Plant pathologists warn that SBS is a complex problem requiring objective inspections for possible causes. Mold growth and dust are two of the main contributors to SBS, necessitating the expertise of more plant pathologists and mycologists.
Dr. Albert Z. Kapikian receives the Sabin Gold Medal for developing the first licensed rotavirus vaccine, saving millions of lives worldwide. His pioneering work in electron microscopy and virus characterization has been widely recognized by NIAID Director Anthony Fauci and H.R. Shepherd.
Researchers found that high levels of oxygen can exacerbate lung inflammation in mice by triggering the release of adenosine, a molecule that protects against tissue damage. The study suggests that adenosine substitutes may be useful in preventing lung damage in patients with acute lung inflammation.
A recent study by Dr. Irene Leal-Berumen and colleagues reveals that asthma patients' immune systems exhibit distinct responses to allergens depending on the presence or absence of allergic rhinitis symptoms. The findings have significant implications for the development of personalized treatment therapies.
A recent study found that indoor allergen levels vary significantly across the country, with cockroach allergens exacerbating asthma symptoms in inner-city children. Exposure to dust mite allergens was not found to have a significant impact on asthma symptoms.
A NIAID-sponsored clinical trial is enrolling healthy adults to assess the immune response and safety of the Fluarix vaccine, which has been distributed in over 70 countries. The trial will provide valuable information on the vaccine's efficacy before it can be licensed for use in the US.
Researchers found a link between chronic allergic stimulation and an increased risk of leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults. Childhood eczema also appeared to increase the risk of this condition, although its impact is still relatively rare.
The NIAID has formed a clinical consortium to improve the success of organ transplants by identifying genetic factors and developing new immunosuppressive drugs. The consortium aims to minimize complications and increase long-term survival rates for transplant patients.
Dr. Fauci is scheduled to deliver a lecture on the pathogenic mechanisms of HIV disease, highlighting the paradoxical nature of immune cell activation and viral replication. He will present new data on how immune cells can inadvertently facilitate virus persistence.
Researchers at FSU have developed sensitive techniques to detect minute traces of nuts in seemingly nut-free processed foods. The findings could help protect sensitive consumers and improve food industry practices.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found a positive association between autism and immune system disorders, including respiratory and skin allergies. Autistic children were less likely to have asthma compared to their non-autistic peers.
Researchers at Cornell University Institute for Health and Productivity Studies estimate that presenteeism costs companies up to 60% of total worker illness expenses. Common conditions such as allergies, headaches, and mental health problems incur significant on-the-job productivity losses.
A recent study found that children who experienced fewer fevers in their first year were less likely to develop allergies by age 6. Researchers discovered that fever-inducing infections involving the eyes, ears, nose, or throat appeared to be associated with a lower risk of developing allergies.
Researchers discovered that a viral infection can redirect the immune response away from pancreatic beta cells, reducing autoaggressive CD8 T cells. This approach could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes by utilizing proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines produced during viral infections.
Researchers found that green tea catechin EGCG effectively prevents HIV from binding to human T cells, a breakthrough in the fight against HIV. Further research is needed to explore the potential clinical application of EGCG as an anti-HIV drug.
The award recognizes journalists who raise public awareness about allergic diseases, recognize allergists as experts, and provide medically accurate information. Eligible entries must have been published or broadcast between September 1, 2002, and August 31, 2003.
A new study has identified a special type of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) that can be diagnosed with a tryptase blood test and treated successfully with imatinib. The disease, characterized by an overabundance of white blood cells called eosinophils, can cause severe organ damage and is often fatal.
The XPERT TM study shows Xyzal significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Long-term treatment reduced co-morbidity, lost productivity, and economic savings.
A study published in the April 2003 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that asthma hospital visits doubled between 1978 and 1990, but stabilized afterwards. Controller medication use increased, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, while reliever medication use decreased. The data suggests that asthma treatment is becomin...
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that allergy specialist care can significantly reduce emergency room visits for asthma. Patients receiving adequate inhaled corticosteroid therapy (at least four canisters per year) and/or allergy specialty care had a lower risk of hospitalization, with 27% showi...
A new study confirms that cat exposure increases the risk of persistent wheezing and asthma in children whose mothers have asthma. In contrast, exposure to cats is protective for children without a family history of asthma, reducing the risk of wheezing by 40%.
A study found that approximately 40% of rejected lungs might have been suitable for transplantation, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of donor selection criteria. This could lead to an increase in the number of available lungs for transplantation, addressing a potential shortage in lung transplantation.
A recent study suggests that higher carbon dioxide levels could lead to an increase in pollen production, resulting in more severe allergies. This shift may also alter competitive relationships among plants and favor the growth of weedy species.
A volunteer's death during a medical research study highlights the need for improved safety measures and enhanced ethical oversight. The Canadian Medical Association Journal article emphasizes the importance of learning from such incidents to prevent future tragedies.
Researchers identified genetic basis of two rare disorders, familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle-Wells syndrome, linked to mutations in the cryopyrin protein. The study sheds light on the role of cryopyrin in orchestrating immune defenses and may lead to a better understanding of related autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Tramont takes helm of DAIDS, a successful program critical to understanding HIV causes and creating antiretroviral drugs, with a focus on building on its legacy
Research found that a poor diet, particularly low intakes of vegetables and vitamin E, significantly increases the risk of wheeze in children with asthma symptoms. The study suggests that a Western diet may be an important contributing factor to the rising prevalence of asthma and allergies in developed countries.
A national survey found that over 45% of US homes have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations exceeding 2 micrograms per gram of dust, a level associated with allergy development. The study also revealed that 17% of household occupants reported cockroach infestations in the year prior to the study.
A study of over 33,000 patients found that more patients switched to Allegra from Claritin than vice versa during the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998. The results also showed that Allegra was effective in reducing symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and had a similar side-effect profile to placebo.
A study of 2283 children aged 8-10 found that those living on farms were 3 times less likely to develop hay fever and asthma. Regular exposure to microbial antigens in stables may play a role in developing immune tolerance.
Scientists found a biochemical link between IgE antibody levels and immune cell receptor count, stanching allergic symptoms. When the drug reduced IgE, new receptors sprouted on immune cells, confirming this link.
A study published in the British Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with severe allergies are more likely to experience behavior problems such as aggression, depression, and irritability. Genetics accounts for over 70% of the relationship between allergies and behaviors like depression and aggression.
Researchers at UNC Health Care found that allergy increases susceptibility to otitis media, a common ear infection in young children. Antihistamine treatment may help alleviate symptoms.
A recent study found that cockroach allergen exposure is a significant contributor to asthma morbidity among inner-city children. Children who were both allergic and heavily exposed to cockroach allergen were more likely to experience severe asthma symptoms, including hospitalizations and lost sleep.