bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fagales pollen sensitization in a birch‐free area: a respiratory cohort survey using Fagales pollen extracts and birch recombinant allergens (rBet v 1, rBet v 2, rBet v 4)
Authors: Mari A. , Wallner M. , Ferreira F. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryBackground
Birch allergy is one of the most common pollinosis in areas where exposure to high levels of birch pollen is common. Little is known about birch sensitivity in areas without birch pollen exposure and reactivity to birch‐related species within the Fagales order.Objective
the aim was to evaluate Fagales reactivity within a population not exposed to birch pollen using epidemiological, diagnostic, and laboratory approaches by means of extracts and allergenic molecules.Methods
A cohort of 5335 respiratory allergic patients was screened by means of skin testing birch, hazel, and oak pollen extracts. Patients were from a birch‐free area, but exposed to other Fagales pollen species. A subset of patients was from an intensively cultivated hazel area. A sample of the Fagales allergic population was tested with other Fagales pollen extract (alder, hornbeam, beech, chestnut) and with apple and hazelnut. IgE detection was performed with birch, hazel, oak, apple, and hazelnut extracts, and with Bet v 1, Bet v 2, Bet v 4, and bromelain. IgE immunoblots were performed using birch and hazel extracts. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were analysed by stratifying the allergic population.Results
Twenty‐five percent of the pollen allergic cohort was skin test positive to at least one of the three Fagales species. Combined reactivity to the three species was recorded in 80% of this cohort. Isolated hazel pollen reactivity was recorded in 13.5% of the Fagales allergic patients. Sixty‐six percent of these subjects were from the intensively cultivated hazel area. Reactivity to apple and hazelnut was detected by skin test (40%) and IgE reactivity (60%), but only 19% of the positive patients reported symptoms related to at least one of the two foods. Reactivity to Bet v 1 was recorded in 84% of the birch/hazel/oak co‐reactivity group, and in 28% of the subjects with the same co‐reactivity, but associating a multiple pollen sensitization. IgE to Bet v 2 (50%) and Bet v 4 (23%) panallergens were recorded positive in the latter subset. Bet v 1 prevalence ranged between 48% and 21% among subgroups of patients coming from different areas. Furthermore, an IgE reactivity to hazel‐restricted allergenic components was detected among subjects coming from the same area and having a hazel isolated reactivity.Conclusion
Fagales allergy can be found in birch‐free areas caused by the exposure to other Fagales species. Birch allergens can be useful for mimicking the allergenic extract, but are also the exclusive tools for a fine diagnostic and epidemiological approach to Fagales pollen allergy. Allergenic molecules from the hazel family will increase the panel of available reagents for the molecule‐based approach to allergy diagnosis and therapy.
Allergic sensitization among adults in Tallinn, Estonia
Authors: Raukas‐Kivioja A. , Raukas E. , Loit H.‐M. , Kiviloog J. , Rönmark E. , Larsson K. , Lundbäck B. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryBackground
The prevalence of allergic sensitization has increased worldwide during recent years.Objective
The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of allergic sensitization and to evaluate the influence of age, gender, number of siblings, pet keeping in childhood, and residential area before the age of five on allergic sensitization among adolescents and adults aged 17–66 years in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. A cross‐sectional study was carried out between March 1997 and December 1998.Methods
The sensitization to 15 inhalant allergens was assessed. The associations between sensitization based on skin prick tests (SPTs), symptoms based on a structured interview, and possible risk factors were estimated. A random sample of 516 subjects was included in the study analysis.Results
The prevalence of allergic sensitization was 34.5%, while it was 39.3% in subjects aged 20–44 years. The most prevalent sensitization was against the German cockroach, 15.5%, and it was particularly high among adolescents. It was followed by mugwort, dog, two storage mites species, and cat dander. Subjects with wheezing during the last 12 months, attacks of shortness of breath, wheezing due to furred animals, and allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis had a significantly higher prevalence of positive SPT.Conclusion
We found a surprisingly high prevalence of allergic sensitization among adults in Tallinn. Our results suggest that the cockroach allergen should be included in the investigation panel in order to reach a true prevalence of allergic sensitization in Estonia. Further, the pattern of allergic sensitization in Estonia appears to be different from published data about allergic sensitization in Scandinavia.
Allergen microarray: comparison of microarray using recombinant allergens with conventional diagnostic methods to detect allergen‐specific serum immunoglobulin E
Authors: Jahn‐Schmid B. , Harwanegg C. , Hiller R. , Bohle B. , Ebner C. , Scheiner O. , Mueller M. W. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryBackground
The availability of recombinant allergens and recent advances in biochip technology led to the development of a novel test system for the detection of allergen‐specific IgE.Objective
To test the performance of this allergen microarray in a serological analytical study.Methods
Standard allergens contained in grass pollen (Phl p 1, Phl p 2, Phl p 5 and Phl p 6) and tree pollen (Bet v 1 and Bet v 2) were used as a model system. The detection of allergen‐specific serum IgE using microarrays was compared with standard test systems: CAP/RAST and an in‐house ELISA. In order to test the analytical sensitivity of the assays, geometric dilutions of a serum pool containing high levels of pollen‐specific IgE from allergic individuals were tested in each system. To assess the analytical specificity, the sera of 51 patients with presumptive allergic symptoms were collected before diagnosis. Thereafter, the results for grass/tree‐pollen‐specific IgE were compared.Results
The microarray has a good dynamic range similar to the CAP/RAST system. Microarray and ELISA showed comparable analytical sensitivity exceeding the CAP/RAST system. With respect to the analytical specificity, no significant cross‐reactivity of the allergens was observed. For two of the allergens tested, weak positive signals were detected in the microarray test system, whereas they were not detectable by CAP/RAST.Conclusion
A good correlation of presently used methods to detect serum IgE and the novel microarray test system was observed. As a next step, a careful validation of this method for a multitude of allergens and a thorough clinical evaluation has to be provided.Microarray testing of allergen‐specific IgE can be presumed to be the method of choice for a prospective component‐resolved diagnosis of Type I allergy, and the basis for the design and monitoring of a patient‐tailored specific immunotherapy in the future.
Expression of cysteinyl leukotriene synthetic and signalling proteins in inflammatory cells in active seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Figueroa D. J. , Borish L. , Baramki D. , Philip G. , Austin C. P. , Evans J. F. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryBackground
Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are bioactive lipids that have been shown to contribute to allergic and inflammatory diseases. Eosinophils and mast cells have the capacity to produce large amounts of CysLTs after allergic or non‐allergic stimulation. Molecular identification of both the synthetic and signalling proteins in the CysLT pathway allows the investigation of expression of the CysLT enzymes and receptors in active allergic rhinitis.Objective
We examined the expression of the proteins involved in the synthesis of CysLTs and the cysteinyl leukotriene‐1 (CysLT1) and cysteinyl leukotriene‐2 (CysLT2) receptors in inflammatory cells from patients with active seasonal allergic rhinitis.Methods
Nasal lavage samples were obtained from patients during active seasonal allergic rhinitis. Specific cellular immunocytochemical techniques were used to detect the cysteinyl leukotriene synthetic proteins, namely 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO), 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein (FLAP) and leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S). In situ hybridization and immunocytochemical techniques were used to identify the mRNA and proteins for the CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptors.Results
5‐LO, FLAP and LTC4S, and the CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptors were expressed in the majority of eosinophils and in subsets of mast cells and mononuclear cells. 5‐LO, FLAP and the CysLT1 receptor, but not LTC4S or the CysLT2 receptor, were expressed in a subset of nasal neutrophils.Conclusions
Our study demonstrates the presence of CysLT pathway proteins in key allergic and inflammatory cells from the upper airway of patients with active seasonal allergic rhinitis. Our expression data highlight the potential of CysLT‐modifying agents to treat both upper and lower airway symptoms in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Praiseworthy pragmatism? Validity and action research
Authors: Hope Kevin W. , Waterman Heather A. 
Published: October 2003

Background. Action research has been promoted as a suitable methodology for nursing, but is located in a discourse that challenges its claims of validity. This discourse, influenced by positivism, is similar to that which qualitative researchers have faced.Aim. This article contributes to theoretical discussion of the validity of action research.Findings. Because of similarities, the emergent debates around the reconceptualization of validity in qualitative research are outlined, prior to a consideration of the relative arguments in relation to action research. Three avenues of thought are discerned: that no criteria are required; that parallels with other schools are appropriate; and that new concepts specific to one school of thought should be developed.Conclusions. Because of its ethical and action‐oriented principles, action research offers the potential to address validity issues that remain problematic to ‘pure’ qualitative researchers, and it can be claimed that its pragmatic approach is validity‐enhancing. We argue for the rejection of naïve rule‐based formulae and for recognition of the impact of contextual and pragmatic concerns, so that the potential for the added value of action research might be realized.
Pressure ulcer risk assessment: application of logistic analysis
Authors: Papanikolaou Panos , Lyne Patricia A. , Lycett Emma J. 
Published: October 2003

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative importance of key factors affecting the likelihood of hospital acquired pressure ulcers, thus offering the groundwork for the development of an empirically‐based risk assessment scale. It also evaluated the predictive performance of the underlying empirical model and compared its classification ability with the empirically observed ability of the Waterlow risk assessment scale.Background. Pressure ulcers impose a significant burden on patients and carers and demand substantial resources from the health care system. There is, however, a lack of systematic empirical research on which to base the development of risk assessment measurement tools.Methods. Multivariate statistical methods were applied to data derived from the records of a cross‐sectional sample of around 500 randomly selected inpatient episodes drawn from the population of admissions to a single unit in a large acute hospital during a 2‐year period (October 1996 to September 1998). Double‐checking of a randomly selected 25% sample of the original records and careful screening out of records with incomplete information or inconsistent values was carried out to ensure a high quality sample. Logit analysis was used to investigate the relative contribution of risk factors, such as continence, skin condition, mobility and inter‐hospital transfer to the risk of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcer occurrence, whilst cross‐validation techniques were employed to check the predictive performance of the model.Results. The results suggest that a simplified version of the Waterlow risk assessment tool has satisfactory predictive ability and the potential for further development.Conclusions. Two main conclusions emerged from this study. First, it is both feasible and worthwhile to pursue improvement in the development of risk assessment tools using statistical methods. Second, locally‐determined risk factors will need to be incorporated into the construction of future risk assessment scales.
‘Economy’ line foods from four supermarkets and brand name equivalents: a comparison of their nutrient contents and costs
Authors: Cooper S. , Nelson M. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground  Achieving healthy eating targets for low income households can be difficult because of economic barriers. Several UK supermarkets have introduced ‘value line’ or ‘economy line’ foods to improve their attractiveness to low income consumers.Materials and methods  The costs and nutrient contents of five ‘economy’ line products of four major English supermarkets – Asda, KwikSave, Sainsbury and Tesco – were compared with branded (but not ‘own label’) equivalents. Single samples of tinned tomatoes, long‐life orange juice, potatoes, sausages and white bread were purchased in each supermarket. They represented items of potential importance in relation to ‘healthy’ choices in the shopping baskets of low income households. Nutrients analysed were fat, sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin C, and energy.Results  Economy line foods had a nutrient composition similar to and often better than the branded goods. The economy line products frequently had nutrient contents more in line with the Balance of Good Health (e.g. lower fat and sodium) compared with the branded goods. In terms of nutrients per pence, the economy line products were far better value for money compared with the branded lines.Conclusion  Economy line foods represent excellent value for money and are not nutritionally inferior to the branded products. They have a potentially important role to play in the promotion of healthy eating, especially amongst low income households.
Experience with a new hydrolysed feed in a paediatric gastroenterology clinic
Authors: Flack S. , Lawson M. , Milla P. 
Published: October 2003

Introduction: There are a limited number of hydrolysed feeds on the market designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of children (Macdonald, 2001). Adult feeds are unsuitable for children as the protein content is too high and exceeds requirements (Department of Health, 1991). The energy density of hydrolysed infant formulas is inadequate for this age group: 66 kcal/100 ml vs 100 kcal/100 ml in the trial feed. Currently the only paediatric hydrolysed feed available in the UK is pork‐based and is contraindicated for some ethnic groups. This study has evaluated the use of a new feed for children based on whey hydrolysate.Method: Fifteen subjects, mean age 4.3 years (range 2.7–10.5 years), were recruited. All required a supplementary feed because they were unable to maintain good nutritional status from food alone. Ten subjects were already established on a hydrolysed or elemental feed and five had previously taken a normal diet. Eight had a diagnosis of eosinophilic enteropathy whereas others had food intolerance of unknown aetiology. Subjects were established on the new feed over 4 days and were reviewed after a 28‐day period. Weight and symptom data were recorded at the beginning and end of the trial period. One‐third of the patients were followed up for 2–5 months after completion of the trial.Results: The mean standard deviation score (SDS) for initial weight was −1.5 (range −3.92 to +0.29). After 28 days, SDS mean was −1.5 (range −4.0 to +0.17). The mean change in weight was +0.01 SDS (range −0.61 to +0.73). For children already established on hydrolysed/elemental feeds, mean SDS weight change was +0.01, whereas for patients new to an exclusion diet supplemented with trial feed the change was zero. Of eight children seven (88%) with diarrhoea improved, of three children three (100%) with vomiting improved and five of six children (83%) with abdominal pain improved during the 28‐day trial period. Nine of 15 subjects (or parents) considered that their symptoms improved and they chose to continue with the trial feed. Five of these had been receiving a hydrolysed/elemental feed and four had previously taken a normal diet. At follow‐up 2–5 months later, four of nine children remaining on the trial feed showed positive changes in weight SDS since starting the feed, one child showed a negative change and no weight data were available for the remaining four subjects.Conclusion: This new paediatric feed based on whey hydrolysate is suitable for most ethnic groups, is well accepted and tolerated and provides a more suitable nutrient profile than existing products designed for adults or infants. Objective reporting using standard symptom charts showed that symptoms had markedly improved during the trial period. The results suggest that a trial period of 1 month may not be long enough to establish the efficacy of a new feed using catch‐up growth or improvement in weight SDS as the main outcome measure.This work was supported by Nestlé Clinical Nutrition
Nutrient intake of children consuming breakfast at school clubs in London
Authors: Waddington S. , Rees G. , Frost G. 
Published: October 2003

Introduction: Research into the effectiveness of breakfast clubs has most commonly focused on social benefits to the child and school, such as improved attendance at school, punctuality and improved concentration levels in the classroom (UEA, 2002). Limited research has been undertaken to investigate the nutritional value of the breakfast foods on offer, or the nutritional content of foods consumed by the child. The aim of this study was to find out what children eat and drink at school breakfast clubs in London.Method: The sample population consisted of 98 children (39 boys and 59 girls) aged 5–11 years attending four primary schools in London. Data were collected about the food on offer and the pricing of different food items, demographic data about the children attending the school club, qualitative data on food preferences and a weighed food intake on two different occasions for each child. Statistical tests (anova and chi‐squared tests) and nutrient analysis using Comp‐Eat were carried out.Results: The average nutrient content of the breakfast meal consumed was 330 kcal, 12 g protein, 11 g fat and 49 g carbohydrate. Variation was seen between schools. Generally intakes of vitamin C, calcium and sodium were high and intakes of iron were average. anova between schools showed statistically significant results for a number of nutrients – protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugar, calcium and sodium. Boys were consuming statistically significantly more fat, saturated fat and calcium than girls. One in five children did not have a drink at breakfast. Menu options and pricing of food items varied between the schools and it was noted to influence children's food choice and consumption. Mean energy intakes equated to 18% of the estimated average requirement for boys and 20% for girls, with girls consuming more carbohydrate and sugar, and boys consumed more fat and protein.Discussion: The findings suggest that careful planning of menus should be undertaken with cereal‐based options being offered daily and cooked options only occasionally, and that healthier eating messages can be incorporated effectively into school clubs when supported by the whole school approach to healthy eating.Conclusion: Food offered at school breakfast clubs can contribute substantial nutrients to a child's daily intake and therefore a varied menu, and guided food choices, should be developed incorporating healthier nutrient rich options.This work was supported by Brooke Bond working in partnership with the BDA Community Nutrition Group.
Local immune responses in sensitized sheep following challenge infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta
Authors: Balic A. , Bowles V. M. , Liu Y. S. , Meeusen E. N. T. 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTSheep were sensitized by weekly infections with Teladorsagia circumcincta over a 9‐week period. After a 12‐week rest, sheep were divided into four groups and killed without challenge or 3, 5 and 10 days post challenge (DPC) with 50 000 L3. Recovery of challenge larvae from abomasal scrapings was highest at 3 DPC while no parasites were recovered by 10 DPC. Abomasal lymph nodes (ALN) of challenged sheep were significantly larger at 5 DPC, coinciding with an increase in the proportion of CD4 T cells and a decrease in CD21+ cells, probably reflecting the loss of CD21 from terminally differentiated antibody secreting cells. A significant increase was observed in γδ‐TCR+ cells at 3 DPC in the ALN, while their number slightly decreased in the abomasal tissues throughout the challenge period. The number of tissue eosinophils was dramatically increased after challenge compared with the unchallenged controls, with a peak at 3 DPC, coinciding with the peak in larval recovery. CD4+ cells significantly increased in the abomasal tissues at 5 DPC, while no changes in globule leucocytes were observed until 10 DPC. Antibody‐secreting cell probes (ASC‐probes) generated from the ALN showed highest reactivity against larval antigens at 5 DPC. This reactivity was predominantly directed against regions between 90 and 100 kDa and 30–35 kDa in the L3 preparation and lower molecular weight antigens in the L4. No reactivity was observed against the adult extract. The 30–35 kDa antigen seemed to exist as a high molecular weight complex in L3 homogenate and was not susceptible to protease K treatment, suggesting it may be non‐protein in nature.
Fire‐related cues break seed dormancy of six legumes of tropical eucalypt savannas in north‐eastern Australia
Authors: WILLIAMS PAUL R. , CONGDON ROBERT A. , GRICE ANTHONY C. , CLARKE PETER J. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract This paper describes an assessment of the effect of exposure to fire‐related cues (heat shock, smoke and nitrate) and the interactions between the cues on seed dormancy release of tropical savanna legumes in north‐eastern Australia. Ten legume species were tested, comprising both native and exotic species. The ten species responded variously to the treatments. Brief exposure to temperatures between 80 and 100°C was found to break the seed dormancy of the native ephemeral herbs Chamaecrista mimosoides, Crotalaria calycina, Crotalaria montana, Indigofera hirsuta and Tephrosia juncea, as well as the exotic ephemeral herb Crotalaria lanceolata. Exposure to 80°C combined with treatment with a nitrate solution produced an additive effect on the germination of Chamaecrista mimosoides and Crotalaria lanceolata. However, the four species with the heaviest seeds, two exotic ephemeral herbs (Chamaecrista absus and Crotalaria pallida) and two native perennials (Galactia tenuiflora and Glycine tomentella) displayed no significant increase in germination with exposure to fire‐related cues. Exposure to 120°C for 5 min produced seed mortality in all species tested. Two of the largest seeded species, Crotalaria pallida and Galactia tenuiflora, displayed the lowest tolerance to heat shock, with seed mortality after exposure to 100°C for 5 min. These data indicate that fire can promote the germination of some tropical savanna legumes. As a proportion of seeds of each species displayed no innate dormancy, some germination may occur in the absence of fire, especially of exotic species.