bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relation between fungal propagules in indoor air and home characteristics
Authors: Ren P. , Jankun T. M. , Belanger K. , Bracken M. B. , Leaderer B. P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Questionnaires are commonly used in epidemiologic studies to obtain information about house characteristics in order to predict the household aeroallergen exposure levels. However, the reliability of the predictions made with the questionnaires has not been evaluated. To address this issue, we compared objectively measured fungal propagules including the most frequently isolated mold genera (i.e., Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, etc.) in a large sample of homes and compared these measured values to the questionnaire‐determined household characteristics. Methods: As part of a prospective cohort study on the relation between residential allergen exposure and development of asthma in neonates, fungal air samples were collected from infant bedrooms and main living areas in 1000 homes in the Northeast USA, from December 1996 to January 1999. A Burkard portable air sampler was used in combination with DG‐18 and MEA agars. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on host and house characteristics that may have an impact on the presence of fungal propagules in the air. This included information on observation of moisture problems (e.g., water leakage or damage, and mold or mildew growth), ventilation and heating facilities, building age and type, number of occupants, annual household income, presence of pets and pests, cleaning regimens, etc. Results: The number of CFU/m3 air collected on MEA was significantly higher than on DG‐18 (means, respectively, 1033.5 and 846.0 CFU/m3) (P<0.0005). However, there was no significant difference between the numbers of CFU/m3 air collected from the main living area and from the infant bedroom. There was only a very weak relationship between the house characteristics, as described by questionnaire, and the presence of fungal propagules in indoor air. Only the temperature, relative humidity, season, and cats inside homes had a statistically significant impact on the presence of fungal propagules in indoor air. Conclusions: The presence of fungal propagules in indoor air cannot be reliably predicted by home characteristics. Actual measurements are required for fungal exposure assessment, and the use of only one medium to collect samples in one location in a home might be adequate to represent residential levels of fungi in indoor air.
In utero and perinatal complications preceding asthma
Authors: Annesi‐Maesano I. , Moreau D. , Strachan D. 
Published: March 2003

Background: It has been suggested that pregnancy and early life may influence the development of asthma in the offspring, but published studies have not carefully controlled for potential biases. Methods: In a large British birth cohort of 4065 natural children of 2583 mothers, we investigated whether in utero and perinatal influences contribute to the development and the severity of asthma in childhood, allowing for possible confounders of the relationship, and considering the nonindependence of familial data. Results: Child asthma (10.1%) was more frequently reported by mothers when there had been health complications during pregnancy (prevalence=14.3%; adjusted odds ratio [ORadj]=2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.52–2.67), labor, or delivery (19.3%, ORadj=1.35, 1.01–1.81); child illness or health complications during the first week of life (22.6%, ORadj=1.35, 1.01–1.82); and birth weight of <2.5 kg (7.0%, ORadj=1.57, 1.10–2.25). Specific causes of health complications during pregnancy which significantly related to asthma were early or threatened labor (ICD: 644) (4.8%, ORadj=1.58, 1.03–2.40) and the malposition or malpresentation of the fetus (ICD: 652) (1.6%, ORadj=3.63, 1.47–8.91). Conclusions: The results provide further evidence that in utero and perinatal factors may increase the risk of developing asthma.
Chicken serum albumin (Gal d 5*) is a partially heat‐labile inhalant and food allergen implicated in the bird‐egg syndrome
Authors: Quirce S. , Marañón F. , Umpiérrez A. , De Las Heras M. , Fernández‐Caldas E. , Sastre J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Chicken serum albumin (α‐livetin) has been implicated as the causative allergen of the bird‐egg syndrome. However, the clinical relevance of sensitization to this allergen has not been confirmed by specific challenge tests and environmental sampling. We investigated whether chicken albumin can be detected in air samples collected in a home with birds, and whether sensitization to this protein may cause respiratory and food allergy symptoms. The heat resistance of chicken albumin and the possible cross‐reactivity with conalbumin were also investigated. Methods: We studied eight patients with food allergy to egg yolk who also suffered from respiratory symptoms (rhinitis and/or asthma) caused by exposure to birds. Sensitization to egg yolk and bird antigens was investigated by skin and serologic tests. Hypersensitivity to chicken albumin was confirmed by specific bronchial, conjunctival, and oral provocation tests. Results: All patients had positive skin tests and serum IgE against egg yolk, chicken serum, chicken meat, bird feathers, and chicken albumin. The presence of airborne chicken albumin in the domestic environment was confirmed. Specific bronchial challenge to chicken albumin elicited early asthmatic responses in six patients with asthma. An oral challenge with chicken albumin provoked digestive and systemic allergic symptoms in the two patients challenged. IgE reactivity to chicken albumin was reduced by 88% after heating at 90°C for 30 min. ELISA inhibition demonstrated only partial cross‐reactivity between chicken albumin and conalbumin. Conclusions: Chicken albumin (Gal d 5) is a partially heat‐labile allergen that may cause both respiratory and food‐allergy symptoms in patients with the bird‐egg syndrome.
An allergen from Olea europaea pollen (Ole e 7) is associated with plant‐derived food anaphylaxis
Authors: Florido Lopez J. F. , Quiralte Enriquez J. , Arias de Saavedra Alías J. M. , Saenz de San Pedro B. , Martin Casañez E. 
Published: March 2003

Background Several cross‐reacting proteins have been identified as responsible of the co‐occurrence of pollinosis and plant‐derived food allergy. This association has been mainly described in the birch–apple syndrome but other pollens such as Olea europaea and other fruits may also contain homologous proteins.Objective To evaluate the associations between sensitization to allergens of Olea europaea pollen and confirmed plant‐derived food allergy, in addition to investigate if any pattern of clinical hypersensitivity of food allergy reaction (oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or anaphylaxis) and/or any fresh fruit or nut allergy, are associated to one or several Olea pollen allergen(s).Methods One‐hundred and thirty‐four consecutive patients diagnosed with pollinosis by Olea were studied. Of these patients only 40, reported adverse reaction to plant‐derived food. Twenty‐one (group A) were classified as OAS and 19 (group B) as anaphylaxis. Skin‐tests with six Olea pollen allergens and several groups of fruits, were performed. Double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), confirmed the diagnostics of food allergy with the exception of patients who suffered previous anaphylactic reaction.Results All patients, showed a positive skin prick test (SPT), against one or more of Olea europaea allergens. Sensitization to Ole e 7, was more frequent (P = 0.02) in patients from group B. A total of 84 DBPCFC were performed with 44% positive results. Challenge confirmed at least the 50% of positive SPT in any case (peach: 68.42%; pear: 50%; melon: 71.42% and kiwi: 53.84%). In patients from group B, significant association with O. europaea pollen allergens were found between positive SPT to Rosaceae fruits and Ole e 3 (P = 0.045) and Ole e 7 (P = 0.03); Cucurbitaceae and Ole e 7 (P = 0.03) and Actinidiaceae with Ole e 3 (P = 0.04).Conclusions The results of this study, establish a new spectrum of associations between pollens and plant‐derived foods: sensitization to olive profilin (Ole e 2) is not more frequent in OAS patients. Patients with anaphylactic reaction after eating fruit are also sensitized to Ole e 7, a LTP present in Olea pollen, and suffer pollinic symptoms. Finally a polcalcin (Ole e 3) could be also associated to Olea pollen respiratory and food allergy.
No effect of oral treatment with an intestinal bacterial strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 53103), on birch‐pollen allergy: a placebo‐controlled double‐blind study
Authors: Helin T. , Haahtela S. , Haahtela T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Oral probiotic bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus rhamnosus has given promising results in small children with food allergy. We studied the effects of similar therapy in teenagers and young adults, who were allergic to birch pollen and apple food and had intermittent symptoms of atopic allergy and/or mild asthma. Methods: We conducted a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, in which respiratory and eye symptoms and use of medications in two groups were compared. Open oral challenge tests with a slice of apple were performed trice: before, during and after the birch‐pollen season. There were 18 patients in each group. They used Lactobacillus rhamnosus for 5.5 months; 2.5 months before the pollen season, 1 month during the season (May), and 2 months after. Results: The results were negative. The treatment did not alleviate the symptoms of the patients or reduce their use of medication during the birch‐pollen season or the subsequent 2 months. The treatment did not significantly affect the symptoms caused by apple in the oral challenge tests. Conclusions: We found no indication of a beneficial treatment effect in our patients. As the number of patients was relatively small, conclusions should be drawn with caution.
Benefits of immunotherapy with a standardized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract in asthmatic children: a three‐year prospective study
Authors: Pifferi M. , Baldini G. , Marrazzini G. , Baldini M. , Ragazzo V. , Pietrobelli A. , Boner A.L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Although widely practiced for over 80 years, the role of specific immunotherapy (SIT) in pediatric asthma treatment is still controversial. We assessed the effects of a 3‐year period of subcutaneous administration of a standardized preparation of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D pt) on the respiratory health in a group of asthmatic children monosensitized to house dust mite (HDM).Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed after 1‐year run‐in period. Fifteen children receiving SIT for HDM and 14 controls (four drop‐outs), matched for age, allergen sensitization, asthma severity, lung function, and non‐specific bronchial reactivity (BHR), were studied during the 3‐year treatment period. During the whole trial, respiratory symptoms, pharmacological and respiratory function parameters were regularly evaluated. Skin prick tests and methacholine challenge were performed at the beginning and end of the study.Results: In the SIT group significant improvement in asthmatic symptoms and marked reduction in drug intake was observed. The SIT group also showed a significant decrease in non‐specific bronchial BHR. No new sensitivity occurred during the study period in the SIT group only. No major local or systemic side‐effects were reported during the study.Conclusions: Our results confirm that SIT is effective in asthmatic children sensitive to mites. It is associated with a decrease in BHR and it may prevent the development of new sensitizations in monosensitized subjects.
The relationship between alveolar epithelial proliferation and airway obstruction after ozone exposure
Authors: Jang A.‐S. , Choi I.‐S. , Koh Y.‐I. , Park C.‐S. , Lee J.‐S. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a component of multiprotein complexes that are expressed during cell proliferation. Ozone induces cell necrosis and a consequent increase in cell proliferation. Methods:  To investigate the effects of acute ozone inhalation on cell proliferation and airway obstruction in BALB/C mice, we examined enhanced pause (Penh) as an index of airway obstruction and PCNA expression by immunohistochemical staining. Results:
Compared with controls that received filtered air, the ozone‐exposed groups had increased PCNA expression in the alveolar epithelial cells. In rank order, the highest PCNA index was found following 2.0 p.p.m. ozone exposure. In the 2.0 p.p.m. ozone group, there was a PCNA index of 16.83 ± 0.57% (mean ± SEM;
P
< 0.01), compared with 4.25 ± 0.5% at 0.12 p.p.m., 6.83 ± 0.60 at 0.5 p.p.m and 12.16 ± 0.48% at 1 p.p.m. Following ozone exposure, Penh was increased in a dose‐dependent manner. There was a significant correlation between the PCNA index in alveoli and Penh (
r
= 0.63,
P < 0.01). Conclusions:  These data suggest that ozone can induce alveolar epithelial cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner, and that alveolar epithelial cell proliferation is correlated with airway obstruction.
The link between allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma: A prospective population‐based study. The Copenhagen Allergy Study
Authors: Linneberg A. , Henrik Nielsen N. , Frølund L. , Madsen F. , Dirksen A. , Jørgensen T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: It has been hypothesized that allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are manifestations of the same disease entity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.Methods: Participants in a population‐based study of 15–69‐year‐olds in 1990 were invited to a follow‐up in 1998. A total of 734 subjects were examined on two occasions eight years apart. Allergic rhinitis to pollen was defined as a history of nasal symptoms on exposure to pollens and IgE specific to pollen. Allergic asthma to pollen was defined as a history of lower airway symptoms on exposure to pollens and IgE specific to pollen. Similarly, diagnoses of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma to animals or mite were defined.Results: At follow‐up, all subjects with allergic asthma to pollen (n = 52) had in addition allergic rhinitis to pollen. In the longitudinal analysis, there were a total of 28 new (incident) cases of allergic asthma to pollen. They all had allergic rhinitis to pollen at baseline, or had developed allergic rhinitis to pollen at follow‐up. Accordingly, allergic rhinitis to animals and mite were ubiquitous in subjects with allergic asthma to animals and mite, respectively.Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are manifestations of the same disease entity.
Increased eosinophil transmigration after nasal allergen challenge in children with allergic asthma and rhinitis
Authors: Lönnkvist K. , Moshfegh A. , Pedroletti C. , Hedlin G. , Halldén G. , Lundahl J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Eotaxin and interleukin‐5 together provide the signal essential for eosinophil transmigration to airway tissue in allergic reactions. However, it is not known whether peripheral blood eosinophils (PBE) possess an increased transmigration capacity in vitro after allergen challenge in vivo before they leave the circulation. We aimed to determine whether PBE in cat‐sensitized children have increased spontaneous and/or eotaxin‐induced transmigration capacity in vitro, and to what extent allergen challenge alters this feature.Methods: Fourteen cat‐allergic children and four healthy controls underwent nasal challenge with cat‐allergen. Blood samples were drawn prechallenge and at 2 h and 24 h postchallenge. We analyzed the in vitro transmigration of PBE, with and without eotaxin as a chemoattractant. We used a transmigration assay with fibronectin‐coated membranes. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and PBE counts were run in parallel.Results: The spontaneous transmigration capacity of eosinophils in vitro was significantly higher at 2 h after allergen challenge (P < 0.01 vs. prechallenge) and returned to prechallenge levels at 24 h postchallenge (P < 0.02 vs. 2 h postchallenge). Addition of eotaxin further augmented the increased transmigration. In concordance, no accompanying changes were measured in the levels of eosinophils in blood or ECP in serum. Furthermore no spontaneous or eotaxin‐induced eosinophil transmigration was detected in healthy controls.Conclusion: PBE possess increased spontaneous (and eotaxin‐induced) capacity to transmigrate as early as 2 h after allergen challenge in allergic children, without accompanying signs of eosinophil activation in terms of increased PBE count or ECP level. This is probably due to the increased stage of activation of the eosinophil, often referred to as “priming”.
Decreased levels of coenzyme Q10 in patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Gazdík F. , Gvozdjáková A. , Nádvorníková R. , Repická L. , Jahnová E. , Kucharská J. , Piják M. R. , Gazdíková K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The contribution of free oxygen radicals in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma is generally accepted. The modulation of antioxidative defence by supplementation with antioxidants represents additive therapy in complex management of disease. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of coenzyme Q10, α‐tocopherol, and β‐carotene both in plasma and whole blood, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in plasma of asthmatics (As).Methods: Fifty‐six As (15 males and 41 females) aged from 19 to 72 years (mean age 46 years) suffering from allergic asthma were enrolled into the study. The control group comprised 25 healthy volunteers (16 males, 9 females) aged 25–50 years.Results: The concentrations of CoQ10 decreased significantly both in plasma and whole blood, compared with healthy volunteers (0.34 ± 0.15 μmol/l vs. 0.52 ± 0.15 μmol/l, 0.33 ± 0.14 μmol/l vs. 0.50 ± 0.13 μmol/l, P < 0.001, P< 0.001, respectively). The levels of α‐tocopherol were decreased both in plasma and whole blood in comparison with controls [24.10 μmol/l (19.8; 30.5), vs. 33.20 μmol/l (28.25; 38.05), 17.22 ± 6.45 μmol/l vs. 21.58 ± 7.92 μmol/l, P= 0.006, P = 0.01, respectively]. The levels of MDA were elevated over the reference range in both groups (reference range < 4.5 μmol/l). No changes were seen in β‐carotene concentrations. Positive correlation was found between whole blood CoQ10 and α‐tocopherol concentrations.Conclusion: Results of the study suggest a possible contribution of suboptimal concentrations of CoQ10 on antioxidative dysbalance in As and provide a rationale for its supplementation.
Genetic counselling in multiple sclerosis: risks to sibs and children of affected individuals
Authors: Sadovnick AD , Dircks A , Ebers GC 
Published: March 2003

Genetic factors are recognized as having important roles in both the overall etiology and the familial aggregation of multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to increased requests for genetic counselling. This paper is designed to provide familial risk data in a practical format for use during genetic counselling for MS.Depending on the amount of genetic sharing among family members, the relative risk of MS compared with that for the general population can range from 1 (adopted sibs and children of the MS proband, with whom they share no genetic material) to 190 (monozygotic co‐twins of MS patients, with whom they share 100% of their genetic material). When counselling full sibs of MS patients, risks can be better calculated if information is available on the age of MS onset in the patient and whether or not one parent has MS.
Evaluation of the needs of spouses of female carriers of mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2
Authors: Metcalfe KA , Liede A , Trinkaus M , Hanna D , Narod SA 
Published: March 2003

Metcalfe KA, Liede A, Trinkaus M, Hanna D, Narod SA. Evaluation of the needs of spouses of female carriers of mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Clin Genet 2002: 62: 464–469. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002The process of genetic testing involves the entire family, including spouses. The objective of this study was to measure the specific needs and to describe the experiences of spouses of women who received genetic counseling for a positive BRCA1/2 result. We surveyed 59 spouses of female mutation carriers. The mean length of relationships was 26 years (range: 2.5–50 years). All were supportive of their spouses' decision to undergo genetic testing and counselling. Four respondents stated that they wished that they had received additional support at the time of test disclosure and 20% felt that their wives had received inadequate support. One‐quarter of the spouses believed that their relationship had changed because of genetic testing; most felt that they had become closer to their wives. Husbands were most concerned about the risk of their wife dying of cancer (43%), followed by the risk of their spouse developing cancer (19%) and the risk that their children would test positive for the BRCA mutation (14%). Distress levels, measured by the Impact of Event scale, suggest that few spouses were experiencing clinical levels of distress.
Functional, life‐threatening disorders and splenectomy following liver transplantation
Authors: Troisi R , Hesse Uj , Decruyenaere J , Morelli Mc , Palazzo U , Pattyn P , Colardyn F , Maene L , De Hemptinne B 
Published: March 2003

Splenectomy (SPL) in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation (LTx) may resolve specific problems related to the procedure itself, in case of functional and life‐threatening clinical situations often occurring as a result of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.Methods. A single‐center experience of ten splenectomies in a series of 180 consecutive adult liver transplant patients over a period of 6 yr is reported. The mean patient age was 46.8±9.5 yr (range 25–57 yr). Indications for SPL were post‐operative massive ascitic fluid loss (n=3), severe thrombocytopenia (n=3), acute intra‐abdominal hemorrhage (n=2), infarction of the spleen (n=1), and multiple splenic artery aneurysms (n=1).Results. Extreme ascites production due to functional graft congestion disappeared post‐SPL, with an improvement of the hepatic and renal functions. SPL was also effective in cases of thrombocytopenia persistence post‐LTx, leading to an increase in the platelet count after about 1 wk. Bleeding episodes related to left‐sided portal hypertension or trauma were also resolved. The rejection rate during hospitalization was 0%, and no other episodes were recorded in the course of the long‐term follow‐up. However, sepsis with a fatal outcome occurred in 4 patients, i.e. between 2 and 3 wk post‐SPL in three cases and 1 yr after the procedure as a result of pneumococcal infection in the last case. Fatal traumatic cranial injury occurred 3 yr post‐LTx in another case. Five patients (50%) are still alive and asymptomatic after a median follow‐up period of 36 months.Conclusions. The lowering of the portal flow appears to resolve unexplained post‐operative ascitic fluid loss as a result of functional graft congestion following LTx. However, because of the enhanced risk of SPL‐related sepsis, a partial splenic embolization (PSE) or a spleno‐renal shunt could be used as an alternative procedure because it allows us to preserve the immunological function of the spleen. SPL is indicated in case of post‐transplant bleeding due to left‐sided portal hypertension and trauma, spleen infarction, and to enable prevention of hemorrhage in liver transplant patients with multiple splenic artery aneurysms. Severe and persistent thrombocytopenia could be treated with PSE. Because the occurrence of fatal sepsis post‐SPL is a major complication in LTx, functional disorders, such as ascites and thrombocytopenia, should be treated with a more conservative approach.