bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term repeatability of the skin prick test is high when supported by history or allergen‐sensitivity tests: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Bodtger U. , Jacobsen C. R. , Poulsen L. K. , Malling H.‐J. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Long‐term reproducibility of the skin‐prick test (SPT) has been questioned. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical relevance of SPT changes.Methods: SPT to 10 common inhalation allergens was performed annually from 1999 to 2001 in 25 nonsensitized and 21 sensitized subjects. An SPT was positive when ≥3 mm, and repeatable if either persistently positive or negative. Clinical sensitivity to birch pollen was used as model for inhalation allergy, and was investigated at inclusion and at study termination by challenge tests, intradermal test, titrated SPT and IgE measurements. Birch pollen symptoms were confirmed in diaries.Results: The repeatability of a positive SPT was 67%, increasing significantly to 100% when supported by the history. When not supported by history, the presence of specific IgE was significantly associated with a repeatable SPT. Allergen sensitivity was significantly lower in subjects loosing SPT positivity. The repeatability of a negative test was 95%, decreasing significantly to 87% by the presence of other sensitization. Development of a positive SPT was clinically relevant. Elevation of SPT cut‐off point did not enhance repeatability.Conclusion: SPT changes are clinically relevant. Further studies using other allergens are needed. Long‐term repeatability of SPT is high in the presence of a supportive history.
Spontaneous TH1 cytokine production by intraepithelial but not circulating T cells in infants with or without food allergies
Authors: Pérez‐Machado M. A. , Ashwood P. , Torrente F. , Salvestrini C. , Sim R. , Thomson M. A. , Walker‐Smith J. A. , Murch S. H. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  It has been established that the maintenance of immunological tolerance to dietary antigen and the intestinal flora (oral tolerance) is an actively‐maintained process dependent upon mucosal lymphocyte populations. Early life exposures appear critical in the development of such tolerance. However little is known about the activation status of mucosal lymphocytes in human infancy and childhood.Patients and methods:  We have performed flow cytometric analysis for cell lineage and cytokine‐production status in peripheral blood and duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytes taken during endoscopy from 20 children [median age 2.9 ± 0.6 years (median ± SE)] in whom investigation found no intestinal abnormalities (histologically normal controls) and 30 children (median age 1.6 ± 0.4 years) with confirmed allergy to cow's milk and other dietary antigens.Results:  Regardless of clinical status, spontaneous production of cytokines was low or undetectable in peripheral blood cells. By contrast, intraepithelial CD4 and CD8 cells isolated from the small intestine were often activated, with 5% or more showing spontaneous production of TH1 type [interleukin‐2, interferon (IFN)‐γ] cytokines in both normal controls and food‐allergic children. Stimulation in vitro strongly induced cytokine production in peripheral blood but not intraepithelial lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry showed similar density of IFN‐γ+ intraepithelial lymphocytes in controls and allergic children.Conclusions:  Duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytes in human infants show a state of increased spontaneous activation compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes, and show no significant impairment of TH1 responses in food allergic children.
Sensory testing of recipes masking peanut or hazelnut for double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges
Authors: Ronteltap A. , Van Schaik J. , Wensing M. , Rynja F. J. , Knulst A. C. , De Vries J. H. M. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), it is necessary that recipes comprising the allergen cannot be distinguished from placebo.Aims of the study:  We investigated whether the method of paired comparisons, a sensory difference test, could be used to test the suitability of recipes for a DBPCFC.Methods:  We used two recipes, each with three concentrations of peanut or hazelnut flour. The recipe for peanut consisted of mashed potatoes with 2.7, 8.9, or 26.8 mg of peanut flour, and the recipe for hazelnut of oatmeal porridge with 74, 247, or 742 mg of hazelnut flour. Corresponding amounts of protein in the provided 15 g portions of each recipe were 0.7, 2.3, and 6.8 mg for peanut, and 11.6, 39, and 117 mg for hazelnut, respectively. Recipes were offered together with a placebo, and evaluated on sensory features by 81 healthy volunteers.Results:  The sensory test was easy to perform. Volunteers were not able to detect peanut flour in mashed potatoes, but they recognized hazelnut flour in oatmeal porridge on visual features.Conclusions:  Sensory testing by means of the method of paired comparisons is a useful method to evaluate masking of foods for DBPCFC.
Disease perception and social behaviour in persistent rhinitis: a comparison between patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
Authors: Rydén O. , Andersson B. , Andersson M. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Although the understanding of the pathophysiology and pharmacology of rhinitis has increased within recent years, few studies have examined the impact of rhinitis on patients’ behaviour.Aim:  To compare perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and perennial nonallergic rhinitis (PNR) in terms of patients’ perception of their disease and its psychosocial concomitants.Methods:  Thirty‐one PAR patients and 32 PNR patients responded to a standard symptom list and were interviewed in‐depth regarding their complaints and the impact of rhinitis on their daily lives.Results:  PAR and PNR patients reported similar somatic and psychosocial complaints. In both disease groups the adverse effects of rhinitis were reported to be substantially limiting, particularly in social contacts, the impact appearing to be more severe in the women.Conclusion:  Rhinitis has a severe impact on the daily lives of patients, women reporting more severe psychosocial effects. Disease perception and social adjustment appear to not depend appreciably on whether or not an objective diagnosis of rhinitis can be established.
Risk factors for asthma among children in Maputo (Mozambique)
Authors: Mavale‐Manuel S. , Alexandre F. , Duarte N. , Albuquerque O. , Scheinmann P. , Poisson‐Salomon A. S. , de Blic J. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Few studies have looked at risk factors for asthma in African children. We aimed to identify the risk factors associated with childhood asthma in Maputo (Mozambique).Methods:  This case–control study included 199 age‐matched children (100 asthmatic and 99 nonasthmatic) who attended Maputo Central Hospital between January 1999 and July 2000. We collected information concerning their familial history of atopy, birth weight, environment and breast‐feeding. Detailed information about morbidity and treatment was obtained for each asthmatic child.Results:  The children were aged between 18 months and 8 years; 60% were male. The asthmatic children were hospitalized more frequently than the nonasthmatic children (P < 0.0001). Most of the asthmatic children lived in the urban area of Maputo [odd ratio (OR) = 6.73, CI = 3.1–14.0, P < 0.0001], had a parental history of asthma (OR = 26.8, CI = 10.8–68.2, P < 0.0001) or rhinitis (OR = 4, CI = 1.2–13.3, P = 0.005), had at least parent who smoked and were weaned earlier than the nonasthmatic children (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.3–4.4, P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Childhood asthma was strongly associated with a family history of asthma and rhinitis, the place of residence, having smokers as parents and early weaning from maternal breast milk. These results highlight the need to reassess the management of asthmatic children in Maputo.
Allergen specific immunotherapy attenuates early and late phase reactions in lower airways of birch pollen asthmatic patients: a double blind placebo‐controlled study1
Authors: Arvidsson M. B. , Löwhagen O. , Rak S. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Few placebo‐controlled studies have examined the effect of allergen specific immunotherapy (SIT) on early and late phase asthmatic reactions. In this placebo‐controlled study we have investigated the effect of 1 year of SIT with standardized birch pollen extract on early and late phase asthmatic reactions in adult asthmatic patients.Methods:  Nineteen patients with a history of birch‐pollen‐induced seasonal symptoms from upper and lower airways, positive skin prick test and in vitro specific immunoglobulin E to birch pollen extract were included. Allergen and methacholine bronchial challenges were performed and blood samples obtained for analyses of total eosinophil count and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in serum, before and after 1 year of immunotherapy treatment.Results:  All patients developed early and 16 of 19 both early and late phase asthmatic reactions. A significant increase in allergen dose was required to evoke early asthmatic reaction in the immunotherapy group (P < 0.01) after 1 year of treatment. The difference between the groups was significant (P < 0.01). Also the size of late asthmatic reaction was significantly reduced in the SIT group compared with placebo treated patients (P < 0.01). Twenty‐four hours after allergen challenge methacholine sensitivity, number of total eosinophils and ECP increased significantly in the placebo (P < 0.02, P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 respectively), but not in the SIT group.Conclusion:  Allergen SIT with standardized birch pollen extract decreased early and late asthmatic responses following bronchial challenge in pollen allergic patients, thus confirming anti‐inflammatory effect of the treatment.
Characterization of the protective and therapeutic efficiency of a DNA vaccine encoding the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a
Authors: Hartl A. , Hochreiter R. , Stepanoska T. , Ferreira F. , Thalhamer J. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  An estimated 100 million individuals suffer from birch pollen allergy. More than 95% of birch pollen‐allergic subjects react with the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a, and almost 60% of them are sensitized exclusively to this allergen.Objective:  DNA immunization using the Bet v 1a gene was evaluated with respect to its prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy.Methods:  A DNA vaccine containing the entire Bet v 1a cDNA under the control of a CMV‐promoter was constructed. In order to estimate the protective efficiency, animals received three injections of this vaccine prior to sensitization with recombinant Bet v 1a. Vice versa, in a therapeutic approach, sensitization was followed by treatment with the DNA vaccine.Results:  The Bet v 1a DNA vaccine induced strong Bet v 1‐specific antibody responses with a Th1‐biased response type. Animals which received the DNA vaccine were protected against a following allergic sensitization with Bet v 1a. The protective effect was characterized by suppression of Bet v 1‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E production, lack of basophil activation and enhanced interferon (IFN)‐γ expression. In a therapeutic situation, treatment of sensitized animals with DNA vaccines decreased IgE production, IgE‐mediated basophil release and drastically reduced anaphylactic activity as measured by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis assays. Concerning the cellular immune response, DNA immunization induced a sustaining and dominant shift from a Th2 type response towards a balanced Th1/Th2 type response as indicated by increased IFN‐γ but unchanged IL‐5 levels in lymphoproliferation assays.Conclusion:  The results demonstrate the allergen‐specific protective and therapeutic efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding the clinically highly relevant allergen Bet v 1a indicating the suitability of this concept for the treatment of allergic diseases.
Infectious and uterus related complications during pregnancy and development of atopic and nonatopic asthma in children
Authors: Calvani M. , Alessandri C. , Sopo S. Miceli , Panetta V. , Tripodi S. , Torre A. , Pingitore G. , Frediani T. , Volterrani A. ,   the Lazio Association of Pediatric Allergology (APAL) Study Group
Published: December 2004

Background:  It has been suggested that environmental factors early in life, particularly related to hygiene and infections, seem to be involved in the increase of asthma and allergic disease observed recently in developed countries. The possible effect of these factors also in utero have yet to be completely clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between infective and uterus related complications during pregnancy, as well as related drug factors, with atopic and nonatopic asthma in children.Methods:  This was a case‐controlled study enrolling 338 children with asthma and 467 controls, who had never suffered from wheeze or asthma. Fever episodes, flu episodes, threatened abortions and related drug factors were retrospectively assessed by parental report via a standardized questionnaire. Atopy was determined by skin‐prick tests to 10 prevalent allergens at the time of examination.Results:  Flu episodes during pregnancy were significantly associated with development of asthma in children [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.91; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1–3.2], mainly with nonatopic asthma. Fever episodes showed similar results (aOR 2.16; 95% CI 1.2–3.9), but were associated with both atopic and nonatopic asthma. The effect seems mainly due to flu and fever episodes contracted in the third trimester. Exposure to isoxsuprine was significantly associated with asthma (aOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.08–2.19) while threatened abortions were more frequent in the asthma group than in controls, although the difference was statistically significant only when such events occurred in the second trimester (aOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.07–3.94). Both threatened abortions and exposure to isoxsuprine were associated only with nonatopic asthma.Conclusions:  This study confirms that prenatal infective complications may contribute to the development of asthma in children and show a possible role for a new risk factor for asthma, that is exposure to isoxsuprine. Therefore, larger prospective studies, capable of separating atopic and nonatopic asthma, would serve to confirm these results and to explain the possible mechanism through which these factors may act.
Comparison of wheat and rye flour skin prick test solutions for diagnosis of baker's asthma
Authors: Sander I. , Merget R. , Degens P. O. , Goldscheid N. , Brüning T. , Raulf‐Heimsoth M. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Skin prick tests (SPTs) play an important role in the diagnosis of baker's asthma and in the investigation of sensitization frequencies in field studies. It was the aim of our study to compare different SPT solutions for wheat and rye flour sensitization and to assess the validity of test results.Methods:  Skin prick tests with wheat and rye flour were performed in parallel with extracts from different companies and compared with the results of bronchial challenge tests with both flours (69 rye flour and 51 wheat flour challenge tests). Additionally, specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to wheat and rye flour were tested. SPT solutions were analysed for protein content and by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE).Results:  Skin prick test solutions for diagnosis of wheat and rye flour sensitization from three companies differed in protein concentrations and composition with the consequence of widely differing SPT results. Sensitivity of SPTs in comparison with allergen‐specific bronchial challenge as a gold standard was between 40 and 67%, specificity was between 86 and 100%, the positive predictive value (PPV) ranged from 81 to 100% and the negative predictive value (NPV) from 44 to 70%. These numbers were only marginally affected by using a combination of challenge test result and sIgE value as a more specific gold standard.Conclusion:  Improvement and standardization of SPT extracts for wheat and rye flour is highly recommended.
Occupational exposure of Brazilian neonatal intensive care workers to latex antigens
Authors: Lopes R. A. M. , Benatti M. C. C. , Zollner R. L. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Frequent exposure to latex causes various reactions such as respiratory symptoms and anaphylactic shock. In these cases, proteins found in natural latex are responsible for the serious systemic antilatex‐mediated immediate hypersensitive reactions.Methods:  Cross‐sectional descriptive survey focusing on 96 Brazilian health care workers (HCW) in the neonatal intensive care unit at CAISM, State University of Campinas UNICAMP, Brazil. All subjects were interviewed, donated blood samples for the latex‐specific immunoglobulin E measurement and underwent the skin prick test (SPT) with an antigen extracted from latex gloves.Results:  The prevalence of latex positive SPT was 8%. There were eight SPT positive and only one serologic test was in agreement with the SPT. Overall, there was evidence of an association between the latex SPT and reported eczema (P = 0.01); food allergy (P = 0.009) with pineapple (P = 0.01).Conclusions:  These results suggest that the identification of reactions of immediate hypersensitivity mediated by antilatex antibodies in HCW should be encouraged to prevent occupational exposure to latex products.
Montelukast 10 mg improves nasal function and nasal response to aspirin in ASA‐sensitive asthmatics: a controlled study vs placebo
Authors: Micheletto C. , Tognella S. , Visconti M. , Pomari C. , Trevisan F. , Dal Negro R. W. 
Published: December 2004

Aspirin‐induced asthma (AIA) is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute airway reaction to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). The most recent etiological hypothesises is that an overexpression of the enzyme LTC4 synthase occurs in AIA, with the consequent production of sulfidopeptide leukotrienes (LTs).Aim:  Aim of the present study was to assess the effect of Montelukast, a selective cys‐LT receptor antagonist, on nasal function, nasal reactivity to ASA and blood markers of eosinophilic inflammation in mild‐to‐moderate AIA.Material and methods:  Thirty‐six nonsmoker subjects with AIA (17 males, 22–52 years) performed a nasal provocation test (NPT) with lysine‐aspirin (L‐ASA) in baseline and after a 4‐week Montelukast 10 mg or placebo treatment. Nasal function was assessed by the acoustic rhinomanometry, and they also performed a lung function test (forced expiratory volume in 1 s), and a blood sample for the eosinophil count and the eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) plasma measurements. After both treatments, all subjects repeated the NPT, the lung function, and the ECP and the eosinophil blood count.Statistical analysis:  t‐Test was used to compare mean values ± SD between groups, and P < 0.05 was assumed as the level for statistical significance.Results:  Airway patency was never affected by the NPT with L‐ASA. In baseline, NPT with L‐ASA precipitated a nasal reaction in all subjects, with a substantial increase in nasal resistance (calculated resistance [REQ]; from 0.89 ± 0.18 to 2.2 ± 0.17 cmH2O/l/min in group M, P < 0.001; and from 0.91 ± 0.48 to 2.3 ± 0.21 cmH2O/l/min in group P, P < 0.001); and a significant reduction in total nasal volume in at least one nostril (volume [VOL]; from 11.1 ± 3.2 to 8.1 ± 4.1 cm3 in the group M, P < 0.001, and from 12.3 ± 4.1 to 7.9 ± 4.5 cm3 in the group P, P < 0.001). The nasal reaction to L‐ASA remained unchanged following placebo, but it was completely minimized following a 4‐week treatment with Montelukast. Also nasal function, the nasal symptom score, and the markers of eosinophilic inflammation proved significantly affected and improved by the active drug only.Conclusions:  Montelukast 10 mg daily for 4 weeks, but not placebo, improves nasal function and nasal response to Aspirin substantially in ASA‐sensitive asthmatics.
Lack of association of HLA class I genes and TNF α‐308 polymorphism in toluene diisocyanate‐induced asthma
Authors: Beghé B. , Padoan M. , Moss C. T. , Barton S. J. , Holloway J. W. , Holgate S. T. , Howell W. M. , Mapp C. E. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Toluene diisocyanate (TDI)‐induced asthma is a common cause of occupational asthma and it affects 5–15% of the exposed population suggesting an underlying genetic susceptibility.Methods:  To investigate the role of genetic factors in the development of TDI‐induced asthma, we analyzed the distribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I genes and of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α A‐308G polymorphism in 142 patients with TDI‐induced asthma and in 50 asymptomatic exposed subjects.Results:  Neither the distribution of HLA class I antigens nor the distribution of TNF‐α A‐308G polymorphism was different between patients with TDI‐induced asthma and asymptomatic exposed subjects.Conclusions:  These results suggest that HLA class I antigens and TNF‐α A‐308G are not associated with susceptibility or resistance to the development of TDI‐induced asthma.
No effect of montelukast on asthma‐like symptoms in elite ice hockey players
Authors: Helenius I. , Lumme A. , Öunap J. , Obase Y. , Rytilä P. , Sarna S. , Alaranta A. , Remes V. , Haahtela T. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Controlled clinical trials on the effects of leukotriene antagonists on asthma‐like symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation have not been performed in elite athletes.Methods:  In 2001, we examined 88 of 102 (86%) players from three junior, national league ice hockey teams in Helsinki. Athletes were included in the intervention if they reported at least two exercise‐induced bronchial symptoms (wheeze, cough, shortness of breath) weekly during the previous month on a previously validated respiratory‐symptom questionnaire. Sixteen male ice hockey players fulfilled the study criteria. A double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled study included 4‐week active treatment (10 mg oral montelukast, bedtime), 1‐week washout period, and 4‐week placebo treatment. Before entering the study, all patients were clinically examined, skin prick tested, filled in a respiratory symptom questionnaire, performed a spirometry and a histamine challenge test, and gave induced sputum samples. Exhaled NO was measured. These measures were repeated after both treatment periods. During the treatment the athletes kept daily diary on lower respiratory tract symptoms on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 10 (most severe symptoms), morning peak expiratory flow (PEF), training amount, and use of study medication. Primary end‐point was daily lower respiratory tract symptom score.Results:  Montelukast had no effect on daily lower respiratory symptom scores, spirometry parameters [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF], bronchial hyperresponsiveness, sputum eosinophil or neutrophil cell counts, exhaled NO measurements, or morning PEF. Nine subjects were atopic in skin prick test, but their results did not differ from the nonatopic subjects.Conclusion:  A leukotriene antagonist, montelukast, was of no benefit in the treatment of asthma‐like symptoms, increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness or a mixed type of eosinophilic and neutrophilic airway inflammation in highly‐trained ice hockey players.