Search

Grasses and weeds contain species that produce abundant pollen grains and have been implicated as causative agents in both asthma and allergic rhinitis. In this study, we present the pollen counts of allergenic grasses and weeds on the island of Crete and show their impact on allergic individuals. Heraklion is located at the center of the north shore of Crete and has been monitored with a Burkard 7-day volumetric spore trap since 1994, to determine the identity, concentration, and seasonal variation of airborne pollen grains. Data from 10 consecutive years were recorded, analyzed, and correlated to the growth of respective plants on this island. The island's vegetation and blossoming periods have been investigated by conducting field trips. In parallel, an atopic population of 576 individuals with a convincing history of allergic respiratory disease-rhinitis and/or asthma-was subjected to skin-prick tests with 50 common allergens. Quantitatively, there was a fair agreement between total pollen counts and positive skin-prick test frequencies for Parietaria (Urticaceae family). For the majority of the grass and weed genera, strongly positive skin test responses were observed frequently, despite rather low pollen counts. more...

An 8-year study was conducted on the island of Crete in order to identify airborne ascospores and to determine their seasonal pattern. A Burkard 7-day, volumetric spore-trap was continuously operated in the city of Irakleion – located in the center of the island – from 1994 through 2001. Relatively „high” ascospore counts (20 – 48 spores/m 3) were obtained from mid-spring through summer, while the rest of the year exhibited lower activity (8–16 spores/m3). The predominant ascospores identified were those of Leptosphaeria and Chaetomium; their concentrations varied from 1 or 2 spores up to a few dozens of spores/m3. Other spores encountered sporadically were: Ascobolus, Endophragmiella, Didymella, Diatrypaceae, Leptosphaerulina, Massaria, Pleospora, Sporormiella, Xylaria. The mean daily concentration of all identified ascospores was 30/m3 for the entire study period, corresponding to 13.9% of the total fungal load. Ascospores have been recognized as important inhalant allergens and have been implicated as contributing to symptoms of both rhinitis and asthma. more...

The purpose of this study is to compare argon coagulation with standard electrocoagulation.Twenty-four consecutive patients submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group 1 used standard electrocoagulation and group 2 argon coagulation. The operative time and amount of blood loss were measured.Operative time (minutes): Group 1 65.33 +/- 4.07 SE. Group 2 55.83 +/- 2.82 SE (P0.10). Amount of blood loss (ml): Group 1 105.58 +/- 6.37 SE. Group 2 62.92 +/- 5.82 SE (p0.001).Preliminary results support our opinion that argon coagulation is to be favored over standard coagulation. more...

Pollen grains from the plant cover of a given area participate largely in the composition of aeroflora (pollen and molds) of this area. Association of allergic respiratory disorders with concentration of allergenic particles in the atmosphere is well documented, and aerobiologic studies are of great relevance. A 10-year volumetric aerobiologic study was conducted in the city of Heraklion, located in the center of the north-shore of the island of Crete, Greece. Main allergenic families and genera encountered were, in descending order of frequency Oleaceae, Quercus, Platanaceae, Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, Populus, Moraceae, and Corylaceae. Concentrations noted for most of these aeroallergens were much lower than those reported from other European regions. In parallel, an atopic population of 576 individuals, exhibiting allergic symptoms mainly of the respiratory tract were subjected to a battery of skin-prick tests. A fair degree of agreement between total pollen counts and positive skin-prick test frequencies for the families of Oleaceae, Platanaceae, and Cupressaceae was noted. On the contrary a poor degree of concordance was noted for the rest of the families and genera. more...

Mold spores are universal outdoor and indoor components and generally are recognized as possible sources of respiratory allergies. A 10-year aerobiological study (1994-2003) was conducted in the city of Heraklion located at the center of the Mediterranean island of Crete, Greece. Eighteen mold species exhibiting a normal annual seasonal pattern have been identified and recorded. The most abundant mold species include (a) Cladosporium, (b) Alternaria, (c) miscellaneous ascosporas (d) Leptosphaeria, and (e) basidiomycete Coprinus. In parallel, 571 atopic individuals were tested by skin-prick tests (SPTs). Among these 571 patients 42.5% showed dermal positivity to mold allergens. Most positive SPTs were those of (a) Alternaria, (b) Cladosporium, (c) Fusarium, (d) Aspergillus, and (e) Mucor. No linear relationship was noted between SPT frequencies and percentages of mold species. All of these aerobiological and sensitization data constitute a firm basis for further medical and biological research and application. more...

Cetirizine, a peripheral H1 antagonist, was administered to patients with delayed pressure urticaria in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Efficacy in reducing pressure-induced wheals and flares was evaluated. Histologic changes were also assessed with the skin window technique in weight-induced wheals. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in weight-induced wheal area (p less than 0.01) after cetirizine therapy; this improvement was accompanied by a concomitant reduction in eosinophil recruitment as demonstrated by the skin window technique (p = 0.0029). Subsequently, 14 patients with delayed pressure urticaria underwent biopsy before and after 3 weeks of cetirizine therapy to evaluate the drug's histologic effects. A blinded observer performed the histologic studies. Weight-induced lesions showed a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, primarily polymorphonuclear (neutrophils and eosinophils), whereas the unchallenged skin sites were normal. Cell counts from pressure-induced lesions showed a significant reduction in eosinophils after cetirizine treatment. more...