bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excessively crying infant in the family: mother–infant, father–infant and mother–father interaction
Authors: Räihä H. , Lehtonen L. , Huhtala V. , Saleva K. , Korvenranta H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMethodWe studied mother–infant, father–infant and mother–father interaction in 32 families with an excessively crying infant and in 30 control families. The group with excessive criers was divided further into subgroups of severe colic (n = 13) and moderate colic (n = 19). The three dyads of the family were video‐recorded when the infants were an average of 5 weeks old. The assessment was carried out during the infant's feeding, nappy change and discussion between the parents. During the assessment, only four infants were crying. The Parent Child Early Relational Assessment Scale and the Beavers Scale were used.ResultsThe main findings suggest that both parents of colicky infants had less optimal parent–child interaction compared with the control parents. The problems in the interaction were most pronounced between the fathers and infants in the severe colic group. The father–infant interaction was less optimal in 13 items of 65 (20%) in the severe colic group, in one item of 65 (2%) in the moderate colic group and in none of the items in the control group. The mother–infant interaction was less optimal in six items out of 65 (9%) in the severe colic group, in three items out of 65 (5%) in the moderate colic, and in none of the items in the control group. Severely colicky infants were also less competent in interacting with their parents. In addition, interaction between the parents was more often dysfunctional in the severe colic group.ConclusionsThe problems in early family interaction may threaten the well‐being of families with excessively crying infants and they therefore deserve special attention from the health care professionals.
Parents’ stories of sensitive and insensitive care by paediatricians in the time leading up to and including diagnostic disclosure of a life‐limiting condition in their child
Authors: Davies Ruth , Davis Bryn , Sibert Jo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study explored parents’ experiences of care by paediatricians in the time leading up to and including diagnostic disclosure of a life‐limiting condition in their child.Research methods   Qualitative exploration using in depth interviews with a purposive sample of 30 families whose child was diagnosed with a life‐limiting condition.Results   Parents’ stories centred upon their need to have their concerns and needs as parents validated by paediatricians. Demonstrable qualitative differences were shown to exist between the sensitive and insensitive clinical practices of paediatricians. Parents’ stories identify the need for clinical practice to be based upon a humanistic approach to care. These also identify how sensitive paediatricians achieved this ideal through meeting the ‘double obligation’ of combining technical skills with an understanding of their needs as parents.
Clinical utility of serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) for monitoring and predicting clinical course in childhood asthma
Authors: Fujisawa  , Terada  , Atsuta  , Iguchi  , Kamiya  , Sakurai  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe concentration of ECP in serum has been proposed as a marker of airway inflammation in asthma. However, its clinical significance is still to be determined.ObjectivesThis study was performed to determine whether concentration of ECP in serum reflects clinical status in asthma and can serve as a predictive parameter.MethodsCross‐sectional analysis was performed in 28 children with asthma. A total of 91 blood samples was obtained to determine levels of ECP in serum and eosinophil counts. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s was also determined at the time of the sampling. Data were analysed on the basis of asthma symptoms in the 4 weeks before and the 4 weeks after sampling.ResultsSerum levels of ECP were significantly lower in patients who had been asymptomatic for 3 or 4 weeks before sampling than in patients who had been symptomatic or asymptomatic for only 1 or 2 weeks. In the former group, serum levels of ECP were higher when patients became symptomatic after sampling than when they remained stable, a finding that suggests that serum levels of ECP may have a predictive value in certain situations. Although the concentration of ECP in serum was not proved to be predictive in the latter symptomatic group, the concentration of ECP was significantly lower when measured again 4 weeks later when the patients' symptoms had resolved. In contrast, levels of ECP were unchanged when patients remained symptomatic, a finding that suggests serum levels of ECP may reflect the clinical response to therapy.ConclusionsSerum ECP may be a useful marker for monitoring and predicting the clinical course in asthma.
Anaphylactic reactions associated with trimethoprim
Authors: Bijl  , Van Der Klauw  , Van Vliet  , Stricker  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAnaphylactic reactions to cotrimoxazole are often ascribed to the sulphamethoxazole component of this antibacterial drug.ObjectiveTo determine whether the trimethoprim component can be the cause of an anaphylactic reaction.MethodsAn analysis was made of reports on anaphylaxis attributed to trimethoprim, as notified to the Drug Safety Unit of the Dutch Inspectorate for Health Care.ResultsIn the period between September 1981 and November 1995, 13 such reports were received. Nine were classified as probable anaphylaxis. Of these, the causal relationship between exposure to trimethoprim and anaphylaxis was classified as definite in three reports, and as probable in the other six. The remaining four reports were classified as possible anaphylaxis. In one of these, the causal relationship was classified as definite, and in three as probable.ConclusionAlthough anaphylaxis due to trimethoprim seems to be rare, it may be more common than previously thought. Apparently, anaphylaxis to cotrimoxazole is not always caused by sulphamethoxazole.
Indoor environment of residential homes in Hong Kong — relevance to asthma and allergic disease
Authors: Leung  , Lam  , Chan  , Lee  , Chan  , Pang  , Lai  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe prevalence of asthma and allergic disease has been increasing in Hong Kong and environmental factors are thought to play a major role.AimTo define the distribution of common inhaled allergens and air pollutants inside residential homes in Hong Kong.MethodsForty randomly selected residential homes were visited and surveyed. Dust samples were collected from mattress, bedroom floor, lounge room floor and kitchen floor for assays of Der p 1, Fel d 1, and Bla g 2. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels were measured by stationary samplers left in the bedroom, lounge room and kitchen over a 1‐week period.ResultAll 40 homes were apartments in high‐rise buildings and the mean age of the homes was 7.6 ± 4.8 years. Visible dampness and mould patches were present in 27.5% of homes and the main fuel for cooking was gas (97.5%). Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Bla g 2 were detectable in at least 1 niche in over 85% of homes. In particular, all dust samples from mattress and bedroom floor contained Der p 1, and over 50% had levels ≥ 2 μg/g. The (geometric) mean Der p 1 level in mattress dust was 8.8 (0.3–157.8) μg/g. Fel d 1 and Bla g 2 were present in low levels throughout the homes with respective (geometric) means of 0.3 (0–3.7) μg/g and 0.1 (0–1.1) Unit/g in mattress dust. NO2 was readily detected in all niches but the highest level was in the kitchen with mean exposure of 48.7 ppb which was 1.5 times higher than that in the bedroom and lounge room.ConclusionMajor allergens of mite, cat and cockroach, and NO2 are present in varying quantities in residential homes in Hong Kong. Exposure to these environmental factors could be important in the development of asthma and allergic diseases in susceptible individuals.
In vitro antigen‐specific sulphidoleukotriene production in patients allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: Ferrer  , Sanz  , Prieto  , Oehling  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundSulphidoleukotrienes (slt) are important mediators in allergic diseases that are synthesized after allergen‐specific stimulation.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to determine in vitro slt production after allergen‐specific (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) stimulus of peripheral blood leucocytes and to observe whether histamine release in whole blood with the same allergen correlates with slt production. We also wanted to evaluate whether a correlation exists between the release of slt and histamine and other diagnostic procedures as well as various clinical situations.MethodsWe studied 62 patients sensitive to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p), 30 atopic controls and 12 healthy donors. We determined slt production using the CAST‐ELISA technique and histamine release using two concentrations of Der p extract (20 and 2 ng/mL). We also carried out quantification of specific and total IgE levels, skin tests and pulmonary function test on each patient.ResultsWe observed a significantly increased slt release after in vitro stimulation with Der p. There was a significant difference in the slt release between controls and sensitive patients (P < 0.001) and between atopic controls and sensitive patients (P < 0.001). The data are similar to those obtained with histamine release. We noted a positive correlation (P < 0.001) between slt and histamine release (r = 0.71, at 2 ng/mL and r = 0.83 at 20 ng/mL). We also found a positive (P < 0.001), although weak (r = 0.4 with at 2 ng/mL, and r = 0.34 with P = 0.003 at 20 ng/mL) correlation between slt release and specific IgE levels as well as between slt release and skin‐test reactivity (r = 0.49 at 2 ng/mL and r = 0.45 at 20 ng/mL; P < 0.001). No significant correlation between slt release and asthma severity was observed, although a trend toward higher slt production in severe and moderate asthma was detected. We found a significant (P < 0.001) but weak (r = − 0.3) negative correlation between age and slt release. With respect to sex‐related differences, we found significant differences (P < 0.05) in slt release between the sexes with a higher slt release in men than in women.ConclusionWe conclude that CAST‐ELISA for quantification of slt production is a useful in vitro method for diagnosing sensitization to Der p. There also exists a close correlation between slt release and other parameters of allergic sensitization in vitro as well as in vivo.
Skin‐test reactivity and isotype‐specific immune responses to recombinant Asp f 3, a major allergen of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Hemmann  , Ismail  , Blaser  , Menz  , Crameri  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe in vitro diagnostic value of recombinant allergens depends on the correlation between allergen specific IgE in serum and ability of the protein to elicit immediate type allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.ObjectiveThe study was carried out to evaluate the reliability of recombinant Asp f 3 (rAsp f 3)‐based serological determinations in ELISA and ImmunoCAP compared to skin‐test responses in A. fumigatus sensitized subjects.MethodsPatients suffering from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA, n = 11) or allergic asthma with A. fumigatus sensitization (n = 8) and healthy control subjects (n = 4) were investigated. Intradermal skin tests (IDT) and allergen‐specific serology were performed using rAsp f 3 protein.ResultsAll 11 patients with ABPA and five out of eight A. fumigatus‐sensitized asthmatics without ABPA exhibited a type I skin reaction. All rAsp f 3 skin test positive subjects showed relevant rAsp f 3‐specific serum IgE levels compared with IDT‐negative individuals who scored below the rAsp f 3‐ImmunoCAP cut‐off values of < 0.35 kUA/L. Analyses of rAsp f 3‐specific immunoglobulins revealed significantly higher serum levels of IgG, IgG1, IgG4 and IgE antibodies in patients with ABPA compared with A. fumigatus‐sensitized asthmatics and healthy controls.ConclusionrAsp f 3 represents a major allergen of A. fumigatus. It is recognized by 84% of asthmatic individuals sensitized to the fungus and elicits specific type I skin reactions. The skin test outcome strictly depends on the presence of rAsp f 3‐specific IgE and the lack of false positive or false negative results comparing skin test outcome with specific serum IgE levels determined by ELISA or rAsp f 3‐ImmunoCAP suggests the possibility to rely on serological data obtained with recombinant allergens to diagnose sensitization to A. fumigatus.
Oilseed rape allergy presented as occupational asthma in the grain industry
Authors: Suh  , Park  , Nahm  , Kim  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThere have been several reports on respiratory allergic symptoms induced by pollen of oilseed rape. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report dealing with oilseed rape dust mainly composed of seeds, as an occupational allergen in the grain industry. In this paper, we present a case of occupational asthma caused by oilseed rape dust from the Animal Feed Industry, which proved to be induced by an IgE‐mediated reaction.Methods and resultsThe patient displayed positive respondes to Dermatophagoides farinae as well as oilseed rape dust extract. The bronchoprovocation test showed an early asthmatic response to oilseed rape dust extract. Serum specific IgE antibody to oilseed rape antigen was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA inhibition test showed significant inhibitions with addition of oilseed rape antigen. In order to further identify the allergenic components of extract, sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunoblot analysis were performed. Fourteen IgE‐binding components ranging from 10 to 160 kDa were detected within the oilseed rape extract.ConclusionThese results suggest that the inhalation of oilseed rape dust, not pollen, can cause IgE mediated bronchoconstriction in an exposed worker of the grain industry.
Allergenic relationship among four common and dominant airborne palm pollen grains from Eastern India
Authors: Chowdhury  , Chakraborty  , Gupta‐Bhattacharya  , Chanda  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPalm pollen grains are predominant aeroallergens in the tropics including India. Evidence of allergenic crossreactivity had been reported from various parts of the world on different families, e.g. Poaceae, Asteraceae, etc. No such information is available about the palm pollen of tropical countries.ObjectivesThe present study was undertaken to find out the allergenic relationship, if any, in four common and important palm pollen in India.MethodsA 2‐year aerobiological survey was carried out at Madhyamgram situated at the suburban fringe of Calcutta Metropolis using Burkard volumetric sampler to know the seasonal variation of Areca catechu, Borassus flabellifer, Cocos nucifera and Phoenix sylvestris among others. Skin‐prick tests (SPT) were performed with the relevant pollen extracts on the respiratory allergic patients. Sera from the subjects were tested directly by ELISA for estimating the allergen specific IgE. ELISA inhibitions and dot blotting were performed with pooled patients sera and four palm pollen extracts to detect the crossreactivity.ResultsAmong 70 patients, Areca catechu exhibited the maximum percentage (48.5%) of positive responses followed by Cocos nucifera (45.7%), Phoenix sylvestris (42.85%) and Borassus flabellifer (38.5%). On an average, 30–50% of the patients showed positive skin reactions and enhanced specific IgE level to more than one palm pollen extract. Further evidence of allergenic crossreactivity among the four palm pollen grains were provided by dot blotting and ELISA inhibition studies. In ELISA inhibition, a distinct inhibition was obtained with comparable amounts of the pollen extracts.ConclusionThe suburban aerobiological survey of Calcutta and SPT results confirmed that the relevant pollen types are significant contributors of aeroallergen load of the study area. ELISA inhibition studies with the pooled patients sera using antihuman IgE probe revealed the presence of shared allergenic components among the four palm pollen grains.
Allergenic and antigenic activity of peptide fragments in a whey hydrolysate formula
Authors: Van Hoeyveld  , Escalona‐Monge  , DE Swert  , Stevens  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundMilk hydrolysates, although frequently used as substitutes in cases of cow's milk allergy, show a reduced but never a complete abolishment of antigenicity and allergenicity.ObjectiveOur purpose was to determine the lower molecular weight limit of peptides to elicit skin reactions and to bind IgE antibodies in vitro.MethodsUsing FPLC, an ultrafiltrated whey hydrolysate, was fractionated in different molecular weight fractions. Skin‐prick tests were performed with the hydrolysate and its fractions in five cow's milk allergic children, and RAST inhibition tests were done using the serum of these children.ResultsOn the basis of the lowest extinction values between two peaks of the chromatogram, seven fractions with molecular weights between 15 000 and 125 Da were obtained. Peptides of > 2600 Da elicited a clearly positive skin reaction and inhibited IgE‐binding, while peptides of < 1400 Da did not give any positive skin reaction but were still able to inhibit to a small extent IgE‐binding to the hydrolysate.ConclusionOur findings suggest that for skin reactivity peptides of > 1400 Da are needed. The minimal molecular mass for IgE binding in vitro appears to be situated between 1400 and 970 Da. Such peptides might be used to develop a safe formula for patients reacting to milk hydrolysates or even for tolerance induction.
Mapping of T‐cell epitopes of Phl p 5: evidence for crossreacting and non‐crossreacting T‐cell epitopes within Phl p 5 isoallergens
Authors: MÜller  , Karamfilov  , Kahlert  , STÜwe  , Fahlbusch  , Cromwell  , Fiebig  , JÄger  
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundGroup 5 allergens represent major grass pollen allergens because of their high sensitization indices. The identification of T‐cell epitopes of these allergens is a prerequisite for the design of immunotherapeutic strategies based on peptide vaccination or modified allergens with conserved T‐cell epitopes.ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to determine T‐cell epitopes on Phl p 5 major pollen allergen of timothy grass (Phleum pratense).MethodsT‐cell lines (TCLs) and T‐cell clones (TCCs), specific to Phl p 5, were established from the peripheral blood of 18 patients allergic to grass pollen. All TCCs were mapped for epitope specificities using 178 overlapping dodecapeptides representing the primary structures of two isoforms of Phl p 5 (Phl p 5a and Phl p 5b). Phenotype and cytokine production profiles of TCCs were tested. Selected TCCs were analysed for HLA class II restriction.ResultsA total of 82 TCCs were isolated. All TCCs displayed the helper cell (TH) phenotype. Their reactivity with two recombinant expressed isoforms of Phl p 5a and Phl p 5b was heterogeneous. The epitope specificity of the TCCs was then revealed. Nineteen T‐cell epitopes could be identified on Phl p 5. Eighty‐one percent of mapped TCCs recognized three T‐cell reactive regions on the Phl p 5 allergen. Some TCCs were reactive with isoepitopes presenting on Phl p 5a as well as Phl p 5b. Allergen‐specific stimulation induced a TH0‐like type of cytokine production in 25 of 50 TCCs. Almost all TCCs secreted high concentrations of interleukin‐13.ConclusionPhl p 5, a major grass pollen allergen, contains several T‐cell epitopes. Some epitope regions were recognized by several patients. Epitope recognition pattern could not be correlated with special HLA class II haplotypes. T‐cell stimulating isoepitopes were found at corresponding regions of Phl p 5a and Phl p 5b isoforms.
Lipid mediator pathways in the lung: leukotrienes as a new target for the treatment of asthma
Authors: Dahlén  
Published: March 2003

This article summarizes recent evidence supporting that antileukotriene drugs represent a new treatment of asthma which may be particularly effective when combined with drugs that have complementary effects on airway obstruction and inflammation. Firstly, it has been documented that glucocorticosteroids do not inhibit in vivo production of leukotrienes in asthmatics. In line with such findings, addition of antileukotriene drugs to a group of aspirin‐intolerant asthmatics maintained on conventional therapy was found to result in an improvement of the asthma over and above the effect of the baseline treatment with inhaled and/or oral glucocorticosteroids. Likewise, in a 6‐week trial in a group of severe asthmatics, the asthma deterioration caused by a reduction of the dose of inhaled steroids by half, was prevented by addition of a leukotriene antagonist to the lowered dose of glucocorticosteroids. Current evidence therefore supports that antileukotriene drugs treat components of the pathophysiology which are left unaffected by treatment with glucocorticosteroid. Secondly, in experimental studies as well as in a recent allergen bronchoprovocation study in asthmatics, it has been found that the combination of antihistaminics with antileukotriene drugs will result in a profound inhibition of both the early and the late phase of allergen‐induced airway obstruction. It is hypothesized that such a combination may be useful against bronchoconstriction induced by other asthma trigger factors as well as in the treatment of asthma and rhinitits.
Effects of erythromycin on experimental extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Authors: Miyajima  , Suga  , Nakagawa  , Ito  , Ando  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundRecent clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of erythromycin for treating patients with chronic lower respiratory tract inflammation. Mechanisms related to the anti‐inflammatory action are yet to be determined.ObjectivesThe therapeutic efficacy of erythromycin in experimental extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) was evaluated.MethodsA murine model of EAA was developed by intratracheal inoculations with particulate Trichosporon mucoides followed by erythromycin or josamycin treatment. Cell populations, specific antibodies, chemotactic activities, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, MIP‐2 and KC of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); histopathology of the lung and footpad reaction; myeloperoxidase of the whole lung; and immunohistochemistry of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), at 6 and 96 h after the challenge, were examined.ResultsThere was a marked neutrophilic alveolitis and bronchiolitis at 6 h, and lymphocytic alveolitis and perivenule cuffing at 96 h after the challenge. Increase in total inflammatory cells and neutrophils in BALF at 6 h was significantly suppressed by pre‐treatment with 5 mg/kg/day of erythromycin intraperitoneally for 5 days (P < 0.01), with no apparent effect on specific antibodies, chemotactic activity or cytokines. Erythromycin also suppressed the Arthus‐type reaction in the footpad (P < 0.01). Histopathological studies revealed that erythromycin markedly decreased neutrophils in the lung and skin lesions and myeloperoxidase in the lung, simultaneously with inhibiting ICAM‐1 expression. The therapy has no remarkable effects on lymphocytes or 96 h response. Josamycin had no effects on the model.ConclusionsThe therapeutic dosage of erythromycin significantly suppressed acute neutrophil influx into the lung, intradermal Arthus reaction and the expression of ICAM‐1 in the lesions of experimental EAA. Erythromycin may be effective for treating subjects with acute EAA.