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ABSTRACT Penicillins are the most frequently prescribed class of medications worldwide and first‐line antibiotic of choice for most bacterial infections. They are also commonly labelled as the culprit of drug ‘allergy’; leading to obligatory use of second‐line antibiotics, suboptimal antibiotic therapy and increased antimicrobial resistance. However, the majority of reported penicillin ‘allergy’ labels are found to be incorrect after allergy testing, emphasising the importance of proper drug allergy testing and evaluation. Penicillin skin testing (PST) remains an important component of drug allergy diagnosis; however, its practice and policies significantly differ across the world. Inappropriate and non‐evidence‐based PST practices can lead to consequences associated with allergy mislabelling. Even within different regions of China, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, there are marked differences in the implementation, execution and interpretation of PST. This review aims to examine the differences in PST between Mainland China, Hong Kong and the rest of the world. We critically analyse the current practice of ‘pre‐emptive’ PST in Mainland China, which has a significant false‐positive rate leading to high levels of penicillin allergy mislabelling. Non‐evidence‐based practices further compound the high false‐positive rates of indiscriminatory PST. We postulate that inappropriate PST policies and practices may exacerbate the mislabelling of penicillin allergy, leading to unnecessary overuse of inappropriate second‐line antibiotics, increasing antimicrobial resistance and healthcare costs. We advocate for the importance of more collaborative research to improve the contemporary workflow of penicillin allergy diagnosis, reduce mislabelling and promote the dissemination of evidence‐based methods for allergy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the widespread use of the 13-valent pneumonia vaccine (PCV13) in China, monitoring adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) is critical. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the AEFI occurrences reported within Hangzhou between the years 2020 and 2023, including the temporal trend of case reports and variables such as sex, age, type of PCV13, dose number, type of reporter, cause-specific classification, severity, and onset from vaccination. Vaccine safety signals were analyzed using reporting odds ratios (RORs). Over the 4 years analyzed in the study, 2564 AEFI cases were reported, including seven severe cases. Most AEFIs occurred within 0–1 days after vaccination (2398, 93.53%), with over half affecting infants aged 1.5–6 months of age. No statistically significant difference was observed between PCV13-TT and PCV-CRM197. Seasonal differences in AEFI reports were noted. Positive signals were detected for fever (ROR-1.96SE: 1.64) and persistent crying (ROR-1.96SE: 1.61). Four serious AEFI cases were coincidental events, while three others were considered vaccine-related cases (including one case each of allergic reaction, febrile seizure, and thrombocytopenia). The safety and tolerability of PCV13 are good, and attention should be paid to severe AEFIs, as well as long-term safety disparities between different types of PCV13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the correlations between Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, pruritus, and lesion severity in patients with eczema, atopic dermatitis, or urticaria. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted and data of 814 patients who visited the dermatology or allergy clinics of multiple hospitals, from December 2019 to December 2021, were collected. Patients were divided into children group (< 18 years, 325 cases), adult group (18– 60 years, 435 cases), and older population group (> 60 years, 54 cases) based on the age. Baseline information, pruritus severity, severity of skin lesions, total IgE level, and specific IgE level were recorded to analyze the complex relationship between them. Results: The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis in the children group was significantly higher than that in the adult and older population group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The positive rate of specific IgE in children group was significantly higher than that in the adult and older population group (P < 0.01). The IgE levels in children with moderate pruritus were significantly lower than those of severe pruritus (63.39vs 114.42 IU/mL, P < 0.05). The IgE levels in children with mild and moderate skin lesions were significantly lower than those in children with severe skin lesions (58.95 vs 72.88 vs 169.15 IU/mL, P < 0.001 or P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Relationships among age, severity of skin pruritus and lesions, and allergen-specific IgE response are complex and subtle, displaying dynamic patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growing up on traditional farms protects children from the development of asthma and allergies. However, we have identified distinct asthma‐protective factors, such as poultry exposure. This study aims to examine the biological effect of rural exposure in China. Methods: We recruited 67 rural children (7.4 ± 0.9 years) and 79 urban children (6.8 ± 0.6 years). Depending on the personal history of exposure to domestic poultry (DP), rural children were further divided into those with DP exposure (DP+, n = 30) and those without (DP−, n = 37). Blood samples were collected to assess differential cell counts and expression of immune‐related genes. Dust samples were collected from poultry stables inside rural households. In vivo activities of nasal administration of DP dust extracts were tested in an ovalbumin‐induced asthma model. Results: There was a stepwise increase in the percentage of eosinophils (%) from rural DP+ children (median = 1.65, IQR = [1.28, 3.75]) to rural DP− children (3.40, [1.70, 6.50]; DP+ vs. DP−, p =.087) and to the highest of their urban counterparts (4.00, [2.00, 7.25]; urban vs. DP+, p =.017). Similarly, rural children exhibited reduced mRNA expression of immune markers, both at baseline and following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Whereas LPS stimulation induced increased secretion of Th1 and proinflammatory cytokines in rural DP+ children compared to rural DP− children and urban children. Bronchoalveolar lavage of mice with intranasal instillation of dust extracts from DP household showed a significant decrease in eosinophils as compared to those of control mice (p <.05). Furthermore, DP dust strongly inhibited gene expression of Th2 signature cytokines and induced IL‐17 expression in the murine asthma model. Conclusions: Immune responses of rural children were dampened compared to urban children and those exposed to DP had further downregulated immune responsiveness. DP dust extracts ameliorated Th2‐driven allergic airway inflammation in mice. Determining active protective components in the rural environment may provide directions for the development of primary prevention of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of allergic diseases has increased globally, with genetics playing an essential role in these conditions' development. However, there is still a gap in understanding of how parental allergy status affects children's allergies. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was used to assess allergy-related symptoms in kindergarten children and their parents, with a clinical diagnosis and concurrent serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), total IgE, and blood cell counts obtained. Results: 88 family groups were enrolled, with allergy prevalence of 85.2% in children, 50% in fathers, and 42% in mothers. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was the most common allergic disease. When the mother had an allergy, the children's allergy diagnosis rate was 91.3%; 86.67% when the father had an allergy; and 85.71% when both parents had allergies. The child sensitization rate was 78.26% when the father had sensitization, 59.09% just as the mother had sensitization, and 84.21% when both parents had sensitization. Paternal allergies affected children's quality of life due to allergic rhinitis but not their rhinitis symptoms. Maternal allergies or sensitization did not significantly affect children's symptoms or quality-of-life scores. Conclusion: The study found a positive correlation between childhood and parental allergies, and further studies are needed to confirm the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case–control study was conducted to examine the association of particulate matter exposure during the pre-natal (the first, second, and third trimesters. and the whole pregnancy) and post-natal periods (the first year after birth) with childhood asthma in Beijing, China. Multivariable logistic regressions showed that childhood asthma was significantly associated with exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 during the entire pregnancy, with ORs of 1.28(95%CI:1.06–1.56) and 1.21(95%CI:1.02–1.42), respectively. The highest association with a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 were both seen for the second trimester, with ORs of 1.17(95% CI: 1.05–1.30) and 1.14(95% CI: 1.04–1.24). Subgroup analyses suggested that significant and positive effects were subject to be observed in children with a family history of atopy. This study added evidence that exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 during pregnancy might increase the risk of childhood asthma in seriously polluted area, highlighting stronger associations in the second trimester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of allergic disorders in China has increased significantly due to economic development and urbanization. Factors such as changes in diet, improved hygiene, and rapid urbanization have contributed to the rise in allergic diseases. Asthma, food allergies, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and atopic dermatitis are among the most common allergic conditions in China. However, there are challenges in research, training, and clinical practice in the field of allergy in China, including the need for more training programs, standardized allergen vaccines, and improved diagnosis and treatment practices. Efforts are being made to address these challenges and develop preventive and treatment strategies for allergic diseases in China. [Extracted from the article]

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Neutropenia is the most common hematological toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and leads to subsequent treatment delays and/or dose reductions. Neutropenia often advances to febrile neutropenia and serious infections, which can affect the prognosis and safety of patients. The reasonable prevention and management of neutropenia is vital for patients with malignancies undergoing CCRT. Pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (PEG‐rhG‐CSF), a long‐acting recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, can prevent and treat neutropenia in more convenient clinical settings. Based on relevant guidelines and the most recent clinical data, the Chinese Association for Therapeutic Radiation Oncologists, China Society for Radiation Oncology, and Chinese Association of Radiation Therapy have evaluated the safety and efficacy of PEG‐rhG‐CSF during CCRT, clearly defined the clinical pathway and route of administration for the prevention and treatment of neutropenia, and formed a Chinese expert consensus on PEG‐rhG‐CSF application during CCRT, with the goal of promoting the reasonable clinical use of this treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic allergic disease of the upper respiratory system that affects approximately 10– 40% of the global population. Due to the large number of plant pollen allergens with obvious seasonal variations, AR is common in China. AR is primarily caused by the abnormal regulation of the immune system. Its pathophysiological mechanism involves a series of immune cells and immune mediators, including cytokines. The present review summarizes the common allergens in China and the complex pathophysiological mechanism of AR. Additionally, host allergen contact, signal transduction, immune cell activation, cytokine release, and a series of inflammatory reactions are described according to their sequence of occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased significantly, causing great concern, and wheat, as one of the top 8 food allergens, is a common allergy trigger. Nevertheless, reliable estimates of the positivity rate of wheat allergens in the allergic population in China are still lacking. The systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the positive detection rate of wheat allergens in the Chinese allergic population and further provide a reference for the prevention of allergy. CNKI, CQVIP, WAN-FANG DATA, Sino Med, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were retrieved. Related research and case reports about the positive rate of wheat allergen in the Chinese allergic population published from inception to June 30, 2022, were searched, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata software. The pooled positive rate of wheat allergens and 95% confidence interval were calculated by random effect models, and the publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test. A total of 13 articles were included for the final meta-analysis, in which wheat allergen detection methods involved only serum sIgE testing and SPT assessment. The results showed that the wheat allergen positivity detection rate in Chinese allergic patients was 7.30% (95% CI 5.68–8.92%). Subgroup analysis showed that the positivity rate of wheat allergens was influenced by region, but hardly by age and assessment method. The positive rates of wheat allergy in the population with allergic diseases were 2.74% (95% CI 0.90–4.58%) and 11.47% (95% CI 7.08–15.87%) in southern and northern China, respectively. In particular, the positive rates of wheat allergens were greater than 10% in Shaanxi, Henan and Nei Mongol, all of which belong to the northern region. These results suggest that wheat allergens are an important cause of sensitization in allergic populations from northern China, and therefore attention should be paid to early prevention in high-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We found that the risk for allergic rhinitis was mainly associated with NH SB 4 sb SP + sp and NO SB 3 sb SP - sp , which could modulate the immune response and increase allergen-specific IgE synthesis in predisposed humans,[3] a large amount of IgE may lead to allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis, with an increasing prevalence worldwide from <1% in the 1920s to 10%-40% nowadays, has caused a low quality of life, a loss of productivity, considerable economic burdens, and severe morbidity.[1] Exposure to PM SB 2.5 sb has been positively associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis.[2] However, PM SB 2.5 sb is variable in chemical composition and little is known about its effects on allergic rhinitis. Despite limitations, this study, for the first time, employed advanced statistical methods to reveal robust associations between PM SB 2.5 sb constituents and allergic rhinitis risk in a large-sample, representative cohort. [Extracted from the article]

Background: House dust mite (HDM) is the most common airborne source causing complex allergy symptoms. There are geographic differences in the allergen molecule sensitization profiles. Serological testing with allergen components may provide more clues for diagnosis and clinical management. Objective: This study aims to investigate the sensitization profile of eight HDM allergen components in a large number of patients enrolled in the clinic and to analyze the relation of gender, age, and clinical symptoms in North China. Methods: The 548 serum samples of HDM-allergic patients (ImmunoCAP® d1 or d2 IgE ≥0.35) were collected in Beijing City and divided in four different age groups and three allergic symptoms. The specific IgE of HDM allergenic components, Der p 1/Der f 1, Der p 2/Der f 2, Der p 7, Der p 10, Der p 21, and Der p 23, was measured using the micro-arrayed allergen test kit developed by Hangzhou Zheda Dixun Biological Gene Engineering Co., Ltd. The new system was validated by comparing to single-component Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 23 tests by ImmunoCAP in 39 sera. The epidemiological study of these IgE profiles and the relation to age and clinical phenotypes were analyzed. Results: A greater proportion of male patients was in the younger age groups, while more female patients were in the adult groups. Both the sIgE levels and the positive rates (approximately 60%) against Der p 1/Der f 1 and Der p 2/Der f 2 were higher than for the Der p 7, Der p 10, and Der p 21 components (below 25%). The Der f 1 and Der p 2 positive rates were higher in 2–12-year-old children. The Der p 2 and Der f 2 IgE levels and positive rates were higher in the allergic rhinitis group. The positive rates of Der p 10 increased significantly with age. Der p 21 is relevant in allergic dermatitis symptom, while Der p 23 contributes to asthma development. Conclusion: HDM groups 1 and 2 were the major sensitizing allergens, with group 2 being the most important component relevant to respiratory symptoms in North China. The Der p 10 sensitization tends to increase with age. Der p 21 and Der p 23 might be associated with the development of allergic skin disease and asthma, respectively. Multiple allergen sensitizations increased the risk of allergic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze the distribution characteristics of specific allergens based on the immunoglobulin E (IgE) test, performed using the sera of patients with allergic diseases in the Shanxi region of China. Sera from 3141 patients with allergic diseases were analyzed with immunoblotting for IgE antibodies specific to inhaled and ingested allergens. The distribution of allergens and association with factors such as disease profile, sex, age, and cosensitization of the patients who tested positive were analyzed. The most common positive rate of IgE specific to inhaled allergens was mugwort, followed by dust mite mix and common ragweed. The most common positive rate of IgE specific to ingested allergens was crab, followed by egg white and sea fish mix. When analyzed according to disease profile, mugwort was the most common allergen in asthma, rhinitis, and asthma combined with rhinitis. When analyzed by season, the allergens with the highest positive rates included tree mix (willow/poplar/elm), common ragweed, mugwort, and hop pollen from July through September. When analyzed by age, the allergens with the highest positive rates were tree mix, common ragweed, hop, house dust, cow's milk, mutton/lamb, and peanut in participants aged 0–18 years and egg white in those aged ≥60 years. The radar charts showed cosensitization to multiple allergens. In the Shanxi region, the primary inhaled allergens were mugwort, dust mite mix (1: house dust mite/dust mite), and common ragweed. The primary ingested allergens were crab, egg white, and sea fish mix. There were differences in the positive rates of the allergens between genders, age groups, and seasons, and multiple allergens can cosensitize patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive knowledge of allergic multimorbidities is required to improve the management of allergic diseases with the industrialization of China. However, the demography and allergen distribution patterns of allergic multimorbidities in China remain unclear, despite the increasing prevalence of allergies. Methods: This was a real-world, cross-sectional study of 1273 outpatients diagnosed with one or more allergic diseases in Guangzhou, the most populated city of southern China, with leading industrial and commercial centers, between April 2021 and March 2022. Seven allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma (AS)/cough variant asthma (CVA), atopic dermatitis (AD)/eczema, food allergy (FA), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), drug allergy (DA), and anaphylaxis) were assessed. Positive rates of sensitization to different allergens were measured using an allergen detection system of the UniCAP (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Sweden) instrument platform to compare the groups of allergic multimorbidities against a single entity. Results: There were 659 (51.8%) males and 614 (48.2%) females aged from 4 months to 74 years included in the analysis. The study participants who were diagnosed with allergic diseases had an average of 1.6 diagnoses. Overall, 46.5% (592 of 1273) of the patients had more than one allergic condition, and allergic rhinitis was the most common type of multimorbidity. Women were more likely to suffer from an allergic disease alone, whereas allergic multimorbidities were more likely to be diagnosed in men (p = 0.005). In addition, allergic multimorbidities were common in all age groups, with an incidence ranging from 37.1% to 57.4%, in which children and adolescents were more frequently diagnosed with allergic multimorbidities than adults (18–60 years old) (all p < 0.05). Allergic multimorbidity was observed throughout the year. A difference in the positive rate of allergens sensitization and total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) levels between different allergic multimorbidities was observed. Conclusions: Allergic multimorbidities were very commonly found in nearly half of all patients with allergies. The proportion of allergic multimorbidities varied with the type of disease, sex, age, and allergen distribution pattern. These findings may help clinicians to develop "One health" strategies for the clinical management of allergic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Vaccines are one of the promising approaches to control the pandemic. The aim of this study, which was conducted on healthcare workers who previously were or were not infected with COVID-19, was to evaluate the undesirable effects that developed after the CoronaVac (Sinovac Life Sciences, Beijing, China). Methods: Volunteers who were administered the first dose of inactivated CoronaVac vaccine between January 14-24, 2021, were included in this retrospective study. Demographic information was obtained from the questionnaire results and from the data of the applications made due to side effects. Results: 911 healthcare workers, 232 of whom had a history of COVID-19 were included in the study. The mean age of those with a history of COVID-19, was 36 (20-66), and 33.6% were men. 26.7% were doctors, 34.9% were nurses, 155 (66.8%) worked in internal and 62 (26.7%) in surgical units. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age, gender, task, and the departments they worked in. Comorbidities were present in 25.9% of the group with a history of COVID-19; the most common disease was asthma (5.6%). Allergy history was 4.3% in the group with COVID-19 and 7.8% in the other group (p=0.070). The incidence of post-vaccine adverse events (62.9%) was higher in those with a history of COVID-19 than in those without (57.1%). The most common adverse event was a headache, and it was significantly higher in the group who had COVID-19 compared to those who had not (36.6% vs. 27.7%; p=0.01). Conclusion: In our study, we observed that the rates of undesirable effects after vaccination were high in individuals with a history of COVID-19. Although it is thought that this situation may be related to the developing antibody response rates, the insufficient number of cases and the lack of determination of the antibody response after infection and vaccination are a disadvantage of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic diseases are highly prevalent in the women of childbearing age. As we know, the immune system could change when pregnancy, which may affect the course of allergic diseases. Meanwhile, they also can affect the course and outcome of pregnancy. The data on incidence of allergies during pregnancy is lacking and conducting clinical trials in pregnant women was limited, therefore, we observed a prebirth cohort to supplement the relevant data and strengthen concerned research conductions. Objective: We aim to obtain the incidence of allergies in urban pregnancy and explore the relevant factors of allergic diseases in urban pregnancy. Methods: We design a multicenter and prospective cohort in 20 institutions above municipal level which were eligible according to the study design from 14 provinces covering all-side of China. This cohort was conducted from 13+6 weeks of gestation to 12 months postpartum and in our study, we chose the prenatal part to analyze. The outcome was developing allergies during pregnancy, which were diagnosed by clinicians according to the uniform criterion from National Health Commission. All the data was collected by electronic questionnaires through tablet computers. Results: The incidence of allergic diseases in urban pregnant women was 21.0% (95%CI 20.0% ~ 22.0%). From social demography data, the history of allergies of pregnant women and their parents had statistical significance(p < 0.01); For exposure to living or working environment, house decoration for less than half a year, exposure to plush toys, disinfectants, insecticides, antihistamines, glucocorticoids, antipyretic analgesics, tocolytic agent and probiotics had statistical significance (all p < 0.05); For psychological status, self-rated depression and anxiety had statistical significance (p = 0.026;p = 0.006). Conclusion: The incidence of allergic diseases in urban pregnant women was similar to the former study and kept a medium–high level. The history of allergies of pregnant women and their parents, house decoration time, exposure to plush toys, disinfectants, insecticides, antihistamines, glucocorticoids, antipyretic analgesics, tocolytic agents, probiotics, self-rated depression, and anxiety were relevant factors of allergic diseases during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust in the home environment is thought to be a potential trigger for increasing allergic diseases, such as allergic rash, rhinitis, asthma, and other conditions, associated with dust mites. To verify the status of dust mite prevalence in indoor surroundings, we collected 189 dust samples from the air conditioner filters (n = 75) and floors (n = 114) of households, schools, and hotels in the Anhui area, China. All samples were measured for dust mite breeding rate and breeding density under light microscopy and analyzed for dust mite species Dermatophagoides farinae 1 (Der f 1) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 1 (Der p 1) allergen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The dust mite breeding rates were 34.67% (26/75) and 20.18% (23/114), respectively, in the dust samples from the floor and air conditioning filters. The breeding density was the highest in households (10/g), followed by schools (9/g) and hotels (4/g). ELISA indicated that the allergen threshold (2.0 µg/g dust) of Der f 1 was exceeded in only two samples and Der p 1 in one sample. Additionally, a questionnaire was used to investigate the health knowledge on allergic diseases involved in indoor facilities, finding that most allergy sufferers were aware that indoor dust might be responsible for their conditions. The findings suggest that regular maintenance of indoor hygiene and cleaning of air-conditioning filters should reduce the risks of exposure to indoor allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on allergic diseases is not certain, as people's living habits and the environment have been affected by the pandemic. The present study described the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the allergen sensitization rate in patients with allergic diseases in central China. The results provide reliable epidemiological data for the prevention and control of allergic diseases during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: Data were collected from a total of 6,915 patients with symptoms of allergic diseases who visited the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in China for allergen testing from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021. Patients were divided into a children group (<14 years old), youth group (15∼44 years old), middle-aged group (45∼59 years old), and elderly group (>60 years old). Immunoblotting was used to detect 20 serum allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies in patient serum samples. We compared the positive rates of various allergens in different age and sex groups before and during the COVID-19 epidemic, and the prevalence data of sIgE sensitization were analysed. Results: Among the 6,915 patients with symptoms of allergic diseases, 2,838 (41.04%) patients were positive for at least one of the allergens. The top three positive rates of inhaled allergens were Dermatophagoides farinae (1,764 cases, 25.51%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (1,616 cases, 23.37%), and house dust (645 cases, 9.33%). The top three positive rates of food allergens were eggs (686 cases, 9.92%), milk (509 cases, 7.36%), and crabs (192 cases, 2.78%). The total positive rate of allergens was higher in men (46.99%) than in women (37.30%). Compared to 2 years before the COVID-19 epidemic, the rate of sensitization to indoor inhalant allergens increased, but outdoor inhalant allergens showed no significant change. The positive rates of milk and eggs peaked during the outbreak of COVID-19 (2020) then declined in 2021. The total positive rate of allergens was higher in males than females before and during the COVID-19 epidemic, but more allergens were different between males and females during the pandemic. Compared to middle-aged and older adults, the children and youth groups were more susceptible to allergic diseases, and they exhibited an increasing positive rate for most common allergens, especially indoor inhalant allergens, during the COVID-19 epidemic than before the pandemic. Conclusion:D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae are the most common allergens in South China. Under the background of normalization of epidemic prevention, indoor inhaled allergens should be first in the prevention and control of allergic diseases, and a combination of various indoor cleaning measures should be used to improve the efficiency of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is critical to investigate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of atopic dermatitis. The microbiota hypothesis suggested that the development of allergic diseases may be attributed to the gut microbiota of mother-offspring pairs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among maternal-offspring gut microbiota and the subsequent development of atopic dermatitis in infants and toddlers at 2 years old. Methods: A total of 36 maternal-offspring pairs were enrolled and followed up to 2 years postpartum in central China. Demographic information and stool samples were collected perinatally from pregnant mothers and again postpartum from their respective offspring at the following time intervals: time of birth, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Stool samples were sequenced with the 16S Illumina MiSeq platform. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the differences in gut microbiota between the atopic dermatitis group and control group. Results: Our results showed that mothers of infants and toddlers with atopic dermatitis had higher abundance of Candidatus_Stoquefichus and Pseudomonas in pregnancy and that infants and toddlers with atopic dermatitis had higher abundance of Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group at birth, Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group at 1 year and UCG-002 at 2 years, and lower abundance of Gemella and Veillonella at 2 years. Additionally, the results demonstrated a lower abundance of Prevotella in mothers of infants and toddlers with atopic dermatitis compared to mothers of the control group, although no statistical difference was found in the subsequent analysis. Conclusion: The results of this study support that gut microbiota status among mother-offspring pairs appears to be associated with the pathophysiological development of pediatric atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association between home environment and childhood asthma and allergies among preschool children in subtropical South China is unclear. We investigated doctor-diagnosed asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis (AR) in preschool children due to the exposure to indoor dampness and residential environment. One thousand nine hundred forty-six children (3–6 years) from 22 kindergartens in Foshan participated in this study in May 2016. Associations between home environment and childhood asthma, eczema and AR were analysed by using multivariate logistic regression model in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed childhood asthma, eczema and AR in Foshan was respectively 4.6%, 34.8% and 15.5%, respectively. Family member's atopy significantly increased the risk of developing asthma, eczema and AR, and the ORs were respectively 2.663 (95% CI: 1.716–4.132), 1.810 (95%CI: 1.461–2.243) and 4.194 (95%CI: 3.218–5.467). The high humidity in children's room was a significant risk to preschool children's eczema and AR. The surrounding environment was significantly associated with childhood eczema. Our study indicates that controlling the indoor dampness and allowing less natural ventilation if living near artery or industrial area are needed to reduce the risk of childhood eczema and AR in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence on the link of long-term exposure to ozone (O 3 ) with childhood asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and eczema is inconclusive. We did a population-based cross-sectional survey, including 177,888 children from 173 primary and middle schools in 14 Chinese cities. A satellite-based spatiotemporal model was employed to assess four-year average O 3 exposure at both residential and school locations. Information on asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and conjunctivitis was collected by a standard questionnaire developed by the American Thoracic Society. We used generalized non-linear and linear mixed models to test the associations. We observed linear exposure-response associations between O 3 and all outcomes. The odds ratios of doctor-diagnosed asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and conjunctivitis associated with per interquartile increment in home-school O 3 concentration were 1.31 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.28, 1.34), 1.25 (95 %CI: 1.23, 1.28), 1.19 (95 %CI: 1.16, 1.21), and 1.28 (95 %CI: 1.21, 1.34), respectively. Similar associations were observed for asthma-related outcomes including current asthma, wheeze, current wheeze, persistent phlegm, and persistent cough. Moreover, stronger associations were observed among children who were aged > 12 years, physically inactive, and exposed to higher temperature. In conclusion, long-term O 3 exposure was associated with higher risks of asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and eczema in children., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Artemisia is a major kind of grass pollen in Northern China that can cause multiple kinds of common allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis (AR), conjunctivitis, or asthma. Recently, Artemisia annua Allergens Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops have been proved effective and safe for treating seasonal AR (SAR) with or without allergic conjunctivitis patients and were available in China. We sought to further investigate the different intervention times of A. annua-sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for evaluating efficacy and safety in patients with SAR. Methods: A total of 88 subjects aged 18–52 years with SAR were enrolled and randomized into the SLIT group and control group. Forty-five patients received a course of SLIT with A. annua extracts along with pharmacotherapy as SLIT group and 43 patients only used symptomatic drugs as control group. Furthermore, SLIT group was randomly divided into 12–13 weeks' pre-seasonal treatment group and 8–9 weeks' pre-seasonal treatment group to receive different duration of SLIT before pollen season. Monosensitized and polysensitized groups were also the subgroups of SLIT group according to the sensitization status of patients. The combined symptom and medication score (CSMS), total nasal symptom score (TNSS), total medication score (TMS), visual analog score (VAS) were evaluated during the peak pollen phase in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Safety was assessed according to adverse events (AEs) reported. Results: Compared to control group, CSMS, TNSS, TMS, VAS were significantly improved during the course of SLIT (p < 0.001). Besides, clinical improvement in nasal symptoms and reduction of medication use was also observed in SLIT group, compared to the baseline value (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, we observed that there was no significant difference between monosensitized group (n = 8) and polysensitized group (n = 29), as well as 12–13 weeks' preseasonal treatment group (n = 20) and 8–9 weeks' pre-seasonal treatment group (n = 17) belonging to the SLIT group in clinical efficacy (p > 0.05). No severe systemic AEs were reported. Conclusions: This study proved that A. annua-SLIT can provide equivalent efficacy and safety for SAR patients under the circumstance of accepting the pre-seasonal treatment of 8–9 or 12–13 weeks, regardless of monosensitization or polysensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study focused on the adverse events following the vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the Guangdong Province of China between 2005 and 2017. In total, more than 88 million doses of HBV vaccine were administered in the Guangdong Province during the study period. A total of 3115 adverse events following immunization (AEFI) related to HBV vaccination occurred, with an overall incidence of 35.39 per million doses. Of these, 1801 cases were male, and 1314 were female; 74.01% (2376/3115) of the cases occurred in children aged less than 2 years; 56.05% (1746/3115) of the cases were classified as common vaccine reactions; and 30.37% (946/3115) of the cases were grouped into rare vaccine reactions. Additionally, 27.74% (864/3115) of the cases were classified as allergic reactions, 0.10% (3/3115) were temporary neurological events, and 1.28% (36/3115) were diagnosed as severe adverse events. This study suggested that the HBV vaccine posed a reasonable profile because most adverse events remained relatively mild, and the neurological events were relatively rare. This study concluded that the incidence of severe vaccine reactions related to HBV vaccination are extremely low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Xiyanping injection (XYP), a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is widely used and often applied in combination with other medications in treating bronchitis, tonsillitis, and bacillary dysentery in China. In recent years, an elevated risk of allergic reactions has been observed following XYP, but whether concomitant medication use contributes to this risk is still unknown. Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between the concomitant use of XYP and the 25 most frequently co-applied medications with suspected allergic reactions for China's patients receiving XYP. Methods: A nested case–control study was conducted using the sampling data from 2015 China's Urban Employees Basic Medical Insurance and Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance database. Four anti-allergic marker drugs were used to evaluate suspected allergic reactions. Univariate analyses and multivariable conditional logistic regression were conducted, and results were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Sensitivity analyses were performed on the expanded sample by including those prescribed with anti-allergic marker drugs on the same day as XYP and then stopped XYP on the next day. Results: Out of 57,612 participants with XYP prescription, we obtained 949 matched case–control pairs. Multivariable conditional logistic regression revealed that seven concomitant medications including gentamicin [OR = 4.29; 95% CI (2.52, 7.30)], cefoperazone-sulbactam [OR = 4.26; 95% CI (1.40, 13.01)], lidocaine [OR = 2.76; 95% CI (1.79, 4.25)], aminophylline [OR = 1.73; 95% CI (1.05, 2.85)], ribavirin [OR = 1.54; 95% CI (1.13, 2.10)], potassium chloride [OR = 1.45; 95% CI (1.10, 1.91)], and vitamin C [OR = 1.32; 95% CI (1.03, 1.70)] were associated with increased risk, while cefathiamidine [OR = 0.29; 95% CI (0.16, 0.51)] was associated with reduced risk. Sensitivity analysis on 2,438 matched pairs revealed similar findings. Conclusion: Increased risks for suspected allergic reactions were found for the concomitant use of XYP with seven medications. Our data suggest that gentamicin, cefoperazone-sulbactam, lidocaine, and ribavirin should be applied with precautions for patients receiving XYP, and further studies on drug interactions and allergy mechanisms are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mugwort, timothy, and birch are commonly spread pollen allergens across China. Although several studies have described the rates of sensitization to mugwort, timothy, and birch in China, most of them just on specific whole-allergen extracts but little was known about the co-sensitization characteristics of its allergen components. This study aimed to explore the patterns of sensitization to mugwort, timothy, birch, and their major allergen components. Serum specific IgE (sIgE) levels of allergen components of mugwort, timothy, birch, and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) were detected in 160 patients whose serum showed positive results to at least one of mugwort, timothy, and birch allergens via EUROBlotMaster system. Skin prick testing was utilized to assess the allergic reaction of grass, weed, and tree allergens. Latent class analysis was used to identify underlying patterns of sensitization to a series of allergen components and their corresponding extracts. 88.8% of patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma were positive for mugwort-sIgE, 30% for timothy-sIgE, and 32.5% for birch-sIgE. By using the LCA model, three sensitization patterns as "Mugwort, Art v 4, Bet v 2 and Phl p 12 co-sensitized", "Timothy, mugwort, and CCD co-sensitized", "Mugwort and Art v 1 co-sensitized" were revealed based on optimal statistical fit in this study. Compared with other clusters, participants in "Mugwort, Art v 4, Bet v 2 and Phl p 12 co-sensitized" pattern were associated with higher sensitization rates of common grass and tree pollens allergen. The spearman's coefficient between CCD and timothy was larger than the corresponding values of CCD with mugwort or birch. CCD and profilin, as minor allergens in pollens, were associated with other pollen sIgE false positives presumably due to cross-reactivity. Patients sensitized with profilin had a significantly higher risk of sensitization to other pollens. • The prevalence of sensitization to weed pollens achieves the highest level, followed by grass and tree pollens. • The spearman's coefficient between CCD and timothy is large than corresponding values of CCD with mugwort or birch. • Profilin and CCD are highly cross-reactive and responsible for skin test reactions to many pollen sources. • In this study, three sensitization patterns were revealed in people who had a positive response to at least one of mugwort, timothy, and birch. • This study provides new insights into better interpretation of multiple allergen sensitization characteristics in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A considerable body of research using the Mental Health Test (MHT) has explored the psychological repercussions of the physical separation of children from one or both parents as they pursue better economic prospects in cities. Generally, these studies compare the mental health status (MHS) between left-behind children (LBC) and non-left-behind children (NLBC). That notwithstanding, little is known about the real policy impact of these studies on the ground over the years. Using a relevant search strategy and selection criteria, we identified qualified studies (N = 102: 2004 to 2019). Cross-temporal meta-analysis (CTMA) was performed on these studies for dynamic trends. Our results demonstrate: (1) a slight but significant change in MHS of both LBC and NLBC, with LBC being significantly worse off over time; (2) a significant deterioration in MHS of LBC over time, particularly among left-behind boys (LBBs); (3) a stable and significant decline in MHS of left-behind junior high and elementary school students, respectively; and (4) a more substantial degradation in MHS of LBC with both parents absent compared with LBC with a parent present. The findings reveal that the efforts of, and collaboration among, researchers, policy experts and politicians are producing results. Nevertheless, more targeted research is needed to unearth the underlying issues that generate the differences among subpopulations of LBC to better inform pragmatic interventions for collective psychological wellness of LBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of allergic respiratory disease (ARD) is increasing worldwide during the last few decades, causing a great disease burden especially for children. Air pollution has been increasingly considered as a potential contributor to this trend, but its role in ARD induced by house dust mite (HDM-ARD) remains unclear, especially in time-series study.Methods: A positive reporting of respiratory allergy to named allergens was included by serum specific IgE testing. A time series Quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear model, combined with generalized linear model was used to examine the effects of air pollutants on ARD, HDM-ARD and ARD induced by non-house dust mite (NHDM-ARD).Results: A total of 16,249 cases of ARD, including 8,719 HDM-ARD and 8,070 NHDM-ARD from 1 Jan 2013 to 31 Dec 2017 were involved in this study. Air pollutants were significantly associated with clinical visits for childhood ARD and HDM-ARD. Exposure to higher O3 and interquartile range (IQR) increment in O3 (40.6 µg/m3) increased the risks of clinical visits for childhood HDM-ARD (RRlag0-5 for the 95th percentile of O3: 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.55; RRlag0-5 for IQR increment (40.6 µg/m3): 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.17) and ARD (RRlag0-5 for the 95th percentile of O3: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.38; RRlag0-5 for IQR increment (40.6 µg/m3): 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12). In addition, higher O3 was associated with increased RR of boys with ARD (RRlag0-5 for the 95th percentile: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.51; RRlag0-5 for IQR increment (40.6 µg/m3): 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.16) and HDM-ARD (RRlag0-5 for the 95th percentile: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.75; RRlag0-5 for IQR increment (40.6 µg/m3): 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.22), but not in girls.Conclusions: Exposure to O3 appeared to be a trigger of clinical visits for childhood ARD, especially for HDM-ARD and boys. These findings provide novel evidence on the impact of air pollution on HDM-ARD, which may have significant implications for designing effective intervention programs to control and prevent childhood ARD, especially HDM-ARD, in China and other similar developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the distribution of inhaled allergen specific IgE in underage patients with allergic diseases in Yancheng area, and to provide evidence for disease prevention and treatment. Methods: A total of 430 underage (< 18 years old) patients with allergic diseases from January 2020 to March 2021 were selected, and their serums were detected by EUROLINE Atopy China(IgE). Results: 166 (38.60 %) were positive for serum allergen IgE among the 430 underage patients.Dust mites and house dust were the main inhalation allergens. The positive rate of IgE was 39% in male and 36% in female (P>0.05). The positive rate of female in middle school group (61.11 %) was higher than that of male (45.83 %)(P<0.05). There was significant difference between age group and IgE positive rate, and the positive rate increased with age. Cockroaches, dust mites, mould, ragweed, house dust and age groups were statistically different. The positive rate of IgE was the highest in respiratory allergic symptoms (48.2 %), and dust mite was the main allergen among different symptoms. All the patients with positive house dust were positive for dust mites, and 70.93 % of them showed respiratory allergic symptoms. Conclusions: Dust mites and house dust are the most important inhaled allergens for patients with allergic diseases in this area. It is of great significance to study the distribution of serum allergens for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in minors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate risk factors associated with oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions in cancer patients through a meta-analysis. A comprehensive retrieve of Chinese databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP Database and English databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase and Cochrane library was conducted. The studies that meet the requirements for meta-analysis according to inclusion and exclusion criteria were screened and assessed for eligibility. Odds ratio (OR) / Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) or calculable dichotomous and continuous raw data were extracted to perform meta-analysis using random effect model or fixed effect model on the basis of heterogeneity between studies through Review Manager 5.4 software. A total of 14 cross-sectional studies and 3367 cancer patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that platinum exposure history (OR value 3.13, 95% CI 2.19–4.48, heterogeneity P = 0.26), allergy history (OR value 1.76, 95% CI 1.09–2.85, heterogeneity P = 0.61), platinum free interval (OR value 3.75, 95% CI 2.00–7.06, heterogeneity P = 0.83), dexamethasone premedication dose (OR value 0.28, 95% CI 0.13–0.58, heterogeneity P = 0.21) were significantly correlated to oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions. Gender, age, metastasis, combination with bevacizumab, XELOX regimen and cancer types were detected to have no statistically significant effect on oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions. Platinum exposure history, allergy history and long platinum-free interval are risk factors of oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions. High dexamethasone premedication dose is a protective factor of oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichloroethylene (TCE) hypersensitivity syndrome (THS), called occupational medicamentosa-like dermatitis due to TCE (OMDT) in China, is a fatal occupational disorder caused by TCE exposure. Visceral damage, including kidney injury, is one of the major complications. Necroptosis is a regulated cell death form linked to local inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate whether renal cell necroptosis was involved in TCE-induced kidney injury. A Balb/c mouse model of TCE sensitization was utilized to study mechanisms of modulation of TCE-induced renal necroptosis. Renal histology (using light and transmission electron microscopy) and renal tubular impairment indexes, including α1-microglobulin (α1-MG), and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), were evaluated. In addition, tissue expression of necroptosis-related proteins, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), p-RIK3, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), and p-MLKL, were also evaluated. The study here confirmed TCE sensitization caused damage to renal tubules and renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) necroptosis. In mice treated with R7050 (a specific TNFα antagonist), it was also seen that inhibition of TNFα expression could effectively inhibit RTEC necroptosis and improve renal function in the TCE-sensitized mice. Taken together, these results help to define a novel mechanism by which RTEC necroptosis plays a key role in TCE-induced kidney damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the prevalence of infertility increasing every year around the world, it has seriously impacted the individual quality of family and social life. Anxiety is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders among infertile patients. After the two-child policy, whether it affected the prevalence of anxiety is controversial. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and its potential risk factors among Chinese infertile women after the enforcement of 'two-child policy'. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 693 infertile patients in a reproductive medical center in Chongqing, China, between February 2016 and December 2018. Data was collected by Self-filling questionnaires including basic demographic information and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). SPSS statistical software (IBM SPSS version 25) was used to analyse the obtained data. Descriptive analysis was used to describe basic information and anxiety scores, the chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the relationship between anxiety and other variables. Results: The prevalence of anxiety among total infertile patients was 21.8%, and its 23.5% among first-child infertile patients (FI), and 18.4% among second-child infertile patients (SI) respectively (P > 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed that patients with lower education levels were more likely to have anxiety (P < 0.01). Patients with middle salary incomes were more likely to have anxiety (OR = 1.860, 95% CI: 1.068–3.238). Oral contraception taking history (OR = 1.778, 95% CI: 1.186–2.667), and history of allergy (OR = 2.098, 95% CI: 1.219–3.612) were associated with anxiety. Conclusions: Under the full liberalization of the "two-child policy", the total prevalence of anxiety among Chinese infertile female is comparatively high. Low education levels, middle incomes, oral contraception taking and allergy history can be the related risk factors of anxiety. We promote that all infertile patients should be evaluated for the prevalence of anxiety, especially those with potential risks, and receive consultant or targeted treatment when needed. Plain language summary: With the formulation of China's two-child policy and the increase in the incidence of infertility, anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders among infertility patients. This study mainly discussed the prevalence of anxiety among infertile women in China and its potential risk factors after the implementation of the "two-child" policy. First-child infertile patients (FI) or Second-child infertile patients (SI) were asked to self-fulfilled the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale questionnaires to understand their anxiety. Of the 693 respondents: the prevalence of anxiety among total infertile patients was 21.8%, and its 23.5% among first-child infertile patients, and 18.4% among second-child infertile patients. The group of infertile patients with middle salary incomes, a history of oral contraceptive use, and a history of allergy were more likely to be anxious. In conclusion: under the current situation, low education levels, middle incomes, OC taking and allergy history can be the related risk factors of anxiety. It is of guiding significance for the mental health of special populations of infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 30% of the world population suffers from immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated allergy. IgE-mediated allergy affects the respiratory tract, the skin and the gastrointestinal tract and may lead to life-threatening acute systemic manifestations such as anaphylactic shock. The symptoms of allergy are mediated by IgE-recognition of causative allergen molecules from different allergen sources. Today, molecular allergy diagnosis allows determining the disease-causing allergens to develop allergen-specific concepts for prevention and treatment of allergy. Allergen-specific preventive and therapeutic strategies include allergen avoidance, vaccination, and tolerance induction. The implementation of these preventive and therapeutic strategies requires a detailed knowledge of the relevant allergen molecules affecting a given population. China is the world´s most populous country with around 1.4 billion inhabitants and an estimated number of more than 400 million allergic patients. Research in allergy in China has dramatically increased in the last decade. We summarize in this review article what is known about the dominating allergen sources and allergen molecules in China and what further investigations could be performed to draw a molecular map of IgE sensitization for China as a basis for the implementation of systematic and rational allergen-specific preventive and therapeutic strategies to combat allergic diseases in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics (ACDC) complicates the diagnosis and treatment of rosacea, and is increasingly observed in daily practice. Aims: The present study aimed to identify the contact allergens responsible for ACDC in Chinese female rosacea patients with or without suspected ACDC (SACDC). Methods: From a total of 1267 women with rosacea, 122 with SACDC, 145 without SACDC, and 100 age‐matched healthy controls without rosacea or SACDC were examined on a voluntary basis. Skin patch tests with C‐1000 cosmetic series (Chemotechnique Diagnostics, Malmo, Sweden) were conducted, including 20 selected allergens. Results: Positive allergic reaction was found in 85.2% and 33.8% of SACDC and non‐SACDC (P <.001), respectively, and 27.0% of healthy volunteers. Most reactions occurred at day 3, and the majority of all the examinees including normal controls reacted to more than 1 allergen. In SACDC patients, leading allergens were methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (28.7%), linalool hydroperoxide (27.1%), fragrance mix I (21.3%), methylisothiazolinone (17.2%), limonene hydroperoxides (16.4%), formaldehyde (14.8%), myroxylon pereirae (13.9%), and propolis (10.7%); the overall allergic reaction rate positively correlated with new onset of facial pruritus (P <.001). The occurrence of irritant contact reactions correlated with positive allergic reactions in rosacea patients with or without SACDC (P =.032 or P <.001, respectively). Conclusions: Preservatives and fragrances are primary culprits for ACDC in Chinese female rosacea patients. Patch testing should be considered in the suspected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Haemovigilance involves surveillance of the whole chain of blood transfusion with the aim of identifying adverse events and errors and improving outcomes for patients. The Chinese Haemovigilance Network, founded in August 2017, has witnessed a rapid development in the last three years. Materials and methods: Based on the 1,022 cases in 2019, we analysed the adverse reactions (ARs) by blood component, clinical outcome severity and demography of recipients in an effort to publish the first annual Chinese haemovigilance report. Results: The AR rate associated with blood transfusion in 2019 was 0·2% in China. Allergic reactions and FNHTR were the two most common adverse symptoms, accounting for 97·7% of the reports. Two‐thirds of the TAD, AHTR and TACO and all of the HTR and DHTR resulted in hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization. Plasma and AP were usually associated with allergic reaction (81·1%), whereas red cells more commonly cause FNHTR (68·8%) and all the AHTR, HTR, DSTR and DHTR. 84·1% of patients were aged 16 years or over, and the majority of the TAD, AHTR, TACO and HTR involved patients aged 60 and above. The ratio of serious adverse reactions (SARs) was 8·2%. Allergic reaction and FNHTR were top two (85·7%) SARs. The first case related to anti‐D immunoglobulin was detected in a DHTR report. Conclusion: This report provides the world's first overview of transfusion‐related adverse reactions in China. This report is useful for better understanding transfusion risks in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychosocial stress and stressful life events are known to aggravate allergic diseases. Less is known about the impact of stress management skills on allergies. Here we sought to determine whether stress management skills are associated with the allergies and to assess the combined effects of stress management skills and stressful events on allergy risk.Methods: A survey on risk factors for self-reported allergic diseases was carried out among 28,144 southern Chinese people; 14 stressful life events and 8 stress management skills were retrospectively recorded in a case-control setting with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Multiplicative and additive interactions between stressful events and stress management skills were evaluated.Results: Stressful events significantly increased allergy risk. The odds ratio (OR) for allergies was 1.65 (95% confidence interval CI, 1.41-1.93) for those reporting one or two stressful events and 3.10 (95% CI, 2.55-3.79) for those reporting more than three stressful events compared to participants without stressful events. Stress management skills were adversely associated with allergic risk for people experiencing stressful events (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.97) when adjusted demographically, particularly "concentrate on pleasant thoughts at bedtime" (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51-0.89), "pace myself to prevent tiredness" (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54-0.83), "get enough sleep" (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32-0.72) and "take some time for relaxation each day" (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37-0.80). But in people without stressful events, no association was observed. There was a significant linear trend for allergy risk from good stress management skills with no stressful events to poor stress management skills with stressful events (P < 0.001), with significant interaction in additive models (P = 0.006).Conclusions: There are independent and antagonistic combined associations of stressful life events and stress management skills with allergy risk. The data supports the use of stress management skills in managing allergic disease among people with stressful life events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the most important promoter of allergic inflammation. However, there are few systematic studies on IgE in age range, genders, disease spectrum, and time regularity. Aim. To screen the common allergens, allergen spectrum, and IgE difference between type 2 inflammatory allergic diseases and other allergic diseases in Weifang, China. Methods. A retrospective study was performed by estimating patients' clinical data suffering from allergic diseases (urticaria, pollinosis, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and bronchial asthma) between May 2019 and April 2020 using an allergen detection kit of Macro-Union Pharmaceutical. Results. 732 of the 1367 patients showed different antigen positive, and the positive rate was 53.5%. The most common allergens were dust mites, mixed fungi, Artemisia pollen, cat/dog dander, and cockroaches. There were 27.0% (369/1367) of the patients with single positive allergen-specific IgE (sIgE), 26.5% (363/1367) with multiple-positive IgE. The total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) levels varied with gender, age, and type of disease. There was a difference in the distribution of allergens between children and adults. A positive correlation between the serum-specific IgE and the corresponding local inhaled allergen density was observed. Conclusions. In this study, we found that type 2 inflammatory allergic diseases have higher serum IgE and a higher probability of inhaled sIgE positive. According to age, gender, and condition, serological IgE detection of allergens provides new insight into the early diagnosis and prevention of allergic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminants may induce immune response polarization, leading to immune diseases, such as allergic diseases. Evidence concerning the effects of chlorinated paraffins (CPs), an emerging persistent organic pollutant, on immune system is scarce, particularly for epidemiological evidence. This study explores the association between CPs exposure and allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema, and allergic conjunctivitis) in children and adolescents in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in China. Herein, 131,304 children and adolescents from primary and secondary schools in the PRD were included and completed the questionnaire survey. The particulate matter (PM) samples were collected in the PRD and the PM 2.5 -bound CP concentrations were analyzed. In the multivarious adjustment mixed effect model (MEM), an IQR increase in ∑CPs was significantly associated with allergic diseases (rhinitis, eczema, and conjunctivitis) with the estimated odds ratios (OR s) for 1.11 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.13), 1.17 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.19), and 1.82 (95% CI: 1.76, 1.88), respectively. Interaction analysis indicated that overweight and obese individuals might have greater risk. Similar effect estimates were observed in several sensitivity analyses. This study provided epidemiological evidence on the immunotoxicity of CPs. More studies to confirm our findings and investigate mechanisms are needed. [Display omitted] • Scarce epidemiological evidence of immunotoxicity of chlorinated paraffins (CPs). • PM 2.5 -bound CPs increase the risk of allergic diseases. • Overweight or obese individuals have higher risk. • This study facilitates the health risk assessment of CPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the allergen sensitization pattern among 4,203 children in the Shanxi region of China and to provide guidance for diagnosis and prevention of allergic diseases. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) results of 4,203 children aged 0–12 years from January to December in 2019. SIgE antibodies to 19 allergens in the serum sample were detected by enzyme ALLERGO-SORBENT testing. Results: In total, 49.70% (2,089/4,203) of children with allergic diseases were positive for sIgE, and the top 5 allergens were egg white 18.63% (783/4,203), artemisia 14.47% (608/4,203), milk 13.04% (548/4,203), ragweed 8.66% (364/4,203), and poplar/willow/elm 8.52% (358/4,203). Significant differences in the positive rate of food allergens and aeroallergens in different ages were found (p < 0.05). 50.98% (1,065/2,089) patients were sensitive to 2 or more allergens. The high sensitization rate in the >3-year group was significantly higher than the ≤3-year group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Egg white and artemisia are the most common allergens in children in northern China. This study provides allergic sensitization pattern of children and clinical epidemiological data in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been research about the prevalence and risk factors of eczema, hay fever, and asthma in children, but little is known about these conditions in adults in China. Objectives: To explore the prevalence of adult eczema/atopic dermatitis (AD) and its risk factors in northern China. Methods: A cluster sampling randomized population-based survey was conducted using a face-to-face questionnaire combined with skin prick tests of ten common aeroallergens including nine pollen allergens and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinu (Dp) allergen. The questionnaire was designed by specialists and included questions on the prevalence of eczema, hay fever, and asthma, socioeconomic risk factors, family history of atopy and environmental exposures. The prevalence of eczema with asthma and/or hay fever (EAH) was applied as a proxy of AD in this study. Results: Overall, 2096 subjects were enrolled and completed the study. The prevalence of eczema was 15.7% (95% CI 14.3–17.4), while the prevalence of hay fever and asthma were 20.6% (95% CI 18.9–22.4) and 6.5% (95% CI 5.5–7.6), respectively. In particular, the prevalence of EAH was 5.1% (95% CI 4.4–7.0). The prevalence of eczema and EAH was significantly associated with younger age, atopy family history, high education level, urbanization, and antibiotic overuse (P < 0.05, logistic regression). The sensitization rate was higher in EAH compared with eczema (48.2% vs 41.0%, P = 0.018), with weed pollen sensitization being the most common. Subjects with two or more concomitant allergic diseases had increased risk of eczema and EAH (P < 0.001). Allergen sensitization increased the risk of eczema and EAH (P < 0.001, both). Conclusions: Adult eczema and EAH are prevalent in northern China under high pollen exposure. Socioeconomic and environmental factors affected the prevalence of adult AD in China. Dp had a particular impact on the prevalence of eczema/AD in the grassland region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The worldwide exclusive breastfeeding rate is suboptimal and this study aims to evaluate effects on infant immune development of formula feeding.Methods and Study Design: A prospective study including 221 infants fed with breast milk or formula was conducted. At 3-month and 9-month, the concentrations of total immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, IgA, IgG1, IgG2, interleukin (IL)-4, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Natural killer (NK) cell activity and lymphocyte transformation testing were conducted. Furthermore, the occurrence of infantile diarrhea, respiratory infections and allergic diseases were questioned.Results: The levels of total IgG (Z=-3.21, p=0.001), IgG1 (Z=-2.12, p=0.034), IFN-γ (t=-2.09, p=0.039) and NK cell activity (t=-2.14, p=0.034) were significant higher in formula-fed infants compared to breast-fed after 3 months. At 9-month, the levels of total IgG (Z=-4.34, p<0.001), IgA (Z=-2.05, p=0.041) and TNF-α (t=-2.10, p=0.037) of formula-fed infants were higher, but the lymphocyte stimulation index (t=2.76, p=0.007) was lower than breast-fed infants. While, no significant differences were found in the incidences of diarrhea and respiratory tract infection (p>0.05).Conclusions: This investigation suggested that formula- and breast-feeding have different contributions to infant immune development, but the formula feeding would not cause significantly increase of diarrhea and respiratory infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Local anesthetics (LAs) have been widely used throughout the healthcare settings, especially in local anesthesia and pain management. The incidence of allergic reactions to LAs remains uncertain. The danger of allergic reactions to the use of LAs in every day of clinical practice is a matter of great concern. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the risk of true allergy to LAs.Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated the medical records of patients who were referred to an anesthesia allergy clinic in China and underwent allergy tests with LAs over a 10-year period from 2009 to 2019. The following information was collected from medical records: demographics of the patients, reasons for referral, clinical features of drug hypersensitivity reaction (DHR), and test results with LAs. Skin tests combined with an in vitro method, basophil activation test (BAT), were used to investigate allergic reactions to LAs.Results: A group of 109 patients were included in the analysis. The main reason for referral was the presence of a suspected DHR after procedures with LAs (n=68, 62%), the second most common reason for referral was a history of DHR to other drugs and the need to use LAs for upcoming procedures (n=41, 38%). Of the 68 patients with a suspected DHR to LAs, only six cases presented true allergy and showed positive results in skin tests and/or BAT. And all 41 patients who had a history of DHR to other drugs presented negative in all tests.Conclusion: Risk of true allergy to LAs may be very low. However, patients with a suspected history of DHR to LAs should be considered for allergy tests. Skin tests and BAT may be useful in the investigation and diagnosis of true allergy to LAs in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]