bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ambient ozone exposure is associated with eosinophil activation in healthy children
Authors: Frischer T. , Studnicka M. , Halmerbauer G. , Horak Jr F. , Gartner C. , Tauber E. , Koller D. Y. 
Published: March 2003

Background Eosinophil activation is characteristic for allergic airways disease. However, eosinophilic airways inflammation has also been observed subsequent to ambient ozone exposure.Methods For a population sample of 877 children living at nine sites with different ozone exposure we measured urinary eosinophil protein X (U‐EPX) as a marker of eosinophil activation. U‐EPX was determined from a single spot urine sample during autumn 1997. Children were participants in a longitudinal study of ozone effects on lung function.Results The 5–95% percentiles of ozone exposure (30‐day mean before test) were 11.8–51.5 p.p.b. (mean: 31.6 ppb). U‐EPX was measured by radioimmunoassay and expressed as ratio to urinary creatinine (µg EPX/mmol creatinine). Log transformation was performed to achieve a normal distribution. LogU‐EPX was associated with gender, a diagnosis of asthma and atopy (skin test sensitivity to any of seven aeroallergens). LogU‐EPX increased with ozone exposure for all children. The medians of LogU‐EPX according to the first–fourth quartiles of ozone exposure were: 1.82, 1.88, 1.95 and 2.03. For 172 non‐asthmatic children who had spent the whole summer at their site corresponding figures were 1.57, 1.78, 2.07 and 2.13. In a multivariate model with logU‐EPX being the dependent variable and adjusted for gender, site and atopy, ozone was found to be significant (estimate: 0.007 µg/mmol creatinine per ppb ozone; SE:0.02; P < 0.001).Conclusion Our observation supports the hypothesis that ozone in healthy children is associated with eosinophil inflammation, most likely in the airways.
Concomitant allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and allergic Aspergillus sinusitis: a review of an uncommon association*
Authors: Shah A. , Panchal N. , Agarwal A. K. 
Published: March 2003

Background Although thought to have common immunopathological processes, concomitant occurrence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS) appears to be rarely reported as to date only five detailed case reports are available.Objective To present a review of seven cases of concomitant ABPA and AAS, three of whom were earlier reported for their unusual presentations.Methods Patients with ABPA with nasal symptoms were evaluated radiologically. Consent was taken for antral wash and/or Caldwell‐Luc operation in those with radiological evidence of sinusitis and the material was sent for histopathological and mycological studies.Results Of the 95 patients with ABPA, 22 had radiological evidence of sinusitis. Nine consented to surgery, seven of whom were diagnosed as concomitant AAS. Nasal symptoms preceded chest symptoms in two patients, vice versa in one and occurred simultaneously in four. Familial occurrence of ABPA, middle lobe syndrome and collapse with effusion along with an operated aspergilloma were seen in one patient each. Transient pulmonary infiltrates and central bronchiectasis were seen in all patients. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses, carried out in six patients, revealed mucosal thickening with hyperdense lesions, without any bony erosion or destruction. All patients had positive skin tests, positive precipitin study and raised total and specific IgE. Allergic mucin was seen in all patients, fungal hyphae in five, and culture grew Aspergillus spp. in four. All patients responded favourably to oral prednisolone.Conclusion Concomitant occurrence of ABPA and AAS seems to be infrequently recognized. Since asthma and sinusitis are often seen by two different specialities, the occurrence of AAS in ABPA and ABPA in AAS may easily be overlooked.
Validity of specific IgE antibodies in children with egg allergy
Authors: Boyano Martínez T. , García‐Ara C. , DÍaz‐Pena J. M. , Muñoz F. M. , García Sánchez G. , Esteban M. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background The demonstration of specific IgE antibodies to egg supports the existence of allergy to this food, but a correct diagnosis can only be obtained after a challenge test. Several studies have assessed different cut‐off points in the level of these antibodies as predictors of clinical reactivity.Objective Validation of the specific IgE antibodies measured by the CAP System Fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technique in the diagnosis of egg allergy in children under 2 years of age.Methods A prospective study of 81 children with suspected egg allergy was performed. Specific IgE antibodies was quantified for egg white, egg yolk, ovoalbumin and ovomucoid. The diagnostic challenge test was carried out following the previously established criteria. The validity of the specific IgE antibodies was analysed using children with a negative diagnostic challenge test as control group.Results The prevalence of egg allergy in the group studied was 79% and egg white was the allergen that showed the greatest diagnostic efficacy. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of the prick test and of the CAP to egg white were excellent and the specificity and the negative predictive value had lower values. A level of ≥ 0.35 KUA/L for specific IgE antibodies to egg white predicted the existence of reaction in 94% of the cases.Conclusions Quantification of the specific IgE antibodies to egg white is useful in the diagnosis of egg allergy. In children under 2 years of age with a background of immediate hypersensitivity after egg ingestion and presence of specific IgE antibodies to egg white of ≥ 0.35 KUA/L, diagnostic challenge test is not necessary to establish the diagnosis of allergy to this food.
Increased occurrence of asthma and allergy: critical appraisal of studies using allergic sensitization, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and lung function measurements
Authors: Wieringa M. H. , Vermeire P. A. , Brunekreef B. , Weyler J. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background Many studies have reported an increase in the occurrence of asthma and respiratory allergies in recent decades, but this increase is mostly based on studies using rather subjective measurements of asthma and allergies, such as questionnaires and doctor's diagnosis. None of the reviews specifically focused on studies using more ‘objective’ measurements, such as sensitization (specific IgE or skin prick testing (SPT)), bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) or lung function (LF).Objective To review articles studying a time trend of occurrence of these ‘more objective’ measurements.Methods A MEDLINE‐search (1966–February 2000) was performed. The following criteria were used: population‐based, using IgE, SPT, BHR or LF measurements in the same age‐group at least twice, with at least 2 years between and using similar methods.Results The MEDLINE‐search resulted in only 16 articles, performed in 13 populations in seven different countries. Nine articles used the same objective measurements twice in the whole population. Three of these reported a non‐significant increase or decrease. The other six articles found a significant increase in at least one objective measurement and of these only three reported a consistent significant increase.Conclusions The increase in the occurrence of reported asthma and allergy is supported by only a few articles confirming these results with ‘more objective measurements’.
Allergen‐induced Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion in relation to specific allergen sensitization and atopic symptoms in children
Authors: Jenmalm M. C. , Van Snick J. , Cormont F. , Salman B. 
Published: March 2003

Background Allergic diseases are believed to be due to T helper (Th)2‐like immunity to allergens in affected tissues, and immune responses to allergens are characterized by a cross‐regulation between Th1 and Th2 cells. Atopic individuals may develop IgE antibodies to only one or more allergens. However, the mechanisms behind sensitization to a specific allergen, e.g. why an individual develops IgE to cat but not birch, are not known. Our aim was to study birch‐ and cat‐induced Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion in children who were sensitized to birch but not to cat, and vice versa.Materials and methods The subjects in the study were 60 12‐year‐old children. Seventeen of the children were sensitized (skin prick test and circulating IgE positive) to birch but not cat, 13 were sensitized to cat but not birch, 11 were sensitized both to birch and cat, and 19 children were skin prick test and circulating IgE negative. Forty‐six children had a history of atopic symptoms, and 42 of them had current symptoms. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated from venous blood and stimulated with cat or birch allergen. The levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐9, IL‐10, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ in the cell supernatants were analysed by ELISA.Results Sensitized children produced more of the Th2 cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐9 and IL‐13 than non‐sensitized atopic and non‐atopic children in response to stimulation with the allergen they were sensitized to. High levels of the Th2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐5 and low levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 were associated with atopic symptoms, and high cat‐induced IL‐9 levels with asthma.Conclusions The Th2 cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐9 and IL‐13 were all commonly detected in sensitized children after stimulation with the specific, in contrast to an unrelated, allergen. Atopic symptoms were associated with increased levels of IL‐4 and IL‐5 and tended to be associated with low levels of IL‐10, and asthma with high cat‐induced IL‐9 levels.
Allergen‐specific T cell reactivity in cord blood: the influence of maternal cytokine production
Authors: Kopp M. V. , Zehle C. , Pichler J. , Szépfalusi Z. , Moseler M. , Deichmann K. , Forster J. , Kuehr J. 
Published: March 2003

Background Successful pregnancy is dependent upon T helper (Th)2‐type‐dominated immunological responsiveness in gestation‐associated compartments.Objective In our study we observed the influence of the maternal Th2‐associated cytokine pattern on the naive fetal T cell phenotype and asked if circulating Th2 cytokines of atopic mothers affects the Th1/Th2 differentiation of the fetus.Methods Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of the corresponding mothers were isolated. The proliferative response of CBMC and PBMC to Betalactoglobulin (BLG) was assessed by liquid scintillation counting. The cytokines interferon (IFN)‐γ, and interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐10 and IL‐13 in the cell culture supernatants were measured using the ELISA technique. We then defined two subgroups based on maternal levels of specific IgE against aeroallergens: sensitized mothers (MA+) and their neonates (NMA+) (n = 18) and non‐sensitized mothers (MA−) and their neonates (NMA−) (n = 29).Results Nearly all mothers (98%) and neonates (92%) had a positive proliferation response after stimulation with BLG (mean stimulation index (10–90 percentile): neonates: 7 (2–15); mothers 14 (5–29)). In supernatants of BLG‐stimulated cell cultures, sensitized mothers showed a significantly lower IFN‐γ concentration in comparison to non‐sensitized mothers (MA+ = 25; MA− = 123 IU/L; P < 0,05), whereas the neonates did not differ significantly (NMA+ = 306; NMA− = 224 IU/L; n. s.). Nor was any difference found in the IL‐13 concentration between the two groups of sensitized and non‐sensitized mothers (MA+ = 48; MA− = 125 pg/mL; n. s.). CBMC of neonates with a sensitized mother showed significantly higher IL‐13 concentrations in response to BLG than neonates of non‐sensitized mothers (NMA+ = 1442, NMA− 738 pg/mL; P < 0.05). The IL‐5 and IL‐10 concentrations did not differ significantly within the neonatal and the maternal subgroups.Conclusions Our data suggests that maternal sensitization to allergens is associated with the reduced maternal production of the Th2 antagonist IFN‐γ and elevated production of the Th2 cytokine IL‐13 in the offspring.
Pets and vermin are associated with high endotoxin levels in house dust
Authors: Heinrich J. , Gehring U. , Douwes J. , Koch A. , Fahlbusch B. , Bischof W. , Wichmann H. E. 
Published: March 2003

Background Previous studies have shown that the risk for allergic sensitization is lower in children who grew up on farms and in young adults who were exposed to dogs in early childhood. A higher microbial exposure in general and in particular to endotoxin in early childhood might contribute to this lower risk of atopy.Objective We examined whether the presence of pets or vermin in the home is associated with higher endotoxin concentrations in settled house dust.Methods House dust was sampled in a standardized manner on the living room floors of 454 homes of German children aged 5–10 years (participation rate 61%). Endotoxin was assessed with a quantitative kinetic chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) method. Associations between endotoxin levels, pets and vermin are presented as ratios of the crude and confounder adjusted geometric means (means ratios) in the category of study vs. a reference category using multiple linear regression models.Results Endotoxin concentrations in living room floor dust sampled in homes without pets and vermin were lower (1246 ng per square meter, 1519 ng endotoxin/g dust, n = 157) than those sampled in homes with pets or vermin (2267 ng per square meter, 2200 ng endotoxin/g dust, n = 296). After adjustment for city of residence, season of dust sampling, age of the building and story of the dwelling, means ratios for endotoxin expressed per gram of dust were statistically significantly increased for dog (1.64, 95% CI 1.09–2.46), for cat (1.50, 95% CI 1.03–2.18) and for cockroach (3.01, 95% CI 1.37–6.60), whereas no major statistically significant associations were found for other pets, ants and mice.Conclusion Keeping a dog or a cat in the home is consistent with higher exposure to endotoxin and might therefore contribute to the lower risk of atopy in later life.
Local lung responses following local lung challenge with recombinant lungworm antigen in systemically sensitized sheep
Authors: Collie D. D. S. , MacAldowie C. N. , Pemberton A. D. , Woodall C. J. , McLean N. , Hodgson C. , Kennedy M. W. , Miller H. R. P. 
Published: March 2003

Background Chronic mast cell‐mediated inflammation may contribute significantly towards the extensive tissue remodelling that is a feature of lungworm infection in ruminants. Understanding the factors that control tissue remodelling is a necessary step toward effective management and treatment of conditions that feature such pathology.Objective We sought to define in a novel ovine model system, the cellular, immune and mast cell phenotypic events that occur following local lung challenge with a recombinant protein antigen, DvA‐1, derived from the ruminant lungworm nematode, Dictyocaulus viviparus.Methods Two spatially disparate lung segments in systemically sensitized sheep were challenged on three occasions with DvA‐1 (3xDVA) and two further segments were challenged with saline (3xSAL). Two months after the third challenge, one of the two segments previously repeatedly challenged with DvA‐1 was challenged again with DvA‐1 (3xDVA:DVA) whilst the other was challenged with saline (3xDVA:SAL). A similar protocol was followed with the saline challenged segments (3xSAL:SAL and 3xSAL:DVA). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (n = 16) and tissue (n = 3) were collected after the last challenge.Results Cellular changes 24 h after the fourth challenge were characterized by an increase in the absolute numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils in BALF from 3xDVA:DVA and 3xSAL:DVA segments. Local antibody production was implied through increased levels of antibody in both 3xDVA:DVA and 3xDVA:SAL segments, with the latter being unaffected by inflammation. Levels of active transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGF‐β1) were significantly increased in 3xDVA:SAL segments and a trend towards an increase was apparent in 3xDVA:DVA segments. Total TGF‐β1 levels were significantly correlated with eosinophil counts in all except the 3xDVA:SAL segments. Such changes in the bronchoalveolar space were complemented by increased ratios of sheep mast cell proteinase‐1 expressing cells and tryptase expressing cells, to toluidine blue positive cells in airways from 3xDVA:DVA segments.Conclusion Mast cell phenotypic events occurring as a consequence of antigen challenge were limited to segments in which changes in BALF were characterized by neutrophil influx and increased local antibody production.
Effects of bβ‐endorphin on nasal allergic inflammation
Authors: Baumgarten C. R. , Schmitz P. , O'Connor A. , Kunkel G. 
Published: March 2003

Background πβ‐endorphin is a derivative of pro‐opiomelanocortin. Cells of the immune system can also synthesize and secrete β‐endorphin. Its concentration is increased during the allergic reaction and during stress. Increased reactivity during psychological stress of allergic subjects is also well known.Objective Is β‐endorphin one physiological link between stress and an exacerbation of the allergic reaction?Methods First, intranasal β‐endorphin challenges with subsequent lavages to determine histamine and albumin levels and measurements of nasal flow and resistance in dose‐response and time course experiments were performed. Secondly, we examined whether β‐endorphin pre‐treatment increased the antigen‐induced release of histamine and albumin in nasal lavages and the clinical symptoms.Results Exogenous β‐endorphin (100 pM−10 µM/mL) induced a dose‐dependent increase in nasal symptoms in asymptomatic allergic subjects with rhinitis (n = 14) as well as in non‐allergic controls (n = 10), but did not release any mediators into nasal secretion. However, comparing the antigen‐evoked release of mediators into nasal secretions with that of a β‐endorphin pre‐treated antigen challenge we could note a significant enhancement of human serum albumin influx (P < 0.05) and histamine liberation (P < 0.05) 10 min after antigen challenge compared with the allergen challenge alone, with also a correlation with the more pronounced decrease in nasal flow (P < 0.05).Conclusion These results suggest that β‐endorphin‐induced increase in nasal congestion is mediated through direct neuroendocrine receptor activation independent of mast cell activation and that during the allergic reaction there is a β‐endorphin/mast cell interaction that enhances the mediator response to nasal allergen challenge.
A lower prevalence of atopy symptoms in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Meerwaldt R. , Odink R. J. , Landaeta R. , Aarts F. , Brunekreef B. , Gerritsen J. , Van Aalderen W. M. C. , Hoekstra M. O. 
Published: March 2003

Background The Th1/Th 2 concept is a model to understand the pathophysiology of certain diseases. Atopic diseases (asthma, eczema and hayfever) are characterized by a chronic inflammatory reaction that is dominated by Th 2 cells, and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is Th1 cell dominated. Because it is known that Th1 and Th 2 cells reciprocally counteract each other, it can be speculated that the prevalence of Th 2‐mediated disease is lower in patients with Th1‐mediated disease.Objective To compare the prevalence of atopic diseases between children with DM and age‐matched controls.Methods Parents of children with DM were requested by Dutch paediatricians to complete the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire on the prevalence of atopic diseases. A control group was derived from a Dutch cross‐sectional survey (the ISAAC2 study).Results We received 555 completed questionnaires, which is estimated to be 25% of the total number of Dutch children with DM. The control group consisted of 777 children. After age‐matching, the questionnaires of 188 DM patients were used. Symptoms of asthma, hayfever and eczema were reported less in the group of children with DM compared with the control group (wheeze last year, OR 0.796, 95% CI 0.408–1.554; hayfever symptoms last year, OR 0.642, 95% CI 0.369–1.118; eczema symptoms last year, OR 0.693, 95% CI 0.430–1.115).Conclusion The lower prevalence of astma, hayfever and eczema symptoms in DM patients compared with age‐matched controls, although not statistically significant, is consistent with the Th1/Th 2 concept.
Migration through basement membrane modulates eosinophil expression of CD44
Authors: Dallaire M.‐J. , Ferland C. , Lavigne S. , Chakir J. , Laviolette M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Tissue eosinophils express more membrane receptors and release more mediators than blood eosinophils, suggesting that migration from blood to tissue modulates eosinophil phenotype and functions.Objective We postulated that eosinophil passage through endothelial basement membrane, an important step of eosinophil migration into tissue, may be responsible for some of these changes.Method We previously showed that 5‐oxo‐6, 8, 11, 14‐eicosatetraenoic acid (5‐oxo‐ETE) in combination with IL‐5 promotes eosinophil migration through Matrigel®, a mouse tumour cell‐derived basement membrane. Using this model, we evaluated the effect of trans‐Matrigel migration on purified human blood eosinophil expressions of CD44, CD69 and HLA‐DR that either increase or appear on activated eosinophils, and releases of peroxidase (EPO), leukotriene (LT) C4 and granulocyte‐monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF).Results IL‐5, but not 5‐oxo‐ETE, increased eosinophil expression of CD44 and CD69. Migration of eosinophils through Matrigel significantly increased CD44 expression level over the one induced by IL‐5 (P = 0.0001). Migration through Matrigel did not modify CD69 expression compared with the one obtained in the presence of IL‐5 alone; however, incubation of eosinophils on Matrigel decreased IL‐5‐induced CD69 (P = 0.0001). Trans‐Matrigel migration did not modify HLA‐DR expression, nor EPO, LTC4 and GM‐CSF releases.Conclusion These data show that in vitro trans‐Matrigel migration and Matrigel contact modulate eosinophil membrane receptor expression. Consequently, they suggest that migration through basement membrane mediates changes in cell‐surface phenotype observed on activated eosinophils and probably prepares them for interactions with tissue components and cells.
Characterization and comparison of commercially available German and American cockroach allergen extracts1
Authors: Patterson M. L. , Slater J. E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground In this study we examine the variability among unstandardized cockroach allergen extracts.Methods We obtained 24 aqueous and glycerinated cockroach allergen extracts from nine manufacturers. We used previously characterized cockroach extracts, E2‐Cg and E2‐Ca, as references. The modified ninhydrin assay was used to determine protein concentration of each extract. Relative potencies of extracts were determined by competition ELISA, using a human allergic serum pool. Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 levels of glycerinated German cockroach extracts were determined by ELISA using monoclonal antibodies. Extracts were also analysed by SDS‐PAGE.Results Commercial cockroach allergen extracts had highly variable protein contents that were lower than the protein contents of the references. Electrophoretic data confirmed the presence of a variable number and intensity of protein bands in extracts among manufacturers. The relative potencies of the commercial extracts were between 10 and 782 BAU/mL for German cockroach and 10–250 BAU/mL for American cockroach. The mean Bla g 1 content of the commercial extracts was significantly lower than that of the reference (P = 0.001). The mean Bla g 2 content of the commercial extracts was higher than that of the E2‐Cg reference but the Bla g 2 levels were more variable compared to Bla g 1. In glycerinated German cockroach extracts, protein concentrations, relative potencies and specific allergen levels were significantly correlated (P < 0.001).Conclusion Our tests indicate that commercially available cockroach allergen extracts are variable in protein content, electrophoretic banding patterns, relative potency and Bla g 2 levels. In glycerinated German cockroach extracts, protein concentrations, relative potencies and specific allergen levels were significantly correlated.