Breastfeeding and the prevalence of symptoms of allergic disorders in Japanese adolescents

BACKGROUND: Environmental factors acting early in life are key determinants of the incidence of allergic disease. Whether breastfeeding is protective against allergic disorders remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: The present cross-sectional study examined the relationship between feeding patterns in the first 3 months of life and the prevalence of symptoms of wheeze, atopic eczema, and rhinoconjunctivitis during the past 12 months in Japanese adolescents. METHODS: The subjects were 5614 of 9008 students (62%) aged 12-15 years from all public junior high schools in Suita, Japan in 2001. This study used the diagnostic criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Adjustment was made for gender, grade, number of older siblings, and parental history of allergy. RESULTS: Feeding pattern was unrelated to the prevalence of wheeze or rhinoconjunctivitis. The prevalence of atopic eczema was significantly higher in children who had been breastfed than in artificial milk feeders (adjusted odds ratios = 1.40 and 1.56, 95% confidence intervals: 1.01-1.98 and 1.13-2.22 for mixed milk intake and breastfeeding only vs. artificial milk consumption, respectively; P = 0.01 for linear trend). When children were divided according to a positive or negative allergic history in at least one parent, an increased prevalence of atopic eczema associated with breastfeeding was found in children with a negative parental allergic history compared with those with a positive parental allergic history. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that breastfeeding may be associated with an increased prevalence of atopic eczema, especially among children without a parental history of allergy.     

Sexual victimization prevalence among New Zealand university students

In a survey of New Zealand undergraduate university students, 51.6% of 347 women revealed that they had experienced some form of sexual victimization (using the Sexual Experiences Survey; Koss & Oros, 1982), and 25.3% had either been raped or experienced attempted rape. These prevalence data are almost identical to those found using the same instrument with a national sample of U.S. university student women (Koss, Gidycz, & Wisniewski, 1987). The men in the New Zealand sample, however, reported perpetrating considerably less sexual aggression than their American counterparts. Most of the sexual victimization reported by women occurred within heterosexual relationships.     

Roles of pollution in the prevalence and exacerbations of allergic diseases in Asia

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has been found to be increasingly rapidly, especially in developing countries. Environmental factors have been found to be important contributors to the manifestations of allergic diseases. Air pollution has been extensively studied in different regions of the world. The levels of ambient air pollutants in many Asian countries are very high when compared with those in developed Western countries. However, the prevalence of asthma was relatively low across many Asian countries. Many studies have clearly documented that environmental air pollution is an important factor resulting in exacerbations of asthma. In particular, levels of traffic-related pollutants are increasing rapidly across many Asian countries in parallel with the level of urbanization and economic development. The loss of protective factors associated with a rural environment will further contribute to the adverse effect on patients with allergic diseases such as asthma. In this review the roles of air pollution were examined in relation to the inception and exacerbations of allergic diseases in Asia.     

The relation between insulin resistance and lifestyle in Japanese female university students

Using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, we investigated the link between insulin resistance and lifestyle in Japanese female university students. We used data for 57 Japanese female university students (21.0±0.8 years) who were enrolled in a cross-sectional investigation study. We performed full blood examinations, and anthropometric parameters, nutrient oral intake and daily step counts were measured. The mean HOMA index for the subjects was 1.3±0.6, and 12 subjects were over the level of 1.6, which is considered to indicate insulin resistance in Japan. The HOMA index was positively correlated with abdominal circumference (r＝0.542, p＜0.0001), triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. In addition, the HOMA index was negatively correlated with n-3 fatty acid and positively correlated with the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio (r＝0.304, p＝0.0216). Daily step count was negatively correlated with the HOMA index, but not at a significant level (r＝－0.237, p＝0.0809). Higher HOMA index in some Japanese female university students was noted, and that was associated with lifestyle, especially n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio of nutrient oral intake.     

The prevalence of allergic diseases in primary school children in Edirne, Turkey

Background Allergic diseases present a major health burden for children as shown by the rising morbidity and increased mortality from asthma. Information on the prevalences of allergic disorders and contributing factors as well will help to establish feasible measures to change this trend, and more efficient assignment of the limited health resources. Objective To assess the prevalences of asthma and other allergic diseases and the contribution of various risk factors in primary school children in Edirne, Turkey. Methods Children aged 7 to 12 in primary schools in the municipality and 24 villages of Edirne were surveyed via a questionnaire completed by the parents. The cumulative (lifetime) and current (last 12 months) prevalences of allergic diseases and the presence of passive smoking, atopic family history, animal contact and breast-feeding in infancy were determined. Results A total of 5412 children (70.1% from the metropolitan and 29.9% from the rural area) were enrolled. The cumulative and current prevalences of all allergic diseases were 24.6% and 9.9% respectively. The cumulative (lifetime) prevalences of bronchial asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were 16.4%, 18.9%, 12.3% and 2.2%, and the current (last 12 months) prevalences were 5.6%, 5.8%, 4.5% and 0.9% respectively. Three-fourths of the children were exposed to tobacco smoke at home. Atopic heredity appeared the most prominent risk factor for any allergic disorder. Neither age, breast-feeding nor place of habitation affected the occurrence of allergic disorders. Animal contact was a significant risk factor for asthma and wheezing (adjusted odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for current prevalences are 1.38 (CI= 1.04–1.83) and 1.35 (CI= 1.02–1.78) respectively), exposure to indoor tobacco smoke for wheezing (OR =1.52, CI= 1.10–2.09), and male gender for asthma (OR = 1.50, CI= 1.16–1.93). Current prevalences for all allergic diseases were significantly lower than those previously reported in Ankara, Turkey. Conclusions Allergic diseases are a major health burden for primary school children in Edirne, Turkey. Although atopic heredity appears to be the foremost important risk factor, reduction of exposure to indoor tobacco smoke and animal contact, especially for those with atopic family history, are important preventive measures. The impact of environmental exposures on distinguishing prevalences of allergic diseases in Ankara and Edirne should be further investigated.     

The prevalence and risk factors of asthma and allergic diseases among working adolescents

Certain occupational groups are known to be at particularly high risk of developing allergic diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of allergic diseases among working adolescents. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was used. Four hundred and thirty six adolescents working in motor, lathe-finish, coiffure and textile and 366 high school students as control group were enrolled to the study. Mean age was 16.8 +/- 1.2 years and 82.9% of them were male. There was no significant difference among groups for ever and current wheezing while doctor diagnosed asthma was higher in lathe- finish group (p = 0.036). Family history of allergy, history of allergic rhinitis, and active smoking were found to be risk factors for asthma and related symptoms. Working in coiffure (p = 0.054), and textile (p = 0.003) were significant risk factors for ever allergic rhinitis. Working in lathe finish (p = 0.023), coiffure (p = .002), and textile (p < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk for current allergic rhinitis. Working in coiffure was a risk factor for ever eczema (p = 0.008) and doctor diagnosed eczema (p = 0.014). It was concluded that working in lathe-finish was associated with doctor diagnosed asthma and active smoking was a risk factor for asthma and related symptoms. Working in coiffure, textile and lathe- finish were risk factors for rhinitis, and working in coiffure was a risk factor for eczema. Preventive measures should be taken at the onset of employment in order to prevent or reduce the detrimental effects of exposures in these occupational groups.     

Knowledge and impressions regarding the concept of mutation among Japanese university students

Although the term mutation is frequently used in genetic counseling, it may carry negative connotations and create misunderstanding. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between the impressions regarding three Japanese terms mutation of gene , change of gene , and lesion of gene as well as to investigate the depth of understanding regarding mutation. A total of 175 university students and auditing students were included and responded to two questionnaires that were Impressions regarding the term in the semantic differential method and Knowledge about the concept of mutation . In factor analysis, three factors (Value, Change Rate, and Intention) were extracted. Participants were divided into three groups depending on their knowledge, and a two-way analysis of variance (Term × Knowledge Group) was conducted on the factor score for each. Results showed that the main effect of the 'Term' was significant for the Value Factor and that interaction was significant for the Change Rate Factor, and that the main effect of Knowledge Group was significant for the Intention Factor. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals should demonstrate an awareness of varying impressions of the different terms used to refer to the identical concepts of mutation. This is of particular importance when communicating with patients and their families.     

Relationship between mode of delivery in childbirth and prevalence of allergic diseases in Korean children

Purpose

We tested the hypothesis that cesarean section might increase the risk for allergic diseases compared to vaginal delivery, by depriving the newborn of exposure to maternal microflora.

Methods

We evaluated the prevalence of allergic diseases, allergic inflammation, and allergic sensitization according to mode of delivery for 279 Korean children aged ≤16 years. Data were extracted from medical records and a questionnaire filled out by parents. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between cesarean section and the outcomes of interest.

Results

Of the 279 children, 179 (62.6%) were delivered vaginally and 100 (37.4%) by cesarean section. There were no differences in the prevalence of allergic diseases, allergic inflammation, or allergic sensitization according to mode of delivery. Children born by cesarean section had no higher risk of allergic disease than those delivered vaginally, regardless of a parental history for allergic disease. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for cesarean section compared to vaginal delivery were not statistically significant for any outcome considered: asthma, 0.76 (0.37-1.57), allergic rhinitis, 1.14 (0.61-2.10), atopic dermatitis, 1.01 (0.59-1.71).

Conclusions

Delivery by cesarean section may not be associated with the subsequent development of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis in Korean children.     

Rhinitis in pre-school children: prevalence, association with allergic diseases and risk factors

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of rhinitis, sneezing, runny or blocked nose apart from colds in a pre-school children population and to evaluate the risk factors and relationship with allergic diseases and sensitization. METHODS: Eighteen nursery schools were randomly selected. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) written questionnaire (WQ) was distributed and filled by parents of pre-school children (3-5 years). The allergic sensitization to common aeroallergens and foods was evaluated by skin prick test (SPT). chi2 tests were used to compare proportions between rhinitic and non-rhinitic children. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred and two (92%) valuable questionnaires were returned. Prevalence of rhinitis in the last 12 months was 16.8%. Rhinitic children compared to non-rhinitic children presented a significant increase of diagnosed asthma (20.8% vs. 6.2%, P<0.001), lifetime wheezing (43.2% vs. 21.6%, P<0.001), wheezing in the last 12 months (25.0% vs. 9.4%, P<0.001), atopic dermatitis (22.9% vs. 13.9%, P<0.001) and allergic sensitization (29.9% vs. 13.7%, P<0.001). Sensitization to grass pollen and house dust mites were significant risk factors for rhinitis (P<0.01). A family history of atopy, having pets at home, male gender and greater age were significant risk factors for rhinitis, but not smoking exposure, sharing a bedroom or breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: In pre-school children rhinitis has a strong association with wheezing symptoms, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Allergic sensitization is a risk factor for rhinitis and should be evaluated even in pre-school children.     

粤语与普通话大学生的普通话语音加工

目的:比较粤语大学生与普通话大学生普通话语音加工能力的异同,为第二语言学习和普通话教育的推广提供参考依据。方法:根据粤语、普通话双语历史评估,选择27名粤语大学生和30名普通话大学生为研究对象。采用oddball范式,对被试普通话的声母、韵母、声调意识进行测试;采用自编的快速命名测试(数字、字母、颜色、图形)对其进行命名速度测试;利用心理实验测试系统(PES)直接测试并记录被试的语音工作记忆得分。对上述结果采用独立样本t检验的方法进行比较。结果:粤语大学生韵母得分和总分低于普通话大学生(P<0.01),声母和声调得分两组差异无统计学意义。粤语大学生在数字、字母、颜色快速命名时间明显长于普通话大学生(均P<0.01),而图形快速命名时间两组差异无统计学意义;粤语大学生和普通话大学生工作记忆水平差异无统计学意义。结论:粤语大学生的普通话语音加工能力显著低于普通话大学生,主要体现在韵母意识和快速命名速度上。提示我们在今后的汉语语音加工研究中,应对粤语和普通话人群区别对待。     

Food hypersensitivity among Finnish university students: association with atopic diseases

BACKGROUND: Food hypersensitivity (FH) is commonly suspected, especially among adults with atopic diseases. Symptoms of FH vary from oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to gastrointestinal, respiratory and systemic reactions. More data are needed regarding patient groups at risk for FH, and symptoms and foods responsible for the reactions. METHODS: FH was studied in 286 Finnish university students. Four study groups were selected: subjects (i) with current atopic dermatitis (AD) with or without allergic rhinoconjunctivits (ARC) or asthma (n = 41); (ii) with past AD with or without ARC or asthma (n = 89); (iii) with ARC or asthma (n = 69); (iv) without clinically confirmed atopic disease (n = 87). A thorough clinical examination was performed with a questionnaire specifying adverse events to foods. In addition, IgE specific to five foods, and skin prick tests to four foods were determined. RESULTS: FH was reported by 172 subjects (60.1%), more often by females (66.3%) than by males (47.9%) (P = 0.003). FH was most frequent among subjects with AD, among those with current AD in 73.2%, with past AD in 66.3%, and with ARC or asthma in 63.8%; 44.8% of subjects without any atopic disease reported FH. Kiwi fruit caused symptoms most frequently (38.4%), followed by milk (32.6%), apple (29.1%), tomato (27.9%), citrus fruits (25.0%), tree nuts (23.3%), and peanut (17.4%). A total of 720 separate symptoms to 25 food items were reported. OAS was most common (51.2%), followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (23.5%), worsening of AD (11.4%), urticaria (4.2%), rhinitis or conjunctivitis (5.7%) and asthma (4.0%). Severe reactions occurred in 3.5% (25/720). Negative IgE and skin prick test to foods predicted well negative history, but the value of positive test results was limited. CONCLUSIONS: FH was reported most often by students with current AD and multiple atopic diseases. Severe reactions occurred especially in patients with ARC and asthma. After excluding lactose intolerance, milk hypersensitivity was frequently reported.     

Stress and allergic diseases

Allergy describes a constellation of clinical diseases that affect up to 30% of the world's population. It is characterized by production of allergen-specific IgE, which binds to mast cells and initiates a cascade of molecular and cellular events that affect the respiratory tract (rhinitis and asthma), skin (dermatitis, urticaria), and multiple systems (anaphylaxis) in response to a variety of allergens including pollens, mold spores, animal danders, insect stings, foods, and drugs. The underlying pathophysiology involves immunoregulatory dysfunctions similar to those noted in highly stressed populations. The relationships in terms of potential for intervention are discussed.