bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of female sex hormones on nasal reactivity in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Stübner Up , Berger Ue , Toth J , Marks B , Horak F , Gruber D , Huber J 
Published: March 2003

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether the hormone peaks of estrogen and progesterone could influence the extent of the allergic reaction in grass‐pollen‐allergic women. Methods: Twenty‐three allergic women with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen were included in this trial. Twelve were taking oral contraceptives (OC) (control group), and 11 were taking no pill (target group). The subjects were challenged with grass pollen by nasal provocation test around day 14 of their menstrual cycle (ovulation day) and again at the end of the cycle (day 27). The primary criteria were the subjective nasal symptoms rhinorrhea, nasal blockage, itching, and sneezing. A further criterion was the objectively measured nasal mucosal swelling, assessed by active anterior rhinomanometry. All criteria were evaluated before and 15 min after provocation, and the hormone status was determined on each investigation day. Results: Comparisons of symptoms between the groups resulted in P values of >0.05 for all symptoms at both visits except the symptom blocked nose, which was significantly lower (P=0.03) in the patients with OC intake at visit 2, and the symptom sneezing, which showed a significantly (P=0.02) higher increase in patients taking OC at the end of the cycle. The flow decrease reached a greater extent in the target group than in the controls. Conclusions: These results indicate a correlation of the hormonal situation and the nasal allergic reactivity. OC intake led to an intensifying of neurogenic symptoms near the end of pill intake, a result which could be due to a protective effect of the endogenous progesterone, in contrast to the orally administered hormones.
Allergenicity of major cow's milk and peanut proteins determined by IgE and IgG immunoblotting
Authors: Szabó I. , Eigenmann P.A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Specific IgG antibodies are frequently observed in food‐allergic patients. However, the allergen‐fraction specificity of IgG antibodies in relation to IgE antibodies is not well defined. Our aim was to determine the IgE and IgG antibody profile to major cow's milk and peanut antigen fractions in food‐allergic patients and tolerant individuals. Methods: Sera were collected from 10 patients allergic to cow's milk and 10 patients allergic to peanuts, as well as from 20 control subjects. Cow's milk and peanut proteins were migrated on SDS–PAGE and immunoblotted for IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibodies. Food‐specific IgE concentrations were measured by CAP System FEIA™, and IgG and IgG4 concentrations by ELISA. Results:In food‐allergic children, similar fraction‐specific IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibody‐binding profiles to the major cow's milk or peanut antigens were found. In nonallergics, the presence of fraction‐specific IgG antibodies was mostly dependent on regular ingestion of the food. The presence of specific antibody on immunoblots correlated with their quantitative measurement. The mean value for specific IgE in cow's milk‐allergic patients was 450±1326 IU/ml, and 337±423 IU/ml in peanut allergic patients. Specific IgG antibody values in milk‐allergic patients were not different (median OD 1.5, range 0.3–2.3) from controls (median OD 1, range 0.2–1.8). However, in peanut‐allergic patients, IgG concentrations were significantly higher than in controls (OD 1.2 [0.5–1.3] vs 0.5 [0.3–0.7]; P<0.01). Conclusions: Similar fraction‐specific IgE and IgG antibody profiles in allergic individuals suggest a common switching trigger involving both isotypes. Intrinsic allergenicity might explain identical IgG antibody fraction specificity in nonallergics and in allergics. The presence of IgG antibodies in nonallergics was related to regular ingestion of the food.
Exposure to formaldehyde and phenol during an anatomy dissecting course: sensitizing potency of formaldehyde in medical students
Authors: Wantke F. , Focke M. , Hemmer W. , Bracun R. , Wolf‐Abdolvahab S. , Götz M. , Jarisch R. , Götz M. , Tschabitscher M. , Gann M. , Tappler P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The sensitizing potency of formaldehyde and phenol during anatomy dissecting was investigated. The objective was to determine whether exposure induces specific IgE or IgG against formaldehyde‐albumin or phenol‐albumin. Methods: In 27 medical students, specific IgE against formaldehyde‐albumin by RAST plus ELISA and specific lgE against phenol‐albumin by ELISA were assessed. In addition, specific IgG against formaldehyde‐albumin was assessed in 23 students. Symptoms before and during dissecting were assessed, and indoor formaldehyde and phenol were measured. Results: Mean indoor formaldehyde was 0.265±0.07 mg/m3, and mean indoor phenol was 4.65±2.96 mg/m3. Specific IgE/IgG against formaldehyde‐albumin was not found at the beginning. Four students developed specific IgE against formaldehyde‐albumin (RAST classes of ≥2.0), and all four also had specific IgE in the ELISA, but IgG against formaldehyde‐albumin was not found. Specific IgE against phenol‐albumin was not seen. Itch and paresthesia of the hands (PP<0.00001), dizziness (P<0.008), burning eyes (P<0.01), headache, sneezing, epistaxis, gingival bleeding, oral or pharyngeal itch, and shortness of breath were experienced. Conclusion: Formaldehyde exposure during dissecting may induce specific IgE, but not IgG, against formaldehyde‐albumin. Sensitization did not correlate with symptoms.
Diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Skov M. , Koch C. , Reimert C. M. , Poulsen L. K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients may be difficult to establish because ABPA shares many characteristics with coexisting atopy or other lung infections in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of various paraclinical parameters in the diagnosis of ABPA in patients with CF. Methods: Accumulated data from a 5‐year period in 238 CF patients were used to divide patients into two groups designated the ABPA group (n=26) and the non‐ABPA group (n=35). Patients in both groups were colonized with Aspergillus fumigatus, but only the ABPA group consistently demonstrated specific IgE antibodies and specific precipitins. Patients without A. fumigatus colonization were not assigned to either of these groups (n=177). By this selection as the true diagnosis, 10 patients were selected from the ABPA group and 10 patients from the non‐ABPA group. Results: The groups were comparable as to age, sex, lung function (P=0.6), and presence of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (P>0.1). No significant difference between the groups in unspecific atopic parameters such as eosinophil count (P=0.9) or eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in sputum, plasma, or serum (P=0.9, P=0.59, and P=0.9, respectively) was demonstrated. Total IgE was significantly higher in the ABPA group (P<0.01). The groups were comparable in skin prick test (SPT) positivity to a standard panel of aeroallergens (pollen, dander, molds, and mites) (P>0.2). Statistically significantly higher levels in the ABPA group were demonstrated in specific IgE to Af. (P<0.05), SPT positivity to Af. (P<0.02), and Af. precipitins (P<0.05). Histamine release (HR) to Af. tended to be higher (P=0.075) in the ABPA group. Specific IgE to Af. was determined by Magic Lite (ML), CAP, and Maxisorp (in‐house RAST). The CAP level was one to two classes higher than the ML level; however, the results were comparable (r=0.66, P<0.005). IgE to Af. measured by CAP was the test which offered the highest positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Optimal diagnostic cutoff levels for the diagnosis of ABPA were determined: class 2 for HR to Af., 200 kU/l for total IgE, and 3.5 (titer) for precipitating antibodies to Af., and class 2 for IgE to Af. (by CAP System). Conclusions: Unspecific atopy markers were of limited value for the diagnosis of ABPA. Patients with ABPA do not seem to be more atopic to other aeroallergens than non‐ABPA patients. The most valid parameters for the diagnosis of ABPA in CF are SPT to Af., IgE to Af. in combination with precipitating antibodies to Af., and/or total IgE.
Detection and treatment of early asthma
Authors: Metso T. , Kilpiö K. , Björkstén F. , Kiviranta K. , Haahtela T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We sought answers to two questions:1) how can mild, early asthma best be detected?2) how should it be treated and the treatment effect monitored?Methods: Eighty adult patients with early, mostly mild asthma and 30 control subjects were examined by lung‐function and biochemical tests. Patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. One group was treated with an inhaled steroid (budesonide) for 6 weeks, and the other first with an inhaled β2‐agonist (terbutaline) for 6 weeks and then with an inhaled steroid for 2 weeks.Results: Treatment with budesonide was effective: symptom scores, PEF, blood eosinophils, and sputum ECP values all improved. Terbutaline was ineffective by these criteria. For the detection of early asthma and for the following treatment effects, sputum and serum ECP assays are useful supplements to lung‐function tests.Conclusions: Treatment of early, mild asthma with an inhaled steroid is effective and worthwhile. Detection of the disease remains a problem, as both lung‐function and biochemical tests have low sensitivities.
Evidence of very delayed clinical reactions to cow's milk in cow's milk‐intolerant patients
Authors: Montalto G. , Custro N. , Notarbartlo A. , Carroccio A. , Cavataio F. , D'amico D. , Alabrese L. , Iacono G. 
Published: March 2003

Background:In patients with cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI), delayed clinical reactions to cow's milk (CM) ingestion may be misdiagnosed if the clinical symptoms are not “classical” and there is a long time lapse between ingestion of CM and the clinical reaction. The aim was to evaluate the clinical outcome of CMPI in a cohort of CM‐intolerant children, with particular attention to the occurrence of clinical manifestations beyond 72 h after CM challenge.Methods:Eighty‐six consecutive patients (44 boys, 42 girls) with new CMPI diagnoses were enrolled; median age at diagnosis was 4 months. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 40 months. In all patients, CMPI diagnosis was made on the observation of symptoms, their disappearance after elimination diet, and their reappearance on double‐blind CM challenge. At CMPI diagnosis, immunologic tests to demonstrate IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity were performed. After 12 months of CM‐free diet, CM tolerance was re‐evaluated with a CM challenge continued at home for up to 30 days, according to a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled method. Patients who did not achieve CM tolerance continued a CM‐free diet and subsequently underwent yearly CM challenge.Results:The percentages of CMPI patients who became CM‐tolerant after 1, 2, and 3 years of CM‐free diet were 30%, 54.5%, and 70%, respectively. At the end of the follow‐up period, 26/86 subjects showed persistent CMPI; these patients had a higher percentage of positivity of total serum IgE (P<0.05), RAST (P<0.01), and cutaneous prick tests for CM antigens (P<0.001) than all the others. At CMPI diagnosis, all patients had a clinical reaction within 72 h from the beginning of the CM challenge; at the subsequent “cure” challenges, we observed patients who first reacted to CM more than 72 h after ingestion. In total, 10 out of 86 patients showed “very delayed reactions”; in these patients, the mean time between the beginning of CM challenge and the onset of a clinical symptom was 13.3 days (range 4–26 days). The number of “very late reactors” increased from the first to the third of the “cure” CM challenges, performed at yearly intervals. The “very delayed” CMPI manifestations in these subjects were constipation (five cases), wheezing (two cases), dermatitis plus constipation (two cases), and dermatitis alone (one case); in 6/10 patients, the symptoms observed at the “cure challenge” were different from those at CMPI onset.Conclusions:Very delayed clinical reactions to reintroduction of CM in the diet can occur in CMPI patients; thus, accurate follow‐up and frequent outpatient observation in patients with a long history of CMPI are probably more useful and safer than prolonged CM challenge.
Comparison of serum specific IgE antibodies to staphylococcal enterotoxins between atopic children with and without atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lin Y. T. , Yang Y. H. , Hwang Y. W. , Tsai M. J. , Tsao P. N. , Chiang B. L. , Shau W. Y. , Wang L. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) exhibits a striking susceptibility to colonization and infection by Staphylococcus aureus. The exotoxins secreted by S. aureus can act as superantigens and classic allergens, inducing the production of functionally relevant specific IgE antibodies. The aim of this study was to compare the levels and positive rates of serum staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA)‐ and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)‐specific IgE between atopic children with and without AD. Methods: Sixty children with AD, 55 children with respiratory allergy without AD, and 24 nonatopic healthy children were studied. The levels and positive rates of serum SEA‐ and SEB‐specific IgE were compared among three groups. The correlation between the levels or positive rates of serum SEA/SEB‐specific IgE and the severity of AD or the presence of previous skin infections was studied. Results: The children with AD had significantly higher levels and positive rates of serum SEA‐ and SEB‐specific IgE than the atopic children without AD (P<0.001) and the nonatopic children (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the levels and positive rates of serum SEA‐ and SEB‐specific IgE between the atopic children without AD and the nonatopic children. With or without adjustment for the potential confounding effect of total serum IgE levels, the levels and positive rates of serum SEA‐ and SEB‐specific IgE were significantly correlated with severity of AD (P<0.005), but they were not significantly different between AD children with and without previous skin infections. Conclusions: SEA and SEB may contribute to chronic inflammation and exacerbation of AD through the IgE‐mediated immune response.
IL‐12 regulates bone marrow eosinophilia and airway eotaxin levels induced by airway allergen exposure
Authors: Zhao Lin‐ling , Lindén Anders , Sjöstrand Margareta , Cui Zhi‐hua , Lötvall Jan , Jordana Manel 
Published: March 2003

Background: Airway allergen exposure causes local eosinophilic cell infiltration. This cellular inflammatory response is likely to involve the release of eosinophils from peripheral storage pools, and possibly also regeneration of eosinophils in the bone marrow. IL‐12 is an inhibitory cytokine in allergic inflammation, shown to reduce eosinophilic cell infiltration. The aim of the present study was to determine whether airway allergen exposure increases bone marrow eosinophil production, and, if so, whether IL‐12 modulates this effect. Methods: Ovalbumin‐sensitized C57BL/6 mice and IL‐12 knockout (KO) mice were exposed to allergen via the airway route, and the inflammatory cell response was evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, blood, and bone marrow. Results: Allergen instillation intranasally produced a dose‐dependent inflammatory response in the lower airways of sensitized mice. This inflammatory response was dominated by eosinophils, but there were also increases of both lymphocytes and neutrophils. Sensitization and airway allergen exposure also increased the IL‐5‐dependent growth of bone marrow cells in vitro. The enhanced bone marrow responsiveness in vitro was paralleled by an increased number of bone marrow eosinophils in vivo. After sensitization and repeated allergen exposure, IL‐12 KO mice showed higher eosinophil levels in both BAL and bone marrow than parallel wild‐type control mice. Furthermore, BAL‐eotaxin levels were increased in IL‐12 KO mice as opposed to parallel wild‐type controls after allergen exposure. Conclusions: Airway allergen exposure induced systemic immunologic responses, including increased eosinophil numbers in both airways and bone marrow, and also enhanced IL‐5 responsiveness in bone marrow cells. IL‐12 may regulate airway eosinophilia at both the level of eosinophilopoiesis and the level of local recruitment of eosinophils into the airways.
Influence of total IgE and seasonal increase of eosinophil cationic protein on bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic grass‐sensitized farmers
Authors: Di Gioacchino M. , Cavallucci E. , Di Stefano F. , Verna N. , Ramondo S. , Ciuffreda S. , Riccioni G. , Boscolo P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: This study correlates biomarkers of atopy (serum total and specific IgE) and inflammation (serum eosinophil cationic protein) with bronchial hyperreactivity assessed after the complete end of pollination, in a group of farmers suffering from grass‐allergic asthma. Methods: A total of 28 asthmatic farmers, with allergy to grass pollen, reporting persistent asthma symptoms after grass pollination, were enrolled. An accurate allergologic screening excluded other sensitizations. Analysis of total and grass‐specific IgE and eosinophil cationic protein was carried out before (March) and during (May) the following spring. After the complete end of pollination, bronchial hyperreactivity was assessed. Results: Symptoms (cough, wheezing) persisted during the autumn for a mean period of 41 days (range 13–69). Total IgE was moderately high and grass‐specific IgE ranged from 9.25 to 41.12 kU/l without significant differences before and during spring. On the contrary, serum ECP levels significantly increased during the pollination period. PD20 methacholine evaluated after the end of grass pollination was negatively significantly correlated with levels of total IgE (r=−0.73; P<0.01) and the increase (from March to May) of serum ECP (r=−0.75; P<0.01). However, PD20 methacholine did not correlate with grass‐specific IgE and serum ECP absolute values of both March and May. A positive correlation was found between number of postseasonal days with symptoms and both spring increase of serum ECP (r=0.75; P=0.04) and levels of total IgE (r=0.76; P<0.01). The number of postseasonal days with symptoms inversely correlated with postseason PD20 methacholine (r=−0.76; P<0.01). Conclusions: The study demonstrates that in grass‐sensitized farmers with asthmatic symptoms persisting for several weeks after grass pollination has ceased, the degree of airways hyperreactivity and the duration of postseasonal symptoms are directly related to the spring increase of ECP levels, as well as to the level of total IgE in serum. This allows us to identify two candidate biomarkers for the risk of developing prolonged asthma symptoms, and for the effective monitoring of anti‐inflammatory treatment and allergen‐specific immunotherapy.
Analysis of epsilon germline transcripts and IL‐4 mRNA expression in the adenoids suggests local IgE switching
Authors: Åström K. , Papatziamos G. , Magnusson C. G. M. , Hemlin C. , Scheynius A. , Ploeg I. van der 
Published: March 2003

Background: We have previously observed more frequent occurrence of IgE+ and FcεRI+ cells in adenoids of atopic than nonatopic children. To investigate the hypothesis that the adenoids are involved in IgE production, we analyzed the levels of ε germline (εGL), IL‐4, and IFN‐γ transcripts in the adenoids in relation to atopy and presence of ear disease. Methods: Adenoidectomy was performed on 19 atopic and 18 nonatopic children (median age 5 years, range 2–12 years) suffering from otitis media with effusion (OME) (n=16) or obstructive adenoids hyperplasia (AH) (n=21). The levels of εGL transcripts, IL‐4, and IFN‐γ mRNA were analyzed by competitive reverse transcriptase‐PCR. Results:εGL transcript levels in the adenoids were found to be dependent on IL‐4 mRNA expression (P<0.01) and serum IgE levels (P<0.05) (R2=0.32, n=37). IL‐4 mRNA expression was associated with εGL transcript levels (rs=0.32, P=0.05, n=37), especially among patients with AH (rs=0.53, P=0.01, n=21). No significant differences in IL‐4 and IFN‐γ mRNA levels were observed between the groups. Conclusions: This study supports an IL‐4‐induced class switch to IgE production in the adenoids that might be of importance for inflammatory reactions in the upper respiratory tract.
Epidemiology of contact allergy in adults
Authors: Schäfer T. , Böhler E. , Ruhdorfer S. , Weigl L. , Wessner D. , Filipiak B. , Wichmann H. E. , Ring J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of contact sensitization in the general population and to investigate associations with important sociodemographic and medical characteristics. Methods: Within a population‐based nested, case‐control study in Germany, we performed patch tests with 25 standard allergens in 1141 adults (50.4% female, age median 50 years). Additional information was obtained by a dermatologic examination, a standardized interview, and blood analysis. Results: At least one positive reaction was exhibited by 40.0% of the subjects, with reactions most frequently observed to fragrance mix (15.9%), nickel (13.1%), thimerosal (4.7%), and balsam of Peru (3.8%). Women were sensitized more often than men (50.2%vs 29.9%, OR 2.36, CI 1.84–3.03), and this was also significant for fragrance mix, nickel, turpentine, cobalt chloride, and thimerosal. Contact sensitization was more frequent in subjects who reported adverse skin reactions (53.8% vs. 32.6%; OR 2.41, CI 1.85–3.14), and this was particularly true for sensitization to nickel (45.5%vs 8.8%, OR 8.64, CI 5.67–13.17) and fragrance mix (29.0%vs 14.0%, OR 2.51, CI 1.60–3.91) and the corresponding intolerance of fashion jewelry and fragrances. Contact sensitization decreased with increasing degree of occupational training (unskilled 45.9%, apprenticeship 40.1%, technical college 40.4%, and school of engineering 12.5%; P=0.023; trend test P=0.042). Significant associations of contact sensitization and presence of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies, atopic eczema, or psoriasis were not observed. Frequency estimates for the general adult population based on these findings were 28.0% for overall contact sensitization and 11.4% for fragrance mix, 9.9% for nickel, and 3.2% for thimerosal. Conclusions: It is concluded that contact allergy is influenced by sociodemographic parameters and plays an important role in the general population.