bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA to quantify the major allergen of Artemisia vulgaris pollen, Art v 1
Authors: Jimeno L. , Duffort O. , Serrano C. , Barber D. , Polo F. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Pollen of Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) is a relevant cause of pollinosis in temperate and humid regions. Recently, the major allergen of this pollen, Art v 1, has been characterized.Objective:  To develop a monoclonal antibody (mAb)‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify Art v 1, and to assess the correlation of Art v 1 content with the biological activity of mugwort pollen extracts.Methods:  Art v 1‐specific mAbs were obtained from a BALB/c mouse immunized with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐purified Art v 1. One of these antibodies (Av 3.7), which recognizes the N‐terminal defensin‐like domain of Art v 1, was used as the capture antibody in an ELISA method for allergen quantitation. An anti‐A. vulgaris rabbit serum was used as the second antibody. Art v 1 was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography and used as the standard in the assay.Results:  The purity and identity of the affinity‐purified Art v 1 was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE), mass spectrometry, amino acid composition, and N‐terminal amino acid sequencing. The prevalence of specific IgE against Art v 1, determined by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) in a population of 44 mugwort‐allergic patients, was 79%. The Art v 1‐ELISA developed displays a detection limit of 0.1 ng/ml, and a practical working range of 0.2–10 ng/ml. The concentration of Art v 1 was measured in 10 A. vulgaris pollen extracts, and a good correlation was observed between the Art v 1 content and the allergenic activity of the extracts.Conclusions:  The results prove the usefulness of the Art v 1‐ELISA for the standardization of A. vulgaris pollen extracts intended for clinical use.
IgE level and Phadiatop® in an elderly population from the PAQUID cohort: relationship to respiratory symptoms and smoking
Authors: Raherison C. , Nejjari C. , Marty M. L. , Filleul L. , Barberger‐Gateau P. , Dartigues J. F. , Tessier J. F. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  In the last decades in industrialized countries, the increase of life expectancy has resulted in an increase in the population of the elderly. However, little is known about the prevalence of allergies in the elderly population. The aim of the study was to investigate the specific relationship of serum IgE and Phadiatop, with asthma, rhinitis, and smoking in a sample of an elderly population.Methods:  Subjects from the Paquid cohort living in Gironde Department (age 65 years and over) in France were followed up since 1988 (PAQUID cohort).Results:  Among the randomized sample of 352 subjects, there were 158 men (45%) and 194 women (55%). The lowest levels of IgE were in subjects with chronic sputum; and in normal subjects (47.1 ± 56.4 vs 56.2 ± 73.9, NS). Multiple linear regression was performed with log10 IgE values as a dependent variable and age, Phadiatop test, smoking, and respiratory symptoms independently in men and in women. In men, a significant relationship was observed between IgE values and Phadiatop test (P < 0.001), asthma history (P = 0.002), and smoking (P = 0.019).Conclusions:  Respiratory allergy is present in persons >65 years of age. There is an association between smoking and IgE level independent of allergic reactivity to common allergens in the elderly.
Birch pollen‐related food as a provocation factor of allergic symptoms in children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome
Authors: Breuer K. , Wulf A. , Constien A. , Tetau D. , Kapp A. , Werfel T. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Food allergy to cow's milk or hen's egg is a common problem in children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) but the role of birch pollen‐related food for the induction of allergic symptoms is still not clear.Patients/methods:  Twelve children (median age 5 years) with AEDS underwent an oral challenge with those birch pollen‐related foods which were reported to induce no immediate symptoms, but were consumed on a regular basis. Total IgE and specific IgE to birch pollen, Bet v 1/2 and various birch pollen‐related foods were determined.Results:  Seven of 12 children showed immediate and/or late eczematous reactions upon ingestion of birch pollen‐related foodstuff. Four children showed a worsening of eczema 24 h upon oral challenge with a significant difference in SCORAD before and after challenge. There were no differences in terms of total IgE or birch pollen‐specific IgE between children with a late eczematous response and non‐reacting children.Conclusions:  Birch pollen‐related food may induce allergic symptoms in children with AEDS who exhibit a sensitization to birch pollen. Oral challenge tests should be performed in those children who suffer from severe AEDS and who are highly sensitized to birch pollen allergens even in the absence of a history suggestive of food allergy.
Efficacy in allergen control and air permeability of different materials used for bed encasement
Authors: Peroni D. G. , Ress M. , Pigozzi R. , Del Giudice M. Miraglia , Bodini A. , Piacentini G. L. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Different types of textile are used for the preparation of covers for bed encasement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different fabrics employed for mattress covers regarding their efficacy in blocking Der p 1 and Fel d 1 as well as their air permeability.Methods:  Eleven different commercially available fabrics manufactured for allergen avoidance have been tested and compared with regular cotton. Dust samples titered for Der p 1 and Fel d 1 were pulled through the different fabrics using a modified Fussnecker dust trap and collected by a filter located downstream. Airflow through the dust trap was controlled by a vacuum pump operating for 5 min and measured at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of the test.Results:  All the tightly woven and laminated materials were able to control mite allergen permeability allowing air passage but they significantly differed in Fel d 1 permeability. Laminated tissues and laminated tissue not tissued were effective in controlling both the allergens but they did not allow air permeability.Conclusions:  Detailed knowledge about the actual properties of the products for bed encasement needs to be considered in order to optimize allergen avoidance, disease control and sleep comfort.
Control and exacerbation of asthma: a survey of more than 3000 French physicians
Authors: Demoly P. , Crestani B. , Leroyer C. , Magnan A. , Mounedji N. , Humbert M. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Asthma control and prevention of exacerbations are primary objectives for asthma care. However there is a lack of universal definition of these notions which may therefore have a different meaning according to the physician's practice.Methods:  In the present survey, 1805 general practitioners, 551 pulmonologists, 176 allergologists and 470 resuscitation/emergency care physicians were randomly selected in fall 2001 and asked to answer one question on asthma control and three questions on asthma exacerbation.Results:  Regarding asthma control, the presence of minimum symptoms was the primary criterion for asthma specialists (pulmonologists and allergologists), while a normal respiratory function was first considered by nonspecialist physicians (general practitioners and emergency care physicians). The first criterion of mild exacerbation for asthma specialists was the occurrence during at least 2 days of an increase in the frequency of dyspnoea and/or the use of short‐acting bronchodilators. For nonspecialist physicians, dyspnoea affecting daily activities and/or sleeping was the preferred notion. Hospitalization was unanimously recognized as the first criterion for severe exacerbations. A decrease in peak expiratory flow of more than 30% below the baseline value on two consecutive days and an episode requiring systemic corticosteroids were the next criteria.Conclusions:  This survey emphasizes the complexity of the notions of asthma control and exacerbation and provides novel informations to orient continuing education programmes.
Determinants of neonatal IgE level: parity, maternal age, birth season and perinatal essential fatty acid status in infants of atopic mothers
Authors: van Gool C. J. A. W. , Thijs C. , Dagnelie P. C. , Henquet C. J. M. , Van Houwelingen A. C. , Schrander J. , Menheere P. P. C. A. , van, den Brandt P. A. 
Published: August 2004

Objective:  The hygiene hypothesis suggests that the protective ‘siblings effect’ against atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma and hay fever is a result of recurrent infections during early childhood. A recent study and review have indicated that this protective effect may already arise in utero. Lower n‐3 essential fatty acid (EFA) status is associated with increased parity, and EFA status has also been related to atopy. The present study confirms the negative association between parity and neonatal immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and further unravel the role of perinatal EFA status.Methodology:  In a prospective cohort study in 184 atopic mothers and their neonates, we simultaneously measured serum total IgE and EFA levels in plasma phospholipids, both in the mother at 34–36 weeks of gestation and in the neonate at the age of 1 week. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of parity on maternal and neonatal IgE and EFA status, and the independent effects of parity and EFA status on IgE, controlling for confounding factors such as maternal age and birth season.Results:  Parity was associated with lower neonatal IgE level (P < 0.01), as well as with lower docosahexanoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) status of the mother (P = 0.01) but not of the neonate (P > 0.69). In the multivariate analysis, higher parity, higher maternal IgE, lower maternal age and birth in the first 3 months of the year were independently associated with neonatal IgE level. No association was detected between maternal or neonatal EFA status and neonatal IgE.Conclusions:  As neonatal total serum IgE is predictive of later atopy, our results support the hypothesis that the sibling effect in atopy is already being programmed in utero. Our data also confirm earlier findings that DHA status is lower in multiparous women, but this did not confound the relation between parity and neonatal IgE.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Brinkhaus B. , Hummelsberger J. , Kohnen R. , Seufert J. , Hempen C.‐H. , Leonhardy H. , Nögel R. , Joos S. , Hahn E. , Schuppan D. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) increasingly use complementary medicine. The aim of this study was to determine whether traditional Chinese therapy is efficacious in patients suffering from seasonal AR.Methods:  Fifty‐two patients between the ages of 20 and 58 who had typical symptoms of seasonal AR were assigned randomly and in a blinded fashion to (i) an active treatment group which received a semi‐standardized treatment of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and (ii) a control group which received acupuncture applied to non‐acupuncture points in addition to a non‐specific Chinese herbal formula. All patients received acupuncture treatment once per week and the respective Chinese herbal formula as a decoction three times daily for a total of 6 weeks. Assessments were performed before, during, and 1 week after treatment. The change in severity of hay fever symptoms was the primary outcome measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS).Results:  Compared with patients in the control group, patients in the active treatment group showed a significant after‐treatment improvement on the VAS (P = 0.006) and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (P = 0.015). Improvement on the Global Assessment of Change Scale was noted in 85% of active treatment group participants vs 40% in the control group (P = 0.048). No differences between the two groups could be detected with the Allergic Rhinitis Symptom Questionnaire. Both treatments were well‐tolerated.Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that traditional Chinese therapy may be an efficacious and safe treatment option for patients with seasonal AR.
Comparative immunophenotyping of monocytes from symptomatic and asymptomatic atopic individuals
Authors: Von Bubnoff D. , Scheler M. , Hinz T. , Matz H. , Koch S. , Bieber T. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Allergy has at least two components – a genetic predisposition referred to as atopy and the progress from an atopic state to clinically apparent disease. Peripheral blood monocytes are circulating myeloid precursors of antigen‐presenting cells. The expression of cell surface proteins on monocytes may therefore witness the disease status and affect the development of allergic disease.Methods:  Monocytes were isolated from atopic individuals with seasonal allergic rhinitis (n = 10), from atopic individuals sensitized to aeroallergens but without any signs of acute disease (n = 11), and from healthy nonatopic donors (n = 21). Detailed comparative phenotypic analysis of CD14+ and FcɛRI+CD14+ monocytes was performed by flow cytometry.Results:  CD14+ monocytes from symptomatic atopic donors showed a significant increase in the cell surface intensity of the integrin adhesion molecule CD11c over monocytes from asymptomatic atopic and nonatopic donors. Asymptomatic atopic individuals showed significantly enhanced expression of FcɛRI on the CD14highCD16dim monocyte subset compared with this subset from symptomatic atopic and nonatopic donors.Conclusion:  The increase in monocyte surface intensity of the adhesion molecule CD11c may be involved in the manifestation of allergic disease. FcɛRI on CD14highCD16dim monocytes of asymptomatic atopic donors may be of functional importance for the maintenance of clinical unresponsiveness toward allergens.
Exposure to house dust endotoxin and allergic sensitization in adults
Authors: Gehring U. , Bischof W. , Schlenvoigt G. , Richter K. , Fahlbusch B. , Wichmann H.‐E. , Heinrich J. ,   for the INGA study group
Published: August 2004

Background:  It has been suggested that exposure to elevated levels of endotoxin decreases the risk of allergic sensitization.Objective:  To examine the associations between current exposure to bacterial endotoxin in house dust and allergic sensitization in adults.Methods:  In 1995–1996, we conducted a nested case–control study following a cross‐sectional study performed within the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Data of 350 adults aged 25–50 years was analysed. Allergic sensitization was assessed by measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against several inhalant allergens. Living room floor dust samples were taken. The endotoxin content was quantified using a chromogenic kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate test.Results:  Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between exposure to house dust endotoxin and severe allergic sensitization. Odds ratios (95% CI) adjusted for place of residence, gender, age, and ‘caseness’ were 0.80 (0.64–1.00) for sensitization to ≥1 allergen and 0.72 (0.56, 0.92) for sensitization to ≥2 allergens using 3.5 kU/l as a cut‐off value for sensitization. With regard to single allergens, the protective effect of endotoxin was strongest for pollen sensitization [aOR (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.58, 0.93)].Conclusion:  Our results indicate that current exposure to higher levels of house dust endotoxin might be associated with a decreased odds of allergic sensitization in adults.
The co‐seasonal application of anti‐IgE after preseasonal specific immunotherapy decreases ocular and nasal symptom scores and rescue medication use in grass pollen allergic children
Authors: Rolinck‐Werninghaus C. , Hamelmann E. , Keil T. , Kulig M. , Koetz K. , Gerstner B. , Kuehr J. , Zielen S. , Schauer U. , Kamin W. , Von Berg A. , Hammermann J. , Weinkauf B. , Weidinger G. , Stenglein S. , Wahn U. ,   The Omalizumab Rhinitis Study Group
Published: August 2004

Background: Specific immunotherapy (SIT) and treatment with anti‐immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody are complementary approaches to treat allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, which may be used for single or combined treatment.Objective:  A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of single and combined treatment with SIT and anti‐IgE (Omalizumab) in reducing symptom severity and rescue medication use.Methods:  A total of 221 subjects with birch and grass pollen allergic rhinoconjunctivitis aged 6–17 years were analysed during the grass pollen season. Group A (SITbirch + placebo) served as a reference group obtaining no effective treatment for grass pollen allergy. Group B received anti‐IgE monotherapy during grass pollen season, group C SIT grass pollen monotherapy, and group D the combined treatment of SIT and Omalizumab.Results:  Preseasonal treatment with grass pollen SIT alone compared with SIT with the nonrelated allergen did not reduce symptoms or rescue medication use. Anti‐IgE monotherapy significantly diminished rescue medication use and number of symptomatic days. The combined treatment with SIT and anti‐IgE showed superior efficacy on symptom severity compared with anti‐IgE alone.Conclusions:  Co‐seasonal Omalizumab therapy showed considerable effects in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis. The combination of SIT plus Omalizumab was clinically superior to each treatment alone during the first year of observation.
Exhaled NO and eosinophil markers in blood, nasal lavage and sputum in children with asthma after withdrawal of budesonide
Authors: Lönnkvist Karin , Anderson Martin , Hedlin Gunilla , Svartengren Magnus 
Published: August 2004

Background: There is a need for controlled trials among children with asthma to evaluate and compare different markers of inflammation.Objective: Our goal was to investigate the effect of withdrawal of inhaled budesonide on repeated measurements of exhaled NO (ENO), peripheral blood eosinophils (PBE), sputum/NAL/serum‐eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in children with allergic asthma.Methods: Eighteen asthmatic children were randomly allocated to continue or discontinue use of inhaled budesonide. They were followed up, at six visits for 4 months with regular blood, serum, sputum, and NAL samples. Sixteen age‐matched healthy children served as controls.Results: ENO, PBE, and S‐ECP increased significantly in the withdrawal group (p < 0.05) but not in the continuous treatment group. No trend could be observed during the study for markers in sputum or in NAL in either group.Conclusion: The present data provide evidence for the clinical usefulness of measuring ENO, PBE, and S‐ECP and when combined they could help to avoid over‐ and undertreatment with corticosteroids in the growing child.
ROLE OF CONTRACTION‐INDUCED INJURY IN THE MECHANISMS OF MUSCLE DAMAGE IN MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Lynch Gordon S 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe disease of skeletal muscle, characterized by an X‐linked recessive inheritance and a lack of dystrophin in muscle fibres. It is associated with progressive and severe wasting and weakness of nearly all muscles and premature death by cardiorespiratory failure.2. Studies investigating the susceptibility of dystrophic skeletal muscles to contraction‐mediated damage, especially after lengthening actions where activated muscles are stretched forcibly, have concluded that dystrophin may confer protection to muscle fibres by providing a mechanical link between the contractile apparatus and the plasma membrane. In the absence of dystrophin, there is disruption to normal force transmission and greater stress placed upon myofibrillar and membrane proteins, leading to muscle damage.3. Contraction protocols (involving activation and stretch of isolated muscles or muscle fibres) have been developed to assess the relative susceptibility of dystrophic (and otherwise healthy) muscles to contraction‐induced injury. These protocols have been used successfully to determine the relative efficacy of different (gene, cell or pharmacological) interventions designed to ameliorate or cure the dystrophic pathology. More research is needed to develop specific ‘contraction assays’ that will assist in the evaluation of the clinical significance of different therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophy.
STRETCH‐ACTIVATED CHANNELS IN STRETCH‐INDUCED MUSCLE DAMAGE: ROLE IN MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Yeung Ella W , Allen David G 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. Stretch‐induced muscle injury results in the damage that causes reduced force and increased membrane permeability. This muscle damage is caused, in part, by ionic entry through stretch‐activated channels and blocking these channels with Gd3+ or streptomycin reduces the force deficit associated with damage.2. Dystrophin‐deficient muscles are more susceptible to stretch‐induced muscle injury and the recovery from injury can be incomplete. We have found that Na+ entry associated with stretch‐induced injury is enhanced in dystrophin‐deficient muscles and that blockers of stretch‐activated channels are capable of preventing ionic entry and reducing muscle damage.3. A model is presented that proposes links between stretch‐induced injury, opening of stretch‐activated channels, increased levels of intracellular ions and various forms of muscle damage. Although changes in Na+ accompany stretch‐induced muscle injury, we believe that changes in Ca2+ probably have a more central role in the damage process.
IDENTIFYING ATHLETES AT RISK OF HAMSTRING STRAINS AND HOW TO PROTECT THEM
Authors: Proske U , Morgan DL , Brockett CL , Percival P 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. One common soft‐tissue injury in sports involving sprinting and kicking a ball is the hamstring strain. Strain injuries often occur while the contracting muscle is lengthened, an eccentric contraction. We have proposed that the microscopic damage to muscle fibres that routinely occurs after a period of unaccustomed eccentric exercise can lead to a more severe strain injury.2. An indicator of susceptibility for the damage from eccentric exercise is the optimum angle for torque. When this is at a short muscle length, the muscle is more prone to eccentric damage. It is known that subjects most at risk of a hamstring strain have a previous history of hamstring strains. By means of isokinetic dynamometry, we have measured the optimum angle for torque for nine athletes with a history of unilateral hamstring strains. We also measured optimum angles for 18 athletes with no previous history of strain injuries. It was found that mean optimum angle in the previously injured muscles was at a significantly shorter length than for the uninjured muscles of the other leg and for muscles of both legs in the uninjured group. This result suggests that previously injured muscles are more prone to eccentric damage and, therefore, according to our hypothesis, more prone to strain injuries than uninjured muscles.3. After a period of unaccustomed eccentric exercise, if the exercise is repeated 1 week later, there is much less evidence of damage because the muscle has undergone an adaptation process that protects it against further damage. We propose that for athletes considered at risk of a hamstring strain, as indicated by the optimum angle for torque, a regular programme of mild eccentric exercise should be undertaken. This approach seems to work because evidence from a group of athletes who have implemented such a programme shows a significant reduction in the incidence of hamstring strains.