bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in schoolchildren living in a mountainous area of Norway: a population‐based study of ECP as a tool for diagnosing asthma in children with reference values
Authors: Njå F. , Røksund O. D. , Carlsen K‐H. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Most previous studies on eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) have been performed on carefully selected groups of asthmatic patients. Few studies based upon population cohorts have been reported. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the usefulness of serum eosinophil cationic protein (s‐ECP) in the diagnosis of asthma in schoolchildren and determine reference values based on measurements in healthy children. Methods: The population consisted of 216 schoolchildren (aged 7–16 years) who in a previous questionnaire had reported asthma or asthma‐like symptoms and a control group. The questionnaire study comprised the entire population of schoolchildren in Upper Hallingdal. After clinical assessment, blood samples, and skin prick tests, these subjects were then reclassified into four groups: atopic and nonatopic asthmatic and nonasthmatics. S‐ECP was assessed in relation to atopy, asthma severity, allergen exposure, and sex. Results: The asthma group (n=105) had significantly higher mean s‐ECP level than the nonasthma group (n=111) (13.3 vs 8.3 µg/l, P<0.001), with no significant difference between atopic asthmatics and atopic nonasthmatics. Mean s‐ECP levels in children with mild, moderate, or severe asthma were 12.1, 18.5, and 12.2 µg/l, respectively. The children with animal dander allergy demonstrated higher levels of s‐ECP than children without this allergy (12.9 vs 9.1 µg/l, P=0.001). The upper reference limit (determined as the 95th percentile in healthy children) of 19.1 µg/l, showed low sensitivity (24%) and high specificity (93%) for the diagnosis of asthma. The positive and negative likelihood ratios for the asthma diagnosis were found to be 3.2 and 0.83, respectively. Conclusions: The highest s‐ECP values were found among children with moderate asthma. Animal dander allergy resulted in elevated s‐ECP. However, mean values were still below the reference value of 19.1 µg/l, and the sensitivity was low, suggesting that s‐ECP is not a useful parameter for diagnosing asthma in population‐based studies.
Diet, serum fatty acids, and atopic diseases in childhood
Authors: Dunder T. , Kuikka L. , Turtinen J. , Räsänen L. , Uhari M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The reasons behind the reported increase in the occurrence of childhood atopic sensitization rates are unclear. We wanted to evaluate the association between dietary fats, serum fatty acids, and the occurrence and development of atopic diseases. Methods: From a longitudinal database of a population‐based sample, 231 sex‐ and age‐matched pairs in 1980 and 154 pairs in 1986 were chosen, between whom we compared the dietary data, serum fatty acid composition, and occurrence of atopic diseases. The same variables were also compared between those who developed atopic disease later and those who did not during the 9‐year follow‐up. Results: Examination of the dietary data in 1980 for those who had developed atopic disease compared with those who had remained healthy showed that the atopic children had used less butter before the expression of atopy. According to the cross‐sectional data, the children with atopic disease consumed more margarine (mean 8.6 vs 7.3 [P=0.04]), and less butter (mean 9.4 vs 11.6 g/1000 kcal [P=0.002]), than the nonatopic children in 1980. Differences supporting these dietary findings were similarly found in the serum fatty acid data. Conclusions: The diet of the atopic children differed from that of the nonatopic children in the consumption of polyunsaturated fat.
Systemic ketoconazole is an effective treatment of atopic dermatitis with IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to yeasts
Authors: Lintu P. , Savolainen J. , Kortekangas‐Savolainen O. , Kalimo K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to yeasts is often seen in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, especially when dermatitis is located in the head, neck, and shoulder regions. Two studies have shown the efficacy of ketoconazole in the treatment of this type of AD, in contrast to results of topical treatment. The objective was to assess the clinical efficacy of antifungal treatment in AD in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study with oral ketoconazole and yeast‐specific IgE levels and saprophytic yeast growth monitored simultaneously. Methods: Eighty patients with AD and positive P. ovale and/or C. albicans RAST/skin prick test results were randomized to receive ketoconazole or placebo for 30 days. The yeast growth of skin and pharynx; P. ovale, C. albicans, andS. cerevisiae RAST; serum total IgE; and the severity of the eczema (SCORAD) were assessed at day 0 and thereafter at 1 and 3 months. Results: A significant improvement was seen in the SCORAD scale in the ketoconazole group at the second visit in comparison to the first visit (P<0.0005; n=36), but not in the placebo group (n=39). Of the individual determinants of the SCORAD, itching (P<0.005), the extent of dermatitis (area percentage), excoriation, lichenification (P<0.01), erythema, papulation, and dryness (P<0.05) improved significantly in the ketoconazole group. In the placebo group, only the extent of dermatitis (area percentage) decreased significantly (P<0.05). In the ketoconazole group, the number of positive P. ovale cultures decreased from 60% to 31% (n=35) compared to the placebo group (64% to 56%; n=39). The clinical response was most significant in female patients with positive yeast cultures. Conclusions: Saprophytic yeasts may be a source of allergens in AD. Thus, patients with AD, yeast growth, and elevated IgE levels to yeasts should be offered antifungal treatment.
Sex‐related differences in the initiation of allergic rhinitis in mice
Authors: Yamatomo T. , Okano M. , Ono T. , Nakayama E. , Yoshino T. , Satoskar A. R. , Harn Jr D. A. , Nishizaki K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Several clinical and epidemiologic studies have investigated sex differences in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. At present, however, no reports have demonstrated such differences in experimental models with local, but not parenteral, sensitization with antigens that may reflect natural exposure to allergens. We have recently developed murine models of allergic rhinitis after repeated intranasal sensitization with antigens in the absence of adjuvants. In this study, we investigated the role of sex in the initiation of the disease in vivo. Methods: Male and female CBA/J and BALB/c mice were sensitized intranasally with phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA), respectively, in the absence of adjuvants. After the repeated sensitization, serum Ab titers against the sensitizing antigen and nasal eosinophilia were determined. In addition, the involvement of androgen in IgE synthesis was investigated in castrated CBA/J male mice with or without testosterone administration. Results: Females produced significantly higher levels of PLA2‐specific IgE than males in CBA/J mice sensitized with PLA2. On the other hand, both titers of PLA2‐specific IgG1 and nasal eosinophilia did not significantly differ between the two groups. Castrated male mice produced significantly higher amounts of PLA2‐specific IgE than sham‐treated male mice. In addition, PLA2‐specific IgE production decreased in castrated mice treated with testosterone. Sexual differences in the production of Ag‐specific IgE were not seen in BALB/c mice after the sensitization with SEA. Conclusions: These results suggest that sex is responsible for the production of Ag‐specific IgE, but not IgG1 or nasal eosinophilia, and that androgen appears to be involved in the in vivo production of specific IgE in male mice.
Presence of fluticasone propionate on human nasal mucosal surface and in human nasal tissue over a period of 24 h after intranasal application
Authors: Bonsmann U. , Bachert C. , Delank K‐W. , Rohdewald P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Once‐daily use of nasally applied glucocorticoids was demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The aim of the study was to measure concentrations of fluticasone propionate (FP) in nasal secretion and nasal tissue over a period of 1 day after a single application of 100 µg FP. Methods: Twenty‐six patients applied nasal FP spray at different time intervals before surgery. Cotton swabs, used to clean the mucosal surface, and resected nasal tissue were extracted. FP concentrations were determined by RIA. Results: FP was found in nasal secretions in concentrations from 15 to 1 µg/g over a period of 20 h, and in nasal tissue in concentrations from 200 to 13 ng/g up to 24 h after the single application. Conclusions: The long‐persisting high concentrations of FP provide the pharmacokinetic basis for once‐daily treatment.
Variations of serum eosinophil cationic protein and tryptase, measured in serum and saliva, during the course of immediate allergic reactions to foods
Authors: Vila L. , Sanz M. L. , Sánchez‐López G. , García‐Avilés C. , Diéguez I. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Subjective complaints and reactions after placebo administration during food challenges (FC) may make their outcome difficult to interpret. We determined serum ECP and tryptase as tryptase in saliva during FC, looking for markers to support challenge outcomes. Methods: Twelve patients with systemic reactions after food intake and nine presenting oral allergy syndrome (OAS) underwent skin tests; total and specific IgE determination; double‐blind, placebo‐controlled FC (DBPCFC); and open challenges. Blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, and 5 h after challenge and saliva before and 5, 30, and 60 min after challenge. ECP and tryptase were quantified by ImmunoCAP (Pharmacia‐Upjohn, Sweden). Serum tryptase of >10 µg/l was considered positive. Results: After positive DBPCFC (n=8), ECP rose significantly (P<0.05) at 1‐h – 16.03 (12.8) μg/l (mean [standard deviation]) – and 2‐h intervals – 17.56 (10.7) μg/l – compared to basal level of 9 (6.4) μg/l. After negative DBPCFC (n=6), ECP increased from basal 9.63 (3.9) μg/l to 24.84 (14.17) μg/l at the 2‐h time point. There were nonsignificant differences in ECP between patients with positive and negative FC. Two patients with positive challenge showed a tryptase level of >10 µg/l and only one patient with OAS showed 5.6 µg/l of tryptase 5 min after FC. Conclusions: ECP and tryptase in serum and saliva were not useful markers for FC outcomes.
Dose‐response and time course of specific IgE and IgG after single and repeated topical skin exposure to dry trimellitic anhydride powder in a Brown Norway rat model
Authors: Zhang X. D. , Murray D. K. , Lewis D. M. , Siegel P. D. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Trimellitic anhydride (TMA)‐induced occupational asthma is thought to be associated with its ability to acylate proteins and to induce production of TMA‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E. Though the respiratory tract is considered to be a major exposure route leading to airway sensitization, the potential role of dermal exposure producing asthmatic sensitization is not known. The present study examines the ability of dry TMA powder to sensitize Brown Norway rats when applied, topically, to the skin.Methods: A patch of hair was carefully clipped with scissors on the rat's back. Dry TMA powder (0.3, 1.25, 5 and 20 mg) was administered on days 0, 7, 14 and 21, and the area occluded with surgical tape overnight after each application. Residual powder recovered from the occluded skin was analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and was still predominantly TMA. Circulating anti‐TMA IgE and IgG were measured by ELISA.Results: TMA elicited dose‐dependent production of specific IgE and IgG. Specific antibodies were detectable 2 weeks after the first TMA exposure and peaked between 3 and 4 weeks.Conclusion: The data suggest that topical skin exposure to dry TMA powder can induce allergic/immunological sensitization as demonstrated by the production of specific antibodies.
Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of full‐length cDNAs encoding new group of Cyn d 1 isoallergens*
Authors: Au L.C. , Lin S.T. , Peng H.J. , Liang C.C. , Lee S.S. , Liao C.D. , Chang Z.N. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Cyn d 1, the major allergen of Bermuda grass pollen, contains some acidic/basic isoforms. The N‐terminal amino acid sequences of some acidic Cyn d 1 isoforms were found to be different from those of Cyn d 1 cDNA clones identified previously. Methods: A predicted 17‐meric oligonucleotide probe was designed to fish the unidentified isoallergen cDNAs out of BGP cDNA library. The reactive clones were isolated and verified by sequencing. Two of them were expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris to obtain recombinant Cyn d 1 proteins. Results: All four cDNA clones encode the full‐length Cyn d 1 with mature proteins of 244 amino acid residues. A 97–99% identity was found among the deduced amino acids of these four clones while an 86% identity was elicited between the four clones and the ones previously identified. The predicted isoelectric focusing (pI) values of the newly identified Cyn d 1s are acidic while pIs of the previously identified Cyn d 1s are basic. The two recombinant acidic Cyn d 1 proteins possess the epitopes recognized by mouse and rabbit polyclonal anti‐Cyn d 1 antibodies, and have human IgE‐binding capacity as revealed by immunodot assay. Conclusions: The present study identified full‐length cDNAs encoding new isoallergens of Cyn d 1, and separated Cyn d 1 gene into an acidic group and a basic group.
Severe IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis following consumption of fried frog legs: definition of α‐parvalbumin as the allergen in cause
Authors: Hilger C. , Grigioni F. , Thill L. , Mertens L. , Hentges F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: IgE‐mediated allergic reactions to bullfrog and edible frog have been reported. The implicated allergens have not been defined so far. The frog material and the patient's serum from a case of severe food‐induced anaphylaxis were used to define the implicated allergen at the protein and DNA level.Methods: Immunoblotting techniques and N‐terminal protein microsequencing were used to define the allergen recognized by the patient's serum. Back translation from the identified protein sequence was used to design degenerated primers to amplify the allergen's cDNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We defined the nucleotide sequence of the allergen from the frog of Indonesian origin that was consumed by the patient, and the homologous cDNA from Rana esculenta.Results: Protein microsequencing revealed that the implicated frog allergen belonged to the parvalbumin family. cDNAs coding for α‐ and β‐parvalbumin of R. esculenta and Rana species were cloned. Recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. The patient's serum IgE antibodies recognized parvalbumin prepared from frog muscle and recombinant α‐parvalbumin from R. species but not from R. esculenta. Recombinant β‐parvalbumin was not recognized by the IgE antibodies.Conclusion: This work defines at the protein and DNA levels α‐parvalbumin as the allergen implicated in a case of IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis to frog muscle. It also shows that a protein belonging to the parvalbumin family is implicated in type I allergies outside the fish species.
Should I accept this kidney?
Authors: Matas Arthur J , Gillingham Kristen , Payne William D , Humar Abhinav , Dunn David L , Sutherland David Er , Najarian John S 
Published: March 2003

Background. Transplant candidates frequently ask whether they should, based on information available at the time, accept a cadaver kidney or wait for a potentially better one.Methods. We analyzed 937 first and second cadaver transplants done between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1997 to determine if information available at the time an offer is made could be used to predict long‐term graft survival.Results. By Cox regression, risk factors for worse long‐term graft survival were older donor age, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular cause of donor death, and delayed graft function (DGF). HLA‐ABDR mismatch was marginally significant. Whether DGF will occur is not known at the time of an offer, but risk factors can be determined; we found these to be older donor age and> 10% panel‐reactive antibodies (PRA) at transplantation (by Cox regression). Using these variables (PRA, ABDR mismatch, donor age, and donor cause of death) known at the time of an offer, we calculated the relative risk of worse long‐term graft survival for each subgroup (Table 3in manuscript). In general, older age and donor death from cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease were associated with worse outcome. Kidneys from donors of <50 yr had the best outcome, irrespective of match.Conclusion. The data provided can be used to help guide patients as to whether they are better off accepting an offered kidney or waiting for a potentially better one. If an offer is declined, the next kidney may have a potentially worse outcome.Relative risk for worse or poor long‐term graft survival, based on information known at the time of a kidney offerDonor 18–50 yr, other cause of deathDonor 18–50 yr, CVD cause of deathDonor ≥50 yr, other cause of deathDonor ≥50 yr, CVD cause of deathTx PRA (%)ABDR mm (n)RRRankRRRankRRRankRRRank00111.16 31.28 62.262501–61.1941.38101.52142.69271–1001.2151.41111.55172.74281–101–61.44131.67191.84233.253111–7501.1221.30 71.43122.532611–751–61.3391.54161.70213.013076–10001.3281.54151.69203.002976–1001–61.57181.82222.01243.5532CVD, cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease; Tx, transplant; PRA, panel‐reactive antibody; mm, mismatch; RR, relative risk.
Neoral® rescue therapy in transplant patients with intolerance to tacrolimus
Authors: Abouljoud Marwan S , Kumar MS Anil , Brayman Kenneth L , Emre Sukru , Bynon JS ,   for the OLN‐452 Study Group
Published: March 2003

Background. The calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine and tacrolimus, are the mainstay of current immunosuppressive regimens for the prevention of acute rejection in organ transplantation. The choice of the individual agent used often depends on the preference of the Transplant Center and patient type. Adverse effects associated with tacrolimus may impact its clinical utility in many patients. This study characterizes the clinical outcomes of transplant recipients who experienced adverse effects from tacrolimus and were converted to cyclosporine‐microemulsion‐based (Neoral® [cyclosporine, USP] MODIFIED) therapy.Methods. Hepatic or renal allograft recipients unable to maintain adequate immunosuppression with a tacrolimus‐based regimen for reasons of toxicity or efficacy were recruited for this study and converted to cyclosporine‐microemulsion‐based therapy. Data were collected on drug dosing, trough concentrations, and treatment duration, as well as detailed information on tacrolimus‐associated toxicities that prompted rescue with cyclosporine‐microemulsion. Furthermore, clinical and laboratory data related to the clinical course of the patients after conversion to cyclosporine‐microemulsion were recorded for up to 1 yr following conversion.Results. One hundred and fifty‐seven transplant recipients were enrolled in this study. Predominant reasons for discontinuation of tacrolimus were neurotoxicity (55%), diabetes (24%), nephrotoxicity (15%), and gastrointestinal intolerance (24%). Patients frequently had multiple symptoms prompting rescue therapy with cyclosporine‐microemulsion. Over 70% of subjects had improvement or resolution of their tacrolimus‐associated adverse symptoms within 3 months post‐conversion. Acute rejection episodes occurred in 27% of patients converted to cyclosporine‐microemulsion.Conclusions. Cyclosporine‐microemulsion rescue therapy in patients experiencing adverse clinical effects associated with tacrolimus is an effective treatment option which leads to resolution of these adverse effects in the majority of patients, and allows for satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Angiotensin‐II receptor antagonist losartan reduces microalbuminuria in hypertensive renal transplant recipients
Authors: Ersoy Alparslan , Dilek Kamil , Usta Mehmet , Yavuz Mahmut , Güllülü Mustafa , Oktay Bülent , Yurtkuran Mustafa 
Published: March 2003

In recent years, it has been demonstrated that losartan lowers macroproteinuria in diabetic or non‐diabetic renal transplant recipients (RTx) similar to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Microalbuminuria (MAU) may reflect subclinical hyperfiltration damage of the glomerulus. It could be a marker of kidney dysfunction in renal transplantation. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of losartan in hypertensive RTx with MAU. This study was conducted in 17 (M/F: 4/13) stable RTx. No change was made in the medical treatment of the patients. All cases received 50 mg/day losartan therapy for 12 wk. Renal functions and MAU were determined 12 and 6 wk and just before the treatment as well as sixth and twelfth week of the treatment in all patients. Losartan satisfactorily lowered systemic blood pressure. A significant reduction in MAU was observed from 103 ± 53 μg/min at the beginning to 59 ± 25 μg/min in the sixth week and 47 ± 24 μg/min in the twelfth week (p=0.0007 and 0.0005, respectively). From the sixth week of the treatment, the therapy significantly decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte levels but did not change mean leukocyte and platelet counts, urea, creatinine levels and creatinine clearances. No serious side‐effect was observed during the study.In conclusion, we found that losartan decreased MAU in hypertensive RTx. For that reason, it might be considered as the first choise antihypertensive agent for the renoprotection in selected patients.