bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asthma, skin symptoms, and allergy in a condom factory
Authors: Rask‐Andersen A. , Boman J. , Grängsjö A. , Silverdal M. , Lindberg M. , Lundberg M. , Svensson L. 
Published: March 2003

Background:Cases of occupational asthma have been reported in condom factories in the UK and France, but there has been no epidemiologic studyof groups of workers in such factories. This investigation aimed to study the prevalence of symptoms in a Swedish condom factory, to determine groupsat special risk, and to suggest preventive measures. Methods:A questionnaire was mailed to 35 employees, 29 women and six men with mean ages of 37 and 32 years, respectively. All subjects were interviewed by a physician and underwent skin prick test with latex and epicutaneous testing with 39 substances, and blood samples were taken for allergy testing. Results:Phadiatop® was positive in 23%, RAST against Lycopodium in 31%,and RAST against latex in one of these 11. Ten subjects (29%) had work‐related nose/eye symptoms; of these, eight had positive RAST to Lycopodium; three also had symptoms of occupational asthma and contact urticaria. Only one had positive RAST to latex. Five of the nine subjects with positive Phadiatop also had positive RAST to Lycopodium. All those with RAST positive to Lycopodium had worked in packaging, the area of the factory with the greatest exposure. The results of the patch tests did not correlate with the work‐related symptoms. Conclusions:In a Swedish condom factory, there were a high prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis and a small number of cases of asthma and contact urticaria caused by allergy to Lycopodium.
Comparison of allergen‐induced changes in bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation between mildly allergic asthma patients and allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Alvarez M. J. , Olaguibel J. M. , Garcia B. E. , Tabar A. I. , Urbiola E. 
Published: March 2003

Bronchial eosinophilic inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) are the main features of allergic asthma (AA), but they have also been demonstrated in allergic rhinitis (AR), suggesting a continuity between both diseases. In spite of not fully reproducing natural allergenic exposure, the allergen bronchial provocation test (A‐BPT) has provided important knowledge of the pathophysiology of AA. Our aim was to verify the existence of a behavior of AA and AR airways different from the allergen bronchial challenge‐induced airway eosinophilic inflammation and BHR changes. We studied a group of 31 mild and short‐evolution AA and 15 AR patients, sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The A‐BPT was performed with a partially biologically standardized D. pteronyssinus extract, and known quantities of Der p 1 were inhaled. Peripheral blood (eosinophils and ECP) and induced sputum (percentage cell counts, ECP, albumin, tryptase, and interleukin [IL]‐5) were analyzed, before and 24 h after A‐BPT. Methacholine BHR, assessed before and 32 h after the A‐BPT, was defined by M‐PD20 values and, when possible, by maximal response plateau (MRP). The A‐BPT was well tolerated by all the patients. AA presented a lower Der p 1 PD20 and a higher occurrence of late‐phase responses (LPR). M‐PD20 values decreased in AA, but not in AR, patients. MRP values increased in both groups. Eosinophils numbers and ECP levels increased in blood and sputum from both AA and AR, but only the absolute increment of sputum ECP levels was higher in AA than AR patients (P=0.025). The A‐BPT induced no change in sputum albumin, tryptase, or IL‐5 values. We conclude as follows:

In spite of presenting a lower degree of bronchial sensitivity to allergen, AR patients responded to allergen inhalation with an eosinophilic inflammation enhancement very similar to that observed among AA.
MRP levels increased in both AA and AR patients after allergen challenge; however, M‐PD20 values significantly changed only in the AA group, suggesting that the components of the airway response to methacholine were controlled by different mechanisms.
It is possible that the differences between AR and AA lie only in the quantitative bronchial response to allergen inhalation.
The association between atopy and asthma in a semirural area of Tanzania (East Africa)
Authors: Sunyer J. , Torregrosa J. , Anto J. M. , Menendez C. , Acosta C. , Schellenberg D. , Alonso P. L. , Acosta C. , Schellenberg D. , Kahigwa E. , Kahigwa E. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Atopy is consistently associated with asthma, except in a study in Africa. We assessed the association between atopy and asthma in women from a semirural area of Tanzania (East Africa). Methods: All pregnant women delivering at the district hospital during a 1‐year period were recruited (n=658, 60.6% of those selected). Asthma was investigated by a standard questionnaire and atopy by specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1) and cockroach. Results: The prevalence of wheezing chest was 10.7%; of asthma, 3.5%. Levels of specific IgE of >0.35 kU/l (73%) and high levels of total IgE (62% higher than 1000 kU/l) were highly prevalent. Specific IgE antibody levels in sera were not associated with asthma (3.8% of women with negative specific IgE to any antigen had asthma in comparison to 4.0% of women with positive specific IgE; odds ratio [OR]=1.06, 0.35–3.22). Total IgE was not different between women with asthma and women without asthma (P=0.36). Conclusions: In tropical regions, the association between allergy and asthma is complex, and specific IgE reactivity to environmental allergens may not be related to asthma.
Food anaphylaxis in schools: evaluation of the management plan and the efficiency of the emergency kit
Authors: Moneret‐Vautrin D. A. , Kanny G. , Morisset M. , Flabbee J. , Guénard L. , Beaudouin E. , Parisot L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Children with severe food allergies can benefit from a personalized care project (PCP) in schools. The usefulness of the PCP and the residual risk of allergic emergencies are poorly appreciated. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of the management plan and the training in the use of the emergency kit. Methods: A telephone survey using a detailed questionnaire was performed in 45 families whose children had been previously referred to the department. The distribution of disorders was as follows: asthma, 37.7%; atopic dermatitis and asthma, 28.8%; atopic dermatitis, 15.5%; angioedema and urticaria, 13.3%; and anaphylactic shock, 4.2%. Food allergy had been diagnosed in the 45 children by past history, and double‐blind or single‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs, or SBPCFCs) with evidence of specific IgE. Exactly 75.5% of the children had peanut allergy. Multiple food allergies characterized 46.8% of the subjects. They had benefited from a strict elimination diet and a protocol for emergency care including a ready‐to‐use intramuscular epinephrine injection. A PCP had been requested by the School Public Health Service. Results: Thirty‐nine PCPs were implemented (86.5% of the requests). They represented 63% of the PCPs for food allergy in the eastern region of France: one per 5800 school‐age children. The retrospective period of evaluation was 25 months on average. The types of meals were very diverse, and medically acceptable in 83% of cases. The place where the emergency kit was stored in the school varied. Forty reactions occurred in 33% of the children (5/6 times in the absence of a PCP), asthma in 28%, shock in 1%, and immediate skin reactions in 11%. Reactions occurred at home in 78% of the subjects, and in school in 22% of the subjects. The cause of the reactions was not specifically known in 63% of cases. Twenty‐seven percent of the reactions were linked to the ingestion of food allergens. In 10% of subjects, the reaction was due to a modification of ingredients by the food industry. Conclusions: The frequency of respiratory symptoms during oral challenge tests was confirmed by the frequency of asthmatic reactions within the follow‐up period. The role of hidden allergens and of misleading labeling validates the need for PCPs in the case of peanut and tree nut allergies, past history of severe reactions, multiple food allergies, reactions to a low dose in DBPCFCs, and asthmatic reactions to foods. This study provides encouraging data on the usefulness of PCPs and confirms the need for thorough instruction and training of the school staff in dealing with allergic emergencies. Addition of a β‐agonist spray to the emergency kit is suggested.
Involvement of urban living environments in atopy and enhanced eosinophil activity: potential risk factors of airway allergic symptoms
Authors: Kuwahara Y. , Kondoh J. , Azuma E. , Nakajima T. , Hashimoto M. , Tatara K. , Komachi Y. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Airway allergic diseases, such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, have increased, especially in urban areas. These diseases are characterized by airway inflammation with enhanced eosinophil activity, and the risk of disease development has been shown to increase with the prevalence of atopy. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 426 healthy adult women aged 30–74 years, living in an urban area of Osaka, Japan, to survey individual living environments and airway allergic symptoms such as cough, sputum, and wheezing. Moreover, serum house‐dust‐mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, [Der p])‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were examined by radioimmunoassay, and the atopic status (atopic sensitization) and enhanced eosinophil activity were assessed as Der p‐specific IgE RAST scores of 2–6 and ECP levels of more than 10 ng/ml, respectively. Results: Intensive use of electric air conditioners in hot weather (odds ratio: 2.07 [95% CI: 1.11–3.87]) and mold proliferation in the kitchen (2.77 [1.34–5.73]) significantly increased the risk of atopic sensitization. Poor home ventilation and family smoking appeared to be positively but not significantly associated with atopic sensitization. Personal smoking and intensive use of the air conditioner appeared to be positively related to enhanced eosinophil activity. Atopic status showed significant involvement in the development of wheezing, and the development of cough was significantly associated with enhanced eosinophil activity. Conclusions: The results suggest that some urban styles of living are involved in atopic sensitization and enhanced eosinophil activity in the Japanese urban population, probably due to living conditions, such as indoor dampness and poor home ventilation, caused by tight insulation, which increase exposure to indoor air pollutants, such as respirable mite allergens and tobacco smoke.
The prevalence of allergy to egg: a population‐based study in young children
Authors: Eggesbø M. , Botten G. , Halvorsen R. , Magnus P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of adverse reactions to egg, as population‐based prevalence estimates based on objective diagnostic procedures are lacking. Methods: The parents of 2721 children in a population‐based birth cohort completed questionnaires on the occurrence of any reaction to food at 12, 18, and 24 months of age. Children with parentally reported reactions to eggs at the age of 2 years were selected for further examination. A stepwise diagnostic procedure was developed that included diet trials at home, skin prick tests, and open and double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges. The mean age of the children at the time of the examination was 2.5 years (CI 2.5–2.6). A sample of children without perceived reactions to egg was also selected for assessment of unrecognized reactions. Results: The estimated point prevalence of allergy to egg in children aged 2½ years was 1.6% (CI 1.3–2.0%), with an upper estimate of the cumulative incidence by this age calculated roughly at 2.6% (CI 1.6–3.6). Almost all reactions were IgE mediated. In general, two‐thirds of the parentally perceived reactions were verified. However, the positive predictive value of a parentally perceived reaction depended on the number of times it had been reported, and increased from 50% to 100%, for reactions reported one and three times, respectively. Unrecognized reactions were infrequent. Conclusions: This study confirms that allergy to egg is frequent in a child population.
Occupational asthma caused by exposure to cyanoacrylate
Authors: Quirce S. , Baeza M. L. , Tornero P. , Blasco A. , Barranco R. , Sastre J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Exposure to acrylates may give rise to rhinitis and asthma in both industrial and domestic environments. The mechanisms underlying these respiratory conditions caused by acrylates remain largely unknown. Methods: We studied two assembly operators exposed to cyanoacrylate glue who developed rhinitis and asthma symptoms. The causal relationship of these symptoms to cyanoacrylate glue exposure was investigated by serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring at work and off work. Moreover, inhalation testing was performed by asking the patients to mimic exposure at work with the cyanoacrylate glue in a 7‐m3 challenge chamber. Results: Serial PEF monitoring at work and away from work was consistent with occupational asthma in both patients. The methacholine inhalation test was negative in patient 1 (off work) and showed bronchial hyperresponsiveness in patient 2. After 20‐min exposure to cyanoacrylate, the patients had late and progressive asthmatic reactions, respectively, and the methacholine test became positive in patient 1. Induced‐sputum samples obtained 3 and 24 h after the cyanoacrylate challenge showed a marked increase in sputum eosinophils. Conclusions: Exposure to cyanoacrylate in these patients provoked not only variable airflow limitation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but also pronounced eosinophilia in sputum.
Diagnostic evaluation of grass‐ and birch‐allergic patients with oral allergy syndrome
Authors: Anhoej C. , Backer V. , Nolte H. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Patients with birch and grass allergy often suffer from oral allergy symptoms when ingesting cross‐reacting fresh fruits and vegetables. However, fruit and vegetable allergen extracts are often readily degradable or contain clinically irrelevant cross‐reacting epitopes, resulting in diagnostic discrepancies when fruit and vegetable allergic reactions are evaluated. The risk of using nonstandardized fresh food extracts for skin testing may also be of concern.The objective was to compare and evaluate the clinical utility of selected recombinant grass and birch cross‐reacting food allergens with fresh and commercial melon, hazelnut, and apple extracts. Methods: Thirty‐six grass‐ and or birch‐allergic patients and 17 control subjects consented to participate in the study. All subjects were skin prick tested and had basophil histamine‐release tests done with fresh fruits and various extracts of hazelnut, apple, and melon. The diagnosis of oral allergy syndrome was confirmed by oral challenges. In addition, histamine release to recombinant Bet v 1 and Bet v 2, and recombinant Phl p 1 and Phl p 2, Phl p 5 was performed. Results: The skin prick test with fresh hazelnut, apple, and melon showed sensitivities of 0.97, 0.92, and 0.89, respectively. The corresponding specificities were 0.78, 0.72, and 0.82, respectively. In contrast, the histamine‐release test with hazelnut, apple, and melon gave sensitivities of 0.87, 0.71, and 1.00, respectively. The corresponding specificities were 0.65, 0.93, and 0.43. The skin prick test showed excellent negative predictive value (>90%). No added value of recombinant allergen testing was noted. Oral challenge did not result in severe systemic reactions, and no systemic reactions were observed with skin prick tests with fresh fruits. Conclusions: The skin prick test showed an almost optimal diagnostic value with a satisfactory sensitivity (>89%) and excellent negative predictive value with fresh fruits. When the skin prick test with fresh nut and apple cannot be performed, histamine release is a diagnostic alternative. Histamine release with melon showed lack of specificity. This was probably due to extensive IgE cross‐reactivity with pollen, since these patients also responded to recombinant Phl p 1 and Bet v 1. Skin testing and challenges with fresh fruits were safe.
Dispersion of horse allergen in the ambient air, detected with sandwich ELISA
Authors: Emenius G. , Larsson P. H. , Wickman M. , Härfast B. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The objective was to establish an ELISA to detect horse allergen in ambient air and settled dust. Methods: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced against extracts of horse antigen. Two mAbs were selected and used in a sandwich ELISA. By the aid of portable pumps, air samples were collected in one stable and in the ambient air surrounding this stable. Furthermore, settled dust was collected by wiping spots with pieces of fabric, at sites within 500 m of the stable. Results: Extracts of horsehair could be extensively diluted and still be positive. Extracts of cat and dog allergen failed to be detected. Furthermore, the mAbs were shown to detect an IgE‐binding component. This was demonstrated by an ELISA using mAbs as capture antibody and sera from horse‐allergic subjects as secondary antibody with readout depending on anti‐IgE antibody. The sera with the highest RAST class to horse were positive in this ELISA. Airborne levels of horse allergen were over 500‐fold higher in the stable than just outside the stable and over 3000‐fold higher than at a residential building located only 12 m from the stable. Similarly, an inverse correlation was found between the distance to the stable and levels of “outdoor settled” horse allergen (r=−0.9, P<0.001). Conclusions: We have developed a sensitive, horse‐allergen‐specific, mAb assay allowing detection of low levels of horse allergens. Raised levels of horse allergen were found outdoors only in the close vicinity of the stable.
Natural history of hay fever and pollen sensitization, and doctors' diagnosis of hay fever and pollen asthma in German schoolchildren
Authors: Riedinger F. , Kuehr J. , Strauch E. , Schulz H. , Ihorst G. , Forster J ,   and the Ozone Working Group
Published: March 2003

Background: In order to prevent pollen asthma by immunotherapy it is mandatory to know the best time to initiate it. Children with hay fever complaints are at considerable risk of developing pollen asthma. Population‐based data on their natural history is urgently needed. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted over four years in six rural towns in Baden‐Wu¨rttemberg, Germany. A questionnaire with questions taken from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in childhood (ISAAC) was filled in every spring and autumn. Hay fever complaints, asthma defining symptoms and new doctors' diagnosis of hay fever and asthma were recorded. Additionally a skin prick test with pollen allergens was performed every autumn. Results: In 1996, 19.7% of 1101 elementary school children (age: 8.1–9.9 years (5–95%)) were found to be sensitized to pollen and 8.7% had already been diagnosed as having hay fever. In a pooled analysis of 2478 children‐summers, children with positive pollen sensitization had a significantly higher risk of developing hay fever symptoms (2.63; 2.17–3.10 odds ratio (OR); 95% confidence interval (CI)) and of being diagnosed as suffering from hay fever (7.88; 4.70–13.20). Furthermore, although their OR for the development of asthma symptoms during the pollen season was 3.88 (2.48–6.07 CI), it was only 0.69 (0.24–2.01 CI) for doctors' diagnosis of pollen asthma. Conclusion: >Children of elementary school age with pollen sensitization and a history of hay fever are at considerable risk of getting pollen asthma, but they are not quickly diagnosed as such. Specific immunotherapy might be a means of preventing asthma completely in such a situation. Our data helps to estimate the sample size for intervention studies of this kind.
Sensitivity to methacholine and capsaicin in patients with unclear respiratory symptoms
Authors: Ternesten‐Hasséus E. , Farbrot A. , Löwhagen O. , Millqvist EVA 
Published: March 2003

Background: Capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in red pepper, is known to stimulate coughing via the sensory nervous system. Earlier studies showed that patients with airway symptoms induced by chemicals and strong scents cough more after inhalation of capsaicin than healthy control subjects and this has been interpreted as a hyperreactivity of airway sensory nerves. Our aim was to study airway sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin and the occurrence of airway symptoms induced by strong scents in patients who underwent a bronchial methacholine test, primarily because of suspected asthma. Methods: Fifty‐two consecutive patients referred for testing with methacholine were also provoked with inhaled capsaicin in increasing concentrations. Cough sensitivity to capsaicin was compared with that in 40 healthy control subjects. Results: The patients coughed significantly more compared with the healthy control subjects with each dose of capsaicin (P < 0.0001). Twelve patients (23%) had a positive methacholine test, and of these, nine were diagnosed with asthma. There was no difference in capsaicin sensitivity between patients sensitive or insensitive to methacholine. Conclusions: The majority of the patients had no increased sensitivity to methacholine but did demonstrate sensory hyperreactivity (SHR). SHR appears to be a common diagnosis in investigations of patients with obscure airway symptoms.
Localization of Der f 2 in the gut and fecal pellets of Dermatophagoides farinae
Authors: Jeong K. Y. , Lee I.‐Y. , Ree H.‐I. , Hong C.‐S. , Yong T.‐S. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  House dust mite derived materials are known to be the most potent agent inducing allergic diseases. Localization of Der f 2 was attempted to specify the sites and concentrations of Der f 2 within the mite, which may indicate the importance of secreted materials and nonexcreted body components as allergen sources. Methods:  Serial cryostat sections of embedded live mites and the fecal pellets, collected by brush, were immunoprobed using monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2F38 raised against recombinant (r) Der f 2. Results:  Highest concentrations were found in the anterior midgut, implying that this is the site of Der f 2 synthesis and secretion. Digestive material and defecated fecal pellets were also labeled with mAb. Conclusions:
Our results show that the major allergen, Der f 2, found in the house dust mite
D. farinae is derived from the digestive tract, and is concentrated in the feces.
IgE‐mediated allergy to phytase – a new animal feed additive
Authors: Baur X. , Melching‐Kollmuss S. , Koops F. , Straßburger K. , Zober A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Although fungal phytase is frequently used as an additive to animal feed few investigations of its allergenic property have been conducted.Methods: Fifty‐three subjects occupationally exposed to powdered phytase from Aspergillus niger were studied. Exposure data and symptoms were registered by the company physician.Results: Thirty‐eight subjects complained of work‐related respiratory symptoms and 14 of them showed phytase‐specific IgE antibodies; only one asymptomatic subject revealed such antibodies. IgE antibodies were significantly more frequently found in the high‐exposure group (technical centre) when compared with the low‐exposure group (laboratories, experimental animal husbandry). Phytase‐specific IgG antibodies were present in 19 symptomatic (50%) and five (33%) asymptomatic subjects.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that powdered fungal phytase is a highly sensitizing substance whose inhalation exposure should be avoided. Hypersensitivity symptoms could be prevented by means of extensive hygienic measures and ongoing medical surveillance.