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  • Electronic Resource  (16)
  • 2000-2004  (16)
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  • Electronic Resource  (16)
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  • 1
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Exposure to house dust endotoxin and allergic sensitization in adults (2004)
    Oxford, UK : Munksgaard International Publishers
    Allergy 59 (2004), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1398-9995
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background:  It has been suggested that exposure to elevated levels of endotoxin decreases the risk of allergic sensitization.Objective:  To examine the associations between current exposure to bacterial endotoxin in house dust and allergic sensitization in adults.Methods:  In 1995–1996, we conducted a nested case–control study following a cross-sectional study performed within the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Data of 350 adults aged 25–50 years was analysed. Allergic sensitization was assessed by measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against several inhalant allergens. Living room floor dust samples were taken. The endotoxin content was quantified using a chromogenic kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate test.Results:  Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between exposure to house dust endotoxin and severe allergic sensitization. Odds ratios (95% CI) adjusted for place of residence, gender, age, and ‘caseness’ were 0.80 (0.64–1.00) for sensitization to ≥1 allergen and 0.72 (0.56, 0.92) for sensitization to ≥2 allergens using 3.5 kU/l as a cut-off value for sensitization. With regard to single allergens, the protective effect of endotoxin was strongest for pollen sensitization [aOR (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.58, 0.93)].Conclusion:  Our results indicate that current exposure to higher levels of house dust endotoxin might be associated with a decreased odds of allergic sensitization in adults.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00551.x
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  • 2
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Alternative medicine in allergies – prevalence, patterns of use, and costs (2002)
    Oxford, UK : Munksgaard International Publishers
    Allergy 57 (2002), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1398-9995
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background:  There is evidence that the use of alternative medicine (AM) for allergies has increased. However, little is known from population-based studies about what determines its use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the patterns of use of AM for allergies. Methods:  A population-based nested case-control study was conducted in 2000–01 using computer-assisted telephone interviews. Three hundred and fifty-one adults participated (median age 46 years) with allergies including hay fever, asthma, atopic eczema, and food hypersensitivity. Information was obtained on demographics, prevalence, motivation, information, type of AM, provider, costs, willingness to pay, and subjective assessment of AM. Results:  26.5% of participants used AM because of their allergies. Compared to nonusers, this group of users was significantly younger (median age 43 vs 47; p =0.004) and better educated (school education 〉 8 year vs ≤ 8 year; odds ratio (OR) 2.17, 1.28–3.67) and was mostly motivated by the assumption of few side-effects (78.3%), by a wish to try everything (71.7%), and by unsatisfying results from conventional therapy (66.3%). Users also had more experience with conventional therapy than nonusers (94.6% vs 63.6%; OR 10.10, 4.00–25.72). Four procedures accounted for almost the entire usage: homeopathy (35.3%), autologous blood injection (28.1%), acupuncture (16.6%), and bioresonance (10.0%). The AM were mostly promoted (40.2%) and provided (60.9%) by medical doctors, and produced median costs for single and entire treatment of 4 € (15–205) and 205 € (15–1278)e. Reimbursement from insurance companies was received by 52.3%, in full (37.8%) or partial (14.5%). Most subjects (55.4%) admitted that they would pay more (median 153e) for the achieved result. Users scored the efficacy of conventional therapy significantly lower ( p 〈0.001) than nonusers, and assessed the results of AM as very good (28.6%) or rather good (53.8%). Conclusions:  AM is used widely for allergies by the general population and is associated with considerable costs. This has implications for the health care system and health policy.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2002.23469.x
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  • 3
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Epidemiology of contact allergy in adults (2001)
    Copenhagen : Munksgaard International Publishers
    Allergy 56 (2001), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1398-9995
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of contact sensitization in the general population and to investigate associations with important sociodemographic and medical characteristics. Methods: Within a population-based nested, case-control study in Germany, we performed patch tests with 25 standard allergens in 1141 adults (50.4% female, age median 50 years). Additional information was obtained by a dermatologic examination, a standardized interview, and blood analysis. Results: At least one positive reaction was exhibited by 40.0% of the subjects, with reactions most frequently observed to fragrance mix (15.9%), nickel (13.1%), thimerosal (4.7%), and balsam of Peru (3.8%). Women were sensitized more often than men (50.2%vs 29.9%, OR 2.36, CI 1.84–3.03), and this was also significant for fragrance mix, nickel, turpentine, cobalt chloride, and thimerosal. Contact sensitization was more frequent in subjects who reported adverse skin reactions (53.8% vs. 32.6%; OR 2.41, CI 1.85–3.14), and this was particularly true for sensitization to nickel (45.5%vs 8.8%, OR 8.64, CI 5.67–13.17) and fragrance mix (29.0%vs 14.0%, OR 2.51, CI 1.60–3.91) and the corresponding intolerance of fashion jewelry and fragrances. Contact sensitization decreased with increasing degree of occupational training (unskilled 45.9%, apprenticeship 40.1%, technical college 40.4%, and school of engineering 12.5%; P=0.023; trend test P=0.042). Significant associations of contact sensitization and presence of allergen-specific IgE antibodies, atopic eczema, or psoriasis were not observed. Frequency estimates for the general adult population based on these findings were 28.0% for overall contact sensitization and 11.4% for fragrance mix, 9.9% for nickel, and 3.2% for thimerosal. Conclusions: It is concluded that contact allergy is influenced by sociodemographic parameters and plays an important role in the general population.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2001.00086.x
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  • 4
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Does my partner cause my allergy? (2004)
    Oxford, UK : Munksgaard International Publishers
    Allergy 59 (2004), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1398-9995
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background:  The study of partners can help to understand the impact of environmental influences on the development of allergies. We aimed to test the hypothesis that subjects whose partners have hay fever are at increased risk for the same disease and that the risk increases with the time subjects live together with an affected partner.Methods:  A nested unmatched case–control study was performed in a random sample of 4261 inhabitants, aged 25–74 years, of the City of Augsburg, Germany, and two adjacent counties. Using standardized computer-assisted face-to-face interviews, we determined the risk of doctor-diagnosed hay fever in subjects who lived together with a partner having the same disease as opposed to subjects living with an unaffected partner. Furthermore, the risk of doctor-diagnosed hay fever depending on the time the subjects had lived together with an affected partner was calculated.Results:  After adjustment for age, sex, parental predisposition and social status, the risk of hay fever was more than double in subjects who lived together with a partner having the same disease (odds ratio, ORadj., 2.41; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.48–3.92). If subjects lived together with an affected partner, the risk of developing the disease increased with the time the partners lived together (1–11 years, OR 1; 12–23 years, OR 1.8; 24–35 years, OR 7.4; 36–54 years, OR 13.7).Conclusion:  The risk of developing hay fever is significantly elevated in subjects who live together with a partner having the same disease. The risk further increases with the time the partners live together. This points to important shared environmental influences or behaviours and raises speculations on a transmissible cause.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00417.x
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  • 5
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Health impacts of second-hand exposure to cat allergen Fel d 1 in infants (2003)
    Oxford, UK : Munksgaard International Publishers
    Allergy 58 (2003), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1398-9995
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background: Recent cross-sectional studies suggested that highest sensitization prevalences occur with moderate cat allergen exposures. We aimed to assess the impact of moderate levels of second-hand cat allergen exposure on the incidence of specific sensitization and wheezing in the framework of a birth cohort study. Therefore we restricted our analysis to infants without a cat at home since birth.Methods: At infant's age 3 months, cat allergen levels were measured in the mattress dust of 1840 families without cats. At age 2 years, serum IgE specific to Fel d 1 was analyzed. Incidence of wheezing apart from respiratory infection was assessed by questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the association between second-hand cat allergen exposure and health outcomes.Results: Until age 2 years, 13 of 1301 infants (1%) were sensitized to cat allergen and 56 of 1492 infants (4%) had ever-wheezing without infection. Early exposure to second-hand cat allergen levels ≥ 1 µg/g dust increased substantially the risk for specific sensitization to Fel d 1 (OR 10.9, 95% CI 3.4–35.0) and ever-wheeze without infection (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.9) at age 2 years.Conclusions: Second-hand exposure to cat allergen in homes without cats is detrimental in terms of allergy development in infants.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.00037.x
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  • 6
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    The effect of storage on allergen and microbial agent levels in frozen house dust (2003)
    Oxford, UK : Munksgaard International Publishers
    Allergy 58 (2003), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1398-9995
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background: House dust samples collected for exposure studies are often stored for variable time periods until analysis. However, there is currently no information on the effects of dust storage on the content of biocontaminants. Therefore, associations were analysed between the levels of mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1), cat allergen (Fel d 1) and microbial components (endotoxin, β(1→3)-glucan) on the one hand and the storage duration of dust samples at −20°C on the other hand.Methods: Within the framework of a study on the influences of INdoor factors and Genetics on Asthma (INGA), dust samples were collected from living room floors between June 1995 and August 1998 and extracted according to a standardized protocol. The concentrations of Der p 1, Der f 1, Fel d 1 and β(1→3)-glucan were determined with specific enzyme immunoassays. Endotoxin content was quantified using a chromogenic kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test. All concentrations were expressed per gram of dustResults: Dust samples (n = 1236) were obtained from 655 homes in Hamburg, Hettstedt, Zerbst and Bitterfeld. Storage duration (range 8–298 days) was grouped into four categories (≤ 60 d; 61–90 d; 91–120 d; 〉 120 d). After adjustment for city of residence and season of dust sampling, means ratios comparing categories 2–4 to the first category were not statistically significant for Der p 1, Der f 1, endotoxin and β(1→3 glucan). However, Fel d 1 concentrations significantly declined with increased storage times of dust samples.Conclusions: Storage of house dust at −20°C for up to 10 months has no effect on mite allergen, endotoxin and β(1→3)-glucan levels. A potential loss of Fel d 1 during storage of frozen dust samples needs further investigations by repeated measurements of allergen in identical dust samples.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.00036.x
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  • 7
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Intake of unsaturated fatty acids and HDL cholesterol levels are associated with manifestations of atopy in adults (2003)
    Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science Ltd
    Clinical & experimental allergy 33 (2003), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-2222
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background The increase in allergic diseases is still unexplained. It was hypothesized that the intake of unsaturated fatty acids is a contributing cause of this development. We investigated the relationship between serum cholesterol levels, intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and manifestations of atopy in a population-based setting.Methods A nested case–control study was performed within the population of the 3rd MONICA survey in Augsburg (Germany). The serum levels of total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 1537 adults (aged 28–78 years, response 61.4%) and the estimated intake of PUFA in a subset of 139 men were compared with the frequency of a doctor's diagnosis of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR), atopic eczema (AE) and allergic sensitization as measured by skin prick and Radio Allergo Sorbent Test.Findings In bivariate analyses, we obtained a negative linear association between total and LDL cholesterol levels and the frequency of AR and sensitization, which was no longer significant after adjustment for important confounders. In contrast, positive linear associations were found between HDL cholesterol levels and AR and AE and, furthermore, between the intake of PUFA and allergic sensitization in men (P〈0.01). After adjustment, an increasing risk for atopic diseases with increasing levels of HDL cholesterol and an increasing risk for allergic sensitization with increasing intakes of PUFA remained statistically significant.Interpretation There is indication that HDL cholesterol also plays a role in the complex interaction of fat intake, metabolism and the manifestation of atopy in adults. These findings may contribute to the understanding of time trends and regional differences of allergies.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01780.x
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  • 8
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Atopic disease and its determinants – a focus on the potential role of childhood infection (2004)
    Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science Ltd
    Clinical & experimental allergy 34 (2004), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-2222
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background Atopic diseases develop on a genetic background and are modulated by environmental factors among which some infectious diseases are thought to have a protective influence.Objective The aim of this study was to determine the influence of infectious diseases in younger ages, bacterial and viral, on atopic diseases and sensitization to aero- and foodallergens in adults.Methods A population-based sample of 4262 subjects aged 25–74 years were interviewed concerning their history of infectious disease within the first 18 years of life. Information about allergic disease, including atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma was obtained. A blood sample was drawn and analysed for allergen-specific IgE antibodies against food- and aeroallergens.Results Multiple logistic regression analyses identified viral infection to be associated with AR (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.39; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.13–1.72) and sensitization to aeroallergens (OR=1.21; 95% CI: 1.05–1.41). Bacterial disease was a negative predictor for atopy development in the subgroup of patients sensitized to nutritional allergens with concomitant atopic eczema (OR=0.34; 95% CI: 0.11–0.99), AR (OR=0.67; 95% CI: 0.42–1.07), or asthma (OR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.19–0.87). Influences of viral and bacterial infection on AR differed with regard to family history of atopic disease.Conclusion In our study population, history of viral infection was consistently positively associated with AR. Our data suggests that bacterial infections might be preventive for specific subgroups of atopy.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.02016.x
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  • 9
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Early endotoxin exposure and atopy development in infants: results of a birth cohort study (2003)
    Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science Ltd
    Clinical & experimental allergy 33 (2003), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-2222
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background Exposure to endotoxin in childhood is currently discussed to protect from the development of allergic diseases.Objective To study the effect of early endotoxin exposure on incidence of atopic sensitization, atopic dermatitis and wheezing until the age of 2 years in infants with different risk status in terms of parental atopy.Methods Data of 1942 infants of an ongoing birth cohort study were analysed by logistic regression. Endotoxin was measured in settled dust of the mothers' mattresses at infants' age of 3 months. Data on allergic symptoms and physicians' diagnoses were gathered by questionnaire. Sensitization to common food and inhalant allergens was assessed by specific serum IgE.Results High endotoxin levels increased the risk of repeated wheeze [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for 4th exposure quartile (Q4) 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–2.14], but were associated with neither sensitization to food allergens nor atopic dermatitis. Stratification by parental atopy showed that there was an association of endotoxin exposure with incidence of repeated wheeze as well as with sensitization to inhalant allergens (P for trend = 0.008 and 0.044, respectively) only in infants with parental atopy, with the highest risk in the 4th exposure quartile (repeated wheeze: ORQ4 1.77, 95% CI 1.14–2.73; sensitization to inhalant allergens: ORQ4 1.69, 95% CI 0.70–4.11).Conclusion Early endotoxin exposure in terms of mattress dust endotoxin levels seemed to increase the risk of atopic reactions to inhalant allergens at the age of 2 years, especially in infants at risk due to parental atopy. Our data disagree with an early protective effect of endotoxin on atopy development until the age of 2 years.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01665.x
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  • 10
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Repeated measurements of allergens and endotoxin in settled house dust over a time period of 6 years (2003)
    Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science Ltd
    Clinical & experimental allergy 33 (2003), S. 0 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-2222
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background  Studies investigating the effect of exposure to indoor allergens and endotoxin on human respiratory health usually take dust samples only at one single point of time and consider them to be representative for the indoor biocontaminant burden during a time period of several years. This singly measured biocontaminant concentration is related to adverse respiratory outcomes such as asthma, wheeze or others.Objective  We analysed two repeated measurements of mite and cat allergens in mattress and living room floor dust as well as endotoxin concentrations in living room floor dust. The repeated samples were taken over a time period of about 6 years. We investigated the repeatability over time of their concentrations by determining correlation coefficients and computing within- and between-home variance components.Methods  Our analysis was based on the population of a study on Indoor Factors and Genetics in Asthma (INGA) being carried out in 1995/96 and followed up in 2000/01. Complete data were available from 152 participants.Results  The measured allergen concentrations were low and a considerable percentage of the values was below the limit of detection. The crude Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between the two measurements taken in 1995/96 and 2000/01 ranged from 0.32 to 0.61 for the dust mites allergens, from 0.21 to 0.44 for cat allergen and from 0.35 to 0.51 for endotoxin. Correlations were higher if measurements were performed on the same floor or the same mattress at both sampling time-points. The within-home variance for all measured biocontaminant concentrations was of about the same order as the between-home variance.Conclusion  For studies like ours with low allergen and endotoxin concentrations, the repeatability of these concentrations over a time period as long as 6 years is low and a single measurement does not accurately reflect the true long-term exposure in the homes.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2003.01807.x
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