Peanut‐induced anaphylaxis in children and adolescents: Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry

Background Peanut allergy has a rising prevalence in high-income countries, affecting 0.5%-1.4% of children. This study aimed to better understand peanut anaphylaxis in comparison to anaphylaxis to other food triggers in European children and adolescents. Methods Data was sourced from the European Anaphylaxis Registry via an online questionnaire, after in-depth review of food-induced anaphylaxis cases in a tertiary paediatric allergy centre. Results 3514 cases of food anaphylaxis were reported between July 2007 - March 2018, 56% in patients younger than 18 years. Peanut anaphylaxis was recorded in 459 children and adolescents (85% of all peanut anaphylaxis cases). Previous reactions (42% vs. 38%; p = .001), asthma comorbidity (47% vs. 35%; p < .001), relevant cofactors (29% vs. 22%; p = .004) and biphasic reactions (10% vs. 4%; p = .001) were more commonly reported in peanut anaphylaxis. Most cases were labelled as severe anaphylaxis (Ring&Messmer grade III 65% vs. 56% and grade IV 1.1% vs. 0.9%; p = .001). Self-administration of intramuscular adrenaline was low (17% vs. 15%), professional adrenaline administration was higher in non-peanut food anaphylaxis (34% vs. 26%; p = .003). Hospitalization was higher for peanut anaphylaxis (67% vs. 54%; p = .004). Conclusions The European Anaphylaxis Registry data confirmed peanut as one of the major causes of severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in European children, with some characteristic features e.g., presence of asthma comorbidity and increased rate of biphasic reactions. Usage of intramuscular adrenaline as first-line treatment is low and needs to be improved. The Registry, designed as the largest database on anaphylaxis, allows continuous assessment of this condition

Effects of anti-drip cover materials on microclimate and production of a hydroponic cucumber crop

Recent year's concerns about food safety, environmental pollution, worker's safety, resistance to chemicals and the need for rational use of energy stimulated extensive research concerning the development of alternative techniques in order to manage high humidity levels. Such a technique is the use of anti-drip (AD) and anti-fog (AF) polyethylene (PE) cover materials. Aim of this work was to study the effects of two AD PE cover materials on greenhouse microclimate and on growth and production of a hydroponic cucumber crop. The experiments were carried out from September to December of 2006 in three similar, heated greenhouses, covered by different cover materials. A standard greenhouse polyethylene (PE) cover film covered one of the three greenhouses (C-PE). The other two greenhouses were covered: the first by a PE film with anti-drip (AD) and anti-fog (AF) properties (AD+AF-PE) and the second one by a PE film with AD properties (AD-PE). The greenhouse and outside microclimate parameters along with crop growth and production were recorded. The results showed that the relative humidity levels were much higher in the AD-PE covered greenhouse. Furthermore, the temperature difference between the cover material and the dew point air temperature was more negative under the same greenhouse, leading in higher condensation rates over the PE film. The crop development and production was similar in the three greenhouses while the crop leaf area index values were slightly higher in the AD-PE covered greenhouse. Nevertheless, in order to control fungus development, the greenhouses covered by the C-PE and the AD-PE film needed about double fungicide applications, than the greenhouse covered by the AD+AF-PE film

The anthelmintic properties of tannin-rich legume forages: from knowledge to exploitation in farm conditions

Article available on lin e / Article dispon ible en lign e à l&apos;adresse : Abstract. Tannin-rich legume forages have nutraceutical value for ruminants through slowing down the infections with parasitic nematodes of the gastro intestinal tract. This review aims to describe the effects of tannin-containing legumes on the various nematode stages We will also discuss the sources of variability in results and present the current hypotheses in regard to the possible modes of action of the plant secondary metabolite on the worms. To cite th is article / Pou r citer cet article Keywords. Legume forage -Plant secondary metabolites -Tannin -Nematode -Ruminant -Nutraceutical. Propriétés antihelminthiques des plantes fourragères légumineuses riches en tanin

Adaptation of Mediterranean olive groves to climate change through sustainable cultivation practices

Olive cultivation is considered as one of the most significant agricultural activities in Greece, from a financial, social, and ecological point of view. Intensive cultivation practices in combination with the Mediterranean climate, lead to depletion of soil organic matter, erosion, desertification, and degradation of water resources. This paper describes sustainable olive crop management practices that were comparatively applied in 120 olive groves in Greece for 5 years with the participation of three farmers groups. Organic materials recycled in the olive groves during the present study were valuable sources of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Carbon content was highest in pruning residue (53.8-54.2%) while all materials studied were considered rich in C ranging between 41.9-46.2% (compost) and 34.9-42.5% (three-phase olive mill waste-OMW). The highest content in nitrogen was detected in compost (2-2.45%) followed by pruning residue (0.93-0.99%) and OMW (0.03-0.1%). Compost was considered a good source of phosphorus (0.3-0.6%) followed by pruning residue (0.08-0.13%) and OMW (0.01-0.3%). Potassium was also considerable in the organic materials recycled ranging 0.5-1.5% in compost followed by pruning residue (0.5-0.7%) and OMW (0.3-1.1%). Adoption of modified pruning also had important contribution toward sustainable management of olive trees. Sustainable pruning resulted in a well-balanced ratio between vegetative growth and fruiting (balanced, every year, in order to eradicate biennial bearing). Significant fluctuation in olive yields was observed in the first years of the project while yields were gradually stabilised by applying sustainable crop management. In parallel, yield increase without additional inputs, lowers the carbon-environmental footprint of the product regarding several environmental impact categories. Results can be integrated in the national agricultural and environmental policy in Mediterranean countries toward the achievement of a circular economy

Systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cholangitis: Longitudinal data to determine the outcomes

Background: Several studies described the cross-sectional characteristics of systemic sclerosis patients and coexisting primary biliary cholangitis, but longitudinal prognostic data are lacking. Aims: To describe the systemic sclerosis–primary biliary cholangitis phenotype, including baseline characteristics and outcomes. Methods: We performed a multicentre the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group study of systemic sclerosis patients with primary biliary cholangitis or with primary biliary cholangitis–specific antibodies, matched with systemic sclerosis controls free from hepatobiliary involvement matched for disease duration and cutaneous subset. Data were recorded at baseline and at the last available visit. Results: A total of 261 patients were enrolled (115 primary biliary cholangitis–systemic sclerosis, 161 systemic sclerosis). At baseline, systemic sclerosis–primary biliary cholangitis patients had a higher prevalence of anti-centromere antibodies (p = 0.0023) and a lower prevalence of complete absence of digital ulcers. The milder vascular involvement was confirmed at follow-up when crucial differences emerged in the percentage of patients experiencing digital ulcers; a significantly higher number of patients who never experienced digital ulcers were observed among primary biliary cholangitis–systemic sclerosis patients (p = 0.0015). Moreover, a greater incidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (p &lt; 0.001) and of conduction blocks (p = 0.0256) was observed in systemic sclerosis patients without primary biliary cholangitis. Patients with primary biliary cholangitis had higher levels of liver enzymes at baseline than systemic sclerosis patients; a significant decrease in liver enzymes was observed at follow-up. Out of 18 patients with cholangitis, one received a liver transplant at follow-up. Conclusion: Our data show that systemic sclerosis–primary biliary cholangitis exhibit a mild systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cholangitis phenotype with outcomes being in general favourable