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- Blomme, K, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence of allergic sensitization versus allergic rhinitis symptoms in an unselected population
- 2013
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0097 .- 1018-2438. ; 160:2, s. 200-207
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <b><i>Background:</i></b> Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic disorder and its prevalence has significantly increased worldwide, nowadays affecting up to 40% of the population in young adults. The objective of the present survey was to evaluate the prevalence of allergic sensitization and the prevalence of clinically diagnosed AR in a sample of the Belgian population, and to estimate the effect of age and gender. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a cross-sectional population-based study at an annual public fair in Ghent. Participants underwent a skin prick test (SPT) to 3 aeroallergens: a mix of trees (hazel, alder, and birch), grass pollen, and house dust mite (HDM). The clinical relevance of sensitization was assessed by relating relevant symptoms of AR to the corresponding SPT. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 2,320 participants (1,475 females, median age 44.7 years, range 3–86) were included in this study. The standardized prevalence rates of sensitization were 13.2% for tree mix, 25.9% for grass pollen, and 25.9% for HDM. Sensitization to at least one of the allergens was present in 40.3% of the subjects. Symptomatic sensitization related to trees was reported in 9.7% of cases, grass-related AR was 17.6%, and HDM-related AR was 17.1%. The overall prevalence of AR was 30.9%. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> In this study we demonstrated a 40.3% prevalence of a positive SPT to one or more common aeroallergens. A clinical diagnosis of AR was present in 30.9% of cases, peaking in the third and fourth decades of life. It is to be expected that in the next decades, when this generation grows older, the general AR prevalence will further increase.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Huvenne, W, et al.
(författare)
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Role of staphylococcal superantigens in airway disease
- 2013
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0097 .- 1018-2438. ; 161:4, s. 304-314
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> is a common human pathogen, which is regularly part of the normal microflora found in the nose and skin. It represents a significant threat to human health, not in the least because of its capability to produce exotoxins, which have superantigenic properties. These exotoxins, in particular the staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs), are known to be involved in the modulation and aggravation of airway inflammation. Indeed, recent studies show an important impact of SEs on the natural course of allergic rhinitis, nasal polyposis, asthma and COPD. This review outlines the current knowledge on the influence of SEs on airway inflammation. We highlight, in particular, the recent evidence on their role in asthma.
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| 5. |
- Wölfl, Anne-Cathrin, et al.
(författare)
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Seafloor Mapping - The Challenge of a Truly Global Ocean Bathymetry
- 2019
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Marine Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-7745. ; 6
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Detailed knowledge of the shape of the seafloor is crucial to humankind. Bathymetry data is critical for safety of navigation and is used for many other applications. In an era of ongoing environmental degradation worldwide, bathymetry data (and the knowledge derived from it) play a pivotal role in using and managing the world's oceans in a way that is in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 - conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. However, the vast majority of our oceans is still virtually unmapped, unobserved, and unexplored. Only a small fraction of the seafloor has been systematically mapped by direct measurement. The remaining bathymetry is predicted from satellite altimeter data, providing only an approximate estimation of the shape of the seafloor. Several global and regional initiatives are underway to change this situation. This paper presents a selection of these initiatives as best practice examples for bathymetry data collection, compilation and open data sharing as well as the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO (The General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans) Seabed 2030 Project that complements and leverages these initiatives and promotes international collaboration and partnership. Several non-traditional data collection opportunities are looked at that are currently gaining momentum as well as new and innovative technologies that can increase the efficiency of collecting bathymetric data. Finally, recommendations are given toward a possible way forward into the future of seafloor mapping and toward achieving the goal of a truly global ocean bathymetry.
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