bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of early eosinophil progenitors by a heat stable alveolar macrophage product from ovalbumin‐sensitized and non‐sensitized guinea pigs
Authors: ELSAS M. I. C. GASPAR , ELSAS P. XAVIER , JOSEPH D. , HAVET N. , DA SILVA L. A. ADELINO , SALGADO D. R. , SALIOU B. , VARGAFTIG B. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Alveolar macrophages (AM) may participate in brochopulmonary hyperreactivity by secreting cytokines that recruit mature eosinophils, or induce eosinophil production from recruited circulating progenitors.Objective To define whether AM products can contribute to lung eosinophil production in immunized guinea pigs (GP), by analysing the effect of AM culture supernatatits (AM‐SN) on in vitro eosinophilopoiesis.Methods Liquid and semi‐solid bone marrow (BM) cultures were seeded witb SN from 95% pure AM exposed to LPS.Results AM‐SN increased very significantly the long‐term viability, cell proliferation and eosinophil production in liquid culture and supported formation of eosinophil‐bearing mixed colonies, by acting on progenitors depleted of mature eosinophils. The effect on eosinophil production was not duplicated by natural or recombinant sources of GM‐CSF (which nevertheless supported GM colony formation by GP BM), not by rhIL‐8 (which was active on GP cells) and was not due to residual LPS. FPLC separation of active AM SN yielded a peak of apparent m.w. 43 kDa, active on both liquid and semi‐solid cultures. The active moiety was heat‐ and trypsin‐resistant. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to hGM‐CSF, mGM‐CSF, hIL‐3 and mIL‐3 failed to deplete the activity in AM‐SN. Ovalbumin immunization induced its production by AM even without LPS challenge.Conclusions The lack of T lymphocytes among factor‐producing AM, the properties of the active material, the inability of GM‐CSF to reproduce these effects, and the failure of MoAbs to GM‐CSF and to IL‐3 to neutralize the activity indicate it is not due to the major eosinopoietic factors GM‐CSF, IL‐3 or IL‐5.
The association of family size with atopy and atopic disease
Authors: JARVIS D. , CHINN S. , LUCZYNSKA C. , BURNEY P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgroundStudies in children have shown that family size is negatively associated with atopy and atopic disease.ObjectiveTo describe the association of family size with atopy and atopic disease in young adults.MethodsA randomly selected sample of 1159 men and women aged 20–44 years provided information on respiratory symptoms, hay fever and eczema. Blood samples were taken for assessment of total IgE and specific IgE to house dust mite, grass, cat,Cladosporiumand birch. The association of family size and birth order with respiratory symptoms, atopy and total IgE was assessed by multiple logistic and linear regression.ResultsThere was a negative association between family size and the reporting of ‘wheeze with breathlessness’ (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.75–0.98), ‘wheeze without a cold’ (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.85; 95% confidence interva l0.75–0.98) and ‘asthma attacks’ in the last 12 months (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.61–0.97), current ‘hayfever and nasal allergies’ (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.75–0.94) and sensitization to grass (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.76–0.99). Birth order was negatively associated with ‘hayfever and nasal allergies’ only. A decreased risk of sensitization to grass in those from large families did not fully explain the negative association between family size and hayfever. No statistically significant (P> 0.05) association of family size or birth order with the reporting of other respiratory symptoms, eczema, sensitization to the other allergens or total IgE was observed.ConclusionThere is a negative association between family size and some symptoms suggestive of asthma, ‘hayfever and nasal allergies’ and sensitization to grass in young adults. There is no consistent, significant association between family size and eczema, total IgE or sensitization to other allergens.
Allergen content in dust from homes and schools in northern Norway in relation to sensitization and allergy symptoms in schoolchildren
Authors: DOTTERUD L. K. , VAN T. D. , KVAMMEN B. , DYBENDAL T. , ELSAYED S. , FALK E. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of atopic diseases among school children in the community of Sør‐Varanger. Moreover, animal dander followed by pollen und house dust mite, were the most common allergens in skin prick tests.Objective To assess the allergen content in homes (living‐rooms and mattresses) and classrooms of children living in an arctic area at 70° north. The presence of allergens in homes and schools and their relationship to atopy was of particular interest.Methods Dust samples from 38 homes and seven schools in northern Norway were collected by vacuum cleaning. The presence of allergens of dog, birch, timothy, Cladosporium herbanun, codfish and hen egg‐white was investigated by radio‐allergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition and the presence of major allergens of cat Felis domesticus (Fel d I) and house dust mites (HDM) Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Derp I) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Derf I) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results Mattresses contained significantly more dust per unit area than living‐rooms and classrooms. No statistically significant differences in allergen content for dog. birch, timothy, Cladosporium, codfish and hen egg‐white were seen between HDM‐sensitized and non‐atopic children. Most dust samples contained dog allergens with the highest allergenic activity found in living‐rooms of those keeping dogs. An increased level of Feld I was detected in only one of 38 samples from living‐rooms (this family kept a cat) and in 25 of 38 samples from mattresses with ranges from 24 to 84ng/m2. The highest concentrations were found in mattresses of children keeping cats. Increased levels ( 25 ng/m2) of Derp I were found only in homes and virtually only in mattresses of HDM‐sensitized children. An increased level of Derf] was found in only one case, i.e. in the mattress of an HDM‐sensitized child where additionally Der p I and HDMs were demonstrated microscopically. When relating Der p I to HDMsensitization an odds ratio of more than 16 (95% Cl: 1.6–394.3) was found. All extracts from living‐rooms included codfish allergens. Low RAST inhibition values were detected for hen egg‐white, Cladosporium, birch and timothy pollen in most samples. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that dust from schools was relatively free of allergens.Conclusion Previous findings indicating that the main allergen exposure problem in this geographical area is that of pet allergens were confirmed.
Allergic rhinitis in children: effects of flunisolide and disodium cromoglycate on nasal eosinophil cationic protein
Authors: SENSI L. G. , SERl A. , SIRACUSA A , PERTICI L. , MARCUCCI F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is one of the major, cytotoxic molecules produced by eosinophils, which can be used as a marker of allergic inflammation.Objective In this placebo‐controlled study we measured nasal and serum ECP levels to verify their possible role in monitoring the efficacy of anti‐inflammatory therapy in allergic chronic rhinitis in 38 children aged from 4 to 14 yr, allergic to house dust mites.Method Nasal ECP, by the method of direct incubation on nasal mucosa, and serum ECP were determined before and after 3 weeks of treatment with flunisolide nasal spray 50 μg twice/daily (13 cases, Group 1), disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) 10.4mg three times/day (15 cases, Group 2) and placebo (10 cases, Group 3). The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated clinically and correlated to serum and nasal ECP values.Results Before treatment no significant difference emerged in the clinical scores of the three groups of patients. Before and after treatment serum ECP levels were not statistically different from normal controls. Before treatment nasal ECP was significantly higher in all patients compared with controls (P < 0.001). Nasal ECP decreased significantly in flunisolide‐treated patients (P < 0.01) (before therapy: median 111 μg/L, range from 33.6 to 200 μg/L; after therapy: median 36.8 μg/L, range from 2.6 to 196 μg/D, but not in DSCG‐treated patients, (before therapy: median 66.2 μg/L, range from 32.3 to 200 μg/L; after therapy: median 60.4 μg/L, range from 7.9 to l44 μg/L). No significant variation was present in the placebo group. Clinical improvement was statistically significant after flunisolide therapy (P < 0.05), less evident after DSCG (P = 0.06).Conclusion Serum ECP in chronic allergic rhinitis has been shown to be not useful in monitoring allergic inflammation, but nasal ECP, determined by mucosal incubation, may be used to evaluate the activity of eosinophils and monitor the anti‐inflammatory efficacy of therapy in chronic rhinitis.
Major allergens in soybean and clinical significance of IgG4 antibodies investigated by IgE‐ and IgG4‐immunoblotting with sera from soybean‐sensitive patients
Authors: AWAZUHARA H. , KAWAI H. , MARUCHI N. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Soybean occasionally causes food allergy but its major allergens have not been sufficiently confirmed. The relationship between food allergy and food‐specific IgG4 has also not been defined.Objective We investigated the allergenicity of soybean proteins and the clinical significance of soybean‐specific IgG4.Methods We detected IgE‐ and IgG4‐binding proteins in soybean by immunoblotting with sera from 30 soybean‐sensitive patients (including seven patients with positive soybean challenge tests). The extract from soybeans was fractionated into tbe whey fraction and the globulin fraction.Results Ten and eight proteins were detected as IgE‐ and IgG4‐binding proteins, respectively, with a significant difference between tbe patient and control groups. Among the IgE‐binding proteins, the proteins with molecular weights of 20000 and 58000 in the whey traction, and 26000 and 31000 in the globulin Traction, had a particularly high IgE detection rate and high specificity. Two patients with positive challenge tests showed a quite different pattern in which only a protein with a molecular weight of 78000 in the globulin fraction was detectable with serum IgE in both patients. The majority of lgG4‐binding proteins were not consistent witb tbe IgE‐binding proteins. The strong reactivity of lgG4 was observed in all five infants among seven patients with positive challenge tests, and three of them had a very weak IgE reactivity.Conclusions There were various antigenic proteins in soybean. Five proteins with molecular weights of 20000 and 58000 in the whey fraction, and 26000. 31000 and 78000 in the globulin fraction, were considered major allergens in the IgE‐mediated reaction. Results of IgE‐ and IgG4‐immunoblotting suggested that soybean‐specific IgG4 may act anaphy lactically in patients witb soybean allergy.
Nasal nitric oxide is increased in allergic rhinitis
Authors: ARNAL J.‐F. , DIDIER A. , RAMI J. , M'RINI C. , CHARLET J.‐P. , SERRANO E. , BESOMBES J.‐P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in the regulation of vascular tone and in non‐specific host defence. The epithelium in the paranasal sinuses was recently identified as the major site of NO production in the upper airways.Objective To investigate NO status in allergic rhinitis, we compared the NO concentration in the nasal cavities of control subjects (n= 19) and in patients with allergic rhinitis (n= 36) with symptoms (WS, n= 17) or without symptoms (WOS, n= 19) on the day of the test.Methods NO concentration was measured using a chemiluminescent analyser aspiring from each nasal cavity at a sampling flow rate of 0.7L/min, before and 10min after administration of a nasal vasoconstrictor.Results The mean NO concentration (± se) in the control was 235 ± 11 ppb and 225 ± 9 ppb in the right and left nostrils respectively, and was decreased by 14% and 12% by the nasal vasoconstrictor (P < 0.001). The NO concentration in patients with allergic rhinitis was significantly higher in the right and left nostrils (382 × 20 ppb and 396 ± 28 respectively, P < 0.0001 versus control). All WOS patients demonstrated normal or increased NO concentrations in both nostrils, whereas two WS patients showed decreased NO concentrations in the left nostril. Inhalation of a nasal vasoconstrictor increased NO concentration by 6% and 27% in the right and left nostrils respectively in WS patients.Conclusion Nasal NO concentration is increased in patients with allergic rhinitis. Interestingly, patients without symptoms on the day of the test also showed a clear‐cut increase in nasal NO production, which could reflect a permanent inflammation of the sinus mucosa.
Prevalence of latex sensitization in subjects attending health screening: implications for a perioperative screening
Authors: PORRI F. , LEMIERE C. , BIRNBAUM J. , GUILLOUX L. , LANTEAUME A. , DIDELOT R. , VERVLOET D. , CHARPIN D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Because latex is a common allergen, the rate of latex sensitization may be high in the general population. A major issue would then be to detennine whether a systematic preoperative screening in the general population should be recommended.Objective The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of latex sensitization in a sample of the general population and to assess the role of possible risk factors.Methods The subjects were 258 people, aged from 20 to 40 yr, visiting a health care centre for a check‐up. The protocol included: a questionnaire (occupation, symptoms of atopy, use of latex goods and possible reactions, history of previous surgery), a skin‐prick test, and a CAP RAST to latex. Atopy was evaluated by a skin‐prick test to common allergens and a Phadiatop® test.Results Some 6.6% of the study group had either a positive skin test or a positive RAST to latex. These subjects had a four‐fold higher prevalence of symptoms when wearing gloves. The rate of latex sensitization was higher by fivefold in subjects with a history of reactions to latex goods and by fourfold in atopic subjects.Conclusions Because the rate of latex sensitization is much higher than the anticipated rate of perioperative reactions due to latex allergy, a systematic preoperative screening for latex allergy should not be recommended for adults.
Microvascular actions of histamine: synergism with leukotriene B4 and role in allergic leucocyte recruitment
Authors: THORLACIUS H. , LINDBOM L. , HEDQVIST P. , RAUD J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Previous studies have shown that antihistamities provide little or no protection against the recruitment of leucocytes in allergic inflammation.Objective We wanted to examine if threshold doses of histamine can potentiate chemoattractant‐induced leukocyte adhesion and if complete inhibition of histamine‐induced microvascular effects is necessary to reduce allergic leucocyte recruitment.Methods The role of histamine in allergic leucocyte recruitment was examined by use of intravital microscopy of the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation.Results We found that topical administration of histamine caused a concentration‐dependent increase in microvascular permeability in the cheek pouch; i.e. 0.3 μM histamine caused no detectable plasma leakage, while 1 μM and 10 μM histamine resulted in 29 ± 9.3 and 356 ± 47 leakage sites/cm2 cheek pouch area, respectively. The percentage of postcapillary venules with more than five adherent leucocytes (an index of early leucocyte recruitment) was 1.1 ± 0.51% in the control situation, and did not increase significantly after stimulation with histamine alone (0.3–10μM) or with 1 nM ieukotriene B4 (LTB4). On the other hand, coapplication of 10μM histamine and 1 nM LTB4 increased leucocyte adhesion 24‐fold. In fact, the 10 times lower dose of histamine (1 μM) together with 1 nM LTB4 increased leucocyte adhesion to a similar extent (20 fold). The increase in vascular permeabihty evoked by exogenous 10μM histamine (with or without LTB4), or by histamine released from activated mast cells (antigen challenge), was completely reversed by local pretreatment with the H1‐receptor antagonist mepyramine. This mepyramine treatment also abohshed the enhanced leucocyte adhesion in response to coapplication of histamine and LTB4. Moreover, mepyramine, which had no effect on leucocyte recruitment evoked by 3 nM LTB4per se, reduced antigen‐induced recruitment of leucocytes to the extravascular tissue by 79.5 ± 14.8%.Conclusion We conclude that threshold concentrations of histamine can strikingly potentiate chemoattractant‐induced leucocyte responses, and that in order to reduce allergic leucocyte recruitment it may be necessary to use antihistamines in doses high enough to abolish the microvascular actions of histamine.
Occupational asthma caused by triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC)
Authors: PIIRILÄ P. , ESTLANDER T. , KESKINEN H. , JOLANKI R. , LAAKKONEN A. , PFÄFFLI P. , TUPASELA O. , TUPPURA1NEN M. , NORDMAN H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Polyester powder paints are extensively used in metal painting. Triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC), an epoxy compound, is often used as a hardener. Several cases of allergic eczema from occupational exposure to TGIC have been reported in the literature. Objective We examined a 36‐year‐old non‐smoking man who worked mainly as a spray painter, using a polyester powder paint containing 4% TGIC. During painting he used protective clothing and a motorized breathing protector. After 4 years he developed eczema on his hands, face and body, and an occupational allergic eczema caused by TGIC was diagnosed. He also suffered from powder‐paint‐related asthmatic symptoms.Objective Occupational asthma was diagnosed in accordance with the accepted guidelines. Inhalation challenge tests were performed with the paint and TGICResults Spirometry showed slight obstruction; the blood eosinophils and serum IgE value were elevated. Skin‐prick tests with common environmental allergens were negative. The challenge test with lactose powder was also negative, A challenge test with a paint containing TGIC (4%) induced a dual reaction in PEF and a late 23% fall in FEV,. A test with TGIC (4%) mixed with lactose induced a dual PEF reaction, and also dual changes in spirometry. The PD15 in the histamine challenge test decreased significantly after the challenge tests.Conclusions To our knowledge this is the first diagnosed case of occupational asthma caused by TGIC. This case report emphasizes the importance of protecting both the skin and respiratory tract of workers against chemicals such as TGIC, capable of causing skin and respiratory allergy.
Comparison of the ISAAC video questionnaire (AVQ 3.0) with the ISAAC written questionnaire for estimating asthma associated with bronchial hyperreactivity
Authors: LAI C. K. W. , CHAN J. K. W. , CHAN A. , WONG G. , HO A. , CHOY D. , LAU J. , LEUNG R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground A standardized protocol is essential for international comparisons of asthma prevalence and severity. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) used a standardized written questionnaire (WQ) and a video questionnaire (AVQ3.0) to survey the prevalence and severity of asthma in 13–14‐year‐old schoolchildren in different countries.Objective To compare the effectiveness of WQ and AVQ3.0 in predicting bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), defined as having a provocation dose of inhaled methacholine causing a 20% fall in baseline FEV1 of 7.8μmol.Methods One hundred and eighty‐nine Chinese schoolchildren completed a written questionnaire followed by a video questionnaire on asthma symptoms. They then underwent bronchial challenge to methacholine.Results Fair correlations were seen between the first two corresponding questions (moderate wheezing at rest and exercise wheeze) in the two questionnaires with Kapper indices of 0.44 and 0.43, respectively. The ability to predict BHR, as indicated by the Youden's index, was similar between the corresponding questions of the two questionnaires, except for ‘severe wheeze’ which had a significantly higher Youden's index in AVQ3.0 (0.44) than the corresponding question in WQ (0.11, P<0.05).Conclusion The ISAAC International video questionnaire is at least as effective as the ISAAC written questionnaire in predicting BHR. It therefore provides a simple and valid tool for international comparisons of asthma prevalence and severity.
Fluticasone propionate nasal spray is more effective and has a faster onset of action than placebo in treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa
Authors: HALLEN H. , ENERDAL J. , GRAF P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Controversy still exists about the treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa and treatment has never been objectively evaluated.Objective To study the effect of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray compared to placebo nasal spray in the treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa.Methods A parallel randomized, double‐blind study was conducted to evaluate the treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa. Two groups containing 10 patients with rhinitis medicamentosa in each group stopped their overuse of nasal vasoconstrictor spray immediately and were treated with either fluticasone propionate nasal spray once daily 200 μg, or placebo nasal spray for 14 days. The nasal mucosal swelling was recorded with rhinostereometry, acoustic rhinometry and a peak inspiratory flow meter. Nasal stuffiness was estimated on a visual analogue scale in the morning and in the evening of each day.Results The mucosal swelling decreased after 7 and 14 days of treatment with fluticasone propionate as well as placebo, but the reduction was significantly greater after treatment with fluticasone propionate. The symptom scores for nasal stuffiness showed a marked reduction during the treatment period in both groups, but there was a faster onset of symptom reduction after treatment with fluticasone propionate.Conclusion Fluticasone propionate is more effective and has a faster onset of action than placebo in the treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa. An adequate treatment of these patients consists of a combination of vasoconstrictor withdrawal and a topical corticosteroid to alleviate the withdrawal process.