bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictors of rhinitis in Danish children and adolescents
Authors: Ulrik C. S. , Linstow M.‐L. von , Backer V. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The prevalence of self‐reported symptoms of allergic rhinitis is increasing in many countries, but the reasons for this trend are not well understood. Data from a 6‐year follow‐up study of a population sample of children and adolescents (n=408), aged 7–17 years at enrolment in 1986, were analyzed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of self‐reported rhinitis. Methods: Case history was used to assess the presence or absence of rhinitis (sneezing and running or blocked nose not associated with a cold), asthma, and eczema. Pulmonary function, skin prick test reactivity, and airway responsiveness to histamine were measured in all participants; a screening test for IgE antibodies to common allergens (Magic Lite SQ, Allergy Screen, ALK, Denmark) was performed in 237 (58%) of the participants. Results: The point prevalence of rhinitis increased from the first to the second survey, 14% and 22%, respectively; 54 (13%) of the subjects reported rhinitis only at the second survey (new rhinitis). Confining the analysis to participants without symptoms of rhinitis at the first survey showed that self‐reported eczema (relative risk [RR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.7), airway hyperresponsiveness (RR 2.5, CI 1.8–3.0), atopy to grass pollen (RR 2.6, CI 1.7–3.3), atopy to dog dander (RR 2.4, CI 1.6–3.3), and atopy to house‐dust mite (RR 2.7, CI 1.4–5.2) at the first survey predicted an increased risk of the presence of rhinitis at the second survey. A positive Allergy Screen test at enrollment was associated with an increased risk of self‐reported rhinitis at follow‐up (RR 2.4, CI 1.4–3.4). Conclusions: This longitudinal population study of children and adolescents showed an age‐related increase in the point prevalence of self‐reported rhinitis; furthermore, sensitization to common aeroallergens, airway hyperresponsiveness, and the presence of self‐reported eczema were significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent development of rhinitis.
Detection of allergens in plantain (Plantago lanceolata) pollen
Authors: Asero R. , Mistrello G. , Roncarolo D. , Casarini M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergens in Plantago lanceolata have not been characterized yet. The objective was to characterize some plantain‐pollen allergens and to investigate the cross‐reactivity between plantain and grass pollens. Methods: Sera from four patients monosensitive to plantain pollen and from eight grass‐pollen‐allergic patients showing strong skin reactivity to plantain pollen in the skin prick test (SPT) underwent immunoblot analysis with both Plantago and grass mix extract. Moreover, immunoblot inhibition experiments were done with grass mix extract as inhibitor. Results: All four sera from plantain‐allergic patients reacted to two distinct bands at 17 and 19 kDa, and 2/4 sera showed further reactivity to a 40‐kDa protein, which in one case represented the most prominent IgE‐binding allergen. Plantain‐monosensitive subjects did not show any reactivity to grass‐pollen extract, and preabsorption of their sera with grass‐pollen extract did not cause any loss of reactivity to plantain pollen. Sera from all eight grass‐pollen‐allergic controls reacted to a 30‐kDa protein in plantain pollen, and some sera showed cross‐reactivity to higher and lower molecular‐weight structures as well. In all cases, plantain reactivity was totally abolished by preabsorption of sera with grass‐pollen extract. A preliminary investigation by immunoblot showed that polyclonal IgG anti‐Phl p 5 (but not polyclonal Phl p 1) from rabbit reacted to a 30‐kDa protein in plantain pollen. Conclusions: Three specific allergens (of 17, 19, and 40 kDa, respectively) have been detected in plantain pollen. Further studies on a larger number of patients will determine whether these proteins may be considered major allergens. Cross‐reactivity between grass and plantain pollen is mainly caused by a 30‐kDa protein in plantain pollen. Group 5 grass‐pollen allergen is probably responsible for most grass/plantain cross‐reactivity.
Plasmapheresis in the treatment of steroid‐dependent bronchial asthma
Authors: Ellingsen I. , Florvaag E. , Henrik Andreassen A. , Magnus Iversen B. , Irgens Å. , Matre R. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Can plasmapheresis improve disease severity and lung function and reduce steroid doses in severe asthma patients dependent on oral corticosteroids? Methods: A pilot study with four asthma patients was undertaken using PEF (peak expiratory flow) symptom score, number of puffs of β2‐agonist, and dose of systemic steroids as disease variables. After at least an 8‐week run‐in, the patients were randomized to a crossover treatment regimen consisting of either 10 days of plasmapheresis or placebo treatment. Each treatment was succeeded by an 8–26‐week follow‐up period. Results: No patients achieved a significant effect of plasmapheresis treatment according to the established criteria, nor did anyone experience deterioration. Conclusions: Removing humoral factors extensively over a 10‐day period did not significantly influence the clinical condition of the four steroid‐dependent asthma patients studied. Circulating humoral factors seem to be of little importance for the maintenance of the established chronic allergic inflammation in these patients. Plasmapheresis does not seem to be a treatment option for this patient category.
Prolonged nasal eosinophilia in all_ergic patients after common cold
Authors: Van Benten I. J. , KleinJan A. , Neijens H. J. , Osterhaus A. D. M. E. , Fokkens W. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Viral respiratory tract infections may cause both harmless common colds and severe asthma exacerbations; the differences in disease expression probably depend on the all_ergic status of the patient. To determine whether altered immunologic mechanisms underlie these differences, we investigated nasal inflammation during naturall_y acquired common cold. Methods: In a group of 16 patients (eight all_ergic), nasal brush samples were taken, and nasal symptoms were recorded during common cold, 2 weeks later (convalescence), and at baseline (>4 weeks without nasal symptoms). Nasal brush cells were stained immunohistochemicall_y for Langerhans cells, T cells, monocytes, neutrophils, B cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, mast cells, eosinophils, eotaxin, and RANTES. Results: Four rhinovirus, four coronavirus, three RSV, one Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and one influenza A/enterovirus double infection were confirmed. Increased numbers of T cells, monocytes, macrophages, NK cells, eosinophils, and RANTES‐ and eotaxin‐positive cells, but not neutrophils, were observed during common cold in all_ergic and nonall_ergic patients, and increased numbers of mast cells in all_ergic patients. Compared to nonall_ergic patients, in all_ergic patients eosinophil influx persisted into convalescence. Conclusions: Prolonged nasal eosinophil influx was observed in all_ergic patients after common cold. What immunologic factors can induce prolonged eosinophil influx and whether this may increase the risk of subsequent all_ergen‐induced hypersensitivity reactions must be studied further.
Identification of carmine allergens among three carmine allergy patients
Authors: Chung K. , Baker J. R. , Baldwin J. L. , Chou A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: There have been several reports of carmine allergy; however, identification of the responsible carmine allergens has not been widely documented. Methods: Three female patients presented with a history of anaphylaxis and/or urticaria/angioedema after ingestion of carmine‐containing foods. All three patients had 4+ skin prick tests to carmine. Among them, two patients were confirmed to have carmine allergy by blinded, placebo‐controlled food challenges to carmine. SDS–PAGE of cochineal insects and carmine, immunoblotting for IgE antibody with sera from all three patients, and immunoblotting inhibition with carmine were performed. Results: SDS–PAGE of minced cochineal insects revealed several protein bands of 23–88 kDa. Several of these bands were variably recognized by our three patients' sera, and this reactivity was inhibited by carmine. Although no protein bands could be visualized on SDS–PAGE of carmine in Coomassie brilliant blue staining, three protein bands were recognized by two of the three patients' serum. Conclusions: These results suggest that commercial carmine retains proteinaceous material from the source insects. These insect‐derived proteins (possibly complexed with carminic acid) are responsible for IgE‐mediated carmine allergy. Patient reactivity to these proteins may vary.
Adult‐onset asthma is associated with self‐reported mold or environmental tobacco smoke exposures in the home
Authors: Thorn J. , Brisman J. , Torén K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In recent years, we have gained better knowledge about the influence of indoor environments on respiratory symptoms and asthma. The purpose of this study was to examine certain exposures in the home environment and the risk of adult‐onset asthma. Methods: A nested case‐referent study of adult‐onset asthma was performed in a random population sample (n=15 813), aged 20–50 years. Cases for the study included subjects reporting “physician‐diagnosed” asthma (n=174). The referents (n=870) were randomly selected from the whole population sample. The case‐referent sample was investigated with a comprehensive mailed questionnaire about exposures in the home environment, asthma, respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and atopy. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated while controlling for age, sex, smoking, and atopy. Results: Increased adjusted OR for asthma were associated with exposure to molds (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.5), environmental tobacco smoke (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.1), and the presence of a wood stove (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.5). Conclusions: This population‐based case‐referent study indicates that self‐reported domestic exposures to molds or environmental tobacco smoke can be associated with adult‐onset asthma.
Three years of specific immunotherapy with house‐dust‐mite extracts in patients with rhinitis and asthma: significant improvement of allergen‐specific parameters and of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity
Authors: Pichler C. E. , Helbling A. , Pichler W. J. 
Published: March 2003

Twenty‐seven patients with allergy to house‐dust mite and the clinical symptoms of perennial rhinitis and/or mild asthma were treated with specific immunotherapy (SIT) with standardized extracts of house‐dust mite for 3 years. The success of therapy was evaluated in yearly intervals by1) subjective rhinitis and asthma scores2) allergen‐specific skin and conjunctival tests3) nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine4) medication scores of rhinitis and asthma.SIT induced a significant improvement of all parameters already after 1 year, with further improvement in the follow‐up measurements at 2 and 3 years. We found a constant improvement of the rhinitis and asthma symptom scores, a reduced reactivity in the skin prick and conjunctival provocation tests, and a constantly increasing reduction of bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine. Concomitantly, the use of medication (topical corticosteroids, β2‐mimetics, and antihistamines) was reduced. Our data support the concept that SIT with standardized extracts of house‐dust mite results in an improvement of allergen‐specific parameters in patients with perennial rhinitis and intermittent asthma. This beneficial effect of SIT on allergen‐specific immune parameters seems to induce also a diminution of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity and enables reduction of symptomatic treatment.
Effects of xiao‐qing‐long‐tang (XQLT) on bronchoconstriction and airway eosinophil infiltration in ovalbumin‐sensitized guinea pigs: in vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Kao S‐T. , Lin C‐S. , Hsieh C‐C. , Hsieh W‐T. , Lin J‐G. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Xiao‐qing‐long‐tang (XQLT sho‐seiru‐to), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat patients with bronchial asthma in Oriental countries for several centuries. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of this Chinese medicine remain a matter of considerable debate. Therefore, a series of experiments using ovalbumin‐sensitized guinea pigs was performed to elucidate the possible antiasthmatic effect of XQLT. Methods: The effect of XQLT on ovalbumin‐induced airway inflammation in a guinea pig model of allergic asthma was examined, and early and late asthmatic responses were measured in terms of airway resistance and extent of eosinophil infiltration. Furthermore, the bronchorelaxing effect of XQLT was measured in isolated guinea pig trachea. Results: XQLT significantly inhibited the antigen‐induced immediate asthmatic response (IAR) and late asthmatic response (LAR) in actively sensitized guinea pigs. Cumulative administration of XQLT caused concentration‐dependent relaxation of the carbachol‐precontracted guinea pig trachea. The bronchorelaxing effect of XQLT was reversed by ICI‐118551, a selective β2‐adrenoceptor antagonist. Furthermore, examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed that XQLT significantly suppressed the increase in eosinophils (24 h after antigen challenge) in the airway. In addition, XQLT significantly attenuated the increase in eosinophils at 1, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after antigen challenge when it was administered once daily from the day of sensitization to the day of challenge. Histopathologic examination results showed that XQLT suppressed eosinophil infiltration into lung tissue. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the antiasthmatic effects of XQLT appear to be partly mediated by stimulation of β2‐adrenoceptors, leading to bronchorelaxation, and that XQLT inhibits the infiltration of eosinophils into the airway. Thus, XQLT may be useful for the prevention or treatment of asthma.
Monoclonal antibodies against the major allergen of Plantago lanceolata pollen, Pla l 1: affinity chromatography purification of the allergen and development of an ELISA method for Pla l 1 measurement
Authors: Calabozo B. , Duffort O. , Carpizo J. A. , Barber D. , Polo F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Plantago lanceolata (English plantain) pollen is a relevant cause of pollinosis in temperate regions. The major allergen of this pollen, Pla l 1, is recognized by the specific IgE from more than 80% of plantain‐sensitive patients. It displays significant sequence homology with the major olive‐pollen allergen Ole e 1. The objective was to develop a monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA to quantify Pla l 1, and to assess the correlation of Pla l 1 content with the biologic activity of plantain pollen extracts. We also aimed to establish the specificity of the monoclonal antibodies against the potentially cross‐reactive allergen Ole e 1, and to investigate the presence of Pla l 1‐like proteins in psyllium and melon that have been reported to cross‐react with P. lanceolata pollen. Methods: After fusion of myeloma cells with spleen cells from a BALB/c mouse, two Pla l 1‐specific monoclonal antibodies secreting hybridomas were selected, and the antibodies characterized. One of them (2A10) was used as the capture antibody in an ELISA for Pla l 1 quantitation. An anti‐P. lanceolata rabbit serum was used as the second antibody. Pla l 1 was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography and used as the standard in the assay. Results: The ELISA developed was highly reproducible and sensitive, with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/ml, and a practical working range of 0.4–12 ng/ml. The specificity was demonstrated against a large battery of allergens, including Ole e 1. The concentration of Pla l 1 was measured in 19 extracts of P. lanceolata pollen, and a good correlation was observed between the Pla l 1 content and the allergenic activity of the extracts. Pla l 1 was not detected in psyllium or melon extracts. Conclusions: The results prove the usefulness of the Pla l 1‐ELISA for the standardization of extracts of P. lanceolata pollen intended for clinical use.
Analysis of allergens in rat fur and saliva
Authors: Gordon S. , Tee R. D. , Stuart M. C. , Newman Taylor A. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The fur is an important source of allergens in many mammal species, but this source has not been extensively studied in rats. Rat room dust contains high‐molecular‐weight allergens that have been found to cross‐react with fur and its presumed salivary contaminants. The role of rat fur and saliva as a source of respiratory allergens merits further investigation. The objective was to describe the allergens present in the fur and saliva of male rats. Methods: Allergen extracts were prepared from the saliva and fur of the pelts from adult male rats. Immunoblotting was used to describe the allergens present in rat fur and saliva with serum from 76 and 25 individuals, respectively. Results: There was considerable variation between the individuals in the binding of IgE to the separated fur and saliva allergens. Immunoblot analysis identified 23 allergens in rat fur. “Major” allergens were found at the “origin”, and at 55, 51, 19, and 17 kDa, and “intermediate” allergens at 74, 67 (probably albumin), and 21.5 (diffuse) kDa. Seventeen salivary allergens were described with “major” allergens at 21.5, 19.5, 19, 18, and 17.5 kDa. Many subjects had IgE to the 67 kDa (56%) and 43 kDa (64%) allergens but the density of staining was weak. Conclusions: Rat fur and saliva are the sources of many allergens. Fur contained five “major” allergens and was a complex source of allergens of relatively high molecular weight (>22 kDa). The most important salivary allergens have molecular weights of less than 22 kDa. Fur is the most probable source of the high‐molecular‐weight allergens found in rat room dust.
Allergy symptoms and IgE immune response to rose: an occupational and an environmental disease
Authors: Demir A. U. , Karakaya Gül , Kalyoncu A. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Turkey is one of the four major producers of rose. Cultivation of rose is the main economic activity of many villagers in the Lakes region. Rose allergy has not been reported before. We investigated the prevalence of allergy symptoms and specific‐IgE immune response due to rose in villagers who had been cultivating rose in Güneykent village in the Lakes region. Methods: A screening questionnaire including respiratory and allergic symptoms was administered to 290 villagers. The investigation team visited and studied 75 randomly selected villagers with an interviewer‐administered questionnaire, pulmonary function testing, skin prick testing and serum total IgE. Specific IgE against Rosa rugosa was measured in 41 villagers. Results: Villagers reported asthma/allergy symptoms outside the rose season (17.6%), during the rose season (6.2%), and both during the rose season and outside the rose season (whole the year) (17.6%). Atopy and specific IgE against Rosa rugosa were detected in 12 (19%), and 8 (19.5%) of the villagers tested. Villagers who had symptoms whole the year reported wheeze more frequently than those who reported symptoms only outside the rose season (41.2% vs 11.1%). Conclusions: IgE‐mediated allergy could occur due to rose and/or its pollen. Symptoms mainly affect the upper airways. Further studies in the rose handlers, florists and workers of the rose industry would help elucidate the occurrence of rose allergy.
House‐dust mites and mattresses
Authors: Schei M. A. , Hessen J. O. , Lund E. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Despite considerable efforts to develop anti dust mite strategies, surprisingly few studies have evaluated the allergen content in different types of mattresses in everyday use. This study investigated the presence of mite feces (an indicator of mite allergens) in foam and spring mattresses.Methods: The homes of 152 schoolchildren in Northern Norway were investigated. Dust samples were collected in a standardized way from 24 foam mattresses without covers, 68 foam mattresses with covers, and 24 spring mattresses, and the presence of mite feces detected by a guanine colorimetric paper test (Acarex).Results: We found mite feces in 15 (40.5%) of the dust samples from the foam mattresses without covers and 18 (26.3%) of the foam mattresses with covers. Only three (12.5%) of the spring mattresses contained detectable amounts of feces. Signs of dampness, age of mattress, cleaning of mattress, frequency of vacuuming the bedroom, mechanical ventilation, bedroom temperature and bedroom relative humidity were associated with the presence of mite feces. After adjustment for relevant confounders, the risk of finding mite feces was four times higher in foam compared to spring mattresses (odds ratio 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–15.1), and eight times higher for the foam mattresses without cover (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.8–36.9).Conclusion: A simple replacement of foam mattresses with spring mattresses may reduce the exposure to house‐dust‐mite allergens.
The atopy patch test – reproducibility and comparison of different evaluation methods
Authors: Heinemann C. , Schliemann‐Willers S. , Kelterer D. , Metzner U. , Kluge K. , Wigger‐Alberti W. , Elsner P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: There is still a lack of standardization of the atopy patch test (APT) in test procedures and evaluation methods. Our aim was to examine the reproducibility of APT results and to compare visual evaluation to chromametry and laser Doppler imaging.Methods: Fifty‐two volunteers with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) were included. The APT was performed on tape‐stripped and unstripped test fields on their backs using cat dander, house dust mite and grass pollen allergens from two different suppliers. Responders were re‐tested 4–12 weeks later with the same allergens on their forearms.Results: Using Allergopharma allergens, 14 (26.9%) volunteers showed one or more positive reactions. The reproducibility rate was 56.3%. The Erlangen atopy score in APT‐positive and negative volunteers was 19 ± 6 vs 15 ± 6. The test agreement in volunteers tested with both allergens, from Allergopharma and Stallerge`nes, was poor. Correlation of the results between the three evaluation methods was significant (P ≤ 0.001).Conclusions: The low reproducibility rate of APT results and the poor inter‐test‐agreement using allergens from different suppliers show that much work remains to make the APT a reliable tool in identifying relevant aeroallergens that lead to flare ups of AEDS. Compared to chromametry and laser Doppler imaging, visual scoring was superior in differentiation between irritative and allergic reactions.