Consumer interest in specialty beers in three European markets.

This study explores the quality perception of specialty beers (SBs) in Italy, Spain and Poland. Five-hundred and fifty mainstream beer consumers were enrolled in this study (two-hundred and thirty Italians, one hundred and sixty Poles and Spaniards respectively). The authors adopted a conjoint rating experiment in which the respondents were given forty SB profiles to evaluate. Each profile was described on six attributes (malt type, adjuncts, alternative source of sugars, characterizing ingredients, sensory characteristics, and retail price) varied at different levels and were asked to state his/her preference for each profile on a 9-point scale of interest. The results of this study showed that the ideal SB: (1) for the aggregate Polish panel is brewed from malted wheat, raw wheat, honey, and tropical fruits, is alcoholic and is priced below 2.00 Euros; (2) for the aggregate Italian panel consists of a beer brewed from malted wheat, maize, honey, and vanilla, is blonde and costs a maximum of 2.00 Euros; (3) for the aggregate Spanish panel is brewed from malted wheat, rye or maize, vanilla, is fruity and is priced below 2.00 Euros. The heterogeneity of interest in specialty beers observed in the three countries under test requires for the adaptation of a SB specifically to each culture in which it is sold. In this process of customization, brewers must take into account that gender modulates the effect of culture on consumer interest in SB sensory characteristics and ingredient formulation.

Ocular allergy: recognizing and diagnosing hypersensitivity disorders of the ocular surface.

Ocular allergy includes several clinically different conditions that can be considered as hypersensitivity disorders of the ocular surface. The classification of these conditions is complex, and their epidemiology has not been adequately studied because of the lack of unequivocal nomenclature. Ocular allergy symptoms are often, but not always, associated with other allergic manifestations, mostly rhinitis. However, specific ocular allergic diseases need to be recognized and managed by a team that includes both an ophthalmologist and an allergist. The diagnosis of ocular allergy is usually based on clinical history and signs and symptoms, with the support of in vivo and in vitro tests when the identification of the specific allergic sensitization is required for patient management. The aims of this Task Force Report are (i) to unify the nomenclature and classification of ocular allergy, by combining the ophthalmology and allergy Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma criteria; (ii) to describe current methods of diagnosis; (iii) to summarize the therapeutic options for the management of ocular allergic inflammation.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs levocetirizine 5 mg for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a multi-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Bilastine is a novel nonsedative H(1)-receptor antagonist, which may be used for the symptomatic treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CU). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs levocetirizine 5 mg and placebo in CU patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms. METHODS: Overall 525 male and female subjects aged 18-70 years were randomized to receive bilastine 20 mg, levocetirizine 5 mg or placebo, once daily for 28 days, in double-blind manner, in 46 centres across Europe and Argentina. Patients rated symptoms of pruritus, number of wheals, and maximum size of wheals (on predefined scales) as reflective (over past 12 h) symptoms twice daily, for assessment of change from baseline in the total symptoms scores (TSS) over 28 days as the primary efficacy measure. Changes in reflective and instantaneous symptoms scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and CU-associated discomfort and sleep disturbance were assessed as secondary outcomes. Safety was assessed according to adverse events, laboratory tests and electrocardiograms. RESULTS: Bilastine reduced patients' mean reflective and instantaneous TSS from baseline to a significantly greater degree than placebo (P < 0.001); from day 2 onwards of treatment. The DLQI, general discomfort, and sleep disruption were also improved significantly in bilastine-treated patients as compared with placebo-treated patients (P < 0.001 for all parameters). Comparison with levocetirizine indicated both treatments to be equally efficacious as well as equally safe and well tolerated as compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Bilastine 20 mg is a novel effective and safe treatment option for the management of CU.

Skin prick test response to enzyme enolase of the baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diagnosis of respiratory allergy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to prove that Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase, the major allergen of the baker's yeast, induces allergic immediate response in patients with inhalant allergy sensitized to Candida albicans extract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in three groups of patients: I. 20 atopic patients with respiratory allergy sensitized to Candida albicans and inhalant allergens (mite, feather, pollens) II. 30 patients with respiratory allergy, positive skin tests to inhalant allergens but negative skin tests to Candida albicans and other fungi; III. 20 nonatopic, healthy individuals. Skin prick test of purified enolase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (bakers yeast) at concentration 1 and 10 mg/ml was performed in all groups. The results were documented planimetrically. RESULTS: 95% of patients sensitized to Candida albicans extract showed positive skin reactions to Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase, 10% of patients of group II and none of the patients of the control group had positive skin responses to enolase. The mean wheal size (mm2) in skin prick test to Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase at concentration 10 mg/ml was x = 15.17 +/- 11.08, 15.76 +/- 19.67 and at concentration 1 mg/ml 10.02 +/- 10.49, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase induces an immediate allergic reaction in skin in subjects with respiratory allergy and positive skin prick test results to Candida albicans and other fungi. 2. Enolase can be an important allergenic component of the Candida albicans extract.

[Decongestants in treatment of nasal obstruction]. / Leki naczyniokurczace w leczeniu obturacji nosa.

Decongestants have long been used in nose obstruction. On the one hand they seem to be abused in local treatment, on the other they are too rarely used in initial treatment of other pathological states of the nose. Yet, as the knowledge of the nasal mucosa vascular system and its neurological and humoral regulation increases, there appear broader indications for their application. A more frequent use of the drugs could be suggested in infectious and allergic rhinitis and paranasal sinusitis, where their application prevents complications and enhances the efficacy of treatment. The sympathomimetic drugs are recommended in rhinitis because a reduction of nasal congestion permits the introduction of other topical therapy such as nasal corticosteroids. They are also recommended in rhinitis during pregnancy and diagnostic procedures in some cases of structural rhinitis. This article briefly discusses the relationships between the nasal mucosa vascular system, the autonomic nervous system and neuropeptides in the regulation of air flow in the nose. Regarding their use in rhinitis treatment, there were characterized groups of sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor agents, which include sympathicomimetics (e.g. phenylpropandamine, phenoloephedrine) and alpha-receptor agonist medications (e.g. xylometazoline, oxymetazoline, naphazoline). The author discussed the pathomechanism of rhinitis medicamentosa resulting from abuse of nasal drops containing alpha-agonists and suggested a therapy.

[Sick building syndrome: three case reports]. / Zespól chorego budynku--opis trzech przypadków.

SBS--sick building syndrome--is a set multi-organ symptoms related to long-term staying in "sick buildings". These are modern, energy saving, air tight buildings with reduced ventilation. As a result of such construction, harmful, air-borne substances issued by interior decoration materials, air-conditioning systems and working people are cumulated. The study presents three cases of allergic patients whose original allergic illnesses got aggravated as an effect of: 1) staying in a freshly redecorated room, 2) staying in a fully air-conditioned room, 3) long-term exposition to bacteria and fungi allergens developing in old, used up filters of a car air-condition system.

[Intolerance to hydrocortisone in two patients with bronchial asthma]. / Nietolerancja hydrokortyzonu u 2 chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

One patients with nonatopic aspirin-sensitive asthma and another one with atopic asthma responding favourably to aspirin with a history of hydrocortisone intolerance were examined. The patients were challenged with intravenous, inhaled and oral hydrocortisone and its solvent. They showed significant fall of FEV1 after provocation tests with hydrocortisone but not after the solvent. Intradermal skin testing performed with hydrocortisone and its solvent was negative, what suggests that the intolerance to hydrocortisone was probably nonallergic feature. The patients tolerated well the intravenous challenge with prednisolone and oral challenge with prednisone, prednisolone and betamethasone. We suggest the replacement of intravenous hydrocortisone with these corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with hydrocortisone intolerance.