bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis: correlation with rhinologic risk factors
Authors: Berrettini S , Carabelli A , Sellari‐Franceschini S , Bruschini L , Quartieri F , Sconosciuto F , Abruzzese A 
Published: March 2003

Background: The reported association of allergy and sinusitis varies greatly between study, and the exact role of allergy in predisposing to sinusitis is not clear. We attempted to determine whether patients with perennial allergic rhinitis are at greater risk of developing sinusitis with respect to a control group, and to determine whether there is a correlation between rhinomanometry, endoscopy, and nasal swab, and computed tomography (CT) findings. Methods: Forty adult patients with perennial allergic rhinitis underwent CT scans of the paranasal sinuses, and the results were then compared to CTs of the paranasal sinuses of 30 control subjects. All allergic patients underwent nasal endoscopy, nasal swab, and active anterior rhinomanometry, and the results were studied in relation to the CT findings. Results: We found sinusitis in 67.5% of the allergic patients and in 33.4% of the controls, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.017). Twenty‐three patients had a positive nasal swab; 22 showed increased nasal resistance on rhinomanometry, and 36 had positive endoscopy, but the association of CT findings with endoscopy, rhinomanometry, or nasal swab was not statistically significant (P=0.583, P=1.00, P=0.506, respectively). Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis is often associated with sinusitis, but the underlying mechanism has yet to be determined. Evidently, factors other than classical pathogen growth and mechanical factors, such as the association of the various factors and immunologic mechanisms, may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis in allergic patients.
Beer‐induced anaphylaxis: identification of allergens
Authors: Figueredo E , Quirce S , Del Amo A , Cuesta J , Arrieta I , Lahoz C , Sastre J 
Published: March 2003

Background: We report on a 21‐year‐old atopic woman who developed urticaria, angioedema of the face, and wheezy dyspnea shortly after drinking beer and after eating a corn‐made snack. Methods: Skin prick tests and specific IgE determinations to beer ingredients and cereal extracts were performed. Immunoblotting inhibition assays were carried out to investigate possible common allergens shared by barley and malt with corn. Results: Skin prick tests and specific IgE measurements with beer, barley, malt, wheat, corn, rye, rice, and oat flour were positive. Ten pollen‐allergic patients showed negative skin tests to beer. Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, oral challenge tests with sodium metabisulfite and wheat flour were negative. Immunoblotting demonstrated several IgE‐binding bands at 31–56 kDa in malt and barley extracts, and a major band at 38 kDa in the beer extract. Immunoblot inhibition assays showed that malt extract was able to inhibit most of the IgE‐binding bands in wheat and corn extracts, whereas corn did not produce significant inhibition to barley and malt extracts. Conclusions: This patient developed type I hypersensitivity to barley/malt and corn. Although she also showed IgE reactivity to wheat and other cereals, no symptoms were elicited upon ingestion of these cereals, probably indicating latent sensitization to them.
Immunochemical detection of egg‐white antigens and allergens in meat products
Authors: Leduc V , Demeulemester C , Guizard C , Le Guern L , Polack B , Peltre G 
Published: March 2003

Background: The purpose of this study was to detect antigens and allergens in egg‐white byproduct ingredients and after their incorporation in processed pork meat pastes. Commercially prepared foods may have potentially allergenic ingredients (egg, milk, soybean, wheat, and peanut) added in processing. Since allergic patients may react to unidentified ingredients, it is important to assess the allergenic potency of these food proteins added during processing. Egg white was chosen as an experimental model, since egg is one of the most prevalent allergens in food hypersensitivity. Methods: Experimental pork meat pastes containing egg white underwent pasteurization and sterilization. Ingredients derived from egg‐white or paste extracts were isoelectrofocused and then blotted onto cyanogen bromide‐activated nitrocellulose membranes. Egg‐white antigens were identified in ingredients and in meat products with rabbit anti‐egg‐white antiserum by isoelectric focusing immunoblotting. Allergens were identified with sera from sensitized patients. A sensitive ELISA test was developed to detect egg‐white proteins in raw, pasteurized, and sterilized meat products. Results: Antigens and allergens in four egg‐white byproducts were detected. Egg‐white antigens were detectable in all ingredients and meat pastes by ELISA. Allergens were detected in ingredients and in raw and pasteurized products by immunoprint techniques and ELISA. Conclusions: Masked egg‐white allergens are recognized by human serum IgE after pasteurization. Egg‐white antigens are detectable in sterilized meat by ELISA techniques. Ingestion of processed foods could entail a risk of allergic reactions for sensitized consumers. Abbreviations. ELISA: enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; MaRG‐AP: mouse anti‐rabbit IgG alkaline phosphatase conjugate; RaEggW: anti‐hen's egg‐white antiserum; GaHE‐AP: goat anti‐human IgE alkaline phosphatase conjugate; RAST: radioallergosorbent test; IEF: isoelectric focusing; PBS: phosphate‐buffered saline; SDS–PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; NBT/BCIP: nitroblue tetrazolium/5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl phosphate p‐toluidine salts.
IgE‐mediated allergy to Lepidoglyphus destructor in an urban population – an epidemiologic study
Authors: Gislason D , Gislason T 
Published: March 2003

Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of IgE‐mediated allergy to Lepidoglyphus destructor and its clinical importance in Reykjavík, Iceland. Methods: All Icelandic participants in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey in Reykjavík and suburbs were skin prick tested (SPT) for L. destructor. They also participated in a structured interview including questions about exposure to hay and symptoms related to hay exposure. Spirometry and methacholine tests were also performed. Results: Altogether, 540 individuals underwent SPT with 12 allergens. Among them, 137 (25.4%) had positive skin tests, defined as at least one mean wheal reaction of ≥1 mm. By this definition, 34 (6.3%) were positive to L. destructor. These 34 individuals were significantly (P<0.001) more often allergic to D. pteronyssinus (24/34), grass (14/34), cat (13/34), dog (12/34), Alternaria (11/34), Cladosporium (9/34), horse (8/34), and olive (8/34) than those not allergic to L. destructor. Those SPT positive to L. destructor had a higher total IgE (geometric mean: 40.9 kU/l vs 12.3 kU/l, P<0.001) than those who were negative to L. destructor, but their lung function was comparable to that of the others. Asthma during the preceding 12 months or asthma ever suffered was not overrepresented among those SPT‐positive to L. destructor. Individuals with symptoms associated with hay exposure were more often SPT positive to L. destructor than those not having symptoms (P<0.01). Conclusions: In a random urban population, 6.3% showed IgE‐mediated allergy to L. destructor. These were often polysensitized atopics with a high prevalence of clinical symptoms associated with exposure to hay.
Successful treatment of occupational allergy to bumblebee venom after failure with honeybee venom extract
Authors: Stern A. , Müllner G. , Wüthrich B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Immediate‐type allergies to bumblebee stings occur infrequently. Previous studies have demonstrated a high degree of cross‐reactivity between honeybee venom (HBV) and bumblebee venom (BBV). It has been proposed that venom immunotherapy (VIT) with HBV is a therapeutic alternative for patients with BBV allergy. Methods and results: We present two cases of occupational immediate‐type allergies to BBV. Although both nonatopic patients had a negative personal history of previous allergic reactions to honeybee sting, specific IgE antibodies and a positive intradermal reaction to HBV were detected. Despite VIT with HBV, the two developed another severe allergic reaction after incidental bumblebee stings. VIT with BBV, using in one patient a rush protocol with escalating doses of 0.01–100 μg of BBV, was performed. Before and during the VIT, the course of IgE and IgG specific antibodies to BBV was analyzed, demonstrating a significant decrease of BBV‐IgE and an increase of BBV‐IgG. The effectiveness of the treatment was also proven by an in‐hospital sting challenge with a live bumblebee. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that cross‐immunotherapies with HBV do not protect BBV‐allergic patients sufficiently. We conclude that BBV‐allergic patients should be treated with BBV. A “rush” VIT with BBV is a safe alternative to a “conventional” protocol.
Airway inflammation in asthma and perennial allergic rhinitis. Relationship with nonspecific bronchial responsiveness and maximal airway narrowing
Authors: Alvarez M. J. , Olaguibel J. M. , García B. E. , Rodríguez A. , Tabar A. I. , Urbiola E. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Eosinophilic airway inflammation is the hallmark of asthma, but it has also been reported in other conditions such as allergic rhinitis. We have tested whether the analysis of cells and chemicals in sputum can distinguish between patients with mild allergic asthma, those with allergic rhinitis, and healthy controls. The relationship between inflammation markers in sputum and nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine (BHR) (PD20 and maximal response plateau [MRP] values) was also evaluated. Methods: We selected 31 mild asthmatics and 15 rhinitis patients sensitized to house‐dust mite. As a control group, we studied 10 healthy subjects. Every subject underwent the methacholine bronchial provocation test (M‐BPT) and sputum induction. Blood eosinophils and serum ECP levels were measured. Sputum cell differentials were assessed, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), tryptase, albumin, and interleukin (IL)‐5 levels were measured in the entire sputum supernatant. Results: Blood eosinophils and serum ECP levels were higher in asthma patients and rhinitis than in healthy controls, but no difference between asthma patients and rhinitis patients was found. Asthmatics had higher eosinophil counts and higher ECP and tryptase levels in sputum than rhinitis patients or control subjects. Sputum albumin levels were higher in asthmatics than in controls. Rhinitis patients exhibited higher sputum eosinophils than healthy controls. An association between sputum eosinophil numbers and MPR values (r=−0.57) was detected, and a trend toward correlation between sputum ECP levels and PD20 values (r=−0.47) was found in the rhinitis group, but not in asthmatics. No correlation between blood eosinophilic inflammation and lung functional indices was found. Conclusions: Induced sputum is an accurate method to study bronchial inflammation, allowing one to distinguish between rhinitis patients and mildly asthmatic patients. The fact that no relationship was detected between sputum inflammation and BHR suggests that other factors, such as airway remodeling, may be at least partly responsible for BHR in asthma.
Protein sequence analysis and mapping of IgE and IgG epitopes of an allergenic 98‐kDa Dermatophagoides farinae paramyosin, Der f 11
Authors: Tsai L.‐C. , Chao P.‐L. , Hung M.‐W. , Sun Y.‐C. , Kuo I.‐C. , Chua K.‐Y. , Liaw S.‐H. , Chua K.‐Y. , Kuo I.‐C. 
Published: March 2003

Background: A 98‐kDa mite paramyosin (Der f 11) from Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) is highly allergenic, and its cDNA (Df642) has been cloned. This paper describes the sequence characteristics and the mapping of the immunodominant human IgE and IgG epitopes of Der f 11.  Methods: The protein sequence analysis was performed with a combination of FASTA, GCG, and CLUSTAL W computing packages. The whole cDNA insert and its PCR‐derived DNA fragments were generated and expressed in E. coli. These overlapping recombinant peptides (F1 to F5) were used for B‐cell epitope mapping with 18 mite‐allergic sera by dot immunoassays.  Results: Df642 cDNA encodes a partial sequence that contains the 2nd to 26th 28‐residue repeats and lacks the N‐terminus and the C‐terminus. The sequence identity of the Der f 11 with other known paramyosins is 34–60%. The dominant IgE epitopes are located in peptides F1 and F4, whereas the dominant IgG epitopes are located in peptides F1 and F2. These peptides are more reactive than whole rDf642.  Conclusions: Mite paramyosin is very similar to other known paramyosins. The human IgE and IgG epitopes are scattered throughout the entire molecule. Data also indicate the presence of unique IgE and IgG epitopes in Der f 11.
Sensitization and lung function in workers occupationally exposed to natural thickening products
Authors: Steger A. , Radon K. , Pethran A. , Nowak D. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Three workers engaged in the manufacture of natural thickener products (Cassia spp., guar, and tamarind flour) were occupationally sensitized to Cassia spp. Therefore, a cross‐sectional study on the prevalence of sensitization among and respiratory health of the employees of this plant was conducted. Methods and Results: Sixty‐two workers (36 with high, 26 with low exposure) participated in the survey. Skin prick tests and specific IgE tests with extracts of these components revealed that 11.3% were sensitized to Cassia spp. and 9.7% to at least one species of storage mites, with a significantly higher portion of atopic subjects in the sensitized group. Overall, 55% of the subjects reported work‐related symptoms (upper and lower airways, eyes, or skin). FVC % pred. was significantly lower in highly exposed workers, while RV % pred. and RV%TLC % pred. were significantly higher in this group. In the multivariate model, sensitization was not a risk factor for impairment of lung function. Conclusions: Dust exposure to flours may not only cause allergic sensitization but also induce chronic changes in lung function.
Quality of life and capsaicin sensitivity in patients with sensory airway hyperreactivity
Authors: Millqvist E. , Löwhagen O. , Bende M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: A group of patients with asthma‐like symptoms and sensitivity to chemical irritants has shown an increased cough sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin compared to patients with asthma and to healthy controls. The condition is called sensory hyperreactivity (SHR), and the patients often feel that they are socially handicapped because of the risk of exposure to chemical irritantsin daily life. Methods: Twenty‐six patients with asthma‐like symptoms after exposure to nonspecific irritating stimuli, but without IgE‐mediated allergy or demonstrable bronchial obstruction, were selected for a study of the response to a capsaicin test and measurement of quality of life by a general health profile (the Nottingham Health Profile [NHP]). We also investigated whether there was a correlation between quality of life and sensitivity to capsaicin. Results: The patients demonstrated a dose‐dependent response to the capsaicin provocation, with coughing and respiratory and other symptoms, that significantly differed from 12 healthy controls. The health profile showed that patients with SHR had a significantly reduced quality of life compared to reference values, and there was a significant correlation between the health profile and sensitivity to capsaicin. Conclusions: Patients with asthma‐like symptoms verified by the capsaicin inhalation test for sensory hyperreactivity have a poor quality of life. The correlation between quality of life and sensitivity to capsaicin objectively demonstrates the validity of this general health profile study.
Urinary eosinophil protein X in children: the relationship toasthma and atopy and normal values
Authors: Tauber E. , Halmerbauer G. , Frischer T. , Gartner C. , Horak F. , Veiter A. , Koller D. Y. , Studnicka M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In epidemiologic studies, it may be difficult to identify children with bronchial asthma. Since this is the most common chronic respiratory disease in childhood, and its prevalence is still increasing, reliable methods for identification of asthmatic children are required. This study evaluates the use of urinary eosinophil protein X (U‐EPX) in epidemiologic studies in identifying atopic and asthmatic children. Methods: U‐EPX was measured in 877 Austrian schoolchildren. The skin prick test (SPT) was performed with eight common aeroallergens, and established questionnaires were used to assess respiratory symptoms. Results: Of our cohort, 2.8% reported physician‐diagnosed asthma, 5.1% reported wheezing within the last 12 months, and 24.1% were found to be atopic. In children with physician‐diagnosed asthma, as well as in atopic children (positive SPT), median U‐EPX levels were significantly higher than in healthy subjects (142.8 and 89.6 vs 63.9 µg/mmol creatinine, P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively). In addition, perennial sensitization to inhalant allergens resulted in higher U‐EPX levels than did seasonal sensitization. The odds ratio for U‐EPX levels over the 90th percentile was significantly elevated for asthma, for wheezing, for nocturnal cough, and for breathlessness at exercise, as well as for seasonal and perennial sensitization. Pulmonary function was negatively relatedto U‐EPX levels. Conclusions: Measurement of U‐EPX, which can be obtained easily, may be helpful in diagnosing both asthma and atopy in children. However, there is a great overlap between controls and symptomatics, a fact which reduces the sensitivity of U‐EPX in determination of the prevalence of asthma in epidemiologic studies.
Preseasonal local allergoid immunotherapy to grass pollen in children: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial
Authors: Caffarelli C. , Sensi L. G. , Marcucci F. , Cavagni G. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We assessed the efficacy of preseasonal local allergoid immunotherapy in a group of children with asthma and/or rhinitis and/or rhinoconjunctivitis due to grass pollen. Methods: We randomly assigned 24 children allergic to grass pollen to receivelocal allergoid immunotherapy for 3 months before the pollen season and 24 such patients to receive identically appearing placebo. The immunotherapy consisted of tablets of monomeric allergoid grass pollen allergens held in the mouth until they dissolved and then swallowed. The study was double‐blind. Symptoms and medications were scored on diary cards during the pollen season. Nasal eosinophil cationic protein levels were measured by the monoclonal antibodies EG1 and EG2 outside the pollen season and at low and at high pollen concentration during the pollen season. Results: The active‐treatment group had a statistically significant reduction of total symptoms (P<0.05), especially bronchial symptoms (P<0.05), in comparison with the placebo group. Immunotherapy was well tolerated and compliance was good. Nasal levels of EG2 and EG1 increased significantly during the pollen season, but there was no difference between groups. EG2/EG1 increased significantly only in the placebo group during natural allergen exposure (P<0.01). Conclusions: Our results suggest that this immunotherapy is effective for the treatment of asthma due to grass pollen in children.
Gene polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and angiotensin‐converting enzyme in patients with asthma
Authors: Lee Y. C. , Cheon K. T. , Lee H. B. , Kim W. , Rhee Y. K. , Kim D. S. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Nitric oxide, including that produced by endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS), may regulate vascular and airway tone in the lungs and may influence various aspects of airway homeostasis. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) is expressed at high levels in the lungs and plays a role in the metabolism of angiotensin II, bradykinin, and substance P, all of which are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. An insertion‐deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene has been shown to be associated with enzyme activity levels of ACE. To examine the possible involvement of the ecNOS and/or ACE genes as the genetic basis of bronchial asthma, we investigated whether there was any association between bronchial asthma and polymorphisms of the ecNOS and/or ACE genes. Methods: A total of 310 patients with bronchial asthma and 121 healthy subjects took part in this study. The ecNOS and ACE genotypes were determined in all subjects by polymerase chain reaction. Results:

The distribution of one genotype (bb) of ecNOS was significantly higher in the asthma group than in the control population.
The ACE genotype distribution was not significantly different between the control and the asthma groups.
In asthmatic patients, the ACE and ecNOS genotype distribution did not differ significantly among groups of patients with different severities of asthma.

Conclusions: These results suggest that polymorphisms of the ecNOS gene, but not the ACE gene, may be associated with the development of asthma. However, the severity of asthma may not be influenced by polymorphisms of the ecNOS and ACE genes.
Cetirizine inhibits bradykinin‐induced cutaneous wheal and flare in atopic and healthy subjects
Authors: Fadel R. , Ramboer I. , Chatterjee N. , Rihoux J.‐P. , Derde M.‐P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Kinins are vasoactive mediators involved in allergic reactions. When applied on the skin or in the nose, bradykinin (BK) elicits inflammation that is poorly affected by previous H1‐blockade. The aim of this study was to compare the possible effect of cetirizine (an H1‐antagonist) on wheal and flare responses to BK, histamine, and compound 48/80 in atopic and healthy subjects. Methods: In a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study, eight atopic and eight healthy subjects received cetirizine (10 mg/day) or placebo for 3 days before cutaneous tests. Intradermal tests (IDT) and prick tests (PT) were performed with BK (20 nmol/ml for IDT and 20 μmol/ml for PT), histamine (100 μg/ml IDT and 100 mg/ml PT), and compound 48/80 (100 μg/ml IDT and 100 mg/ml PT) as positive controls and saline as negative control. The skin responses were monitored by measurement of wheal and flare areas. Results: BK, histamine, and 48/80 induced wheal and flare reactions in all placebo‐treated subjects. Histamine elicited larger wheal and flare reactions than BK and 48/80. IDT with BK induced four‐ to sixfold larger wheal and flare reaction than PT. No differences in BK‐induced wheal and flare were observed between atopic and healthy subjects. In atopic subjects, cetirizine induced a significant reduction of flare reactions after the BK test (80% for IDT, and 94% for PT [P<0.01]). Moreover, cetirizine reduced significantly BK‐induced wheals by 70% for IDT (P<0.01) and 65% for PT (P<0.01). A similar inhibiting effect of cetirizine was also observed in healthy subjects. Conclusions: These findings showed that the wheal and flare reactions induced by BK challenge were markedly inhibited by previous intake of cetirizine. The mechanism by which this effect is mediated cannot be established at present.