bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining a β2‐agonist with a face mask to prevent exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Millqvist E. , Bengtsson U. , Löwhagen O. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In this study, we aimed to test the effect of combining a β2‐agonist with a heat‐ and moisture‐exchanging cellulose face mask in patients with bronchoconstriction induced by exercise in cold air. Methods: Nine allergic, asthmatic patients with a history of adverse reaction to exercise were tested on an ergometric bicycle at a temperature of approximately −10°C. They were in turn given no treatment, given premedication with a β2‐agonist, allowed to breathe through a heat‐ and moisture‐exchanging cellulose face mask, and given both premedication and the face mask. After each treatment regimen, they were subjected to provocation with exercise and cold air. Results: The decrease in FEV1was greatest with no therapy (mean maximal change: 27%), and this diminished when the face mask was used (mean maximal change: 12%) or premedication with a β2‐agonist was given (mean maximal change: 7%); no decrease in FEV1 occurred with the combination of agonist and face mask. Conclusions: The results suggest that different mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). This finding may be of importance for asthmatic athletes who train and compete in a cold climate and are affected by small changes in their lung function.
Intolerance of osteosynthesis material: evidence of dichromate contact allergy with concomitant oligoclonal T‐cell infiltrate and TH1‐type cytokine expression in the peri‐implantar tissue
Authors: Thomas P. , Summer B. , Sander C. A. , Przybilla B. , Thomas M. , Naumann T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We report on a 37‐year‐old man without history of previous allergic disease who developed an aseptic intolerance reaction to a chromium‐cobalt alloy, with local discomfort, loosening, and absence of fracture healing. Both in vivo and in vitro allergoimmunologic diagnostic tests were performed. Methods: Patch testing was done with a European standard series. Specific serum IgE was measured by CAP‐FEIA. In addition to immunohistology (APAAP method), peri‐implantar tissue was further analyzed by PCR to determine T‐cell‐receptor‐γ rearrangement and thus the potential clonal (antigen‐driven) T‐cell repertoire. The actual tissue mRNA expression for IL‐4, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ was visualized by RT‐PCR. Results: Skin testing gave a delayed‐type reaction to dichromate. Specific serum IgE to natural rubber latex and grass pollen was found – but without clinical symptoms. Immunohistology revealed a monocytic and dense T‐cell infiltrate. The latter, instead of being random, showed an oligoclonal T‐cell receptor rearrangement. In addition, there was TH1‐type mediator expression (IL‐6 and IFN‐γ, but not IL‐4). Conclusions: Skin test, examination of peri‐implantar tissue, and the prompt healing after replacement of the osteosynthesis material suggest an allergic reaction. PCR analysis of peri‐implantar tissue can further help to identify and understand allergy‐mediated implant intolerance reactions.
Atopic dermatitis in 5–6‐year‐old Swedish children: cumulative incidence, point prevalence, and severity scoring
Authors: Broberg A. , Svensson Å , Borres M. P. , Berg R. 
Published: March 2003

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the cumulative incidence, point prevalence, and severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in a pediatric population. We also aimed to identify differential diagnoses relevant to AD in this population. Methods: Children scheduled for a health visit at 5.5 years of age were selected consecutively during the period October 1997–March 1998 from two cities in southern Sweden (Göteborg and Kristianstad). Schultz Larsen's questionnaire was used to evaluate the cumulative incidence of AD. Clinical examination was performed by dermatologists (A.B. and Å.S.) for those children with active eczema. The UK working party's criteria were used for the clinical diagnosis of AD. The SCORAD index was used to evaluate the severity of eczema. This index includes evaluation of extent, intensity, and subjective symptoms to a maximum score of 103 points. Results: In Göteborg 1219 and in Kristianstad 742 questionnaires were answered regarding 1961 children, 1004 boys and 957 girls. The response rate was 89%. According to the answers to Schultz Larsen's questionnaire, the cumulative incidence of AD in the whole material was 20.7% (406/1961) (CI 95% 18.9–22.5). In Göteborg, 104 of the examined children fulfilled the UK working party's criteria, equivalent to a point prevalence of 8.5% (CI 95% 7.0–10.1). In Kristianstad, the corresponding point prevalence was 11.5% (CI 95% 9.2–13.8). The severity of AD was evaluated in all children with visible eczema. SCORAD evaluation was performed in 155 of the 157 children with visible eczema. The majority of children had mild or moderate eczema; mean value 20.5 (CI 95% 18.7–22.3), median 19.6. Of the 96 children who did not fulfil the criteria of AD, other skin disorders were diagnosed in 51 at the clinical examination. Dry skin was by far the most common differential diagnosis. Conclusions: We have used validated protocols to evaluate the cumulative incidence, point prevalence, and severity of AD in a population‐based study in southern Sweden The present study, involving a rural and urban pediatric population, shows that AD is common, usually classified as mild or moderate, and seems to increase over time.
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)‐pollen allergy in central Europe:specific role of pollen panallergens and the major allergen of ash pollen, Fra e 1
Authors: Hemmer W. , Focke M. , Wantke F. , Götz M. , Jarisch R. , Jäger S. , Götz M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The role of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) pollen as a cause of spring pollinosis in central Europe has received little attention. It is not clear whether ash pollen is a primary cause of sensitization or whether it is implicated through cross‐sensitization to other pollens. Methods: Over a 22‐month period, ash pollen was included in a screening series for inhalant allergies. Pollen data were documented from 1976 through 1999. The frequency of IgE‐binding to the ash‐specific allergen Fra e 1 and pollen panallergens, respectively, was compared by Western blot between mono‐ (n=6), oligo‐ (n=16), and polysensitized (n=25) patients. Results: Of 5416 consecutive patients sensitized to any pollen, 920 (17.6%) had a positive skin prick test to ash. Total pollen counts varied extensively between years (229–5351) as did peak concentrations (23–837 grains/m3/24 h). Western blotting revealed Fra e 1 sensitization in 100% of monosensitized, 93% of oligosensitized, but only 44% of polysensitized patients. IgE against profilins (Fra e 2), Ca‐binding proteins (Fra e 3), and carbohydrate epitopes in the three groups was found in 0/0/17%, 0/19/31%, and 32/72/60%, respectively. At least 50% of sera from patients with Fra e 1 sensitization did not bind with the protein in Western blots under reducing conditions. Conclusions: Ash pollen should be considered a relevant factor and distinct entity in spring pollinosis. In all, only 20% of positive skin tests to ash appear to result from cross‐sensitization to pollen panallergens.
Identification and characterization of the major allergens of buckwheat
Authors: Park J. W. , Kang D. B. , Kim C. W. , Ko S. H. , Yum H. Y. , Kim K. E. , Hong C‐S. , Lee K. Y. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Buckwheat (BW) has been recognized as a common food allergen in Korea, Japan, and other countries. Until now, serologic findings of BW food‐allergic patients and its major allergenic components have not been clarified. In this study, we analyzed the serologic findings of BW food allergy and characterized its major allergenic components. Methods: Nineteen BW‐allergic subjects with symptoms after BW ingestion and 15 asymptomatic control subjects with positive skin prick test to BW were recruited. BW‐specific IgE was measured with the Pharmacia CAP kit. Allergenic components of BW were analyzed by IgE immunoblotting, periodate oxidation, two‐dimensonal PAGE, and sequencing of N‐terminal amino acids. Results: From the BW‐allergic patients and asymptomatic controls, the sensitivity (100%), specificity (53%), and negative (100%) and positive predictive values (73%) of Pharmacia CAP specific IgE for diagnosis were estimated. The prevalence of IgE binding to 24‐kDa (pI 8.3), 16‐kDa (pI 5.6), and 9‐kDa (pI 5.0/6.0) allergens was higher than 50% in BW‐allergic and asymptomatic subjects. However, the specific IgE to split 19‐kDa (pI 6.5/7.0) allergens were more specifically found in BW‐allergic patients than in asymptomatic subjects (78%vs 7%). N‐terminal amino‐acid sequences of 19‐kDa and 16‐kDa allergens showed moderate and weak homology to the 19‐kDa globulin protein of rice and α‐amylase/trypsin inhibitor of millet, respectively. The N‐terminus of the 9‐kDa isoallergens were not different from each other and were identified as the reported trypsin inhibitors of BW. Attenuation of the IgE binding to the 9‐kDa allergen was found with periodate oxidation. Conclusions: The allergens of 24, 19, 16, and 9 kDa are strong candidates to be major allergens, and the 19‐kDa allergen was relatively specific for BW‐allergic patients. Moreover, measurement of BW‐specific IgE and the features of immunoblotting should be very useful tools in the diagnosis of BW allergy.
Frequency of natural rubber latex allergy in adults is increased after multiple operative procedures
Authors: Ruëff F. , Kienitz A. , Schöpf P. , Hugo Hartl W. , Andreβ H. ‐ J. , Zaak D. , Menninger M. , Przybilla B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: It has been shown that immediate‐type allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) affects predominantly health‐care workers and infants with malformations requiring repeated medical procedures. Adult patients with multiple invasive procedures are not thought to be at an increased risk of NRL allergy. Methods: A total of 325 consecutive adult inpatients (54.4±15.6 years; 219 men, 106 women) awaiting surgical or urologic procedures were assessed by questionnaire‐based history (atopic diseases, number of previous standard operative or endoscopic procedures, intolerance to rubber products, and adverse reactions during medical care), by skin prick tests with different NRL test solutions, by measurement of NRL‐specific IgE in the serum, and, if sensitization to NRL was found, by cutaneous challenge tests with NRL‐containing material. Subjects were classified as sensitized to NRL if skin prick test reactions to NRL were positive or if NRL‐specific IgE antibodies were found. NRL allergy was defined as NRL sensitization and immediate‐type symptoms to NRL. Results: Thirty‐one of 325 (9.5%) subjects were found to be sensitized to NRL, 14/285 (4.9%) by skin prick testing and 23/323 (7.1%) by NRL‐specific IgE antibodies in the serum. Four individuals (1.2%) were diagnosed as having clinically manifest NRL allergy, and another 27 (8.3%) were sensitized to NRL without symptoms to date. The frequency of previous invasive procedures was zero in eight patients, up to 10 in 245, 11–20 in 52, 21–30 in seven, and over 30 (up to 83) in 13 patients. No association was found between the number of invasive procedures and NRL sensitization without clinical symptoms. However, 3/4 patients with NRL allergy had undergone more than 30 interventions, and 1/4 had had 11 operations. Frequent invasive procedures (more than 10) were significantly associated with NRL allergy (P<0.001). Allergy or sensitization to NRL was associated with atopy (21/31 vs 87/294) (P<0.001). Conclusions: A remarkable percentage of unselected adult patients undergoing surgical procedures have allergy or sensitization to NRL. Repeated invasive treatment appears to be a risk factor for NRL allergy.
Hidden peanut allergens detected in various foods: findings and legal measures
Authors: Schäppi G. F. , Konrad V. , Imhof D. , Etter R. , Wüthrich B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Undeclared allergens in foodstuffs represent a major health problem for sensitized persons. Until recently, most food control authorities were not in the position to monitor hidden allergens and to take legal measures against their presence in foodstuffs. Methods: In this study, we employed human sera‐based immunoassay techniques, enabling semiquantitative detection and identification of peanut allergens in a variety of foodstuffs. Results: This study showed the presence of undeclared allergens in products belonging to various food categories, such as cereals, cookies, cakes, and snacks. The detection limit for peanut contamination was in most instances less than 50 mg peanut material per kg, i.e., less than about 5 mg peanut allergens per kg. We legally objected to products with more than one part per thousand or 1000 mg/kg of peanut contamination. Conclusions: In most cases, food producers, confronted with our results, were able to detect and eliminate the sources of the contamination. They implemented measures to prevent the presence of hidden peanut allergens in their products, increasing food safety for sensitized persons and overall food quality.
Impaired type‐1 activity and increased NK cells in Gleich's syndrome
Authors: García‐Abujeta J. L. , Martín‐Gil D. , Martín M. , López R. , Suárez A. , Rodríguez F. , Jerez J. , López‐Hoyos M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: An altered production of cytokines has been described in Gleich's syndrome. Our aim was to study the cytokine production at the single‐cell level in a patient with Gleich's syndrome and to determine whether it changed during a flare episode. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from a 30‐year‐old woman diagnosed with Gleich's syndrome before and during the subsequent flare of edema of trunk and arms and weight gain. The major lymphoid subsets (CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+) and natural killer (NK) cells were measured by flow cytometry. Cytokine‐producing T cells (IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and IL‐4) were quantified in whole blood by intracellular staining with specific monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry analysis after polyclonal stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and ionomycin. Results: Increased numbers of immature CD4+CD8+ T cells and NK cells were observed in peripheral blood during the asymptomatic period. The latter population significantly decreased during the flare. Type‐1 cells were decreased in both asymptomatic and, more markedly, during the attack with respect to healthy subjects. Conclusions: The decreased type‐1 response demonstrated in this patient might be the basis of the hypereosinophilia of Gleich's syndrome. Besides, the NK cells might play a role in the pathogenesis of these inflammatory episodes.
Influence of early and current environmental exposure factors on sensitization and outcome of asthma in pre‐school children
Authors: Melén E. , Wickman M. , Nordvall S. , Van Hage‐Hamsten M. , Lindfors A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Exposure to furred pets in early life has been considered to increase the risk of allergic sensitization and consequent development of asthma later in children. However, recently, it has been suggested that early exposure to pets prevents sensitization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of early exposure to pets and other environmental risk factors in asthmatic children. Methods: This is a follow‐up study after 2 years of a previously investigated group of 193 asthmatic children, aged 1–4 years. The study was completed by 181 children, who were clinically examined; serum IgE antibodies were also measured and a questionnaire was answered. Results: Children with reported exposure to cats during the first 2 years of life were more likely to have developed sensitization to cat by 4 years of age than unexposed children. High levels of cat allergen (Fel d 1≥8 µg/g dust) were associated with an increased risk of sensitization to cat and, in combination with tobacco smoke, also with the development of more severe asthma. Conclusions: In young asthmatic children, early exposure to cat and tobacco smoke increased the risk of allergic sensitization and further development of more severe asthma later in childhood.
Exposure to pets and atopy‐related diseases in the first 4 years of life
Authors: Nafstad P. , Magnus P. , Gaarder P. I. , Jaakkola J. J. K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: It is still unclear how early‐life exposure to pets is related to children's risk of developing atopy‐related diseases. We estimated associations between early‐life exposure to pets and atopy‐related diseases at 0‐4 years of life in a cohort of Norwegian children. Methods: A population‐based cohort of 2531 children born in Oslo, Norway, was followed from birth to the age of 4 years. Information on early‐life exposure to pets, a number of possible confounders, and atopy‐related diseases was mainly collected by questionnaire. Results: In logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratio for being exposed to pets in early life (reference category: not exposed) was, for bronchial obstruction at 0–2 years of life, 1.2 (95% confidence interval 0.9, 1.8); for asthma at the age of 4 years, 0.7 (0.5, 1.1); for allergic rhinitis at the age of 4 years, 0.6 (0.4, 1.0); and for atopic eczema at 0–6 months of life, 0.7 (0.5, 0.9). Conclusions: The results indicate that early‐life exposure to pets or lifestyle factors associated with exposure to pets reduce the risk of developing atopy‐related diseases in early childhood. However, these findings might also be explained by selection for keeping pets.
Dentist's occupational asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and allergic contact dermatitis from methacrylates
Authors: Lindström M. , Alanko K. , Keskinen H. , Kanerva L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (meth)acrylates (MA) is common in dental personnel. MAs have also caused asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis, but asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and ACD caused by MAs in the same patient appears to be very rare.Methods: Occupational asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis were diagnosed in a dentist according to patient history, PEF monitoring, and a work‐simulated bronchial provocation test. ACD was diagnosed by skin‐patch testing with MAs with the occlusive Finn Chamber‐technique.Results: The patient's skin‐prick test reactions to common environmental allergens and MAs were negative. The total IgE was not elevated. Occupational asthma was diagnosed by a specific inhalation challenge test in which the patient handled liquid dental MAs for 30 min causing a delayed 23% reduction in FEV1. The provocation test also resulted in rhinoconjunctivitis. On patch testing, positive reactions were provoked by several MAs including 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) to which the patient was occupationally exposed. The patient has not been able to continue her work with dental MAs.Conclusions: A case of occupational asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and ACD caused by dental acrylate compounds is presented. Patients with respiratory hypersensitivity from MAs have to stop working with MAs, whereas patients with ACD from MAs need to avoid direct contact with MAs, but can often continue in their present job if they use no‐touch techniques.
Allergenic cross‐reactivity of Curvularia lunata with other airborne fungal species
Authors: Gupta R. , Singh B. P. , Sridhara S. , Gaur S. N. , Kumar R. , Chaudhary V. K. , Arora N. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Curvularia lunata
is an important fungus for respiratory allergic disorders. Previous studies indicated cross‐reactivity of
Curvularia
with other fungi. However, the cross‐reactive allergenic component (s) were not identified. The present work was carried out to study the shared allergenic components of
C. lunata and others.Methods: Cross‐reactivity studies were performed using pooled hypersensitive patient sera to C. lunata by ELISA, immunoblot, immunoblot inhibition and ELISA inhibition.Results: Many C. lunata sensitive patients showed positive skin test to five other fungi. Alternaria alternata exhibited maximum (68%) whereas Cladosporium herbarum showed the least (17%) skin reactivity. Immunoblots of fungal extracts with pooled sera showed common proteins. Fusarium solani and C. herbarum showed negligible IgE binding. IgE ELISA inhibition with C. lunata showed 92% inhibition whereas A. alternata and E. nigrum showed 84% and 63%, respectively. Immunoblot inhibition with self protein showed complete loss of IgE‐binding activity. Proteins of 26, 31, 38, 45 and 50 kDa of C. lunata were inhibited by A. alternata and E. nigrum, whereas A. fumigatus inhibited 26, 45 and 50 kDa proteins.Conclusions: Significant allergenic cross‐reactivity exists among proteins of C. lunata, A. alternata and E. nigrum. Proteins of 26, 31, 38, 45 and 50 kDa are shared allergens in these fungi.
Purification and partial characterization of the major allergen, Cav p 1, from guinea pig Cavia porcellus
Authors: Fahlbusch B. , Rudeschko O. , Szilagyi U. , Schlott B. , Henzgen M. , Schlenvoigt G. , Schubert H. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergic reaction to guinea pig has been recognized as a problem in domestic settings and work environments for many years. Until recently, limited information was available on the properties of guinea pig allergen(s). In this study the major allergen Cav p 1 was characterized and the N‐terminal amino‐acid sequence was determined.Methods and results: Sera from 40 patients with IgE‐mediated allergy to guinea pigs were investigated by means of immunoblotting using extracts prepared from guinea pig hair and urine. Three major allergens were identified within both sources with molecular weights (MW) of 8 kDa, 17 kDa and 20 kDa, respectively. From aqueous hair extracts the 20 kDa allergen (Cav p 1) was purified to homogeneity by anion exchange chromatography and reverse‐phase HPLC and the N‐terminal amino‐acid sequence was determined. On the basis of the 15 residues, 57% identity was obtained from computer search with a sub‐sequence of MUP (major urinary protein), a member of the lipocalin superfamily. Allergenic relationships among guinea pig allergens derived from various sources (hair and urine) or different animal species (mouse, rat, cat) were studied by ELISA inhibition assays. Neither urine of mouse, rat and cat, nor hair extracts of rat and cat produced appreciable inhibitions in guinea pig ELISA.Conclusion Although the physicochemical characteristics of isolated Cav p 1 are very similar to those for other rodent allergens and furthermore partial sequence identity with Mus m 1 was found, it is clearly shown here to be an immunologically independent major allergen.