bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvements in simulated real‐world relevant performance for patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: impact of desloratadine
Authors: Satish U. , Streufert S. , Dewan M. , Voort S. Vande 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) diminishes task performance and decreases quality of life. Antihistamines are frequently used to treat the symptoms of SAR. First generation antihistamines often have their own detrimental effects upon human functioning while second generation antihistamines appear to have fewer or no undesirable side‐effects.Objective:  This study evaluated the impact of desloratadine on simulated real‐world performance demands in individuals suffering from SAR.Methods:  This was a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over study where asymptomatic participants were treated with placebo and symptomatic participants were treated with desloratadine or placebo. They then participated in a real‐world equivalent task performance simulation that assessed information processing capacity at multiple levels of task difficulty ranging from easy to difficult decision‐making tasks.Results:  Desloratadine either completely restored performance to the level of the asymptomatic placebo control or improved performance in six of the nine performance categories, where it had been diminished by the presence of SAR.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that treatment with desloratadine has considerable beneficial effects on work place performance when individuals suffer from SAR.
Cloning and expression of a major allergen from Cupressus arizonica pollen, Cup a 3, a PR‐5 protein expressed under polluted environment
Authors: Cortegano I. , Civantos E. , Aceituno E. , Del Moral A. , López E. , Lombardero M. , Del Pozo V. , Lahoz C. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  This paper describes the cloning and expression of the Cupressus arizonica pollen protein Cup a 3. In addition, we present its modulation under polluted environmental conditions. Species of the Cupressaceae family are important because of their high sensitization prevalence.Methods:  Cup a 3 cloning is based on the sequence of the homologous protein Jun a 3. Cup a 3 was expressed with good yield in the methylotropic yeast Pichia pastoris.Results:  Recombinant Cup a 3 (rCup a 3) contains 199 amino acids, 10 potential phosphorylation sites and no glycosylation sites. By immunoblot 63% of cypress allergic patients had specific immunoglobulin E antibodies against rCup a 3 (n = 104). This major allergen is homologous to members of the pathogenesis‐related proteins (PR‐5 group) and contributes to the overall allergenicity of C. arizonica pollen. Our results show that the increased expression of Cup a 3 is dependent on the pollution in the area where the pollen has been collected, being higher under polluted conditions.Conclusions:  Cup a 3 is a PR‐5 protein derived from C. arizonica pollen. The expression of the protein under polluted conditions has a direct incidence on the pollen allergenicity, as has been demonstrated by skin tests and Radioallergosorbent test inhibition.
Matrix metalloproteinases MMP‐7, MMP‐9 and their tissue inhibitor TIMP‐1: expression in chronic sinusitis vs nasal polyposis
Authors: Watelet J. B. , Bachert C. , Claeys C. , Van Cauwenberge P. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Nasal polyps (NP) are characterized by pseudocyst formation, whereas the mucosa in chronic sinusitis (CS) only shows a limited oedema. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases able to degrade the extracellular matrix. Differences in histological features between CS and NP might be related to the respective expression of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs).Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate MMP‐7, MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 proteins in NP and CS in comparison with normal mucosa.Methods:  Nasal samples, obtained from controls (n = 10), from NP (n = 8) and from CS (n = 10), were analysed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:  In NP, compared with controls, staining for MMP‐9 and MMP‐7 appeared in blood vessels. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9‐positive inflammatory cells could be detected in increased numbers in pseudocyst formations. Concentrations of MMP‐9 protein was found significantly increased in both CS and NP compared with controls, while MMP‐7 was significantly increased in NP compared with controls and CS. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1 protein was significantly increased in CS and NP when compared with controls.Conclusions:  Chronic sinusitis and NP show different pattern of MMP‐7/‐9 and TIMP‐1 expression. We suggest that this difference in regulation of enzymes is related to the respective tissue remodelling observed in both diseases.
Influence of a multidisciplinary paediatric allergy clinic on parental knowledge and rate of subsequent allergic reactions
Authors: Kapoor S. , Roberts G. , Bynoe Y. , Gaughan M. , Habibi P. , Lack G. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Studies have demonstrated that families of children with food allergy have significant deficiencies in their knowledge of how to avoid allergen exposure and how to manage allergic reactions. This study aims to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary paediatric allergy clinic consultation on parental knowledge of food allergy and to determine the rate of subsequent allergic reactions.Methods:  Sixty‐two subjects (<17 years) referred with food allergy were prospectively enrolled. Parental knowledge was assessed by questionnaire and EpiPen trainer. Families saw a paediatric allergist, clinical nurse specialist and dietician. Knowledge was reassessed after 3 months and rate of allergic reactions after 1 year.Results:  After one visit to the paediatric allergy clinic, there was a significant improvement in parental knowledge of allergen avoidance (26.9%, P < 0.001), managing allergic reactions (185.4%, P < 0.0001) and EpiPen usage (83.3%, P < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in allergic reactions (P < 0.001). Children with egg, milk or multiple food allergies were more likely to suffer subsequent reactions.Conclusions:  A single visit to a multidisciplinary allergy clinic considerably improves families’ abilities to manage allergic reactions to foods with an accompanying reduction in allergic reactions. Young children with egg, milk or multiple food allergies were at greatest risk of further reactions.
Identification of serine protease as a major allergen of Curvularia lunata
Authors: Gupta R. , Sharma V. , Sridhara S. , Singh B. P. , Arora N. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Several proteins from Curvularia lunata have been identified as important fungal allergens. It will be worthwhile to study the functional aspects of these allergens. The present study aimed at purifying a major allergen and determining its biological function.Methods:  Concanavalin A and Superdex 75 were used to purify Cur l 1 major allergen from C. lunata. Cur l 1 activity was determined qualitatively and quantitatively. Serine protease inhibitors and specific substrate was used to determine the biological function of the protein.Results:  Concanavalin A‐bound fraction showed five allergenic proteins, which on Superdex G‐75 purification gave a homogenous Cur l 1 protein. Cur l 1 showed IgE reactivity with 80% of the C. lunata hypersensitive patient's sera indicating it to be a major allergen. It showed protease activity on different substrates. Cur l 1's amino terminal sequence, GLTQKSAPWGLGADTIVAVELDSY, showed homology with the alkaline serine protease precursor. Phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, pefabloc, aprotinin and leupeptin inhibited 70–80% enzymatic activity of Cur l 1 and no inhibition was observed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). A dose‐dependent hydrolysis of Nα‐benzoyl‐l‐arginine ethyl ester‐hydrochloride, a specific serine protease substrate was obtained with Cur l 1.Conclusion:  A major glycoprotein allergen Cur l 1 was purified to homogeneity from C. lunata. Amino terminal sequence and biochemical assays identified it as a serine protease.
Monosodium benzoate hypersensitivity in subjects with persistent rhinitis
Authors: Pacor M. L. , Di Lorenzo G. , Martinelli N. , Mansueto P. , Rini G. B. , Corrocher R. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Very few data are available from the literature on whether nonatopic subjects affected by persistent rhinitis may show the appearance of objective symptoms of rhinitis after the ingestion of food additives such as tartrazine (E102), erythrosine (E127), monosodium benzoate (E211), p‐hydroxybenzoate (E218), sodium metabisulphite (E223), and monosodium glutamate (E620). It is still unclear whether the ingestion of food additive may cause, as well, a consensual reduction of nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIFR). Therefore, we used a double‐blind placebo‐controlled (DBPC) study to evaluate this hypothesis.Patients and methods:  Two hundred and twenty‐six consecutive patients (76 males and 150 females) aged 12–60 years (mean age 40.2 ± 16.3 years). After 1 month of an additive‐free diet regimen, an open challenge was carried out (food additive‐rich diet for 2 weeks). After this period, challenges were administered in a DBPC manner using the above‐mentioned substances under investigation.Results:  Twenty of 226 subjects (8.8%) reported an improvement of the symptoms of rhinitis after additive‐free diet. More precisely, six of 226 (2.6%) were symptom‐free and 14 of 226 (6.2%) showed an improvement in their symptoms after an additive‐free diet. As far as the results for DBPC are concerned, 20 challenges with monosodium benzoate induced both objective (i.e. sneezing and rhinorrhoea) and subjective symptoms (nasal blockage and nasal itching) of rhinitis with reduction of NPIFR ≥20%, 45 challenges induced subjective symptoms of rhinitis (i.e. nasal blockage and nasal itching), without reduction of NPIFR ≥20% of the basal value, two with tartrazine, seven with erythrosine, 19 with monosodium benzoate, three with p‐hydroxybenzoate, six with sodium metabisulphite, and eight with monosodium glutamate, respectively.Conclusions:  The observation that nonatopic persistent rhinitis may be caused by the frequent, probably daily, ingestion of small doses of a nontolerated substance is intriguing and suggests that at least some patients with ‘chronic vasomotor rhinitis’ may be intolerant to a particular food additive. Therefore, food additives can be considered triggers or aggravating factors, rather than aetiological factors.
Clinical efficacy of sublingual and subcutaneous birch pollen allergen‐specific immunotherapy: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, double‐dummy study
Authors: Khinchi M. S. , Poulsen L. K. , Carat F. , André C. , Hansen A. B. , Malling H.‐J. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Both sublingual allergen‐specific immunotherapy (SLIT) and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) have a documented clinical efficacy, but only few comparative studies have been performed.Objective:  To investigate the clinical efficacy of SLIT vs SCIT and secondary to compare SLIT and SCIT with placebo and to evaluate the relative clinical efficacy in relation to systemic side‐effects.Methods:  A 3‐year randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, double‐dummy study including 71 adult birch pollen hay fever patients treated for two consecutive years after a baseline year. Allocation to treatment groups was based on disease severity in the baseline season, gender and age.Results:  Clinical efficacy was estimated in 58 patients completing the first treatment year by subtracting baseline data and by calculating the ratio first treatment season vs baseline. SLIT diminished the median disease severity to one‐half and SCIT to one‐third of placebo treatment. No statistical significant difference between the two groups was observed. Both for symptoms and medication scores actively treated patients showed statistically significant and clinical relevant efficacy compared with placebo. SLIT treatment only resulted in local mild side‐effects, while SCIT resulted in few serious systemic side‐effects.Conclusion:  Based on the limited number of patients the clinical efficacy of SLIT was not statistically different from SCIT, and both treatments are clinically effective compared with placebo in the treatment of birch pollen rhinoconjunctivitis. The lack of significant difference between the two treatments does not indicate equivalent efficacy, but to detect minor differences necessitates investigation of larger groups. Due to the advantageous safety profile SLIT may be favored.
The role of climate on the geographic variability of asthma, allergic rhinitis and respiratory symptoms: results from the Italian study of asthma in young adults
Authors: Zanolin M. E. , Pattaro C. , Corsico A. , Bugiani M. , Carrozzi L. , Casali L. , Dallari R. , Ferrari M. , Marinoni A. , Migliore E. , Olivieri M. , Pirina P. , Verlato G. , Villani S. , de Marco R. ,   ISAYA Study Group
Published: December 2004

Background:  Variations in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms according to geo‐climatic factors could provide important clues to the knowledge of the aetiology of asthma.Methods:  Geo‐climatic variations in the prevalence of current asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic cough, and phlegm were assessed on a random sample of 18 873 subjects (response rate = 72.7%) from different climatic regions of Italy. An ecological analysis, supported by robust statistical methods, was employed to investigate potential trends.Results:  The prevalence of all symptoms was significantly heterogeneous throughout the peninsula. Only asthma‐like symptoms showed a north–south trend: the prevalence increased at a decreasing latitude [odds ratio (OR) varies from 0.92 to 0.96, P < 0.05], at a decreasing distance from the sea (OR: 0.90–0.93 for 30 km distance, P < 0.05), at higher annual mean temperatures (OR: 1.11–1.14, P < 0.05) and at smaller annual temperature ranges (OR: 0.94–0.95, P < 0.05). Of the geo‐climatic variables considered, temperature range had the greatest influence on most asthma‐like symptoms. No association was found between geo‐climatic variables and allergic rhinitis or chronic cough and phlegm.Conclusions:  Asthma prevalence seems to be significantly affected by climate as asthma‐like symptoms were more common in central‐southern Italy, with a Mediterranean climate, than in areas with a continental climate (northern Italy).
Management of allergic rhinitis: a common part of practice in primary care clinics
Authors: Wang D.‐Y. , Chan A. , Smith J. D. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an extremely common disease worldwide and one of the top‐ten reasons for a visit to primary care clinics. This study aimed to investigate the understanding of current guidelines and concepts of management for AR among general practitioners (GPs) in Singapore.Methods:  A postal questionnaire was designed to survey the dispensing practice and understanding of current guidelines in the management of AR among Singapore GPs.Results:  Two hundred GPs completed the questionnaire. AR was estimated to be 10–40% of total patient visits in 50% of the primary care clinics surveyed. There was no significant difference in diagnosis and management of AR among GPs practicing solo, as a group or in polyclinics. The use of allergy tests (skin or in vitro tests) was <50%. Most physicians understood correctly the efficacy, side‐effects, and cost effectiveness of first and newer generation H1‐antihistamines and nasal glucocorticosteroids. However, first generation H1‐antihistamines and oral/nasal decongestants are commonly used to reduce the cost of medication and to achieve quick relief from nasal obstruction.Conclusion:  Management of allergic rhinitis is common in primary care clinics. Quick symptomatic relief with low‐cost medications is a major concern for GPs in the management of AR, as it will affect a patient's compliance and perception of efficacy. However, inappropriate use of decongestants and other nonevidence‐based therapies should not be recommended. Implementing the current evidence‐based international guidelines for AR needs to be improved.
Prevalence of adverse reactions to food in Germany – a population study
Authors: Zuberbier T. , Edenharter G. , Worm M. , Ehlers I. , Reimann S. , Hantke T. , Roehr C. C. , Bergmann K. E. , Niggemann B. 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  A population study was performed to identify the prevalence of all kinds of adverse reactions to food.Methods:  In a representative cross‐sectional survey performed in 1999 and 2000 in Berlin, 13 300 inhabitants of all ages were addressed by questionnaire. This questionnaire was answered by 4093 persons. All respondents mentioning any sign of food intolerance or the existence of allergic diseases (n = 2298) were followed up by telephone and, in case food intolerance could not be ruled out by patient history, were invited to attend to the clinic for personal investigation including double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge tests (DBPCFC).Results:  The self‐reported lifetime prevalence of any adverse reaction to food in the Berlin population (mean age 41 years) was 34.9%. Eight hundred and fourteen individuals were personally investigated according to the guidelines. The point prevalence of adverse reactions to food confirmed by DBPCFC tests in the Berlin population as a mean of all age groups was 3.6% (95% confidence interval [3.0–4.2%]) and 3.7% in the adult population (18–79 years, 95% confidence interval [3.1–4.4.%]). Two and a half percent were IgE‐mediated and 1.1% non‐IgE‐mediated, females were more frequently affected (60.6%). Based on a statistical comparison with available data of adults from the nationwide German Health Survey from 1998, adverse reactions to food in the adult population of Germany (age 18–79) were calculated with 2.6% [2.1–3.2%]).Conclusions:  The study gives for the first time information about the point prevalence of both immunological and nonimmunological adverse reactions to food and underlines the relevance of this issue in public health. The data also show that an individualized stepwise approach including provocation tests is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis.
Endobronchial eosinophils preferentially stimulate T helper cell type 2 responses
Authors: Shi H.‐Z. , Xiao C.‐Q. , Li C.‐Q. , Mo X.‐Y. , Yang Q.‐L. , Leng J. , Chen Y.‐Q. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Antigen‐loaded eosinophils instilled intratracheally into mice were capable of migrating into local lymph nodes and localize to the T cell‐rich paracortical zones where they stimulated antigen‐specific proliferation of CD4+ T cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether eosinophils within the tracheobronchial lumen can stimulate Th2 cell expansion by presenting antigen both in vitro and in vivo.Methods:  Airway eosinophils were recovered from ovalbumin‐sensitized and ‐challenged BALB/c mice, these eosinophils were then co‐cultured with sensitized CD4+ cells in the absence or presence of anti‐CD80 or/and ‐CD86 monoclonal antibodies. Airway eosinophils were instilled into the trachea of sensitized mice. At 3 days thereafter, the draining paratracheal lymph nodes were removed and teased into cell suspensions for culture. Cell‐free culture supernatants were collected for detection of cytokines.Results:  Our data showed that airway eosinophils functioned as CD80‐ and CD86‐dependent antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) to stimulate sensitized CD4+ lymphocytes to produce interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13, but not interferon (IFN)‐γ in in vitro assay. When instilled intratracheally in sensitized recipient mice, airway eosinophils migrated into draining paratracheal lymph nodes primed Th2 cells in vivo for IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13, but not IFN‐γ, production during the in vitro culture that was also CD80‐ and CD86‐dependent.Conclusion:  Eosinophils within the lumina of airways could process inhaled antigen function in vitro and in vivo as APCs to promote expansion of Th2 cells. This investigation highlights the potential of eosinophils to not only act as terminal effector cells but also to actively modulate immune responses by amplifying Th2 cell responses.
DNA immunization for the production of monoclonal antibodies to Blo t 11, a paramyosin homolog from Blomia tropicalis
Authors: Ramos J. D. A. , Teo A. S. M. , Lee B. W. , Cheong N. , Chua K. Y. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Blo t 11 is a high molecular weight allergen from Blomia tropicalis with significant immunoglobulin (Ig)E binding frequency. Native and recombinant Blo t 11 are susceptible to degradation and the isolation and expression of the allergen is problematic thus obtaining sufficient amounts of purified Blo t 11 for antibody production is limiting. DNA‐based immunization is an attractive alternative strategy that bypasses antigen purification for antibody production.Objectives:  To use a DNA‐based immunization protocol for the production and characterization of Blo t 11 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).Methods:  The 2625 bp cDNA coding for Blo t 11 was cloned into a mammalian expression vector and immunized intramuscularly with electroporation into mice. Monoclonal antibodies to Blo t 11 were generated using a methylcellulose‐based hybridoma cloning kit. These mAbs were utilized for native Blo t 11 isolation and the development of sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:  Six mAbs recognizing the native and recombinant Blo t 11 were generated and characterized. Native Blo t 11 was affinity purified from Bt extract and its identity was confirmed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization – time of flight mass spectrometry. The native Blo t 11 showed IgE reactivity with 67% of mite allergic sera. A two‐site ELISA developed showed a detection limit of 100 pg/ml of Blo t 11.Conclusion:  A DNA‐based immunization protocol was successfully used to generate Blo t 11 mAbs with a spectrum of distinct epitopes located throughout the whole molecule, and they are useful for immunoaffinity purification and immunoassays.
Molecular characterization of a 10‐kDa buckwheat molecule reactive to allergic patients’ IgE
Authors: Matsumoto R. , Fujino K. , Nagata Y. , Hashiguchi S. , Ito Y. , Aihara Y. , Takahashi Y. , Maeda K. , Sugimura K. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Using the sera from buckwheat (BW)‐allergic patients, several putative causative molecules were reported. However, few molecules were determined on the molecular structure. We demonstrated in 2000 that the major allergen with 24 kDa (BW24KD) is a legumin‐like storage protein.Objective: The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize further a major allergen with 10 kDa by molecular cloning.Methods and results: Buckwheat allergens were identified by immunoblotting analysis using sera from 14 allergic and two nonallergic individuals. We identified a protein with 10 kDa (BW10KD) that reacted with immunoglobulin E (IgE) more strongly than with IgG and IgA in 57% of the allergic patients but not with IgE in nonallergic individuals. Analyses were performed by N‐terminal amino acid sequencing and molecular cloning. Physiological significance was assessed by an immunoblotting experiment showing that the reactivity of an allergic patient's serum IgE to BW10KD was competitively inhibited by natural BW extracts.Conclusion: Molecular cloning experiments indicated that BW10KD as a BW allergen was a member of the 2S‐albumin multigene family.