Sports activities enhance the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms in schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association between sports activities and allergic symptoms, especially rhinitis, among schoolchildren. METHODS: This longitudinal survey of schoolchildren collected data from questionnaires regarding allergic symptoms based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) program and sports participation that were distributed to the parents of children at all 12 public primary schools in Ohmi-Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Data were collected annually from 2011 until 2014, when the children reached 10 years of age. Blood samples were obtained in 2014, and the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)E specific to four inhalant allergens were measured. RESULTS: Data from 558 children were analyzed. At 10 years of age, prevalence of asthma and eczema did not differ significantly, while rhinitis was significantly higher (p = 0.009) among children who participated in sports. Prevalence of rhinitis increased as the frequency or duration of sports participation increased (p < 0.01). The prevalence of new-onset rhinitis increased significantly among 10-year-olds with increasing duration of participation in sports (p = 0.03). Among those who participated in continuous sports activities, the prevalence of rhinitis was significantly higher with prolonged eczema (p = 0.006). Sports activities did not increase sensitization to inhalant allergens. CONCLUSION: Sports activities enhance the prevalence of rhinitis in schoolchildren. Prolonged eczema, together with sports participation, further promotes the symptoms. The mechanisms of these novel findings warrant further investigation.

[Status of children with food allergy who were prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector (epipen)].

PURPOSE: Both to evaluate the characteristics of food allergic children who were prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector and to assess whether it was used appropriately. METHODS: The characteristics of food allergic children who were prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector were investigated. Among these children, those who experienced severe anaphylaxis due to inadvertent ingestion were analyzed, as was whether and how the autoinjector was used. RESULTS: An adrenaline autoinjector was prescribed to 139 food allergic children, most often for egg, followed by milk and wheat allergies. Concomitant bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies of other causes were present in 49 (35.3%), 68 (48.9%), and 102 cases (73.4%), respectively. The most frequent organ involved in anaphylaxis was the skin (94.2%), followed by the respiratory (78.5%), digestive (28.1%), and circulatory (24.8%) organs. A total of 24 cases experienced severe anaphylaxis after the prescription; however, the autoinjector was used in only six (25%) of those cases. The reasons given for lack of use included fear of use, unavailability of the autoinjector, prior improvement with use of an oral antihistamine and immediate visit to a hospital emergency department in eight, five, three and one case, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the autoinjector is often not used appropriately after prescription. Therefore, children and their caregivers require more effective guidance on proper adrenaline autoinjector use.

Effect of eczema on the association between season of birth and food allergy in Japanese children.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy (FA) in childhood has been shown to be more prevalent in those born in autumn and winter. The mechanisms of this season-of-birth effect remain unclear, although shortage of vitamin D during infancy has been considered one possible mechanism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eczema on the season-of-birth effect on FA in infancy. METHODS: A questionnaire survey on the prevalence of allergic diseases was completed by the parents of 14 669 Japanese schoolchildren, aged 7-15 years, in Kyoto City, Japan. Logistic regression models were constructed to compare the prevalence of FA in infancy according to season of birth. RESULTS: Those born in autumn and winter had a significantly higher prevalence of FA in infancy compared to those born in spring and summer in a multivariate model (4.8% vs 3.6%, P = 0.001). The difference, however, was no longer significant when eczema before 6 months was included as either an additional or only confounding factor. The difference among those with and without eczema before 6 months was further analyzed, and it was found that, in both groups, there was no difference between those born in spring and summer and those born in autumn and winter. CONCLUSIONS: The season-of-birth effect on FA in infancy was significantly affected by the existence of eczema before 6 months in Japanese children. Eczema before 6 months may be the factor directly related to the season-of-birth effect on FA in infancy.

Translation and Linguistic Validation of the Allergy-CONTROL-ScoreTM for Use in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Symptom and medication scores are recommended to measure the primary outcome on allergies. The Allergy Control Score was proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess allergy severity in clinical trials and may be used in observational studies of respiratory allergic diseases in many countries. We translated the Allergy Control Score and adapted it for use in Japan. METHODS: We translated the original English version into Japanese according to the Mapi approach to linguistic validation: conceptual definition, forward translation by two native Japanese speakers, reconciliation, backtranslation by an independent translator, review in consultation with original developer, and pilot testing on 12 patients of an allergy clinic and 3 volunteers with seasonal/non-seasonal allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. RESULTS: Two of the ten back-translated items needed slight modifications and some words were revised. In the pilot test, the average time required to complete the questionnaire was 55 seconds for the section on symptoms and 25 seconds for the section on medication. All participants were able to self-complete the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: By applying the Mapi approach to linguistic validation, we ensured a close match between the Japanese and English versions of the Allergy Control Score. The Allergy Control Score Japanese version is accessible and acceptable to persons with respiratory allergic symptoms in Japan.

Translation and linguistic validation of the Allergy-CONTROL-ScoreTM for use in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Symptom and medication scores are recommended to measure the primary outcome on allergies. The Allergy Control Score was proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess allergy severity in clinical trials and may be used in observational studies of respiratory allergic diseases in many countries. We translated the Allergy Control Score and adapted it for use in Japan. METHODS: We translated the original English version into Japanese according to the Mapi approach to linguistic validation: conceptual definition, forward translation by two native Japanese speakers, reconciliation, back-translation by an independent translator, review in consultation with original developer, and pilot testing on 12 patients of an allergy clinic and 3 volunteers with seasonal/non-seasonal allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. RESULTS: Two of the ten back-translated items needed slight modifications and some words were revised. In the pilot test, the average time required to complete the questionnaire was 55 seconds for the section on symptoms and 25 seconds for the section on medication. All participants were able to self-complete the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: By applying the Mapi approach to linguistic validation, we ensured a close match between the Japanese and English versions of the Allergy Control Score. The Allergy Control Score Japanese version is accessible and acceptable to persons with respiratory allergic symptoms in Japan.

Birth order effect on childhood food allergy.

Higher birth order is associated with a smaller risk of allergy (birth order effect). The purpose of this study was to compare the significance of the birth order effect on the prevalence of specific allergic diseases [bronchial asthma (BA), atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), and food allergy (FA)] among schoolchildren. A questionnaire survey dealing with the prevalence of allergic diseases was administered to the parents of 14,669 schoolchildren aged 7-15 yr. Based on the data, the prevalence of each allergic disease was compared according to birth order (1st, 2nd, and 3rd or later). Multiple regression analysis was performed to test the significance of the differences. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of BA or AD according to birth order. The prevalence of AR, AC, and FA decreased significantly as birth order increased. The prevalence of FA among those with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd or later birth order was 4.0%, 3.4%, and 2.6%, respectively (p = 0.01). With respect to symptoms in infancy, the prevalence of wheeze increased significantly and that of FA and eczema in infancy decreased significantly as birth order increased. The present data show a significant birth order effect on FA. The effect was also observed for the prevalence of FA and eczema in infancy. These data support the concept of early, non-allergen-specific programming of IgE-mediated immunity.

[Diagnosis and consultation rates of allergic diseases in 11-year old schoolchildren, and usefulness of allergy screening test at school].

BACKGROUND: Even though allergic diseases continue to increase among children, it is unclear as to how many of these children are receiving appropriate medical care. PURPOSE: To establish the number of schoolchildren being diagnosed and receiving consultation for their allergic diseases and to determine if their disease status is associated with their total and allergen-specific IgE levels. Additionally, the study examined whether providing information on the total and allergen-specific IgE levels to the parents resulted in improvement of the medical care their children received. METHODS: A total of 618 out of the 627 (94.5%) parents of 11-year-old schoolchildren living in Ohmi-Hachiman City, Shiga, Japan, answered a questionnaire designed to determine the presence of allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis) and the status of medical care in their children. Levels of total IgE, mite-specific IgE, and three pollen-specific IgEs were measured at the same time that the questionnaires were filled out. Information from the questionnaires was used to analyze the relationships between the questionnaire data and IgE levels. After parents were given the IgE results, medical consultations were recommended for those children having allergic symptoms and positive allergen-specific IgEs. One year after providing the information, a follow-up survey was performed to determine whether parents took any actions in response to their children's test results. RESULTS: The mean total IgE level was 138 IU/ml, with a total of 62.8% of the children sensitized to one or more allergens. Even among those without any allergic disease, 49.2% or the children sensitized to one or more allergens. In children with bronchial asthma, diagnosis and consultation rates were 100% and 81%, respectively. However, the diagnosis and consultation rates among those with other types of allergic diseases were significantly lower, ranging from 44 to 88% for diagnosis and 28 to 52% for consultation. A total of 63% of the parents with children having allergic diseases indicated they undertook further efforts designed to improve their child's allergy disease symptoms after they were informed of the total and allergen-specific IgE levels. CONCLUSION: Results of the present survey demonstrated that significant numbers of children with atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis were not given appropriate medical care. In order to conclusively determine whether total and allergen-specific IgE screening at schools is useful in ensuring that children receive appropriate medical care, further evaluations will need to be conducted.

Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are associated with atopy in schoolchildren.

Analysis of general childhood population data showed that there was a significant positive association between total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and atopy, independent of obesity or sex, which suggest a relationship between hyperlipidemia and greater allergic sensitization among schoolchildren.

Breastfeeding and the prevalence of allergic diseases in schoolchildren: Does reverse causation matter?

Infants at higher risk of allergic diseases might be breastfed for longer periods compared with infants at lower risk in the hope that breastfeeding might reduce the risk of atopic disorders. Therefore, this intention could manifest as an apparent allergy-promoting effect of breastfeeding or reverse causation. To analyze the effect of breast feeding on the prevalence of allergic diseases at school age, a large questionnaire survey was administered to the parents of schoolchildren aged 7-15 yrs. 13,215 parents responded (response rate, 90.1%). Prevalence rates of allergic diseases were compared according to the type of feeding in infancy (either complete breastfeeding, mixed feeding or complete artificial feeding). In both univariate and multivariate analysis, compared with those with complete artificial feeding, those with mixed and complete breastfeeding showed a significantly lower prevalence of bronchial asthma (BA) (p = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively). On the other hand, in univariate analysis, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA) were significantly higher in those with complete breastfeeding (p = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). There was a significantly higher proportion of complete breastfeeding among those with greater risk of allergic diseases (presence of family history, either eczema or wheeze within 6 months after birth, or FA in infancy). Therefore, our multivariate analysis included these risks as confounding factors, and we found that the promoting effects of breastfeeding on AD and FA disappeared. In conclusion, our data clearly showed the inhibitory effect of breastfeeding on the prevalence of BA at school age. The apparent promoting effect of breastfeeding on the prevalence of AD and FA is most likely because of reverse causation.

The effect of past food avoidance due to allergic symptoms on the growth of children at school age.

BACKGROUND: The influence of food avoidance due to allergic symptoms in infancy on the growth of children at school age has not been well evaluated. METHODS: To determine the growth of schoolchildren who avoided eggs, milk, or wheat due to immediate allergic symptoms in infancy (food avoiders in infancy) (FAI), a questionnaire on the presence of allergic diseases, as well as present height and weight, was administered to the parents of 14,669 schoolchildren. 11,473 subjects had available data. The height and weight standard deviation scores (HtSDS and WtSDS) and body mass index percentile (BMI percentile) of each subject were calculated. RESULTS: FAI had significantly lower WtSDS than non-FAI (P = 0.01). Among those with avoidance at age 3 years, those who avoided two or more foods and those who avoided milk had significantly lower HtSDS than their counterparts (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). FAI had a significantly lower prevalence of obesity (P = 0.01) and overweight (P = 0.002), while there was no difference in the prevalence of underweight (P = 0.58), resulting in a significantly higher prevalence of appropriate weight (P = 0.01) compared to non-FAI. Significantly lower prevalence of obesity and overweight was observed even among those who terminated the avoidance by age 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: FAI were less likely to be obese or overweight, resulting in a higher prevalence of appropriate weight at school age. Further investigation should contribute to better management of food allergy and obesity.

Dopamine D2-like receptor in the nucleus accumbens is involved in the antinociceptive effect of nitrous oxide.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of the antinociceptive effects of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) has not been completely elucidated. On the other hand, numerous studies have indicated that mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons, which are thought to be involved in rewarding and reinforcement processes, play important roles in the supraspinal pain-suppression system. We hypothesized that the mesolimbic dopaminergic system is involved in the antinociceptive effect of N(2)O. METHODS: Adult male Fischer rats were used in this study. To examine whether the dopaminergic system is activated by N(2)O, frozen sections of the ventral tegmental area of rats exposed to 75% N(2)O were double-stained for c-Fos and tyrosine hydroxylase. To clarify whether the dopaminergic system is involved in the antinociceptive action of N(2)O, saline or raclopride, a dopamine D(2)-like receptor antagonist, was injected into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell region. After exposure to 25% oxygen-75% nitrogen or 25% oxygen-75% N(2)O for 30 min, rats were subjected to formalin test, and the spinal cord was examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Exposure to 75% N(2)O increased c-Fos expression in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the ventral tegmental area. Raclopride, injected into the NAc shell region, attenuated the antinociceptive effect of N(2)O in the formalin test, and blocked the suppressive effect of N(2)O on the formalin-induced c-Fos expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord by N(2)O. CONCLUSION: It is possible that inhalation of N(2)O activates mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons, and that the antinociceptive effect of N(2)O is at least partially mediated by dopamine D(2)-like receptors in the NAc shell region.

Activity of the serotonergic system during isoflurane anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Microdialysis studies have demonstrated that the release of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the serotonergic projection areas increases during waking and decreases during sleep in rat and cat, suggesting that 5-HT plays an important role in modulation of sleep. Although it might be expected that 5-HT release is also decreased during general anesthesia, the functional contribution of serotonergic neurons in pharmacological effects of volatile anesthetics has not been fully investigated. METHODS: Using an in vivo microdialysis technique, we measured extracellular 5-HT in rat frontal cortex during waking, slow-wave sleep, and isoflurane anesthesia. To assess the involvement of the serotonergic system in the hypnotic action of isoflurane, the concentration of isoflurane required for loss of righting reflex was determined with or without pretreatment of fluoxetine hydrochloride, a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor. RESULTS: During slow-wave sleep and isoflurane anesthesia (0.1-1.5 MAC), 5-HT release decreased to 21%-44% of that during the waking state. Loss of righting reflex occurred at significantly higher isoflurane concentrations in fluoxetine-treated rats (0.76% +/- 0.03% [n = 8]) than in control rats (0.60% +/- 0.01% [n = 8]). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that a change in the activity of the serotonergic system in the brain is involved in the hypnotic action of isoflurane.

Nitrous oxide increases serotonin release in the rat spinal cord.

The mechanism of the antinociceptive action of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) is not fully understood. It was reported that N(2)O induces opioid peptide release in the rat midbrain, which can activate the descending inhibitory system in the spinal cord. Although effects of N(2)O on the noradrenergic descending inhibitory system have been established, effects of N(2)O on the serotonergic descending inhibitory system have not been extensively investigated. We measured the extracellular level of serotonin by using in vivo microdialysis in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats. The serotonin release increased to 213.01 +/- 24.87% (mean +/- SEM) of the baseline level from 20 to 40 min after applying N(2)O, which was followed by a gradual decrease. It is suggested that the serotonergic descending pathway is activated by N(2)O.