| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Hesselmar, Bill, 1955, et al.
(author)
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Does early exposure to cat or dog protect against later allergy development?
- 1999
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In: Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0954-7894. ; 29:5, s. 611-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It is unknown which factors in modern western society that have caused the current increase in prevalence of allergic diseases. Improved hygiene, smaller families, altered exposure to allergens have been suggested.To assess the relationship between exposure to pets in early life, family size, allergic manifestations and allergic sensitization at 7-9 and 12-13 years of age.The prevalence of allergic diseases and various background factors were assessed in 1991 and 1996 by questionnaire studies. In 1991, the study comprised representative samples of children from the Göteborg area on the Swedish west coast (7 years old, n = 1649) and the inland town Kiruna in northern Sweden (7-9 years old, n = 832). In 1992, a validation interview and skin prick test (SPT) were performed in a stratified sub-sample of 412 children. In 1996, this subgroup was followed up with identical questions about clinical symptoms as in 1991, detailed questions about early pet exposure were added and SPT performed.Children exposed to pets during the first year of life had a lower frequency of allergic rhinitis at 7-9 years of age and of asthma at 12-13 years. Children exposed to cat during the first year of life were less often SPT positive to cat at 12-13 years. The results were similar when those children were excluded, whose parents had actively decided against pet keeping during infancy because of allergy in the family. There was a negative correlation between the number of siblings and development of asthma and allergic rhinitis.Pet exposure during the first year of life and increasing number of siblings were both associated with a lower prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma in school children.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Björkstén, B, et al.
(author)
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Collecting and banking human milk : to heat or not to heat?
- 1980
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In: British medical journal. - 0007-1447. ; 281:6243, s. 765-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Data on human breast milk and its handling when fed to babies who cannot be breast-fed were reviewed to determine whether the method of processing and storage affected the properties of the milk. Breast milk is normally contaminated by potential pathogens, which seem to produce no ill effects, but it also contains antimicrobial properties which protect against infection. The evidence suggests that pasteurisation not only eliminates pathogenic bacteria but also damages bacteriostatic mechanisms, so making the milk more susceptible to later contamination. Pasteurisation also affects the nutritional properties of milk. Freezing has little effect on milk proteins, while a study on the effect of refrigeration showed that there was little bacterial growth at temperatures below 8 degrees C. Several years' experience of feeding donated raw milk to newborn infants has confirmed that it produces no ill effects. These findings suggest that pasteurisation of donated breastmilk is unnecessary, and it is not recommended, while the decision whether or not to freeze the milk may be made on practical grounds. Raw breast milk can be safely stored at 4-6 degrees C for 72 hours.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Hesselmar, Bill, 1955, et al.
(author)
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High-dose exposure to cat is associated with clinical tolerance--a modified Th2 immune response?
- 2003
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In: Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0954-7894. ; 33:12, s. 1681-5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies, it is suggested, may be protecting against allergy development by blocking responses. Levels are proposed as a marker of modified Th2 response.To assess the levels of IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to cat in relation to cat exposure, asthma and allergic diseases.We studied a population-based sample of 412 schoolchildren of 12-13 years of age. Parents of 402 children completed a questionnaire covering their child's medical history, the keeping of cats and other background data. Skin prick tests (SPTs) to common aeroallergens were performed in 371 of the children. Blood samples for the analyses of IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies were obtained from 309 of them.All children had an immune response to cat, predominantly of the IgG1 subclass. The levels of cat-specific IgG1 and IgG4, but not IgE, were high in children currently keeping a cat. Children with asthma had increased levels of cat-specific IgE and IgG1, and children with a positive SPT to cat also had increased IgG4. The presence of IgG4 was not associated with asthma or sensitization, unless there was a simultaneous production of IgE. Twenty-five percent of the children had an immune response with only IgG4, and no IgE antibodies to cat. This group of children had the highest frequency of cat-keeping, but a similar prevalence of asthma and allergy as those with neither IgE nor IgG4 antibodies to cat.Cat-keeping was associated with a modified Th2 response, producing IgG4 but not IgE antibodies. This immune response was not associated with an increased risk of asthma or allergy. However, the IgG4 antibodies did not directly mediate any protective effect.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Ahlstedt, S, et al.
(author)
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Immune stimulated regional inflammatory responses mediating lung reactivity in rats.
- 1985
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 40:4, s. 282-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Daily sensitization of SPF BNxWi/Fu rats with ovalbumin (OA) in aerosol during 2-week periods with a 4-week interval resulted after 7 weeks in IgE, IgA and IgG antibodies in serum and bronchial fluid. After cultivation of the regional, axillary, brachial and mediastinal (ABM) lymph node cells, IgE antibodies were found in the culture supernatant. Such antibodies were not found in culture supernatants of spleen and inguinal lymph nodes. Regional formation of IgE antibodies was also noted in the ABM lymph node cell culture supernatants after subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of 100 ng OA in the neck region. When the injections were given in the tail-root region, the inguinal but not the ABM lymph nodes produced the IgE antibodies. The s.c. sensitization induced inconsistent and rather low IgG and no IgA antibody responses. The aerosol but not the s.c. sensitization induced accumulations of mononuclear cells and mucous cells in the lungs. Clinically, the rats sensitized s.c. in the neck region reacted to aerosol and intravenous (i.v.) challenge as early as 1 week after sensitization had started, whereas the animals sensitized in the tail-root regions reacted 7 and 8 weeks after repeated sensitization. The animals sensitized by aerosol showed only weak clinical reactivity after i.v. challenge.
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| 13. |
- Bergendal, A, et al.
(author)
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Concomitant use of two or more antipsychotic drugs is common in Sweden
- 2015
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In: Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology. - : SAGE Publications. - 2045-1253 .- 2045-1261. ; 5:4, s. 224-31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To assess the prevalence of concomitant use of two or more antipsychotic drugs and other psychotropic drugs in the Swedish population. Methods: Data for this observational cohort study were collected from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register including all dispensed drugs to the entire Swedish population (9.4 million inhabitants). We identified all individuals with at least one dispensed prescription of antipsychotic drug during January to June 2008. After 12 months, a second exposure period was chosen. Individuals who were dispensed two or more antipsychotic drugs in both periods were considered long-time users of antipsychotic polypharmacy. Results: In 2008, 1.5% of the Swedish population was dispensed antipsychotic drugs, the majority (75%) using only one antipsychotic drug. Out of individuals who were dispensed 2 or more antipsychotic drugs during the first period, 62% also was also dispensed at least 2 antipsychotic drugs during the second period. A total of 665 different unique combinations were used in 2008. Individuals prescribed two or more antipsychotic drugs during both periods were more often dispensed anxiolytics and sedatives than those who were dispensed only one antipsychotic drug. Elderly were dispensed antipsychotic drugs much more often than younger persons. Conclusions: In Sweden, 25% of patients dispensed antipsychotic drugs receive a combination of two or more antipsychotic drugs. Individuals who are dispensed antipsychotic polypharmacy are more often dispensed anxiolytics and sedatives than those prescribed only one antipsychotic drug. Long-term observational studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of such combinations.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Björkstén, B
(author)
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Environment and infant immunity.
- 1999
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In: Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. - 0029-6651 .- 1475-2719. ; 58, s. 729-732
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Björkstén, B
(author)
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Food and asthma
- 2000
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In: Practical Issues in Asthma Management. - 1388-7319. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 19. |
- Björkstén, B
(author)
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Immunological outcome measures
- 1996
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In: The European respiratory journal. Supplement. - 0904-1850. ; 21, s. 22s-27s
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 20. |
- Björkstén, B
(author)
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Impact of gastrointestinal flora on systemic diseases
- 2008
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In: Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1536-4801 .- 0277-2116. ; 46 Suppl 1, s. E12-3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 21. |
- Björkstén, B, et al.
(author)
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Interaction of E. coli strains with human serum : lack of relationship to K1 antigen.
- 1976
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In: Journal of Pediatrics. - 0022-3476 .- 1097-6833. ; 89:6, s. 892-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Twenty-eight strains of E. coli isolated from infants were compared with respect to opsonic requirements, sensitivity to serum, and ability to activate serum chemotactic factors. Six of the strains were isolated from stools of healthy newborn infants; 22 were isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid or blood of infants with meningitis and/or septicemia. Eighteen of the strains had K1 polysaccharide antigen. Fourteen of the strains (seven with K1 antigen) activated complement via the alternative pathway and all of these strains were well opsonized in 4% pooled human serum. A higher concentration of serum was necessary to opsonize 12 of the 14 strains that did not activate the alternative pathway. A wide variation was also found in opsonic requirements of E. coli strains isolated from healthy and sick infants. There was no relationship of the K1 antigen to opsonic requirements, to capacity to activate complement via the alternative pathway, to generation of chemotactic factors, or to sensitivity to serum cidal activity. Therefore, the association of E. coli with K1 antigen and neonatal meningitis did not appear to be related to these bacteria-serum interactions.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Björkstén, B, et al.
(author)
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The effect of human colostrum on neutrophil function.
- 1979
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In: Pediatric Research. - 0031-3998 .- 1530-0447. ; 13:6, s. 737-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Strains of Escherichia coli were opsonized in human colostrum via heat stable opsonins and the classic complement pathway, but colostrum lacked capacity to opsonize E. coli via the alternative pathway. There was no bacteriostatic activity against serum sensitive E. coli strains, although specific antibodies against the strains were present. Neutrophils suspended in colostrum had normal chemotaxis and this was not altered by treating the colostrum with HCl.
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Casas, Rosaura, et al.
(author)
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Circulating cat allergen and immune complexes in cat- allergic children
- 1998
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In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 28:10, s. 1258-1263
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundThe first encounters with allergens seem to influence the development of allergy. Food antigens have been detected in sera as free antigens and in complexes with IgG but less is known about the presence of inhalant allergens.ObjectiveTo investigate the presence of the major cat allergen Fel d 1, either as free allergen and/or in complexes with IgG and IgE antibodies in sera from atopic children.MethodsSerum samples from 33 cat allergic asthmatic children, 7–17 years old, and 15 non-allergic controls were investigated for the presence of Fel d 1 by ELISA (detection limit 0.13 μg/L). To detect immune complexes (IC), the IgG fraction from Fel d 1 positive sera was purified by affinity chromatography. Purified and non-absorbed material was then analysed for allergen content and specific IgG antibody levels. Immune complexes with Fel d 1 IgE were detected by coupling anti-Fel d 1 MoAb to paramagnetic particles.ResultsFel d 1 was detected (0.15–1.8 μg/L) in 23 of the 33 patients (70%) but not from any of the controls. Eighteen samples contained IgE-Fel d 1 IC and two of four tested samples contained Fel d 1 in the IgG fraction. Electrophoresis and Western blotting of IgG purified material using anti-Fel d 1 MoAb corroborated the presence of IgG-Fel d 1 IC.ConclusionFree-circulating inhalant allergen and IC with allergens may contribute to maintaining immune responsiveness and sensitivity.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Gustafsson, Per, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Family interaction and a supportive social network as salutogenic factors in childhood atopic illness
- 2002
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In: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0905-6157 .- 1399-3038. ; 13:1, s. 51-57
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The role of psycho-social factors in the development of allergy was studied prospectively in 82 infants with a family history of atopy. The family participated in a standardized family test when the children were 18 months old. The ability to adjust to demands of the situation ('adaptability'), and the balance between emotional closeness and distance ('cohesion'), were assessed from videotapes by independent raters. Families rated as functional in both of these aspects were classified as 'functional', otherwise as 'dysfunctional'. The social network, life events, atopic symptoms (based on postal inquiries regarding symptoms answered by the parents, and on physical examinations), psychiatric symptoms, and socio-economic circumstances of the families were evaluated when the children were 18 months and 3 years of age. The children were classified as atopic (asthmatic symptoms or eczema) or as non-atopic. All but two children with atopic disease at 3 years of age had atopic disease before 18 months of age, while 32 of 60 children with atopic disease at 18 months of age had no problems by 3 years of age. An unbalanced family interplay at 18 months was associated with a relative risk (RR) of 1.99 for continuing atopic illness at 3 years of age (1.18
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Jenmalm, Maria, 1971-, et al.
(author)
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Cord blood levels of immunoglobulin G subclass antibodies to food and inhalant allergens in relation to maternal atopy and the development of atopic disease during the first 8 years of life
- 2000
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In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 30:1, s. 34-40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Factors that either protect from or enhance the development of atopic disease appear to be acting early in life. The gestational environment, including maternal immune responses, such as transplacentally transferred immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies to allergens, may be of importance in this respect, since allergen-specific immunity has been demonstrated to develop in utero. Objective: To evaluate the relation between cord blood IgG subclass antibodies to allergens, maternal atopy and development of atopic disease in the children. Material and methods: The study group comprised a cohort of 96 children participating in a prospective study up to 8 years of age. Cord blood IgG subclass antibodies to ovalbumin, ▀-lactoglobulin, Bet v 1 and cat dander were analysed by ELISA. Results: The levels of all IgG subclass antibodies to ovalbumin and rBet v 1 were higher in newborn infants with an atopic mother, as compared with babies with nonatopic mothers. IgG1 antibody levels to cat and IgG4 antibody levels to ▀-lactoglobulin and cat were also higher in atopic than in nonatopic mothers, whereas the other subclass antibody levels to those allergens were similar. High levels of cord blood IgG antibodies to cat and birch, but not to the food allergens, were associated with less atopic symptoms in the children during the first 8 years of life. Moreover, children who developed IgE antibodies to cat had lower levels of IgG antibodies to that allergen at birth. Conclusions: High levels of cord blood IgG subclass, especially IgG4, antibodies to food and inhalant allergens are associated with maternal atopy. High levels of IgG antibodies to inhalant, but not food, allergens are associated with less development of atopy in the children.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Khalfan, L, et al.
(author)
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Lack of correlation between NADPH-oxidase priming and elevated alkaline phosphatase activity in cord blood neutrophils.
- 1995
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In: Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. - 0905-6157. ; 6:3, s. 161-4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human neutrophils were isolated from cord blood drawn after Caesarean section deliveries without labour and from peripheral blood from healthy adults. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the cell populations was compared with the release of respiratory burst products after activation with the chemoattractant n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). In contrast to cord blood neutrophils obtained from babies after normal vaginal deliveries, the Caesarean section neutrophils were not metabolically primed. However, like the neutrophils from vaginally delivered babies, the Caesarean section neutrophils showed an increased ALP activity compared to adult control neutrophils. These findings indicate that priming of cord blood neutrophils appears to be induced by labour and can be dissociated from increased ALP activity.
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| 45. |
- Liu, X, et al.
(author)
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An IL13 coding region variant is associated with a high total serum IgE level and atopic dermatitis in the German Multicenter Atopy Study (MAS-90)
- 2000
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In: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0091-6749 .- 1097-6825. ; 106:1 I, s. 167-170
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Allergic diseases are one of the major causes of morbidity in the developed countries today, and the prevalence of these diseases is increasing steadily. Study of total serum IgE level is important in understanding the genetics of allergic diseases because IgE levels are considered to be a crucial pathogenic component. IL-13 plays an important role in the induction of IgE synthesis and in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Objective: We sought to examine potential variation at the IL13 gene and estimate its effect on elevated IgE level and atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: We conducted mutational analyses of the IL13 gene by using single-stranded conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing. Case control studies for high-IgE phenotype and AD were performed by using subjects from the German MAS-90 cohort. Results: A novel IL13 coding region variant at 4257 bp (G to A, fourth exon) was identified. Case control studies of a German sample from the MAS-90 cohort showed significant associations between the presence of the A allele and two atopic phenotypes: high IgE (odds ratio, 2.38, 95% confidence interval, 1.35-4.21, P = .0026) and AD (odds ratio, 1.77, 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.96, P = .03). Conclusion: This IL13 coding region variant may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD and high total serum IgE level in a study population of white subjects.
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
- Paronen, J, et al.
(author)
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Effect of maternal diet during lactation on development of bovine insulin-binding antibodies in children at risk for allergy
- 2000
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In: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0091-6749 .- 1097-6825. ; 106:2, s. 302-306
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The role of exposure to dietary antigens through maternal milk is intriguing, because it may result either in immunization or in tolerance. Exposure to cow's milk proteins results in antibody formation against bovine insulin in infants at risk for type 1 diabetes. Objective: To study the appearance of IgG antibodies to bovine and human insulin in infants with an atopic family history whose mothers followed a cow's milk-free diet during the first 3 months of lactation. Methods: In a prospective cohort study on prevention of food allergies, 123 infants were exclusively breast-fed or received supplementafion with a hydrolyzed casein-based formula (Nutramigen) until the age of 6 months. The mothers either avoided cow's milk during the first 3 months of lactation (diet group) or had an unrestricted diet (nondiet group). The levels of IgG antibodies to bovine and human insulin were determined by enzyme immunoassay at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months and at 4 years. In addition, cord blood was obtained at birth and a maternal sample at delivery. Results: At 3 months, IgG antibodies to bovine insulin were low in both dietary groups (median levels 0.150 and 0.114 optical density units in the diet and nondiet groups). After exposure to dietary insulin, IgG antibodies to bovine insulin increased in both groups, reaching a peak at 12 months in the nondiet group and at 18 months in the diet group. At 18 months, IgG antibodies to bovine insulin were lower in infants in the nondiet group than in infants in the diet group (0.287 vs 0.500, P < .0001). At 4 years, the antibodies no longer differed between the groups. Conclusion: The exposure to cow's milk proteins through breast milk during the first 3 months of life resulted in decreased levels of antibodies to dietary bovine insulin at 18 months of age, suggesting a role for breast milk antigens in early tolerance induction.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Rytkonen, J, et al.
(author)
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Effect of heat denaturation on beta-lactoglobulin-induced gastrointestinal sensitization in rats : denatured betaLG induces a more intensive local immunologic response than native betaLG
- 2002
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In: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0905-6157 .- 1399-3038. ; 13:4, s. 269-277
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Beta-lactoglobulin (▀LG) is one of the first foreign antigens encountered by a newborn child, and it is the major allergen causing cow's milk allergy. Heat denaturation causes changes to the protein structure, but the significance of heat-induced changes for immunogenicity or allergenicity is not known. To clarify how heat denaturation affects allergenicity and immunogenicity, we immunized Hooded-Lister rat pups with intra-peritoneal injections of native or heat-denatured ▀LG at days 43 and 62 after birth. The animals were then fed native and denatured milk products twice weekly from 73 to 101 days of age with a feeding tube, after which they were allowed cheese and milk ad libitum, until they were killed on day 131. Total immunoglobulin (Ig)E and ▀LG-specific IgG1 and IgG2a levels were determined from serum samples. Spontaneous interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-? (IFN-?) production was measured from duodenal specimens, and specimens of gastrointestinal mucosae were studied for the presence of inflammatory cells. The rats immunized with native ▀LG had higher levels of total serum IgE than the unimmunized controls or the rats immunized with heat-denatured ▀LG, while heat-denatured ▀LG induced a significantly more intensive mononuclear inflammatory cell and eosinophil infiltration in the gastroduodenal mucosa. The ▀LG -specific IgG antibody and IL-4 and IFN-? responses were similar in the two groups of immunized animals. Hence, denaturation modifies the immunogenic and allergenic properties of ▀LG. Heat-denatured ▀LG induces a more intensive local reaction in the gastrointestinal mucosa, while there is some evidence for enhanced systemic allergic sensitization by native ▀LG. ⌐ 2002 Blackwell Munksgaard.
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| 50. |
- Sepp, E, et al.
(author)
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Development of intestinal microflora during the first month of life in Estonian and Swedish infants
- 2000
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In: Microbiological Ecology in Health and Disease. - 0891-060X .- 1651-2235. ; 12:1, s. 22-26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Little is known about possible regional differences in the development of the intestinal microflora in infants. The aim of the present study was therefore to compare the development of the microflora in Estonian and Swedish infants during the first month of life. The intestinal microflora of one week old and one month old Estonian (n = 20) and Swedish (n = 20) infants was studied by quantitative culture of faecal samples. All newborns were delivered vaginally and fed with breast milk during the first month of life. At one week of age the counts of aerobes (coagulase negative staphylococci, enterococci, enterobacteria) were higher in Estonian than in Swedish newborns. The counts of lactobacilli and candida increased in the Estonian infants over the first month of life, while the counts of enterobacteria increased in Swedish infants. At one month of age, the Estonian infants were more frequently colonised with lactobacilli than the Swedish infants and the counts were higher, our data indicate that previously described differences in intestinal microflora of Estonian and Swedish 1 to 2 year old children are present already at the first month of life.
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