bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the allergenicity of tropical pollen and airborne spores in Singapore
Authors: Chew F. T. , Lim S. H. , Shang H. S. , Siti Dahlia M. D. , Goh D. Y. T. , Lee B. W. , Tan H. T. W. , Tan T. K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Sensitization to pollen and spores of the Southeast Asian tropical region is not well documented. This study evaluated the allergenicity of the tropical airspora in Singapore. Methods: On the basis of the results of an aerobiologic survey of the airspora profile of Singapore, crude extracts of 23 main spore (fungal and fern) and pollen types were prepared. A total of 231 patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and 76 healthy controls were evaluated by skin prick test (SPT). Total and specific IgE levels were also quantified by the fluorescence allergosorbent test (FAST). Results: All 23 allergenic extracts tested elicited positive SPT responses. Among the patients with atopic diseases, extracts of oil‐palm pollen (Elaeis guineensis) were observed to have the highest frequency of positive reactions (40%), followed by extracts of resam‐fern spores (Dicranopteris linearis) (34%) and sea‐teak pollen (Podocarpus polystachyus) (33.8%). Fungal spores with the highest SPT responses were Curvularia spp. (26–32%) and Drechslera‐like spores (31%). Positive responses to these extracts correlated with total serum IgE levels of the subjects and were significantly associated with the presence of atopic disease. Conclusions: We have documented sensitization to tropical pollen and spores in our population. Its association with atopy suggests that it has a role in allergic diseases in the tropics.
Interleukin‐4‐independent production of Th2 cytokines by nasal lymphocytes and nasal eosinophilia in murine allergic rhinitis
Authors: Okano M. , Satoskar A. R. , Abe M. , Harn D. A. , Okano M. , Nishizaki K. , Takeda Y. , Yoshino T. , Brombacher F. , Satoskar A. A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Interleukin (IL)‐4 is believed to play an important role in the atopic pathogenesis. However, the precise role of IL‐4 in the in vivo initiation of allergic rhinitis is not fully understood. We have recently found that BALB/c mice sensitized intranasally with Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA) mount a Th2 response that initiates allergic rhinitis. Thus, we sought to determine the role of IL‐4 in the initiation of allergic rhinitis in vivo with this model. Methods: IL‐4 gene‐deficient (IL‐4−/−) BALB/c and wild‐type (IL‐4+/+) control mice were sensitized by intranasal SEA administration, and their immunologic responses were examined both in vivo and in vitro. Results: IL‐4+/+ mice sensitized with SEA displayed significantly higher titers of SEA‐specific IgG1 and IgE antibodies than IL‐4−/− mice, while the latter produced significantly more SEA‐specific IgG2a. Antigen‐stimulated nasal lymphocytes from SEA‐sensitized IL‐4−/− and IL‐4+/+ mice produced similar amounts of IL‐5 and IL‐10, but neither produced IFN‐γ. Furthermore, the severity of nasal eosinophilia was similar in both groups. Conclusions: These results indicate that although IL‐4 is necessary for the production of Th2‐associated antibodies – in particular, IgE – it is not required for either the production of the Th2‐associated cytokines IL‐5 and IL‐10, or the induction of nasal eosinophilia.
Usefulness of currently available methods for the diagnosis of Anisakis simplex allergy
Authors: Lorenzo S. , Iglesias R. , Leiro J. , Ubeira F. M. , Ansotegui I. , García M. , Fernández de Corres L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Serodiagnosis of anisakiosis and Anisakis allergy is difficult since many Anisakis antigens show cross‐reactivity complications. In the present study, we assess the usefulness of the major immunologic methods currently available for the diagnosis of Anisakis allergy. Methods: Four tests (skin prick test, CAP‐FEIA system, Western blotting, and an antigen‐capture ELISA using O‐deglycosylated antigen bound by the monoclonal antibody UA3) were applied to Anisakis‐free subjects and subjects with confirmed Anisakis allergy. Results: The skin prick test, CAP‐FEIA, and the antigen‐capture ELISA identified Anisakis allergy sera with 100% sensitivity, while Western blotting showed 96% sensitivity. The antigen‐capture ELISA also showed 100% specificity, but CAP‐FEIA showed a specificity of only 50%. In Western blotting, none of the bands detected were specific for either Anisakis‐free or Anisakis allergy subjects. The skin prick test was not applied to the Anisakis‐free subjects, so its specificity could not be determined. Conclusions: On the basis of these results, we suggest that the most appropriate procedure for diagnosis of Anisakis allergy suspected on clinical grounds is the antigen‐capture ELISA using UA3, or, alternatively, a preliminary skin prick test with a positive result subsequently confirmed by UA3‐ELISA.
Symptoms suggestive of atopic rhinitis in children aged 6–9 years and the indoor environment
Authors: Zacharasiewicz A. , Zidek T. , Haidinger G. , Waldhör T. , Vutuc C. , Zacharasiewicz A. , Goetz M. , Pearce N. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We aimed to investigate the influence of indoor factors on the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of atopic rhinitis in children aged 6–9 years in Upper Austria. Methods: We analyzed the results from an extended ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questionnaire, answered by the parents, about indoor environment and symptoms strongly suggesting atopic rhinitis. This was defined as having reported a running, obstructed, or itchy nose apart from having a cold in the last year. The overall response rate was 93.4%. After excluding 6016 children (17.1%) with changed indoor environment (due to allergies in the family), we analyzed the remaining subsample of 18606 questionnaires. Results: The following factors were associated with an increased risk: mother's smoking during pregnancy and/or during time of breast‐feeding (OR 1.28; CI 1.07–1.52), synthetic bedding (OR 1.21; CI 1.09–1.36), dampness/mold at home (OR 1.51; CI 1.31–1.74), central heating with gas (OR 1.75; CI 1.06–2.87), and space heating (OR 1.66; CI 1.01–2.98). Cooking with wood (OR 0.62; CI 0.46–0.84) was negatively associated with symptoms. Conclusions: The indoor environment plays a role in the symptoms of atopic rhinitis in children. However, the population‐attributable risks were not particularly high; they were between −2.7% and 9% for the various exposures considered in this study.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Fusarium napiforme in a home environment
Authors: Lee S‐K. , Kim S‐S. , Nahm D‐H. , Park H‐S. , Oh Y‐J. , Park K‐J. , Kim S‐O. , Kim S‐J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We report a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in a 17‐year‐old male student caused by Fusarium napiforme found in his home environment. Methods: The patient was diagnosed according to history, chest radiograph, spirometry, high‐resolution chest CT, and transbronchial lung biopsy. To identify the causative agent, cultured aeromolds were collected by the open‐plate method. From the main fungi cultured, fungal antigens were prepared, and immunoblot analysis with the patient's serum and each fungal antigen was performed. Results: Five fungal species were isolated from the patient's home. Immunoblotting analysis with the patient's serum demonstrated more than 10 IgG‐binding fractions to F. napiforme extract only, while little binding was noted with the other fungal antigens. Conclusions: We should be aware that HP may be caused by F. napiforme in the home environment.
Local side‐effects of inhaled corticosteroids in asthmatic children: influence of drug, dose, age, and device
Authors: Dubus J. C. , Marguet C. , Deschildre A. , Mely L. , Le Roux P. , Brouard J. , Huiart L. ,   Réseau de Recherche Clinique en Pneumologie Pédiatrique
Published: March 2003

Background: The objective was to investigate the local side‐effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in daily life in asthmatic children, particularly the younger ones, by an observational prospective cross‐sectional cohort study. Methods: Asthmatic children (n=639, 75.9±48.9 months, 61.3% boys), treated with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) (721.0±287.3 µg per day) or budesonide (BUD) (835.5±684.9 µg per day) for at least 1 month, were recruited at the time of a scheduled visit. Local side‐effects were researched by questionnaire (cough during inhalation, hoarseness, dysphonia, and thirsty feeling) and clinical examination (perioral dermatitis, oral candidiasis, and tongue hypertrophy). Results: Exactly 63.3% of the children aged under 6 years and 59.5% of the older ones reported one local side‐effect. Cough (39.7%) was dependent on young age, use of BDP, and mainly use of spacer device, with an OR of 4.7 (95% CI: 2.7–8.2). Thirsty feeling (21.9%) and hoarseness (14.1%) occurred in children using ICS and long‐acting β2‐agonists. Dysphonia (11.1%) was favored by high doses of BDP and BUD, and by inhalation from spacer devices or nebulizers. No factor favored oral candidiasis (10.7%). Perioral dermatitis (2.9%) and tongue hypertrophy (0.1%) were associated with nebulization. Conclusions: Local side‐effects of ICS are common in asthmatic children of all_ ages, and the device used constitutes the most influential factor.
Occupational asthma and rhinitis due to glutaraldehyde: changes in nasal lavage fluid after specific inhalatory challenge test
Authors: Pałczyński C. , Walusiak J. , Ruta U. , Górski P. 
Published: March 2003

Background:Glutaraldehyde (GA) is a known respiratory sensitizers, and some studies have reported occupational asthma in exposed workers. Specific changes in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) induced by high‐molecular‐weight allergen provocation in sensitized subjects were described previously. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in cytogram, protein content, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and mast‐cell tryptase concentrations in NLF after GA inhalation challenge in patients with a positive history of GA‐induced asthma and late or dual asthmatic response due to exposure to low‐level GA.Methods:A single‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was performed on 11 health workers with occupational asthma and rhinitis due to GA. The control groups comprised 10 atopic subjects with perennial asthma and rhinitis and 10 healthy ones. A “nasal pool” technique was used to evaluate the examined parameters in nasal washings before and 30 min, 4 h, and 24 h after the inhalatory provocation with GA and placebo.Results:There was a significant increase in eosinophil number and percentage, and albumin, ECP, and tryptase concentrations in NLF from patients with occupational asthma and rhinitis when compared to controls.Conclusions:The results indicate the immunologic mechanism of GA‐induced asthma and the applicability of the “nasal pool” technique as the diagnostic procedure in GA‐induced airway allergy.
Increased lymphoid MxA expression in acute asthma exacerbation in children
Authors: Itazawa T , Adachi Y , Imamura H , Okabe Y , Yamamoto J , Onoue Y , Adachi Y. S. , Miyawaki T , Murakami G 
Published: March 2003

Background: Although the association between acute asthma exacerbation and viral infection has been well documented, virus identification rates vary. It has recently been reported that the expression of MxA protein in lymphocytes, inducible by type I interferons, can serve as a sensitive marker for viral infection in the host. The objective was to determine the contribution of viral infection to precipitation of asthma attacks in children. Methods: We studied 186 asthmatic children, aged 0–12 years, over a 1‐year period to evaluate MxA protein levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes by using a flow cytometric analysis in whole blood. Results: Of all the subjects, 80 (47%) exhibited significantly elevated levels of MxA expression in lymphocytes, presumably indicating the states of viral infection. The association of viral infections with acute asthma exacerbation seemed to be marked in younger children: enhanced MxA expression was seen in 73.3% of infants (aged 0–1 year), 49.5% of toddlers (aged 2–5 years), and 26% of schoolchildren (aged 6–12 years). Seasonal changes in the frequency of viral infection associated with deterioration were also observed. Conclusions: Flow cytometric assay of MxA protein expression in whole blood appears to be an easy and useful method to evaluate viral infections in acute asthma exacerbation.
B‐cell epitopes of the allergen Chi t 1.01: peptide mapping of epitopes recognized by rabbit, murine, and human antibodies
Authors: Van Kampen V. , Liebers V. , Sander I. , Chen Z. , Baur X. , Raulf‐Heimsoth M. , Falkenberg F. W. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Chi t 1.01, a hemoglobin of the midge Chironomus thummi thummi, is a widespread environmental and occupational allergen. The aim of the present investigation was to identify and compare peptides involved in B‐cell epitopes of Chi t 1.01 recognized by 15 human IgE sera, six murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and a polyclonal rabbit antiserum. Methods: Synthetic peptides 19–21 amino acids long covering the whole Chi t 1.01‐sequence were covalently coupled to activated paper disks as well as adsorbed to wells of immunoplates and used for enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. For fine epitope mapping, we used overlapping synthetic octapeptides with one amino‐acid offset. Results: Peptides containing the amino acids 13–17, 23–29, and 40–50 were recognized by three of the mAbs, while three other mAbs reacting with none of the peptides obviously recognized conformational epitopes. Binding sites for rabbit antibodies and for human IgE antibodies were scattered over the whole molecule. The peptide 80–100 seemed to comprise at least one important IgE epitope. Depending on the method of antigen binding to the solid phase, differing results were obtained. Conclusions: Several linear epitopes in Chi t 1.01 are recognized by human IgE antibodies, by mAbs, and by polyclonal rabbit antibodies. In addition, the results indicate the presence of conformational epitopes.
Recruitment of CD1a+ Langerhans cells to the nasal mucosa in seasonal allergic rhinitis and effects of topical corticosteroid therapy
Authors: Till S. J. , Jacobson M. R. , O'Brien F. , Durham S. R. , KleinJan A. , Fokkens W. J. , Juliusson S. , Lowhagen O. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Local antigen presentation may be necessary for both primary and recall T‐cell responses to grass pollen in hay fever patients. We examined the effect of seasonal allergen exposure on nasal mucosal antigen‐presenting cell (APC) populations and the effects of topical corticosteroid therapy. Methods: Nasal biopsies were collected from 46 grass pollen‐sensitive seasonal rhinitis patients before the grass‐pollen season. A second biopsy was collected during the pollen season, when patients had received 6 weeks' treatment with either fluticasone propionate (200 µg, twice daily) or placebo. Cell populations in biopsy sections were quantified by immunocytochemistry. Results: Significant increases in submucosal and epithelial CD1a+ Langerhans cells, but not CD68+ macrophages or CD20+ B cells, were observed during the pollen season. Seasonal increases in CD1a+ Langerhans cells were inhibited by corticosteroid therapy. Conclusions: Recruitment of CD1a+ Langerhans cells to the nasal mucosa during natural seasonal allergen exposure may contribute to local T cell responses. Topical corticosteroids may act, at least in part, by inhibiting effective allergen presentation to T cells through inhibition of recruitment of Langerhans cells to the nasal mucosa.
Validation of a new questionnaire on asthma, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis in young adults
Authors: Kilpeläinen M. , Terho E.O. , Helenius H. , Koskenvuo M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Epidemiologic data on asthma and allergies among adults are mainly based on questionnaires: this study validates the questions on asthma, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis of a new Finnish questionnaire. Methods: To validate questions used in a country‐wide study among university students aged 18–25 years, we examined 150 subjects who had ever reported asthma or wheezing, and 140 without asthma symptoms. Questions were validated in relation to current diseases including1) symptoms detected during the preceding year at the physician's interview2) objective measurements, such as methacholine challenge, skin prick tests, and specific IgE.Data were adjusted for original proportions of “asthmatics” and “nonasthmatics” in the questionnaire study. Results: Questions on “reported asthma” and “doctor‐diagnosed asthma” had good positive predictive value (PPV) and specificity in diagnosing current asthma. The question on “attacks of shortness of breath with wheezing”, and especially the question on “cough with wheezing” were most sensitive. Questions on “allergic nasal symptoms” and “allergic eye symptoms” that were “related to pollen or animals” were sensitive, but a further question on doctor's diagnosis yielded higher specificity and PPV. Conclusions: Diagnosis‐based questions were found suitable for risk‐factor studies, because of their good specificity and PPV, and symptom‐based questions for screening, because they were highest in sensitivity.
Changes over 13 years in skin reactivity to histamine in cohorts of children aged 9–13 years
Authors: Ronchetti R. , Pia Villa M. , Ciofetta G. , Barreto M. , Falasca C. , Martella S. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Several studies report substantial differences in the prevalence of skin test reactivity to allergens in children from adjacent geographic areas; others report an increased prevalence over time. To find out whether these differences depend on variations in skin reactivity to histamine, we determined the time trend of histamine wheal sizes in successive cohorts of unselected children living in the same area (Viterbo, Italy). Methods: We conducted three epidemiologic surveys, each including children aged 9 and 13 years. The 1983–7 study investigated 170 children (150 were tested twice); the 1992 study, 158 children; and the 1996 study, 208 children. Results: In both age groups, the mean diameter of the wheal induced by histamine skin prick tests (10 mg/ml) increased significantly over time (9‐year‐olds: 3.25 mm in 1983, 4.68 in 1992, and 5.89 in 1996; 13‐year‐olds: 3.89 mm in 1987, 5.18 in 1992, and 6.50 in 1996) (P<0.001 between subsequent studies). The distribution of the wheal diameters for both ages showed a trend to a right shift in the three successive studies (P<0.001). The dose‐response curves for three histamine concentrations (0.2, 1, and 10 mg/ml) had significantly steeper slopes in 1996 than in 1983–7 (P<0.001). Conclusions: The marked time‐related increase in the size of the histamine wheals could help to explain the trend toward an increased prevalence of positive allergen skin test reactions reported during the past years. The causes of increased skin reactivity to histamine remain conjectural.
Basophil activation during pollen season in patients monosensitized to grass pollens
Authors: Saporta M. , Kamei S. , Persi L. , Bousquet J. , Arnoux B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Basotest® is a new basophil‐activation test based upon the expression of CD63 (gp53) in the presence of allergens. It is an effective diagnostic test for pollen‐allergic patients. However, it is not known whether Basotest results differ during the pollen season. Methods: We examined the activation of basophils by Basotest in 13 patients sensitized only to grass pollen, before and during the pollen season, in order to assess whether Basotest could be used as a diagnostic test during the pollen season. Dose‐response curves with 10‐fold increasing concentrations of timothy grass pollen (10−4 to 100 AU) were carried out. Results: Basophils were not activated spontaneously during the pollen season since the CD63 expression was below detectable levels before in vitro cell activation. A decreased percentage of activated basophils at the peak of activation was found in comparing the pre‐ and in‐season tests, but all patients had a positive test. When basophil activation was at its peak, the allergen concentration was similar during the two periods. Moreover, the median area under the curve was significantly (P<0.02) reduced during the season as compared to before the season. Conclusions: Basotest can therefore be used as a diagnostic test during the pollen season, but the allergen exposure needs to be characterized if quantitative studies are performed.
A well‐tolerated grass pollen‐specific allergy vaccine containing a novel adjuvant, monophosphoryl lipid A, reduces allergic symptoms after only four preseasonal injections
Authors: Drachenberg K. J. , Wheeler A. W. , Stuebner P. , Horak F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We present data showing that a Th1‐inducing adjuvant can reduce the number of injections required for allergy vaccination. Allergy vaccination is the only treatment for type 1 hypersensitivity that can alter the underlying disease process. A switch of specific T‐cell activity from Th2>Th1 to Th1>Th2 is believed to be an important change seen after long‐term vaccination therapy. An immunologic adjuvant that enhances such a switch could be used to reduce the number of injections required. This would improve compliance with the treatment and provide pharmacoeconomic advantages. Such an adjuvant is 3‐deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL® adjuvant, Corixa). Methods: A multicentre, placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind clinical study was performed with a new standardized allergy vaccine comprising a tyrosine‐adsorbed glutaraldehyde‐modified grass pollen extract containing MPL® adjuvant. Four subcutaneous injections of the active product were given preseasonally to 81 grass pollen‐sensitive subjects, and 60 received placebo injections (tyrosine alone). Diary cards were used to record symptoms and medication taken during approximately 30 days of the grass pollen season. Results: There was a statistical advantage in favour of the active treatment for nasal (P=0.016) and ocular (P=0.003) symptoms and combined symptom and medication scores (P=0.013). Titrated skin prick testing revealed a significant reduction of skin sensitivity in the active group compared to placebo (P=0.04). Grass‐pollen‐specific IgG antibody was raised by active treatment (P<0.01). A rise in IgE antibody was seen in the placebo group during the season (P<0.01). The first year's treatment rise of IgE was not seen in the active group, and no rise occurred during the pollen season. More local adverse events were seen in the active group. There was no difference in generalized adverse events. Conclusions: A new, well‐tolerated allergy vaccine, incorporating a Th1‐inducing adjuvant, MPL®, was efficacious and after only four preseasonal injections produced antibody changes normally associated with long injection schedules. This may encourage wider application of allergy vaccination. The vaccine is now available in a number of countries as Pollinex Quattro®.