bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Final Height in Girls with Turner Syndrome after Long-Term Growth Hormone Treatment in Three Dosages and Low Dose Estrogens
Authors: van Pareren Yvonne K. , de Muinck Keizer-Schrama Sabine M. P. F. , Stijnen Theo , Sas Theo C. J. , Jansen Maarten , Otten Barto J. , Hoorweg-Nijman J. J. Gera , Vulsma Thomas , Stokvis-Brantsma Wilhelmina H. , Rouwé Catrienus W. , Reeser H. Maarten , Gerver Willem-Jan , Gosen Jos J. , Rongen-Westerlaken Ciska , Drop Stenvert L. S. 
Published: March 2003

Although GH treatment for short stature in Turner syndrome is an accepted treatment in many countries, which GH dosage to use and which age to start puberty induction are issues of debate. This study shows final height (FH) in 60 girls with Turner syndrome treated in a randomized dose-response trial, combining GH treatment with low dose estrogens at a relatively young age.Girls were randomly assigned to group A (4 IU/m2·d; ∼0.045 mg/kg/d), group B (first year, 4 IU/m2·d; thereafter 6 IU/m2·d), or group C (first year, 4 IU/m2·d; second year, 6 IU/m2·d; thereafter, 8 IU/m2·d). After a minimum of 4 yr of GH treatment, at a mean age of 12.7 ± 0.7 yr, low dose micronized 17β-estradiol was given orally. After a mean duration of GH treatment of 8.6 ± 1.9 yr, FH was reached at a mean age of 15.8 ± 0.9 yr. FH, expressed in centimeters or sd score, was 157.6 ± 6.5 or −1.6 ± 1.0 in group A, 162.9 ± 6.1 or −0.7 ± 1.0 in group B, and 163.6 ± 6.0 or −0.6 ± 1.0 in group C. The difference in FH in centimeters, corrected for height sd score and age at start of treatment, was significant between groups A and B [regression coefficient, 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4, 6.9; P &lt; 0.01], and groups A and C (coefficient, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.3, 7.7; P &lt; 0.001), but not between groups B and C (coefficient, 0.9; 95% CI, −1.8, 3.6). Fifty of the 60 girls (83%) had reached a normal FH (FH sd score, more than −2). After starting estrogen treatment, the decrease in height velocity (HV) changed significantly to a stable HV, without affecting bone maturation (change in bone age/change in chronological age). The following variables contributed significantly to predicting FH sd score: GH dose, height sd score (ref. normal girls), chronological age at start of treatment, and HV in the first year of GH treatment. GH treatment was well tolerated.In conclusion, GH treatment leads to a normalization of FH in most girls, even when puberty is induced at a normal pubertal age. The optimal GH dosage depends on height and age at the start of treatment and first year HV.
Soluble E‐selectin correlates with disease activity in cyclosporin A‐treated patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kägi Mk , Joller‐jemelka H , Wüthrich B 
Published: March 2003

Background:The expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells regulates leukocyte migration. The level of soluble adhesion molecules which are shed into the circulation is known to reflect the degree of inflammation, and this level can therefore be used as an indicator of disease activity.The objective of this study was first to investigate the relationship between sE‐selectin levels and disease activity parameters (scores of extent, severity, itch, and sleep) in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, and second to determine the effect of therapy with an immunosuppressive drug (cyclosporin A) on sE‐selectin levels.Methods:Fourteen patients with severe AD and 41 healthy controls were studied. sE‐selectin was measured by ELISA both 2 weeks before therapy with cyclosporin A and after 16 weeks of treatment.Results:At baseline, the level of sE‐selectin was significantly higher in patients with AD than in healthy control subjects (P<0.0001). After treatment of AD with cyclosporin A, there was a significant reduction of the sE‐selectin levels (P<0.0001). In addition, changes in sE‐selectin levels significantly correlated with changes in disease activity parameters such as severity (P<0.002) and extent of disease (P<0.049).Conclusions:Soluble E‐selectin is a new serologic marker in AD which reflects disease activity. Therefore, soluble E‐selectin may be a useful parameter in the monitoring of this disease.Abbreviations: AD: atopic dermatitis; sE‐selectin: soluble E‐selectin; CsA: cyclosporin A; SEM: standard error of mean; ELISA: enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; VCAM: vascular adhesion molecule; ICAM: intercellular adhesion molecule; ELAM: endothelial cell‐leukocyte adhesion molecule; LEC‐CAM: leukocyte‐endothelial cell – cellular adhesion molecule.
Bronchial allergen challenge in subjects with low levels of allergic sensitization to indoor allergens
Authors: Witteman AM , Jansen HM , Van Der Zee JS , Mulder M , Aalberse RC , Witteman AM 
Published: March 2003

Background: Low skin reactivity to common inhalant allergens is frequently found in asymptomatic individuals as well as in patients with respiratory complaints. However, most studies on bronchial allergen challenge concern patients with high levels of allergic sensitization. The present study was directed to bronchial reactions after allergen challenge in subjects with low skin reactivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or cat dander. Methods: Titrated intracutaneous skin tests, skin prick tests, specific IgE assays, histamine release on washed leukocytes, and bronchial histamine and allergen‐challenge tests were performed in 20 subjects with an intracutaneous skin test threshold for cat dander (Felis domesticus) or D. pteronyssinus above 0.1 BU/ml (mean wheal diameter in skin prick test with 10 000 BU/ml: 4.4 mm). Ten of the 20 patients had specific IgE below the detection limit in at least one of the three IgE assays which were done. Fifteen patients had a specific IgE level below 2 kU/l in all three tests. As a positive control group, the same parameters were studied in seven moderately sensitized patients with an intracutaneous skin test threshold below 0.1 BU/ml (mean wheal diameter with 10 000 BU/ml: 7.2 mm). Results: The 20 subjects with low levels of allergic sensitization had an early decrease in FEV1 of 8.6% (P<0.01) and a mean late decrease of 6.3% (P<0.05). There was a trend for decrease in PC20 histamine 24 h after allergen challenge (−0.4 doubling doses, P=0.09). Conclusions: In this group of subjects with low levels of allergic sensitization, a statistically significant early and late decrease in FEV1 was found. However, the decrease in lung function was small and unnoticed by most patients. The increase in nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness after bronchial allergen challenge did not reach statistical significance in the study group. The results indicate that allergen exposure in patients with low levels of allergic sensitization may lead to airways changes in the absence of acute symptoms.
Comparison of peak expiratory flows and FEV1 in assessing immediate asthmatic reactions due to occupational agents
Authors: Weytjens K , Malo J‐L , Cartier A , Ghezzo H , Delwiche J‐P , Vandenplas O 
Published: March 2003

Background: FEV1 is more sensitive than PEF in assessing late asthmatic responses (LAR) after specific inhalation challenges (SIC) with occupational agents. As immediate asthmatic reactions (IAR) mainly involve proximal airways, PEF may, however, be as valid as FEV1. Methods: Thirty‐seven subjects who experienced an immediate fall in FEV1 of ≥20% during SIC with occupational agents and 20 subjects with fall of ≤10% in FEV1 were included. Both FEV1 and PEF were measured in a random order every 10 min for 1 h after exposure. We corrected PEF (PEFc) for inaccuracies of the mini‐Wright meters by the Miller equation. Results: Maximum changes in PEFc (30±11%) were not significantly different from changes in FEV1 (27±5%) (P=0.13). Their timings after exposure were 14±11 min and 17±17 min, respectively (P=0.4). High sensitivity (92%), specificity (95%), accuracy (93%), and positive predictive value (97%) were found for a 20% fall in PEFc to detect a significant IAR. Results were better and not influenced by meter inaccuracies with a cutoff point of 15% change in noncorrected PEF (PEFnc). An absolute decrease in PEF of 70 l/min gave a good discrimination between reactions with and without an asthmatic response. Conclusions: PEF is as satisfactory as FEV1 for detecting a significant IAR after exposure to an occupational agent if one considers a cutoff point of

1)15% fall in PEF

2)20% fall in PEFc

3)20% fall and/or 70 l/min decrease in PEFnc.
Allergens of Epicoccum nigrum grown in different media for quality source material
Authors: Bisht V. , Singh B. P. , Arora N. , Sridhara S. , Gaur S. N. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The Epicoccum nigrum (EN) extract used in allergy disorders exhibits batch‐to‐batch variations in protein composition and allergenic potency. In this study, the allergens of EN grown in different media were investigated. Methods: EN was grown in five different nutrient media as stationary cultures at 25°C for 5–23 days. The growth pattern was characterized by measuring dry weight, and protein and carbohydrate content. The antigenic and allergenic content of EN extract was evaluated with EN‐positive patients' sera and antibodies raised in rabbit. Results: The growth of EN in Czapeck Dox medium yielded insufficient material, while Sabouraud's broth with yeast extract (SBY) gave maximum spore‐mycelial mass and protein content. Potato dextrose broth (PDB) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) showed higher dry weight and protein in 7–9‐day cultures. SDS–PAGE resolved 26, 22, and 21 protein bands in EN extracts from cultures of day‐13 SBY, day‐7 PDB, and day‐9 PDA, respectively. IgE/IgG immunoblots showed more allergenic (
25)/antigenic (
25) bands in EN cultured in SBY than in the others. Specific IgE ELISA and intradermal tests showed EN extract from day‐13 culture in SBY to be the most potent. Conclusions: The day‐13 culture of EN in SBY was the most potent and may be selected for preparing EN extracts for diagnosis of allergy and future studies.
Involvement of inferior turbinate mucosa in chronic sinusitis – localization of T‐cell subset
Authors: Grevers G. , Klemens A. , Sturm C. , Menauer F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In chronic sinusitis (CS), different subsets of leukocytes are involved in development of persistent inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The localization and differentiation of these infiltrating lymphocytes may help us to understand the inflammatory interactions in the epithelium, lamina propria, and seromucous glands of the nasal mucosa in CS. Methods: We examined frozen sections of inferior turbinates from 14 patients with nonallergic CS and 10 normal nonallergic controls. We used the avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase (ABC) technique with monoclonal antibodies against CD3 (total T cells), CD4 (T‐helper/inducer cells), CD8 (T‐suppressor/cytotoxic cells), CD22 (B cells), CD56 (natural killer cells), elastase (neutrophil granulocytes), eosinophil cationic protein (eosinophil granulocytes), and CD68 (macrophages). Results: We found significant increases (P<0.05) of CD3, CD4, and CD8 T cells and B cells in the nasal mucosa of patients with CS. The number of CD68 cells and eosinophils showed no significant rise. Conclusions: The different types of leukocytes play a key role in the defense of the respiratory tract. The analysis of the distribution of cells in the epithelium, mucosa, and glands of the inferior turbinate confirmed that nonallergic CS is, in fact, chronic, bacterial rhinosinusitis involving the inferior turbinates, and that the pathomechanism is therefore different from that of nasal polyposis.
Aluminium‐induced granulomas after inaccurate intradermal hyposensitization injections of aluminium‐adsorbed depot preparations
Authors: Vogelbruch M. , Nuss B. , Körner M. , Kapp A. , Kiehl P. , Bohm W. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The development of persistent subcutaneous nodules at the injection sites of aluminium‐adsorbed hyposensitization solutions is rare. These nodules have been interpreted as a delayed, granulomatous hypersensitivity reaction to aluminium. We report for the first time a case of persistent intradermal granulomas that developed at the sites of inaccurate intradermal, instead of subcutaneous, hyposensitization injections. Methods: An intradermal nodule was excised and processed for histopathology, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray microanalysis. Intradermal and patch tests with aluminium hydroxide were performed. Results: Histologically, the nodule presented a pattern of granulomatous inflammatory reaction surrounding foci of necrotic tissue. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis revealed deposits of aluminium within the granulomas. Patch tests with aluminium hydroxide were negative, and intradermal tests caused persistent intradermal granulomas. Subsequent hyposensitization therapy in our department with the usual subcutaneous injections of aluminium‐adsorbed allergen extracts was well tolerated by the patient. Conclusions: Local toxic effects of aluminium may be crucial in the development of persistent intradermal injection‐site granulomas. Such intradermal nodules may develop even if the subcutaneous route is well tolerated. We conclude that inaccurate intradermal injections of aluminium‐containing solutions have to be strictly avoided.
The prevalence of skin‐test‐positive allergic rhinitis in Danish adults: two cross‐sectional surveys 8 years apart.The Copenhagen Allergy Study
Authors: Linneberg A. , Jørgensen T. , Nielsen N. Henrik , Madsen F. , Frølund L. , Dirksen A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: It is disputed whether increases in self‐reported respiratory allergy represent a true increase or merely increased recognition. We aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of skin‐prick‐test (SPT)‐positive allergic rhinitis had increased in an adult general population in Copenhagen, Denmark. Methods: Two cross‐sectional surveys were carried out in 1990 and 1998. A screening questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in random samples of 15–41‐year‐olds preceded both surveys. Among the responders, random samples were invited to a health examination including SPT. Totals of 312 (participation rate 74.6%) and 482 (participation rate 53.4%) subjects were examined in 1990 and 1998, respectively. Diagnoses of SPT‐positive allergic rhinitis were based on a history of nasal symptoms on exposure to allergens and SPT positivity to allergens. Results: The prevalence of a diagnosis of SPT‐positive allergic rhinitis increased from 12.9% to 22.5% (adjusted odds ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.30–2.90), whereas the prevalence of a positive SPT (allergen histamine wheal ratio ≥0.5) to one or more of 10 allergens increased from 27.7% to 33.9% (adjusted odds ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.05–2.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of SPT‐positive allergic rhinitis has increased significantly. Our findings indicate that a true increase in respiratory allergy has occurred.
The effect of Chinese herbal medicine, xiao‐qing‐long tang (XQLT), on allergen‐induced bronchial inflammation in mite‐sensitized mice
Authors: Kao S. T. , Wang S. T. , Yu C. K. , Lei H. Y. , Wang J. Y. 
Published: March 2003

Background: There are detailed descriptions of the clinical experiences and prescriptions of asthma in traditional Chinese medicine. Xiao‐qing‐long tang (XQLT), or sho‐seiryo‐to by its Japanese name, is one of the Chinese herbal medicines used to treat bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis for centuries. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of this medication are still far from clear. In this study, a house‐dust‐mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus [Der p])‐sensitized murine model of asthma was used to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of XQLT on the allergen‐induced airway inflammation in asthma. Methods: Three different protocols were designed to evaluate the treatment and/or long‐term prophylactic effect of XQLT in Der p‐sensitized mice. XQLT extracts (1 gm/kg) were administered to sensitized mice 1 h before allergen challenge (AC) (group A), 24 h after AC (group B), and every other day six times before AC (group C), respectively. Cellular infiltration and T‐cell subsets in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of allergen‐challenged mice were analyzed. Intrapulmonary lymphocytes were also isolated to evaluate their response to allergen stimulation. Results: When XQLT was administered to the sensitized mice before AC (groups A and C), it suppressed airway inflammation by decreasing the number of total cells and eosinophil infiltration in the BALF, and downregulated the allergen‐ or mitogen‐induced intrapulmonary lymphocyte response of sensitized mice as compared to those of controls. This immunomodulatory effect of XQLT may be exerted through the regulation of T‐cell subsets by elevation or activation of the CD8+ and double‐negative T‐cell population in the lung. However, the administration of XQLT to sensitized mice 24 h after AC (group B) did not have the same inhibitory effect on the airway inflammation as XQLT given before AC. Conclusions: The administration of XQLT before AC has the immunomodulatory effect of reducing bronchial inflammation in the allergen‐sensitized mice.
Reduction of exercise‐induced asthma oxidative stress by lycopene, a natural antioxidant
Authors: Neuman I. , Nahum H. , Ben‐Amotz A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Lycopene has previously been shown to have high antioxidative activity. In view of the controversy regarding the beneficial effect of antioxidants on asthma, the acute effects of lycopene (LYC‐O‐MATOTM) on airway hyperreactivity were assessed in patients with exercise‐induced asthma (EIA). Methods: Twenty patients with EIA participated in our study to verify the antioxidative effects. The test was based on the following sequence: measurement of baseline pulmonary function, 7‐min exercise session on a motorized treadmill, 8‐min rest and again measurement of pulmonary function, 1‐week, oral, randomly administered, double‐blind supplementation of placebo or 30 mg/day of lycopene (LYC‐O‐MATO), measurement of pulmonary function at rest, 7‐min exercise session, and 8‐min rest and again measurement of pulmonary function. A 4‐week washout interval was allowed between each protocol. Results: All patients given placebo showed significant postexercise reduction of more than 15% in their forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). After receiving a daily dose of 30 mg of lycopene for 1 week, 11 (55%) patients were significantly protected against EIA. Serum analyses of the patients by high‐pressure liquid chromatography detected in the lycopene‐supplemented patients an elevated level of lycopene compared to the placebo group, with no change in retinol, tocopherols, or in the other carotenoids. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a daily dose of lycopene exerts a protective effect against EIA in some patients, most probably through an in vivo antioxidative effect.
Sensitization to the fungus Hemileia vastatrix (coffee leaf rust)
Authors: Croce Portocarrero M. A. , Da Costa Manso E. Rosa , Gambale W. , Takayama L. , Oliveira Andrade C. E. , Pereira Pinto J. H. , Morato Castro F. F. , Croce J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the existence of sensitization to the fungus Hemileia vastatrix (coffee leaf rust) in a sample of the Brazilian population. This fungus attacks coffee plantations, and in some regions of Brazil the concentration of its spores in the air can be very high. Methods: A total of 378 individuals underwent skin tests (prick and intradermal tests) with H. vastatrix extract. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the occurrence of atopy and the region where they lived (coffee‐growing or non‐coffee‐growing regions), and another group (V) consisted of 50 rural workers employed on coffee plantations. The presence of specific IgE against the fungus H. vastatrix in sensitized individuals was demonstrated in vitro by immunoblotting. Results: There was no statistical difference in comparing the results with intradermal or prick tests. The incidence of positive tests was significantly higher among atopic individuals residing in coffee‐growing regions (14.7%). Among rural workers, 10% showed positive tests. Immunoblotting revealed specific IgE against 20 protein bands of H. vastatrix. Conclusions: The fungus H. vastatrix may be an important allergen in coffee‐producing countries. The sensitization is more frequent among atopic individuals residing in coffee‐growing regions.
Molecular features determining lymphocyte reactivity in allergic contact dermatitis to chloramphenicol and azidamphenicol
Authors: Sachs B. , Erdmann S. , Al Masaoudi T. , Merk H. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We report on two cases of allergic contact dermatitis to chloramphenicol and azidamphenicol respectively, with in vivo and in vitro lymphocyte reactivity to both compounds. The molecular features determining lymphocyte reactivity were explored because chloramphenicol, azidamphenicol, and thiamphenicol exhibit almost identical chemical structures. Methods: With chloramphenicol, azidamphenicol, and the chemically related thiamphenicol, we performed patch tests and lymphocyte transformation tests with both patients. Furthermore, the interleukin‐5 and interferon‐γ concentrations in the cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of one patient were determined. Results: Patch tests showed delayed hypersensitivity reactions to chloramphenicol and azidamphenicol, but not to thiamphenicol. These results were confirmed by lymphocyte transformation tests with peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the patients, showing a proliferative T‐cell response to azidamphenicol and chloramphenicol. Moreover, lymphocytes from one patient secreted large amounts of interleukin‐5, but not of interferon‐γ upon coculture with azidamphenicol. Conclusions: Since lymphocyte reactivity was observed to chloramphenicol and azidamphenicol, but not to thiamphenicol, the epitope(s) recognized by the allergen‐reactive T cells may be formed by the nitro‐group of the benzene ring shared by chloramphenicol and azidamphenicol.
Is obesity a risk factor for childhood asthma?
Authors: Von Kries R. , Hermann M. , Grunert V. P. , Von Mutius E. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In adolescents and adults, an association between obesity and asthma was found in females. Does this sex‐specific association already exist in young children? Methods: Questionnaire data on 9357 5‐ and 6‐year‐old German children were collected in 1997 in two rural regions in Bavaria. The diagnosis of asthma, hay fever, and eczema was ascertained with the ISAAC core and other validated questions. Overweight was defined by a BMI of >90th and ≤97th percentile and obesity by a BMI of >97th percentile. Results: The lifetime prevalence of doctor's diagnosed asthma in girls was 3.5% (95% CI 2.9–4.1%) for normal weight, 5.8% (95% CI 3.2–8.4%) for overweight, and 10.3% (95% CI 5.3–15.2%) for obesity, whereas no relation to weight was found in boys. Hay fever and eczema were unrelated to weight in girls and boys. The adjusted odds ratio for asthma in girls was 2.12 (95% CI 1.22–3.68) for overweight and 2.33 (95% CI 1.13–4.82) for obesity. Conclusions: A sex‐specific association with doctor's diagnosed asthma was also observed in girls at school entry. Since this association was confined to doctor's diagnosed asthma in the absence of other atopic conditions, and no association with other atopic manifestations was found, we hypothesize that this association is related to factors other than atopic sensitization.