bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptom scores as measures of the severity of rhinitis
Authors: LINDER A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryMethodological aspects of subjective symptom ratings were investigated in 103 symptomatic rhinitis patients. The patient's own overall rating registered on a visual analogue scale was compared with a summed symptom score calculated from ratings of sneezing, rhinorrhea and congestion. A significant correlation, but not complete correspondence, was found in patients with untreated rhinitis during the birch pollen season and after challenges with birch pollen or histamine. Comparisons between the overall rating and scores for individual symptoms gave lower degrees of correlation or non‐significant correlations. When twenty‐five patients were treated with an intranasal corticosteroid during the pollen season, both the overall rating and the summed symptom score decreased significantly. The changes in the two ratings for each Patient showed a moderate correlation. The patients’ ratings of rhinorrhea correlated with an approximate measure of the volume of secretion after pollen challenge but not during the pollen season or after histamine challenge. It is recommended on the basis of these findings that, for measuring the severity of rhinitis, scores indicating the course of individual symptoms should not be combined into a summed score, but that the patient's overall rating of the condition should be used. Scores for individual symptoms can be used to draw more detailed conclusions about nasal pathophysiological features and about qualitative disimilarities between different modes of therapy.
Prevalence of atopy is unrelated to presence of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: TRONCONE R. , MERRETT T. G. , FERGUSON ANNE 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe prevalence of atopy (assessed by prick testing and serum IgE measurement), and of symptoms associated with atopy, has been defined in 122 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 103 age‐matched controls. History analysis for atopic symptoms, and serum IgE levels, showed no differences between controls and IBD patients, or IBD subgroups (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis). Both in controls and in IBD patients, the prevalence of positive skin tests was higher in young people (aged > 30) than in others; taking account of age distribution within the groups, there were no differences between controls and IBD patients, or subgroups, in the prevalence of positive skin tests. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that reaginic hypersensitivity plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of IBD.
Influence of atopy on the clinical manifestations of coronavirus infection in adult volunteers
Authors: CALLOW KATHLEEN A. , TYRRELL D. A. J. , SHAW R J , FITZHARRIS PENNY , WARDLAW A. J. , KAY A. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn an attempt to understand the relationship between viral upper respiratory tract infection and the underlying virological and immunological mechanisms, thirty‐four volunteers were inoculated intranasally with coronavirus 229E; subsequent virus shedding and/or antibody rises, indicating active infection, were observed in twenty‐nine. There was a greater increase in independently measured scores of clinical severity, e.g. cold symptoms, in those with detectable IgE in nasal secretions (P < 0.01). A similar association was found between clinical scores and serum IgE concentrations 150 IU/ml, but the relationship with systemic atopy, as assessed by skin‐prick tests to common allergens, was less marked. A more detailed study of twelve of the infected volunteers failed to explain these findings on the basis of mast ceil mediator release, as concentrations of leukotriene B4, the sulphidopeptide leukotriene C4, and histamine, were not appreciably elevated in the nasal secretions following virus inoculation. Similarly, there was no evidence that circulating coronavirus specific IgE was produced. Thus, this study suggests that atopy may be related to the severity of cold symptoms produced by coronavirus 229E, although the exact connection has yet to be determined.
Allergen‐induced hyperreactivity is not a feature of dermal immediate allergic reactions—in contrast to reactions of airways mucosa
Authors: ANDERSSON M. , PIPKORN U. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAllergen challenges of airway mucosa are commonly followed by an increased sensitivity to rechallenge with allergen. In the lower airways this phenomenon has been associated with the late phase of allergic airway reactions, which in turn has been suggested as a link between anaphylaxis and continuous allergic airway disease. The aim of the present investigation was to explore further the phenomenon of allergen‐induced hyperreactivity and to see whether it was possible to induce such a reaction in the skin. Twenty‐six patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to birch and/or grass pollens were studied in the pollen‐free winter months. Nine of these patients had previously demonstrated an increased reactivity following allergen challenge in the nose, and nine of the patients had cutaneous allergen‐induced late‐phase reactions to the allergen tested. Skin‐prick tests were performed with pollen allergen, histamine, and a negative control. The areas of the weal‐and‐flare reactions were measured 15 min after the tests were set. Any late‐phase reactions were recorded 6 hr after the skin challenge. The subjects were re‐tested with allergen and histamine 24 hr after the initial prick test within the area of the corresponding weal from the previous day. In contrast to previous challenges of human airway mucosa. where the same time interval was used, we found no increased responsiveness to rechallenge as compared with the initial allergen challenge. This was true, even if only the subgroups with previously demonstrated nasal allergen‐induced hyperreactivity. or cutaneous late‐phase reaction were evaluated. It is. therefore, suggested that allergen‐induced hyperreactivity as a feature of allergic airway mucosa may be related to changes in the epithelial barrier function.
Biometeorological triggers in childhood asthma
Authors: KHOT A. , BURN R. , EVANS N. , LENNEY W. , STORR J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe relationship between child asthma admissions and biometeorological factors was investigated over a 16‐month period. No relationship was found with many commonly suspected precipitants such as temperature, humidity and wind. There was however a strong association with rainfall (P<<0.001). Associations occurred with low barometric pressure and counts of coloured basidiospores and green algae, but no significant relationship was found with grass pollen.
Hymenoptera venom‐specific IgE antibodies in post‐mortem sera from victims of sudden, unexpected death
Authors: SCHWARTZ H. J. , SUTHEIMER C. , GAUERKE MARY B. , YUNGINGER J. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThere have been reports of elevated venom‐specific IgE levels in post‐mortem sera from patients experiencing fatal Hymenoptera stings so we hypothesized that other cases of sudden death may be due to unrecognized sting anaphyiaxis. Of 94 sera obtained post mortem from subjects who died unexpectedly during the summer months, 22 (23%) contained elevated levels of IgE antibody to at least one insect venom. The causes of death as determined by autopsy did not differ significantly among patients with or without elevated IgE antibody levels. An identical percentage of seropositivity was noted in 48 post‐mortem sera from victims of sudden, unexpected death in the winter months. Conversely, only 6% of sera from 92 living blood donors contained elevated venom‐specific IgE antibodies. The appreciable incidence of elevated IgE antibodies in the post‐mortem groups suggests that sting anaphylaxis should be more highly considered as a possible cause of unexpected death.
Clinical manifestations of cows’ milk allergy in childhood. I. Associations with in‐vitro cellular immune responses
Authors: HILL D. J. , BALL GERALDINE , HOSKING C. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn this study 51 children who presented with symptoms of cows’ milk allergy (CMA) were categorized clinically by their response to cows’ milk challenge. Forty‐two patients had unequivocal evidence of CMA and nine were milk tolerant. Of the patients with CMA two groups were identified. The first, made up of 32 patients, had immediate‐type hypersensitivity reactions to milk associated with both positive skin‐prick test (SPT) and RAST. The second group of 10 late reacting patients developed symptoms of CMA over several hours or days; significant increases in irritability, frequency of bowel actions, and rhinitis following milk ingestion were noted in this group. Leucocyte inhibition factor (LIF) produced in response to α‐lactalbumin, β‐lactoglobulin and α‐casein was assessed in the immediate and late reacting CMA patients as well as in the milk‐tolerant group. There was no difference in LIF production between the milk‐tolerant group and those with immediate reactions. However, these two groups produced less LIF than the late reacting patients for α‐lactalbumin (P= 002), α‐casein (P= 0.03) and β‐lactoglobulin (P= 0.05). A clinical diary score card was found to be a useful instrument to assess the response of non‐immediate reactions to milk ingestion.
Clinical manifestations of cows’ milk allergy in childhood. II. The diagnostic value of skin tests and RAST
Authors: HILL D. J. , DUKE ALISON M. , HOSKING C. S. , HUDSON IRENE L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn a study of cows’ milk allergy (CMA) in infancy, 135 consecutive challenges were performed on children with a good clinical history of the disorder. Of these, only half of the patients were shown to have the disease. Highly atopic patients responded rapidly to small volumes of milk with acute urticaria, wheezing, stridor and eczema, whereas patients who were relatively non‐atopic developed symptoms of eczema, bronchitis and wheezing over several hours or days. In a statistical evaluation of the diagnostic value of skin tests and RAST it was shown for the extracts used in this investigation, and for the population studied, all patients with SPT 4 had CMA. The results highlight the potential diagnostic value of SPT in the identification of children with some forms of CMA if standardized cows’ milk allergen extracts can be prepared.
Effective hyposensitization in allergic rhinitis using a potent partially purified extract of house dust mite
Authors: EWAN PAMELA W. , ALEXANDER M. M. , SNAPE C. , IND P. W. , AGRELL B. , DREBORG S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThirty‐eight adults with allergic rhinitis have been treated with a new partially purified extract of house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Patients were randomized to active (Pharmalgen®, D. pteronyssinus) and placebo (histamine) treatment by sensitivity to D. pteronyssinus on nasal challenge. In the actively treated group nasal symptoms, assessed by visual analogue score, improved (P <0.01), sensitivity on nasal challenge with allergen was reduced (P <0.05) and weal size on skin‐prick test with allergen was reduced (P <0.01), compared with the placebo group. These results occurred after 3 months of treatment. Reduction in target organ sensitivity occurred, while the serum level of D. pteronyssinus IgE rose in the active group from 14.2 to 22.5 PRU/ml (geometric mean) but did not change significantly in the placebo group. As anticipated, because of the treatment schedule used, a number of generalized allergic reactions were induced by injections, but all responded promptly and easily to treatment. These results suggest this is an effective form of therapy, which now offers us the opportunity to study the immunological mechanisms of hyposensitization and to devise a modified schedule causing fewer reactions.
Asthma due to the complex salts of platinum—a cross‐sectional survey of workers in a platinum refinery
Authors: MERGET R. , SCHULTZE‐WERNINGHAUS G. , MUTHORST T. , FRIEDRICH W. , MEIER‐SYDOW J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAnamnestic and immunological data of workers of a platinum refinery (group A: workers with work‐related symptoms, n= 8; group B: workers with symptoms not clearly work‐related, n= 9; group C: asymptomatic workers, n= 13) and controls (group D: atopies, n= 10; group E: non‐atopics, n= 16) were compared. Exposure to platinum salt was higher in group A than in groups B or C. In group A, symptoms developed 4 months (median) after the onset of exposure. All subjects of group A and three workers of group B, but none of the workers of the other groups, showed a positive cutaneous reaction to (PtCl6)2−. Total serum IgE was higher in groups A and D than in groups B, C or E.(PtCl6)2−‐specific IgE was higher in group A, but there was non‐specific binding of (PtCl6)2− to IgE. Histamine release with (PtCl6)2− was found in all groups and was highest in atopic controls. Histamine release with (PtCl6)2− and histamine release with anti‐IgE showed an excellent correlation, suggesting a similar release mechanism of (PtCl6)2− and anti‐IgE. In skin‐test positive subjects, high cutaneous (PtCl6)2−‐sensitivity is linked to high histamine release with (PtCl6)2− or anti‐IgE, supporting the concept of a role of cell surface IgE or IgE‐Fc‐receptor in the release process with platinum salts. However, high specificity of cutaneous reactions contrasts with low specificity of in‐vitro tests with (PtCl6)2−. A different reaction of basophils and mast cells, when challenged with free platinum salts, is hypothesized. We conclude that neither histamine release from basophils with (PtCl6)2− nor RAST for the detection of (PtCl6)2− specific IgE are helpful in the diagnosis of platinum salt allergy.
Diagnosis of allergy in different age groups of children: use of mixed allergen RAST discs, Phadiatop and Paediatric Mix
Authors: ZIMMERMAN B. , FORSYTH SUSAN 
Published: April 2006

SummaryChildhood asthma often begins in children under 3 years of age. Allergy contributes to the severity and persistence of childhood asthma so we examined the application of mixed allergen RAST discs (Paediatric Mix, a mixture of food antigens and Phadiatop, a mixture of inhalants) to the diagnosis of allergy. One hundred and nine children with a median age of 3 years, 71.6% of whom had asthma, were first assessed by one allergist who recorded their atopic status as positive, negative or questionable, on clinical grounds. Serum from each of these patients was used to determine a total IgE and 13 RAST assays. A laboratory definition of atopy was defined as a serum IgE > 1 standard deviation from normal, plus one or more positive RAST assays. The laboratory results influenced the assessment of atopy in 41% of cases. The use of just two mixed allergen discs (Paediatric Mix and Phadiatop) correctly assigned the presence or absence of atopy with a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 98%, compared with the full laboratory evaluation. Very young infants were often just positive to food allergens but the Phadiatop disc could be used to suggest the onset of immunological sensitivity to inhalant antigens. Thus the application of mixed allergen RAST discs facilitated the diagnosis of atopy in young children.
Effect of maternal avoidance of eggs, cow's milk and fish during lactation upon allergic manifestations in infants
Authors: HATTEVIG G. , KJELLMAN B. , SIGURS N. , BJÖRKSTÉN B. , KJELLMAN N. I. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAtopic/allergic manifestations and skin‐prick tests (SPT) to egg white, cow's milk (CM) and fish were evaluated during the first 18 months of life in two matched groups of infants with a family history of atopy/allergy. In one group (n= 65) the mothers had a diet free from eggs, CM and fish during the first 3 months postpartum, whereas the mothers in the other group (n= 50) consumed an ordinary diet. The diet of the infants was similar in both groups, i.e. CM was not supplied until 6 months of age, and eggs and fish not until 9 months of age. The incidence of atopic dermatitis was significantly lower in the maternal diet group during the first 6 months postpartum (10.8 and 28%, respectively) but not after that age. Other atopic/allergic manifestations did not differ and the number of positive SPT to egg white, CM or fish at 9 months of age was similar in both groups.
Leukotriene E4 release in cold urticaria
Authors: MALTBY N. H. , IND P. W. , CAUSON R. C. , FULLER R. W. , TAYLOR G. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryCold urticaria is a rare condition characterized by abnormal wealing following exposure to cold. It has been suggested that lipid‐derived mediators may be involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. We have investigated whether the inflammatory reaction in cold urticaria is associated with the release of cysteinyl‐leukotrienes. Leukotriene E4 (LTE4; a stable metabolic product of LTC4 and LTD4) and histamine were measured in the blood draining the site of a cold‐challenge in five patients with clinical histories of cold urticaria. Three of the patients showed a typical clinical response to the challenge, and this was associated with an increase in the concentration of LTE4 and histamine. No increase in LTE4 or histamine levels were observed following cold challenge in the non‐responding individuals.
Dysregulation of arachidonic acid release and metabolism by atopic mononuclear cells
Authors: LANS D.M. , ROCKLIN R.E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe studied the ability of monocytes to metabolize [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) provided exogenously by activated T cells, and the extent to which dexamethasone suppressed eicosanoid production by normal and atopic cells.[3H]AA metabolites were identified using a reverse‐phase high pressure liquid chromatography system (HPLC). Unstimulated and PHA‐stimulated T cells from normal and atopic subjects exhibited a similar uptake and time‐dependent release of radiolabel, 90% of which was identified as free AA. The addition of autologous normal and atopic monocytes to these cultures enhanced the release of radiolabel, even in the absence of stimulation with mitogen. Atopic T cell/monocyte cultures released significantly (P= 0.046) more radiolabel than normal cells when stimulated with PHA. Furthermore, the monocytes from both normal and atopic subjects metabolized T cell derived [3H]AA into cyclo‐oxygenase (CO) and lipoxygenase (LO) products. Under unstimulated conditions, atopic cells produced significantly (P= 0.04) less CO products than normal cells. In contrast, under PHA and calcium ionophore‐stimulated conditions, the atopic cells produced significantly (P= 0.048) more prostaglandins than normal donor cells. Furthermore, although the total release of radioactivity was comparable in both groups, significantly less (P= 0.02) free AA remained in ionophore‐stimulated culture supernatants from atopic cells. In order to study the regulation of AA release by normal and atopic T cells, dexamethasone (1 μm) was added to T cell cultures. Dexamethasone inhibited the release of [3H]AA from normal T cells to a significantly (P= 0.003) greater extent than it did to atopic cells. Our studies suggest that mononuclear cells from atopic subjects have abnormalities both in AA metabolism and the regulation of its release, supporting the hypothesis that allergic individuals exhibit disordered cellular immunoregulation and enhanced inflammatory responses.
Asthma and allergic rhinitis in Swedish conscripts
Authors: ÅBERG N. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe computer records of Swedish conscript examinations in 1971 and 1981 were analysed regarding the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The material comprised ∼ 55 000 18‐year‐old males in each cohort. During the 10‐year period the prevalence of asthma increased from 1.9 to 2.8% and of allergic rhinitis from 4.4 to 8.4%. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was already higher in the northern than in the southern part of the country in 1971. The increase in both diseases was higher in the northern parts of Sweden, giving double prevalence figures in the northern part of the country compared to the southern part in 1981. The distribution of the prevalence was similar to the temperature pattern in the country, the higher prevalence being associated with a colder outdoor climate. Both diseases were more prevalent in urban than in rural areas.
Blood flow in dermal allergen‐induced immediate and late‐phase reactions
Authors: HAMMARLUND ANN , OLSSON P. , PIPKORN U. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryChanges in local skin blood flow after prick‐tests with histamine and allergen challenge were evaluated using laser doppler flowmetry. Two series of measurements were performed; each included 11 subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis. In the first series vascular reactions were registered intermittently for a period of 6 hr. This was then repeated with additional registrations after 14 and 24 hr. Registrations were made in the skin close to where the test substances were applied which was in the area of the initial weal reaction. Pre‐loaded skin‐prick test needles were used for the histamine and allergen tests. Controls using ‘blank’ needles were also set on the same occasion. The control induced a transient increase in blood flow which had disappeared after 1 hr. After histamine challenge, the initial rapid increase in blood flow was followed by a slow return to baseline within 1 hr, and no further changes were noticed during the registration period. A different blood flow response was seen after the application of allergen. After an initial increase, the blood flow remained at this higher level for more than 6 hr. Thereafter a slow decrease towards baseline was seen within 24 hr. The pronounced difference between the histamine‐ and allergen‐induced responses in the later part of the registrations after similar initial peak responses indicates that actions other than an initial burst of released histamine are responsible for the changes in dermal blood flow observed after allergen. Furthermore, our results suggest that an allergen challenge induces a continuous change in blood flow for up to 24 hr, rather than a biphasic response, in only some subjects which might be suspected from the visual reappearance of redness and induration of the skin which characterizes a dermal late‐phase reaction.
A double‐blind assessment of additive intolerance in children using a 12 day challenge period at home
Authors: WILSON NICOLA , SCOTT ALEXA 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAlleged food‐additive intolerance (respiratory, dermatological, behavioural or abdominal) was assessed in 19 children using daily challenge drinks of either, base product alone, base product plus sunset yellow/tartrazine, or base product plus sodium metabisulphite/sodium benzoate. The same type of drink was given for 12 days, double‐blind and in random order. During the trial the children were maintained on an additive‐free diet under supervision. Diary cards were used to record symptoms and medication usage. If there was an apparent association between symptoms and drink ingredient the trial was repeated, again double‐blind. Additive intolerance was confirmed by a consistent deterioration of symptoms in only three children. In one, urticaria was induced by the colourings, in another extremely abnormal behaviour was induced by the preservatives and a third child was only free of asthma and abdominal pain on placebo. This form of individual trial, using 12 daily drinks, overcomes some of the objections to a single challenge study. Despite this, intolerance to the additives was only confirmed in 3/19 children in whom it had been believed to occur.