bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of desloratadine 5‐mg daily and placebo on nasal airflow and seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms induced by grass pollen exposure
Authors: Horak F. , Stübner P. , Zieglmeyer R. , Harris A. G. 
Published: May 2003

Background: Nasal congestion is a chronic symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) that is often difficult to treat with antihistamines. Desloratadine, a new, potent, H1‐receptor antagonist has been shown to decrease nasal congestion in clinical trials and to maintain nasal airflow in response to grass pollen exposure. We compared the effects of desloratadine 5 mg and placebo on nasal airflow, nasal secretion weights and SAR symptoms, including nasal congestion, in patients exposed to grass pollen in an environmental exposure unit.Methods: Forty‐six grass pollen allergic SAR patients received desloratadine or placebo for 7 days, followed by a 10‐day washout, and then crossed over to the other treatment for 7 days. A 6‐h allergen exposure was performed at the end of each treatment period.Results: Desloratadine was significantly superior to placebo in maintaining nasal airflow (P≤ 0.014) and lessening the increase in nasal secretion weights (P < 0.001) throughout allergen exposure. SAR symptom scores, including nasal congestion, were significantly less with desloratadine than placebo (P≤ 0.001). Desloratadine was well tolerated.Conclusions: This study confirms that, compared with placebo, desloratadine can maintain nasal airflow and reduce nasal secretion weights and the severity of SAR symptoms, including nasal congestion, in SAR patients exposed to grass pollen allergen.
Accumulation of CCR4‐expressing CD4+ T cells and high concentration of its ligands (TARC and MDC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Katoh S. , Fukushima K. , Matsumoto N. , Matsumoto K. , Abe K. , Onai N. , Matsushima K. , Matsukura S. 
Published: May 2003

Background: Th2 cells are thought to be involved in eosinophilic inflammation of the lung. CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) has been identified as a specific receptor for both thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC), and is preferentially expressed on Th2 cells.Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the role of Th2 cells in the lung of patients with eosinophilic pneumonia (EP).Methods: The concentrations of TARC, MDC, and interleukin (IL)‐5 were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by ELISA. Proportion of CCR4‐expressing CD4+ T cells (CCR4+ CD4+ T cells) was determined by flow cytometry.Results: TARC and MDC concentrations in BALF were higher in patients with EP than in normal subjects. The proportion of CCR4‐expressing cells among CD4+ T cells was higher in BALF than in peripheral blood of patients with EP. There was a significant correlation between the number of CCR4+ CD4+ T cells and the levels of TARC, MDC, and IL‐5 in BALF of patients with EP.Conclusions: Our data suggest that Th2 cells, which express CCR4 and its ligands (TARC and MDC), contribute to the pathogenesis of EP in the lung.
A dual long‐term effect of breastfeeding on atopy in relation to heredity in children at 4 years of age
Authors: Siltanen M. , Kajosaari M. , Poussa T. , Saarinen K.M. , Savilahti E. 
Published: May 2003

Background: The long‐term effect of early feeding on atopic sensitization is still unsolved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term effect of breastfeeding on atopy in groups of 4‐year‐old children stratified by atopic heredity.Methods: We collected four groups of 4‐year‐old children from a birth cohort: two groups with differing backgrounds of atopic heredity, all exclusively breast‐fed for at least 3 months; and two groups with differing atopic heredity, but all fed with cow's milk‐based formula during their first weeks. The data were collected with a questionnaire, skin prick testing, and measurement of serum total and allergen‐specific IgE levels.Results: Breastfeeding significantly decreased the risk of allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis [odds ratio (OR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.95] and sensitization to furred pets, as measured by skin prick results, in children with atopic heredity, whereas in children without atopic heredity, breastfeeding was related to an increased risk of symptomatic atopy (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.16–5.70), and high serum IgE values. A significant interaction was found between heredity and breastfeeding.Conclusions: The long‐term effect of breastfeeding was dual: in children with atopic heredity, breastfeeding protected against atopy, whereas in children without atopic heredity, it increased the risk of atopy.
Combined skin prick and patch testing enhances identification of peanut‐allergic patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Seidenari S. , Giusti F. , Bertoni L. , Mantovani L. 
Published: May 2003

Background:  Food atopy patch tests (APTs) are considered a useful tool for the diagnosis of food allergy. Hypersensitivity to peanuts has not been investigated by means of APTs so far.Methods:  APTs and skin prick tests (SPTs) with peanuts were performed in 136 atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Relevance of positive and negative responses to these tests was assessed by repeated open challenges with peanuts.Results:  Nine percent of our AD patients reacted to the challenge. Positive responses to APTs were recorded in 19% of the patients, whereas in 12% positive SPTs were observed. APTs were more frequently positive in subjects with eczematous responses after challenge with respect to those with urticarial reactions. SPT reactivity proved to be higher in patients above 12 years of age, whereas APT positivity was more frequent in children under 6 years. APT sensitivity proved significantly higher than SPT sensitivity, in particular in children under 12 years of age. On the contrary, SPT specificity and positive predictive value were significantly higher with respect to those of APT in the age group of subjects under 6 years of age.Conclusions:  Our data suggest that APTs with peanuts may represent a useful integration to standard testing modalities employed for the diagnosis of peanut allergy in AD patients.
Epidermal growth factor receptor – but not histamine receptor – is upregulated in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Matovinovic E. , Solberg O. , Shusterman D. 
Published: May 2003

Background: We were interested in exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed difference in histamine (H) responsiveness between seasonal allergic rhinitic (SAR) and nonrhinitic (NR) subjects. We hypothesized that SAR subjects express higher nasal mucosal histamine receptor 1 (H1R) and 2 (H2R) levels than do NR subjects. In addition, we examined expression of genes involved in regulating the glandular response, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), and mucins (Muc5Ac and Muc5B).Methods: Fourteen subjects, seven SAR and seven NR, were provoked during pollen season with doubling doses of H (0.125–8.0 mg/ml). Nasal airway resistance (NAR) was measured by active posterior rhinomanometry. Provocation was halted when NAR exceeded 150% of baseline. Prior to provocation, nasal scrapings were obtained and mRNA quantified using two‐step real‐time PCR.Results: The mean PD50 (concentration of H producing a 50% increase in NAR) was significantly lower in the SAR than NR group (0.36 vs 1.32 mg/ml; P < 0.05). The ratio of relative gene copy numbers between the SAR and NR groups were as follows: H1R, 0.85 (P = 0.52); H2R, 0.67 (P = 0.35); EGF, 1.02 (P = 0.93), and EGFR, 103.5 (P < 0.05).Conclusions: There were no significant differences in H1R or H2R mRNA levels between SAR and NR subjects in‐season, despite observed differences in H reactivity. SAR subjects, however, did show a significant elevation in EGFR expression, consistent with the observation of mucus hypersecretion in allergic rhinitis.
Nasal blockage and urinary leukotriene E4 concentration in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Higashi N. , Taniguchi M. , Mita H. , Ishii T. , Akiyama K. 
Published: May 2003

Background: Cysteinyl‐leukotrienes have been reported to have a primary role in the induction of nasal blockage of allergic rhinitis. However, there has been little experimental evidence that substantiates the relationship between nasal blockage severity and urinary leukotriene E4 (U‐LTE4) concentration in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).Methods: The concentrations of urinary mediators in 20 SAR patients were measured using an enzyme immunoassay to determine the relationship between nasal blockage severity and U‐LTE4 concentration in patients with SAR.Results: The basal U‐LTE4 concentration was significantly higher in SAR patients with severe nasal blockage than in those with mild nasal blockage and in healthy control subjects. Although U‐LTE4 concentrationwas significantly higher in patients with both asthma and SAR than in SAR patients with mild nasal blockage, no significant difference in the U‐LTE4 concentration between patients with both asthma and SAR and SAR patients with severe nasal blockage was found. There was a significant correlation between U‐LTE4 and urinary 9α11β‐prostoglandin F2 (9α11βPGF2) concentrations (rs = 0.51, P = 0.02) in SAR patients.Conclusions: Although specific sites and cells of cysteinyl‐leukotriene biosynthesis could not be determined in this study, severe nasal blockage is associated with the increased excretion level of U‐LTE4.
Cross‐reactivity between the major Parietaria allergen and rotavirus VP4 protein
Authors: Di Somma C. , Fiore L. , Di Lonardo A. , Ridolfi B. , Garzillo C. , Chersi A. , Buono C. , Menna T. , Ruffilli A. 
Published: May 2003

Background: The present study investigates immunological cross‐reactivity between Par o 1, the major pollen allergen of Parietaria, and the VP4 protein of rotavirus, a microorganism that is world‐wide the main etiological agent of gastroenteritis in children.Methods: IgG and IgE cross‐reactivity was assessed by direct binding and competitive inhibition assays (ELISA and DARIA), using recombinant VP4 from rhesus infectious rotavirus (RR), synthetic peptides and Par o 1‐specific antibodies affinity purified from pooled and individual human sera.Results: Antibodies specifically binding Par o 1, affinity purified from the sera of 35 individuals with skin test positivity to Parietaria and from 14 pools, were extensively cross‐reactive with RRVP4. Cross‐reactive binding was specifically inhibited by synthetic peptides derived from the C‐terminal sequences of the VP4 proteins from human and rhesus infectious rotavirus.Conclusions: This study reports the first evidence of cross‐reactivity between an allergen and a viral antigen.
Enhanced cough response to hyperpnea with cold air challenge in chronic cough patients showing increased cough sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin
Authors: Cho Y. S. , Park S. Y. , Lee C.‐K. , Lee E. Y. , Shin J.‐H. , Yoo B. , Moon H.‐B. 
Published: May 2003

Background: Although many chronic cough patients have complained of an induced cough by cold air contact, the clinical relevance of cold air to inducing a cough and the diagnostic value of a hyperpnea with cold air (HCA) challenge to detect a hyperreactive cough reflex have not yet been investigated.Methods: Recordings of cough counts after a 2‐min HCA challenge were performed in 49 chronic cough patients and 15 healthy controls. Capsaicin cough provocation tests, which determine the threshold concentration of capsaicin that induces five or more consecutive coughs (C5), were also administered.Results: After comparing the results from the capsaicin cough provocation tests of the patients and the controls, the chronic cough patients were divided into two groups: an increased cough sensitivity (ICS) group (n = 28) (C5 < 32 μmol/l) and a normal cough sensitivity (NCS) group (n = 21) (C5 ≥ 32 μmol/l). The median value of induced cough counts after a HCA challenge was 11 coughs in patients with ICS and was a significantly enhanced cough response compared to that of the patients with NCS and healthy controls (four coughs, respectively).Conclusions: A simple cough provocation test using a HCA challenge may be useful for detecting ICS. It also suggests that hyperreactive cough reflexes may be one of the mechanisms of inducing chronic cough.
The effect of ATG on cytokine and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte gene expression in renal allograft recipients during the early post‐transplant period
Authors: Simon Tania , Opelz Gerhard , Weimer Rolf , Wiesel Manfred , Feustel Andreas , Ott Ralf C , Süsal Caner 
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Background: Despite the long history of ATG use, the exact in vivo mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of ATG‐induction therapy on expression of 10 immunologically relevant genes in the early post‐transplant period.Methods: Eight renal allograft recipients received post‐transplant prophylactic ATG treatment on 10 consecutive days and an additional three patients received treatment on 5, 6, or 7 consecutive days, respectively. Gene expression was measured at the beginning and the end of therapy and normalized to a control gene using Taqman real‐time PCR methodology. Results were compared with those of matched control patients. No patients were diagnosed with rejection.Results: ATG‐treated patients showed decreases in the expression of cytotoxic T cell genes perforin (−56%, p = 0.03) and granzyme B (−45%, p = 0.01) and cytokine gene IFN‐γ (−75%, p = 0.005), and significant increases in the expression of cytokine genes IL‐7 (550%, p = 0.04), IL‐10 (275%, p = 0.01), IL‐15 (417%, p = 0.03), TNF‐α (615%, p = 0.01), and TGF‐β (235%, p = 0.02). No significant changes were observed in the control group, with the exception of a decrease in IL‐10 expression (−42%, p = 0.01). There were no significant changes in IL‐12 or Fas‐L expression in either group.Conclusion: ATG‐induced decreases in the expression of IFN‐γ, perforin, and granzyme B and increases in IL‐10 and TGF‐β might be considered beneficial to the recipient, whereas increases in the expression of IL‐7, IL‐15, and TNF‐α genes might be involved in immunological processes not effected by ATG that may harm the transplant in the long term.
Chronic rejection with or without transplant vasculopathy
Authors: Sijpkens Yvo WJ , Doxiadis Ilias IN , Van Kemenade Folkert J , Zwinderman Aeilko H , De Fijter Johan W , Claas Frans HJ , Bruijn Jan A , Paul Leendert C 
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Background: Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is defined and graded in the Banff ’97 scheme by the severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. It has been denoted that chronic rejection can be diagnosed if the typical vascular lesions are seen, consisting of fibrointimal thickening. We observed several patients who developed CAN without vascular changes or signs of cyclosporine toxicity. Therefore, we assessed the risk factor profiles of CAN with and without transplant vasculopathy.Methods: A cohort of 654 cadaveric renal transplants performed between 1983 and 1997 that functioned for more than 6 months was studied. Fifty‐four transplants had CAN defined by a significant decline in renal function together with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy without signs of cyclosporine nephrotoxicity or recurrent disease. Using the Banff chronic vascular (CV) score, 23 of 54 cases (43%) had a chronic vasculopathy score of 0 or 1 whereas 31 cases (57%) had a CV score of 2 or 3. Applying multivariate logistic regression, predictor variables of the two groups were compared with 231 transplants with a stable function for at least 5 yr.Results: Graft histology was obtained at a mean of 2.4 and 2.9 yr after transplantation in the group with or without vasculopathy, respectively. Acute rejection episodes (AREs) after 3 months post‐transplantation were the strongest risk factor for both forms of CAN, odds ratio (OR) 14.7 (6.0–36.0). CAN with vasculopathy was also associated with transplants performed in the 1980s, OR 4.95 (1.65–14.9) and with creatinine clearance at 6 months, OR 0.58 (0.44–0.75) per 10 mL/min increase. In contrast, young recipient age, OR 0.69 (0.47–0.99) per 10‐yr increase, and the presence of panel reactive antibodies at the time of transplantation, OR 1.26 (1.08–1.47) per 10% increase, were independent risk factors for CAN without vasculopathy.Conclusions: After exclusion of cyclosporine toxicity or recurrent disease CAN occurred without moderate or severe transplant vasculopathy in 43% of the cases. The correlation with young recipient age, sensitization and late ARE suggest an immune pathogenesis, consistent with chronic rejection.
Cost‐effective and safe ambulatory long‐term immunoprophylaxis with intramuscular instead of intravenous hepatitis B immunoglobulin to prevent reinfection after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Faust Dominik , Rabenau Holger F , Allwinn Regina , Caspary Wolfgang F , Zeuzem Stefan 
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Background: Hepatitis B (HBV)‐infected patients receive an anti‐HBs immunoprophylaxis [hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) titre of more than 100 IU/L] in combination with lamivudine to prevent reinfection after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In comparison with intramuscular (i.m.) HBIG, costs for intravenous (i.v.) HBIG are found to be extremely high. We therefore studied patients' outcome (i) after a switch from i.v. to i.m. HBIG and (ii) the outcome after the patients were initially treated with i.m. HBIG after discharge from the hospital.Methods: (i) Six outpatients were switched from 2000 IU i.v. HBIG (Hepatect®) administered every 2 wk to 2000 IU i.m. HBIG (Hepatitis‐B‐Immunglobulin Behring®) given once a month. (ii) Six other outpatients were directly treated with i.m. HBIG every 4 wk after OLT. All patients also received 100 mg lamivudine/d.Results: Patients switched from i.v. to i.m. HBIG had stable anti‐HBs titres (i.v. HBIG: 180 ± 37 IU/L vs. i.m. HBIG: 173 ± 23 IU/L). Patients directly treated with i.m. HBIG also had sufficient anti‐HBs titres (176 ± 31 IU/L). Intramuscular application of HBIG was well tolerated by all patients and no side‐effects were observed in patients receiving i.m. HBIG. In comparison with the protocol using i.v. HBIG, the costs of i.m. treatment were 60% lower.Conclusion: Long‐term administration of i.m. HBIG saves up to 60% of the usual costs for i.v. prophylaxis of HBV reinfection in patients after OLT. In combination with lamivudine, long‐term i.m. HBIG therapy is as efficient as i.v. HBIG treatment, but its lower costs clearly favour its use in preventing HBV reinfection after OLT.
Hyperparathyroidism and long‐term bone loss after renal transplantation
Authors: Heaf James , Tvedegaard Erling , Kanstrup Inge‐Lis , Fogh‐Andersen Niels 
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Background:  While early bone loss after renal transplantation (RT) is well described, factors affecting the long‐term fate of bone have received less attention.Methods:  Whole body (WB), lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual energy X‐ray absorptionometry in 126 stable RT patients and repeated in 114 survivors after 3 yr. Percentage change per year (%/yr) was correlated to clinical and biochemical markers of bone metabolism.Results:  Low bone mass was a marker of increased mortality (FN < 80% normal 6.3%/yr; >80% 2.2%/yr). Percent change was WB −0.7 ± 1.5 (p < 0.01); LS −0.3 ± 2.6; FN −1.0 ± 3.0 (p < 0.01) and, corrected for expected loss for age and sex: WB −0.5 (p < 0.01); LS 0.0; FN −0.8 (p < 0.05). Factors associated with increased loss rates were (LS%): short RT duration [<2 yr: −3.1 (p < 0.01)], high prednisone dose [>9 mg/d: −1.9 (p < 0.01)], high cyclosporine trough concentration [>175 ng/L: −1.9 (p < 0.05)], high hyperparathyroidism (PTH) [>150 ng/L: −1.5 (p < 0.05)], high alkaline phosphatase [>275 U/L: −1.6 (p < 0.05)], high osteocalcin [>75 μg/L: −1.6 (p < 0.05)]. Marginal detrimental effects of uremia, hypoalbuminemia and hyperphosphatemia were noted. Thiazide treatment seemed to protect against, and furosemide to exacerbate, bone loss, but this may have been related to associated uremia. Patients treated with vitamin D gained bone, while untreated patients with low initial 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D lost bone [FN%−2.1 (p < 0.05)]. The prevalence of PTH (52%) and hypercalcemia (22%) remained unchanged. There was no effect of sex hormone levels, calcium and phosphate excretion, or serum calcium.Conclusion:  While LS BMD stabilizes after RT, there is a continuing loss of WB and FN BMD. The major causes of bone loss are steroid therapy and continuing PTH, with no tendency towards spontaneous resolution. Increased vitamin D and calcium therapy should be considered for this patient group, and more aggressive therapy, e.g. parathyroidectomy given for patients with resistant PTH of >150 ng/L.
Diagnostic efficiency of rejection monitoring after heart transplantation with cardiac troponin T is improved in specific patient subgroups
Authors: Gleissner Christian A , Klingenberg Roland , Nottmeyer Winfried , Zipfel Stephan , Sack Falk‐Udo , Schnabel Philipp A , Haass Markus , Dengler Thomas J 
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is a cardio‐specific myofibrillar protein known to be elevated early after heart transplantation and during cardiac allograft rejection. cTnT determination in heart allograft recipients showed elevated levels in patients with higher degrees of graft rejection (International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grades ≥3A−4). Subgroup analyses revealed demographic patient characteristics markedly improving the diagnostic efficiency of cTnT measurement for rejection monitoring, including male recipient gender, recipient age <60 yr, female donor gender and donor age ≥ 33 yr. The clinical utility of these parameters was confirmed by longitudinal patient data and may help to select recipients most likely to benefit from cTnT rejection surveillance.
Improving oral health: current considerations
Authors: Ciancio S. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe high incidence of periodontal disease among adults in the Western world indicates that in most cases, routine dental care could be considerably improved. The progressive effect of the disease suggests that improvements in oral cleanliness are mandatory if large numbers of adults are to retain their teeth into old age. Data show that periodontal disease can be minimized through effective plaque control, and that a combination of brushing, interdental cleaning, and chemotherapeutic agents (e.g. mouthwash) is beneficial to patients with plaque control problems. The vast majority of adults do not follow an adequate home‐care routine. Average brushing times are low, and only a minority of patients regularly floss. In addition, in those patients who do regularly brush and floss, a deterioration of plaque control occurs over time, suggesting that compliance is a major issue. The principal challenge for dental professionals is to identify how best to elicit an improvement.
Penetrating the plaque biofilm: impact of essential oil mouthwash
Authors: Ouhayoun J.‐P. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe interaction between saliva‐coated tooth surfaces and pathogenic bacteria is partly governed by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, providing a solid rationale for using chemical agents as part of a plaque‐control routine. Chlorhexidine works in several ways. For example, it binds to salivary mucins on the bacterial cell membrane, and penetrates the plaque biofilm. Essential oil (EO) mouthwashes kill micro‐organisms by disrupting their cell walls and inhibiting their enzymic activity. They prevent bacterial aggregation, slow multiplication and extract endotoxins. Recent studies have shown that bacterial phenotypes are altered when organisms change from a planktonic to a sessile state. This suggests that an effective mouthwash must also penetrate the plaque biofilm. Two studies have demonstrated the ability of an EO mouthwash to penetrate the plaque biofilm.