bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of cytokine secretion profiles provoked in mice by glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde
Authors: DEARMAN  , BASKETTER  , EVANS  , KIMBER  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundGlutaraldehyde and formaldehyde are commonly used sterilizing agents that are known skin sensitizers. There is some controversy, however, regarding their capacity to cause respiratory allergy. The authors have demonstrated previously that topical exposure of mice to chemical contact allergens such as 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) or respiratory allergens such as trimellitic anhydride (TMA) induces characteristic cytokine secretion profiles consistent with the selective activation of T helper 1 (TH1)‐ and TH2‐type cells, respectively.ObjectiveTo investigate the quality of immune response provoked following topical exposure of mice to these materials.MethodsBALB/c strain mice were exposed topically to 50% formaldehyde or to various concentrations of glutaraldehyde in acetone. Control animals were treated concurrently with the reference contact allergen DNCB (1% in acetone:olive oil [AOO]) or with the reference respiratory sensitizer TMA (10% in AOO). Thirteen days after the initiation of exposure, draining lymph node cells (LNCs) were cultured for 12–120 h and cytokine content of supernatants analysed by cytokine‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsDNCB‐α and formaldehyde‐activated LNCs produced high levels of the TH1‐type cytokine interferon γ, but little of the TH2‐type products interleukins 4 and 10. TMA‐ and glutaraldehyde‐stimulated LNCs displayed the converse TH2‐type pattern of cytokine expression.ConclusionsThese data are consistent with glutaraldehyde, but not formaldehyde, having significant potential to cause allergic sensitization of the respiratory tract.
Norm values for eosinophil cationic protein in nasal secretions: influence of specimen collection
Authors: Klimek  , Rasp  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundEosinophil granulocytes play an important role in allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a specific eosinophil granule protein released upon activation of these cells. ECP concentration in nasal secretions has been demonstrated to be a good marker for the activity of eosinophilic nasal mucosal inflammation. The clinical use of such a marker requires defined values which are regarded as pathological or within normal range. In analyses of nasal secretion samples, the sampling method has an important influence on the data obtained.ObjectiveWe investigated ECP levels in nasal secretions (NS) of healthy volunteers obtained by seven different methods of sample collection to define norm values and to evaluate the clinical use of the different methods.MethodsA total of 839 healthy individuals were evaluated using blowing the nose (Bl: n = 82), suction (Suc: n = 69), Okuda microsuction technique (MSuc: n = 93), absorbent cotton wool samplers (CWS: n = 156), rubber‐foam samplers (RFS: n = 193), nasal lavage (Lav: n = 112) and nasal spray washing (NSW: n = 134).ResultsMissing values occurred in more than 60% in Bl, Suc and MSuc, so that no norm range was defined for these methods. Norm range for ECP in NS was 5–46 ng/mL for CWS, 7–41 ng/mL for RFS, 4–51 ng/mL for NSW, and 3–31 ng/mL for Lav.ConclusionsWhen comparing seven different methods used in this study to collect nasal secretions and determine ECP levels, the method based upon absorption or nasal washing was the best.
Sequence polymorphism of the group 1 allergen of Bermuda grass pollen
Authors: CHANG  , PENG  , LEE  , CHEN  , CHUA  , TSAI  , CHI  , HAN  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundCyn d 1, the major allergen of Bermuda grass pollen, consists of a number of isoforms.ObjectiveTo examine the extent of sequence variation of Cyn d 1 isoforms at the molecular level.MethodsA Bermuda grass pollen λZAP II cDNA expression library was immunoscreened with anti‐Cyn d 1 monoclonal antibodies. The reactive clones were isolated, subcloned into Escherichia coli, and sequenced. Some of them were expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris to obtain recombinant Cyn d 1 proteins.ResultsTen cDNA clones were obtained, all these clones encode the full length of Cyn d 1 protein. Their deduced mature proteins can be grouped into: the long ones with 246 amino acids, and the short ones with 244 amino acids. The last two amino acids (AG) of the long Cyn d 1 are deleted in the short Cyn d 1. The remaining amino acid sequences share more than 98% identity; a total of nine amino acid variations were observed. Two recombinant Cyn d 1 proteins (rCyn d 3–2 and rCyn d 5–4) with three amino acid substitutions showed differential IgE‐binding profiles.ConclusionThe present study extended our understanding of the primary structure of isoforms of Cyn d 1.
Antibiotic use in early childhood and the development of asthma
Authors: WICKENS  , PEARCE  , CRANE  , BEASLEY  
Published: March 2003

Background and objective:Recent investigations have focused on the role of infections in infancy in promoting or protecting against the subsequent development of asthma. A related hypothesis concerns the possible role of medical responses to infections, including the widespread use of antibiotics. We chose children at Rudolf Steiner schools to test this latter hypothesis because a significant proportion of parents rejects the use of conventional treatments, including antibiotics.MethodsSeventy‐five per cent (n = 456) of parents of children aged 5–10 years attending Rudolf Steiner schools throughout New Zealand completed questionnaires which included questions on the use of antibiotics and a history of asthma and wheeze in their children.ResultsAfter controlling for potential confounders, antibiotic use was significantly associated with having a history of asthma (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.10–6.85) or wheeze (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.06–3.26) but not with current wheeze (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.54–2‐16). The adjusted odds ratio for asthma was 4.05 (95% CI: 1.55–10.59) if antibiotics were used in the first year of life and 1.64 (95% CI: 0.60–4.46) if antibiotics had been used only after the first year of life when compared with children who had never used antibiotics. The number of courses of antibiotics during the first year of life was also associated with increased odds ratios for asthma: 2.27 (95% CI: 1.14–4.51) for one to two courses and 4.02 (95% CI: 1.57–10.31) for three or more courses when compared with no antibiotic use in the first year of life. Although not significant, the association of antibiotics and hay fever (OR = 1.99 [95% CI: 0.93–4.26]) was of a similar strength to the association of antibiotics with a history of wheeze. Antibiotics were not significantly associated with eczema (OR = 1.23 [95% CI: 0.71–2.13]).ConclusionAntibiotic use in infancy may be associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Further study is required to determine the reasons for this association.
Inverse correlation of domestic exposure to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen patch test reactivity in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: GUTGESELL  , SEUBERT  , JUNGHANS  , NEUMANN CH. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundIn recent years considerable interest in the pathogenetic role of aeroallergens exacerbating atopic dermatitis (AD) has emerged. The ‘atopy patch test’ with aeroallergens was introduced by Platts‐Mills et al. as an experimental model and as a diagnostic tool. However, its relevance for the clinical manifestation of AD is still not clear.ObjectiveWe asked whether there is a relationship between the individual antigen exposure to the major allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1) and the immunological markers of sensitization to Der p 1 or the clinical severity of AD.MethodsWe investigated 92 patients with moderate to severe AD. For clinical evaluation the SCORAD severity score was used. Patch tests were performed with purified Der p 1. Specific IgE was measured by a commercial assay. Der p 1 exposure was quantified in a sample of the patient's mattress dust by using a commercial ELISA.ResultsNo correlation between SCORAD, Der p 1 exposure and RAST could be established. However, there was an unexpected significant inverse correlation between the quantity of mite antigen in the mattress dust and patch test reactivity. Patients with a high antigen load (> 25 μg/g) mostly had a negative patch test. Also, when Der p 1 was correlated to the mattress area (m2) in this group all patch tests were negative. A possible explanation could be that continuous exposure of the skin to house dust mite allergen Der p 1 may induce a down‐regulation of the skin immune system of patients with AD.ConclusionAlthough the mechanism of this phenomenon is presently unknown, our study shows that a positive allergen patch test alone should not be an indication to undertake allergen exclusion measures in AD patients.
The intestinal microflora in allergic Estonian and Swedish 2‐year‐old children
Authors: Björkstén  , Naaber  , Sepp  , Mikelsaar  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe prevalence of allergic diseases seems to have increased particularly over the past 35–40 years. Furthermore, allergic disease is less common among children in the formerly socialist countries of central and Eastern Europe as compared with Western Europe. It has been suggested that a reduced microbial stimulation during infancy and early childhood would result in a slower postnatal maturation of the immune system and development of an optimal balance between TH1‐ and TH2‐like immunity.AimsTo test the hypothesis that allergic disease among children may be associated with differences in their intestinal microflora in two countries with a low (Estonia) and a high (Sweden) prevalence of allergy.MethodsFrom a prospective study of the development of allergy in relation to environmental factors, 29 Estonian and 33 Swedish 2‐year‐old children were selected. They were either nonallergic (n = 36) or had a confirmed diagnosis of allergy (n = 27) as verified by typical history and at least one positive skin prick test to egg or cow's milk. Weighed samples of faeces were serially diluted (10−2–10−9) and grown under anaerobic conditions. The counts of the various genera and species were calculated for each child. In addition, the relative amounts of the particular microbes were expressed as a proportion of the total count.ResultsThe allergic children in Estonia and Sweden were less often colonized with lactobacilli (P < 0.01), as compared with the nonallergic children in the two countries. In contrast, the allergic children harboured higher counts of aerobic micro‐organisms (P < 0.05), particularly coliforms (P < 0.01) and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05). The proportions of aerobic bacteria of the intestinal flora were also higher in the allergic children (P < 0.05), while the opposite was true for anaerobes (P < 0.05). Similarly, in the allergic children the proportions of coliforms were higher (P < 0.05) and bacteroides lower (P < 0.05) than in the nonallergic children.ConclusionsDifferences in the indigenous intestinal flora might affect the development and priming of the immune system in early childhood, similar to what has been shown in rodents. The role of intestinal microflora in relation to the development of infant immunity and the possible consequences for allergic diseases later in life requires further study, particularly as it would be readily available for intervention as a means for primary prevention of allergy by the administration of probiotic bacteria.
Association studies on β2‐adrenoceptor polymorphisms and enhanced IgE responsiveness in an atopic population
Authors: DEICHMANN  , SCHMIDT  , HEINZMANN  , KRUSE  , FORSTER  , KUEHR  
Published: March 2003

The β2 adrenergic receptor 2 represents a cell surface receptor responsible for the binding of endogenous catecholamines and their exogenously administered agonists and antagonists, mediating their effects to the interior of the cell. On the basis of these functions, the observed association of two of its polymorphisms, Gly16 and Gln27, with nocturnal‐ and steroid‐dependent asthma has been discussed. It has recently been suggested that Gln27 contributes to IgE variability in families with asthma.The aim of this study was to investigate possible influences of the polymorphisms Arg16Gly and Glu27Gln on IgE levels in families recruited through an atopic index case without regard to the presence of clinical symptoms.We employed linkage analysis in affected sibpairs characterized by elevated total IgE concentrations or sensitization to common inhalant allergens. Furthermore, we tested 258 children for association of any of the polymorphisms with enhanced IgE responsiveness.We could find neither linkage at the locus 5q31 nor significant association of the polymorphisms with elevated total IgE concentrations or specific sensitization.We conclude from our data that the polymorphisms Gln27Glu and Arg16Gly of the β2‐adrenergic receptor do not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of enhanced IgE responsiveness in an atopic population in general.
On early sensitization to allergens and development of respiratory symptoms
Authors: SHERRILL  , STEIN  , KURZIUS‐SPENCER  , MARTINEZ  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundVarious studies have suggested that a sequence of events occurring in childhood may affect the development of asthma in susceptible individuals. We have investigated whether early childhood sensitization to aeroallergens is an important risk factor in the later development of asthma symptoms.Objective and methodsIn this study we examine this issue in children enrolled in the Tucson epidemiology study of obstructive airways disease, who had at least two allergen skin tests, one before and one after 8 years of age. Respiratory symptom data were available from 12 survey questionnaires, spanning a period of 20 years. During the first, sixth, seventh and eleventh surveys, skin tests were performed with commercially available allergens.ConclusionAs compared with children who were sensitized after 8 years of age, children over 8 years who were sensitized to any allergen before age 8 years were significantly more likely to report shortness of breath with wheeze (SOBWZ), wheeze apart from colds or wheeze most days (OR = 4.1 SOBWZ; OR = 3.88 WZ apart from colds; and OR = 2.83 WZ most days). Children who were sensitized after 8 years were no more likely to have the symptoms described above than children who were never found to be sensitized. Based on these results we conclude that early allergic sensitization is a significant risk factor for later development of wheezy symptoms, where as late sensitization is not.
Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Dharmage  , Bailey  , Raven  , Mitakakis  , Thien  , Forbes  , Guest  , Abramson  , Walters  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundRecent epidemiological studies suggest that the adverse respiratory health effects caused by the inhalation of fungal propagules are substantial. Knowledge of the prevalence and environmental determinants of indoor fungal levels is essential in designing effective avoidance measures.AimTo investigate the prevalence of fungi and the influence of residential characteristics on levels of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia.MethodsFloor dust and air samples were collected from bedrooms in 485 houses over 1 year. The dust was analysed for ergosterol, a marker of cumulative fungal biomass exposure. Total and genera‐specific fungal propagules were identified in air samples. Details of the relevant residential characteristics were documented using a questionnaire. Independent predictors (P < 0.05) of ergosterol and total fungal propagules were identified by multiple linear regression.ResultsFifty‐five percent of the houses had viable fungal propagules exceeding 500 CFU/m3. Cladosporium and Penicillium were identified as the most prevalent and abundant fungal genera in indoor air. The median ergosterol level in bedroom floor was 3.8 μg/g of dust. Multivariate analysis showed that total fungal propagules in indoor air were lower in bedrooms with a ceiling fan, without visible mould, and those that were more frequently vacuumed, had a solid fuel fire, had windows closed at the time of the sampling or lacked pets. The presence of more than one cat had the greatest effect on total fungal propagules. Ergosterol levels were significantly lower in homes without old fitted carpets, visible mould or pets and those with frequent airing and regular use of an extractor fan in the kitchen. Old wall‐to‐wall carpets had the greatest effect on ergosterol.ConclusionsHigh indoor fungal exposures were associated with infrequent ventilation or vacuuming, presence of pets, visible mould and old carpets.
Debilitating beliefs, emotional distress and quality of life in patients given immunotherapy for insect sting allergy
Authors: Confino‐Cohen R. , Melamed S. , Goldberg A. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPatients who receive immunotherapy for systemic reaction to insect stings are told that once they reach maintenance dose they are almost 100% protected against future systemic reactions. However, we have observed that some patients continued to perceive themselves as highly debilitated by the allergy, and this perception had a significant impact on their quality of life.ObjectiveTo validate this clinical observation and to explore possible reasons for such an undesired psychological reaction.MethodsThe study group consisted of 97 patients who regularly attended an allergy outpatient clinic for venom immunotherapy, and who had been under medical surveillance for up to 8 years. They completed a questionnaire measuring debilitating beliefs, preoccupation with the systemic reaction event, emotional distress, perceived restriction by allergy, and perceived quality of life. We also recorded the duration of immunotherapy, physician‐graded severity of the systemic reaction and the frequency at which immunotherapy was administered. The reference group consisted of patients who had not reached maintenance dose and were still at risk of recurrent systemic reactions.ResultsAs many as one‐third of the patients held self‐imposed debilitating beliefs, were preoccupied with the systemic reaction event, perceived a moderate to severe impairment in their quality of life, and manifested symptoms of emotional distress. These psychological responses did not correlate with the immunotherapy dosage that had been reached. Patients who reached a full maintenance dose were doing no better psychologically than those in the reference group. Moreover, the length of time on immunotherapy did not result in attenuation of the psychological responses.ConclusionThis study demonstrates for the first time, the long‐lasting psychological impact of a threatening systemic reaction. It suggests a need for intervention aimed at dispelling patients' unfounded and persisting debilitating beliefs.
Neutrophil activation following TDI bronchial challenges to the airway secretion from subjects with TDI‐induced asthma
Authors: Park  , Jung  , Kim  , Nahm  , Kang  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe immunopathological mechanism for occupational asthma induced by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) remains to be further clarified. There have been few reports suggesting involvement of neutrophils in inducing bronchoconstriction after TDI inhalation.ObjectivesTo further understand the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of TDI‐induced asthma.Materials and methodsEight TDI‐induced asthmatic subjects were classified as group I, and five exposed workers who had complained of work‐related symptoms and worked in the same workplace, but showed negative bronchial challenges were enrolled as controls (group II). Serum neutrophil chemotactic activity during TDI bronchial challenge test was measured by the Boyden chamber method. Induced sputum was collected before and after the TDI bronchial challenge test. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) and interleukin (IL) ‐8 levels in the sputum were measured using RIA and ELISA.ResultSerum neutrophil chemotactic activity significantly increased at 10 min (P = 0.01), then decreased at 60 min (P = 0.02) and remained unchanged for up to 420 min (P = 0.07) in group I subjects, while no significant changes were found in group II subjects (P > 0.05). MPO and IL‐8 were abundantly present in the sputum of all the TDI‐induced asthmatic subjects and they increased significantly at 420 min after the bronchial challenges (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, respectively), while no significant changes were noted in group II subjects (P > 0.05).ConclusionThese findings support the view that activated neutrophils may contribute to bronchoconstriction induced by TDI which may be associated with IL‐8 release.
Development and validation of the Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Juniper  , Thompson  , Ferrie  , Roberts  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe 28‐item Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) has strong measurement properties but for large clinical trials, surveys and practice monitoring, where high efficiency is important, a shorter questionnaire is needed.ObjectiveTo develop and validate an abbreviated version of the RQLQ.MethodsUsing five RQLQ databases, items with high item–item correlations were combined and then the highest scoring items were selected for the MiniRQLQ (14 questions). There are five domains: activity limitations (standardized), practical problems and nose symptoms, eye symptoms and other symptoms. The MiniRQLQ, which is self‐administered, was tested in a 5‐week observational study in 100 adults with symptomatic rhinoconjunctivitis. Patients completed the MiniRQLQ, the RQLQ, and other measures of health status at baseline, 1 and 5 weeks.ResultsIn patients whose rhinoconjunctivitis was stable between clinic visits, reliability (reproducibility and ability to discriminate between patients of different impairment) was very acceptable for the MiniRQLQ (ICC = 0.93) but not quite as good as for the RQLQ (ICC = 0.97). Responsiveness to change in clinical status was better with the MiniRQLQ than the RQLQ (P = 0.044). Construct validity (correlation with other indices of health status) was strong for both the MiniRQLQ and the RQLQ. Concordance between the two instruments was high (ICC = 0.87).ConclusionsThe MiniRQLQ has strong measurement properties and measures the same construct as the original RQLQ. The choice of questionnaire should depend on the task at hand.