bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Original article: Two different profiles of peach allergy in the north of Spain
Authors: Gamboa P. M. , Cáceres O. , Antepara I. , Sánchez‐Monge R. , Ahrazem O. , Salcedo G. , Barber D. , Lombardero M. , Sanz M. L. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Peach allergy has two different patterns: central Europe with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) related to a primary sensitization to birch pollen Bet v 1 and profilins and southern Europe with mostly systemic symptoms, in many cases due to sensitization to lipid‐transfer proteins.Methods:  Thirty peach‐allergic patients with positive skin and food challenge tests and 29 control subjects were included. Skin prick tests (SPT) with inhalant allergens, commercial peach and apple extracts and native Pru p 3 were performed. In vitro specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E to grass pollen, birch pollen, peach, apple, rBet v 1, rBet v 2 and rPhl p 12 was determined by CAP, and rBet v 1, rMal d 1, rMal d 4, rMal d 3 and rPru p 3 using the ADVIA‐Centaur platform. Basophil activation test (BAT) with commercial peach extract, commercial apple extract, nPru p 3, rMal d 3, rMal d 1 and rMal d 4 was also performed.Results:  Pru p 3 was the major allergen in the patient group from northern Spain. Sensitization to this allergen was found in 100% of the patients with systemic symptoms or contact urticaria. Only 60% of OAS patients were sensitized to Pru p 3, being all of them sensitized to profilins and 60% of them to allergens of the Bet v 1 family. Specific IgE determination and BAT using recombinant allergens (rPru p 3) show specificity and sensitivity values close to 100%.Conclusions:  Most peach‐allergic patients coming from the north of Spain present systemic symptoms after ingestion of peach, Pru p 3 being the main allergen. Patients with OAS present profilin‐Bet v 1‐related sensitization. Thus, in the north of Spain our patients show a mixed central‐south Europe pattern with LTP‐profilin‐Bet v 1 sensitization depending on the symptoms presented. The use of natural and recombinant plant allergens, allows establishing the sensitization patterns to the different allergens studied.
Original article: Rhinoconjunctivitis in 5‐year‐old children: a population‐based birth cohort study
Authors: Marinho S. , Simpson A. , Lowe L. , Kissen P. , Murray C. , Custovic A. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  There is a paucity of data on the prevalence, risk factors and natural history of rhinitis in early childhood.Objective:  Within the context of a whole‐population birth cohort we investigated the prevalence of and risk factors for current rhinoconjunctivitis (CRC) at age 5 years.Methods:  Children were followed prospectively to age 5 years [questionnaires (n = 815), skin testing (n = 717), specific immunoglobulin E (n = 478), lung function (n = 711), dry air challenge (n = 556)]. Endotoxin and allergen exposures were measured in dust samples.Results:  The prevalence of rhinitis ever, current rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis was 28.2%, 26.1%, and 12.1%, respectively. Asthma, wheeze and eczema coexisted with CRC (P ≤ 0.01). In a multivariate model, maternal asthma (OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.30–4.38, P = 0.005), paternal hay fever (1.96, 1.11–3.46, P = 0.02) and sensitization to grass (3.46, 1.86–6.42, P < 0.001) and cat (2.42, 1.14–5.18, P = 0.02) remained significant and independent associates of CRC. Whilst almost half of children with CRC were nonatopic, there was little difference in risk factors between atopic and nonatopic CRC. Amongst children with current wheeze, the presence of concurrent CRC had no effect on either severity or frequency of wheezy episodes. There was no difference in specific airway resistance, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) or airway reactivity between children with and without CRC after adjustment for the presence of wheeze.Conclusion:  Family history of allergic disease and sensitization to inhalant allergens are risk factors for rhinoconjunctivitis in preschool children. In this age group, there is no association between the presence of rhinoconjunctivitis and severity of wheeze, increased airway reactivity and reduced lung function.
Short communication: Public data mining shows extended linkage disequilibrium around ADAM33
Authors: Wjst M. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  ADAM33 has been described to be the first positional cloned asthma gene. Consecutive association studies have found inconsistent results. At present no functional relevant variation is being known.Objective:  Aim of the study was to test if genes in close physical distance could also be responsible for the observed linkage signal.Method:  We downloaded three public single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data sets and tested if linkage disequilibrium extends beyond ADAM33.Results:  Linkage disequilibrium extends upstream to a region including GDNF family receptor alpha (GFRA4), attractin (ATRN) and downstream to sialoadhesin (SN) with a peak recombinatory rate at ADAM33 exon S to V.Conclusion:  Resequencing of the ADAM33 region including GFRA4, ATRN and SN is expedient.
Original article: Hepatocyte growth factor attenuates eotaxin and PGD2‐induced chemotaxis of human eosinophils
Authors: Ito W. , Chiba T. , Kanehiro A. , Kato H. , Yamaguchi K. , Ueki S. , Kayaba H. , Chihara J. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is known to influence a number of cell types, and regulate various biologic activities including cell migration, proliferation, and survival. In a recent study, we found that, in vivo, HGF suppresses allergic airway inflammation, i.e. the infiltration of inflammatory cells including eosinophils into the airway, and further, that HGF reduces Th2 cytokine levels; however, the directly physiologic role of HGF with eosinophils remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the potential of recombinant HGF to regulate the factor‐induced chemotaxis of human eosinophils.Methods:  Eosinophils were isolated from subjects with mild eosinophilia by modified CD16‐negative selection. After culture with or without recombinant HGF, esoinophil chemotaxis was measured by Boyden chamber and KK chamber.Results:  Treatment with HGF prevented eotaxin or prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)‐induced chemotaxis of eosinophils. Moreover, we demonstrated that extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases as well as the enhancement of Ca2+ influx, which are indispensable for eosinophil chemotaxis, were attenuated by HGF treatment.Conclusion:  Taken together, these data suggest that in allergic diseases, HGF not only mediates eosinophils through the inhibition of Th2 cytokines, but also regulates the function of eosinophils directly, provides further insight into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of allergic reactions.
Original article: Polymorphisms in eosinophil pathway genes, asthma and atopy
Authors: Kabesch M. , Depner M. , Dahmen I. , Weiland S. K. , Vogelberg C. , Niggemann B. , Lau S. , Illig T. , Klopp N. , Wahn U. , Reinhardt D. , Von Mutius E. , Nickel R. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Eosinophilic inflammation is considered to play an important role in the development as well as in the perpetuation of asthma. As eosinophil production and survival is under genetic control we investigated whether polymorphisms in eosinophil regulation pathway genes (IL‐3, IL‐5, GM‐CSF and their respective enhancers and receptors) may influence the development of atopic diseases.Methods:  In two large study populations of children, the German part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC II) and the German Multicentre Atopy Study (MAS), 3099 and 824 children, seven polymorphisms previously associated with the development of atopic diseases were genotyped: two in and around the GM‐CSF gene (Ile117Thr and T3085G), one in IL‐3 (Pro27Ser), in IL‐5 (C‐746T), and in the IL‐5 high affinity receptor chain IL‐5R (G‐80A) and two in the common receptor chain CSFR2b for IL‐3, IL‐5, and GM‐CSF (Asp312Asn and Glu249Gln). Statistical analyses were performed using chi‐squared tests and variance analyses. Gene by gene interactions were evaluated in logistic regression models.Results:  The T allele at position −746 in the IL‐5 gene was significantly protective for atopy in the ISAAC II population (P = 0.006). Furthermore, the risk for atopic asthma was decreased in carriers of the T allele (P = 0.036) and evidence for interaction with the enhancer polymorphism 3085 bp 3′ of GM‐CSF was detected.Conclusions:  IL‐5 C‐746T influenced atopic outcomes and showed evidence for gene by gene interaction. No significant associations were found with all other tested polymorphisms in the eosinophil regulation pathway after correction for multiple testing.
Short communication: An occupational respiratory allergy caused by Sinapis alba pollen in olive farmers
Authors: Anguita J. L. , Palacios L. , Ruiz‐Valenzuela L. , Bartolomé B. , López‐Urbano Ma. J. , Sáenz de San Pedro B. , Cano E. , Quiralte J. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Sinapis alba (white mustard) is a entomophilic species included in the Brassicaceae family. To date it has not been related to allergic sensitization or clinical respiratory disease.Methods:  Twelve olive orchard workers had a history of rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma that occurred during control weed management and/or harvest, from January to March. They underwent skin prick tests (SPT) with S. alba pollen extract and a standard battery of aeroallergens. Sinapis alba pollen extract was prepared for performing quantitative skin tests, enzyme allergosorbent test and nasal challenge test (NCT). A portable monitoring station and an urban volumetric Hirst‐type spore trap were used for the aerobiological study.Results:  Eleven patients suffered from rhinitis and bronchial asthma and one had only from rhinitis. All patients were sensitized to S. alba pollen extract, and they showed a positive NCT response. In the urban aerobiologic monitoring station the amount of S. alba pollen only exceptionally reached peaks of 21 grains/m3, whereas in the work environment peaks of 1801 grains/m3 were detected between 15 February and 7 April.Conclusions:  We demonstrate the existence of a new occupational allergen for olive farmers: S. alba pollen. We point out the importance of perform aerobiological sampling within the occupational environment for the detection and quantification of the allergenic source.
Original article: Myrmecia pilosula (Jack Jumper) ant venom: identification of allergens and revised nomenclature
Authors: Wiese M. D. , Brown S. G. A. , Chataway T. K. , Davies N. W. , Milne R. W. , Aulfrey S. J. , Heddle R. J. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  The ‘Jack Jumper Ant’ (JJA; Myrmecia pilosula species complex) is the major cause of ant sting anaphylaxis in Australia. Our aims were to determine the allergenicity of previously described venom peptides in their native forms, identify additional allergens and if necessary, update nomenclature used to describe the allergens according to International Union of Immunological Societies criteria.Methods:  Various polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methods were used to separate JJA venom. Gel resolved venom was Western‐blotted and probed with individual sera taken from patients with a history of JJA sting anaphylaxis and immunoglobulin E radioallergosorbent test (IgE RAST) tracer uptakes of >1% to whole venom.Results:  Of 67 available sera, 54 had RAST uptakes >1%. Thirteen IgE binding bands were identified using these sera. Pilosulin 3, [Ile5]pilosulin 1, and pilosulin 4.1 were recognized by 42 (78%), 18 (33%) and nine (17%) of the 54 sera that were tested. Immunoglobulin E‐binding proteins with estimated molecular masses of 6.6, 22.8, 25.6, 30.4, 32.1, 34.4 and 89.8 kDa were each recognized by three or more individual sera. Two of these (25.6 and 89.8 kDa) were recognized by 46% and 37% of sera, respectively.Conclusion:  Nomenclature used to describe JJA venom allergens has been revised. Pilosulin 3 (Myr p 2) is the only major allergen, whilst [Ile5]pilosulin 1 (Myr p 1), and pilosulin 4.1 (Myr p 3) are minor allergens. There are an additional five IgE‐binding proteins that require further characterization before they can be named as allergens. These findings provide a framework for standardizing venom extracts for diagnosis and immunotherapy.
Original article: Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) polymorphisms and association with asthma, s‐ECP levels and related phenotypes
Authors: Munthe‐Kaas M. C. , Gerritsen J. , Carlsen K. H. , Undlien D. , Egeland T. , Skinningsrud B. , Tørres T. , Carlsen K. L. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a potent cytotoxic secretory protein with bactericidal and antiviral properties. ECP is released by activated eosinophils and regarded as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation. High levels of ECP have been reported in cases of active asthma and other allergic diseases. This study aimed to assess whether three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ECP gene (RNASE3) on chromosome 14 q24–q31 or their haplotypes are associated with asthma, allergy, or related phenotypes.Methods:  The three SNPs −38CA, +371CG and +499CG in RNASE3 and their haplotypes were analyzed for associations with asthma, serum‐ECP (s‐ECP) levels, allergic sensitization (positive skin‐prick test to common allergens), bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) assessed by methacholine inhalation, and serum‐IgE (s‐IgE) levels in 177 families from Norway and the Netherlands identified through siblings with asthma.Results:  Transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) demonstrated significant associations between the A‐G‐G haplotype and asthma as well as the specific phenotypes allergic asthma (but not non‐allergic asthma), high s‐ECP, high s‐IgE and BHR, while the C‐G‐G haplotype was associated with reduced occurrence of these traits. In addition, the −38A allele was associated with high s‐ECP levels and allergic asthma.Conclusion:  The present study suggests that the A‐G‐G haplotype in the RNASE3 gene influences the development of asthma, in particular, an allergic form of asthma. Furthermore, as the −38CA SNP lies in close vicinity of known intron‐regulatory sites, results of SNP analysis suggest that the detected association is possibly linked to a genetic transcriptional control of s‐ECP levels.
Original article: Nasal nitric oxide: longitudinal reproducibility and the effects of a nasal allergen challenge in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Boot J. D. , De Kam M. L. , Mascelli M. A. , Miller B. , Van Wijk R. Gerth , De Groot H. , Cohen A. F. , Diamant Z. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a validated noninvasive marker of airway inflammation in asthma. In patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), increased levels of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) have also been measured. However, the applicability of nNO as a marker of upper airway inflammation awaits validation.Aim:  To test the longitudinal reproducibility of standardized nNO measurements in patients with AR and the effects of nasal allergen challenge.Methods:  Twenty patients with clinically stable, untreated AR participated in a combined study design. First, reproducibility of nNO was tested over 1, 7, and 14–21 days. Subsequently, the effect of nasal allergen challenge on nNO was studied in a placebo‐controlled, parallel design. Nasal NO was measured with a chemoluminescence analyzer. Ten subjects randomly underwent a standardized nasal allergen challenge; 10 subjects received placebo. Response to nasal challenge was monitored by composite symptom scores.Results:  There was a good reproducibility of nNO up to 7 days [coefficient of variation (CV) over 1 (16.45%) and 7 days (21.5%)], decreasing over time [CV (14–21 days): 38.3%]. As compared with placebo, allergen challenge caused a significant increase in symptom scores (P < 0.001), accompanied by a decrease in nNO at 20 min postchallenge (P = 0.001). Furthermore, there was a gradual increase in nNO at 7 h, reaching significance at 24‐h postallergen (P = 0.04).Conclusions:  Similar to eNO in asthma, nNO is a noninvasive marker, potentially suitable to monitor upper airway inflammation following allergen‐induced late response. Present data show a good reproducibility of nNO measurements, decreasing over time, probably because of subclinical seasonal influences.
Original article: Predictors of response to bronchial allergen challenge in 5‐ to 6‐year‐old atopic children
Authors: Douglas T. A. , Kusel M. , Pascoe E. M. , Loh R. K. S. , Holt P. G. , Sly P. D. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  The relationship between atopy and bronchial allergy in young children is not completely understood.Objective:  To examine the association between response to bronchial allergen challenge, immune markers of atopy and other clinical characteristics in 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children.Methods:  Children with positive skin test (SPT) to aeroallergen, together with a proportion of SPT negative children (as controls), were recruited from a birth cohort of 198 children at high risk of developing atopic disease and underwent allergen challenge.Results:  Thirty‐seven children (26 atopic and 11 SPT negative), median age 74.5 months, were challenged: 31 with house dust mite and six with grass allergen. Only atopic children responded to challenge: n = 12/26 (46%). Wheal size [odds ratio (OR) 2.5 (1.2–5.3), P = 0.01], allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) [OR 3.4 (1.23–9.61), P = 0.02], total IgE [OR 8.6 (1.1–68.7), P = 0.04], current wheeze [OR 12 (1.7–81.7), P = 0.006] and persistent eczema [OR 11.0 (1.7–68.3), P = 0.006] emerged as the strongest independent predictors of response to allergen challenge. Prediction of response to allergen challenge was significantly improved when immune markers of atopy, and in particular wheal size, were combined with clinical characteristics.Conclusion:  The relationship between atopy and bronchial allergy is quantitative at this age. There may be potential to create more powerful indicators of the presence of respiratory allergy in young children when immunological markers of atopy are considered quantitatively and when combined with clinical history of coexistent allergic disease.
Original article: Atopy and asthma in rural Poland: a paradigm for the emergence of childhood respiratory allergies in Europe
Authors: Sozanska B. , MacNeill S. J. , Kajderowicz‐Kowalik M. , Danielewicz H. , Wheatley M. , Newman Taylor A. J. , Boznanski A. , Cullinan P. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  We hypothesized that, in south‐west Poland, a ‘rural’ protective effect on atopy and respiratory allergies would be most pronounced among children but that at all ages would be stronger among those with a rural background.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey of the inhabitants (age >5 years, n = 1657) of Sobotka, a town of 4000 people in south‐west Poland: and seven neighbouring villages. We measured and analysed responses to skin prick tests (atopy) and to a standard questionnaire (asthma and hayfever).Results:  Atopy was very uncommon (7%) among villagers at all ages but not among townspeople (20%, P < 0.001); the differences were most marked among those aged under 40 years. Asthma and hayfever were similarly distributed, both being very rare among villagers. The differences appear to be explained by the cohort effect of a communal move away from rural life. This interpretation is supported by an ecological correlation (ρ = −0.59) between rural populations and childhood wheeze in 22 European countries.Conclusion:  The very striking differences in the prevalence of allergy between these two neighbouring communities of central Europe reflect the pan‐continental population movements that may have been responsible for the emergence of childhood allergies in Europe.
Invasion and fixation of sex‐reversal genes
Authors: VUILLEUMIER S. , LANDE R. , VAN ALPHEN J. J. M. , SEEHAUSEN O. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe simulated a meta‐population with random dispersal among demes but local mating within demes to investigate conditions under which a dominant female‐determining gene W, with no individual selection advantage, can invade and become fixed in females, changing the population from male to female heterogamety. Starting with one mutant W in a single deme, the interaction of sex ratio selection and random genetic drift causes W to be fixed among females more often than a comparable neutral mutation with no influence on sex determination, even when YY males have slightly reduced viability. Meta‐population structure and interdeme selection can also favour the fixation of W. The reverse transition from female to male heterogamety can also occur with higher probability than for a comparable neutral mutation. These results help to explain the involvement of sex‐determining genes in the evolution of sex chromosomes and in sexual selection and speciation.
Embryonic Loss in Sows with Repeated Propensity for Small Litter Size
Authors: Geisert RD , Sasakia S , Clutter AC 
Published: March 2007

ContentsInformation is lacking as to the timing and cause of sows that repeatedly have low litter size over several parities. Sows evaluated for the present study had at least two parities either small ≤7 (SL) or normal ≥12 (NL) litter size. Following breeding of sows with contemporary boars, reproductive tracts were obtained on day 30 of gestation. There was no difference (p > 0.10) between SL and NL sows in the number of CL, embryo weight or placental length. The total number of embryos and embryonic survival tended to be lower (p < 0.10) in SL sows compared with NL sows, but there were 5.1 less viable embryos (p < 0.03) in SL. Results indicate that time of conceptus loss in SL sows was variable throughout gestation.
Long‐term study of dry matter allocation and rhizome growth in Anemone nemorosa
Authors: PHILIPP MARIANNE , PETERSEN PETER MILAN 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe rhizome system of Anemone nemorosa in a beech forest in Denmark was studied to determine how resources (dry matter) are allocated to segments of different age, and how rhizome growth is influenced by temperature and precipitation in the spring. The allocation pattern was studied by regular sampling and by experiments. In early spring, almost all movable resources in 1–4‐year‐old rhizome segments are used for development of leaves and flowers. Later, photosynthetic products from the above‐ground parts are used for the growth of new segments (one‐third to one‐quarter of the resources allocated to the rhizome) or stored in segments from previous years (two‐thirds to three‐quarters of the resources). Thus, A. nemorosa uses the rhizome tissue for storage several times. Maximum and minimum dry weight per unit length (DWUL) was remarkably constant in 1–4‐year‐old rhizome segments. The DWUL of the current year’s segments was half as high as that of the older segments. The differences in dry matter production across years were expressed in differences in segment length and branching, not in the DWUL of rhizomes. Unusually severe drought in the spring had a negative effect on rhizome growth, although a significant correlation between spring precipitation and rhizome growth was not detected. We found a negative correlation between the length of the growing period in spring and segment length, suggesting that a future increase in winter temperatures may cause an increase in rhizome growth.