitudes, coping and hopelessness.Method:  Fourteen‐ to 18‐year‐old students were administered structured questionnaires before and after the program to assess the effect on knowledge, attitudes, coping and hopelessness.Results:  The program had no effect on coping styles and levels of hopelessness. However, a positive effect on knowledge could be identified and an interaction effect of the program with gender on attitudes was also found. A negative impact of the program could not be found. Results indicated effects of gender and pre‐test on knowledge, attitudes and coping.Conclusions:  The findings from this study suggest that psycho‐educational programs in schools may influence knowledge about suicide and attitudes towards suicidal persons but may not affect the use of coping styles or levels of hopelessness.