In: Twin research and human genetics: the official journal of the International Society for Twin Studies (ISTS) and the Human Genetics Society of Australasia, Band 11, Heft 2, S. 112-120
AbstractThe genetics of asthma and atopy has been studied frequently in twin populations from various parts of the world. However, emphasis has been put on univariate analysis of questionnaire data, whereas clinical and intermediate traits only sporadically have been studied, especially in multivariate settings. This review focuses on multivariate twin studies of atopy and related traits. We conclude that the genetic liability to most atopic traits is significantly correlated but that trait-specific genes also play a role. Previous studies have estimated the genetic correlation between upper and lower respiratory allergic symptoms, that is, asthma and hay fever, to be between .47 and .95. Furthermore, atopic traits share a portion of their genetic determinants with other complex disorders like obesity and behavioral traits. A correlation of about .3 and .34 has been reported between genes associated with asthma and obesity, and between genes associated with asthma and depression, respectively. We emphasize that multivariate methods applied to twin studies, especially when genetic marker information is available, provide a valuable framework within which complex etiological mechanisms underlying atopy can be disentangled.
In: Twin research and human genetics: the official journal of the International Society for Twin Studies (ISTS) and the Human Genetics Society of Australasia, Band 11, Heft 2, S. 161-164
AbstractTwins constitute a valuable resource for genetic studies of asthma. However, critics argue that twins are 'special' in terms of prenatal environment and upbringing and therefore nonrepresentative. In respect to asthma a small range of studies report differential morbidity in twins compared with singletons. We review some of the possible explanations for these findings and conclude that results from twin studies of asthma can be extrapolated to the general population.
In: Dombernowsky , T , Hædersdal , M , Lassen , U & Thomsen , S F 2017 , ' Development in the number of clinical trial applications in Western Europe from 2007 to 2015 : retrospective study of data from national competent authorities ' , B M J Open , vol. 7 , no. 7 , e015579 . https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015579
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the development in the number of applications for authorisation of clinical trials of medicines (CTAs) submitted annually to national competent authorities in 10 Western European member states of the European Union from 2007 to 2015. DESIGN: Registry study. SETTING: Data from national competent authorities. PARTICIPANTS: Germany, Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Sweden. Inclusion criteria were Western European member states of the European Union, receiving more than 200 CTAs per year. OUTCOME MEASURES: Summarised number of CTAs and distribution of CTAs by type of sponsor (commercial or non-commercial) and trial phase (I-IV). Average annual growth rates (AAGRs) based on linear regressions. Data were evaluated 2007-2011 and 2012-2015 to compare findings with the European Commission's statement of a 25% decrease in CTAs in the EU from 2007 to 2011. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2011, the summarised number of CTAs decreased significantly (AAGR -3.9% (p=0.02)), primarily due to a decrease in commercially sponsored CTAs. From 2012 to 2015, the change was insignificant (AAGR 2.6% (p=0.27)), however with a 10% increase from 2014 to 2015 after stagnation from 2012 to 2014. Overall, the number of CTAs and distribution by type of sponsor varied considerably between countries. No distinct trends were observed when evaluating CTAs by type of trial phase. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a significant decrease in the number of CTAs in Western Europe from 2007 to 2011 (AAGR -3.9%). This development is possibly attributable to several factors such as the European Clinical Trials Directive, national and local political decisions, and a potential global shift in clinical trial activity. From 2014 to 2015, the number of CTAs increased markedly (10%). However, it is yet too soon to determine if this constitutes a transient fluctuation or a new trend.
In: Zuberbier , T , Abdul Latiff , A H , Abuzakouk , M , Aquilina , S , Asero , R , Baker , D , Ballmer-Weber , B , Bangert , C , Ben-Shoshan , M , Bernstein , J A , Bindslev-Jensen , C , Brockow , K , Brzoza , Z , Chong Neto , H J , Church , M K , Criado , P R , Danilycheva , I V , Dressler , C , Ensina , L F , Fonacier , L , Gaskins , M , Gáspár , K , Gelincik , A , Giménez-Arnau , A , Godse , K , Gonçalo , M , Grattan , C , Grosber , M , Hamelmann , E , Hébert , J , Hide , M , Kaplan , A , Kapp , A , Kessel , A , Kocatürk , E , Kulthanan , K , Larenas-Linnemann , D , Lauerma , A , Leslie , T A , Magerl , M , Makris , M , Meshkova , R Y , Metz , M , Micallef , D , Mortz , C G , Nast , A , Oude-Elberink , H , Pawankar , R , Pigatto , P D , Ratti Sisa , H , Rojo Gutiérrez , M I , Saini , S S , Schmid-Grendelmeier , P , Sekerel , B E , Siebenhaar , F , Siiskonen , H , Soria , A , Staubach-Renz , P , Stingeni , L , Sussman , G , Szegedi , A , Thomsen , S F , Vadasz , Z , Vestergaard , C , Wedi , B , Zhao , Z & Maurer , M 2022 , ' The international EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria ' , Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology , vol. 77 , no. 3 , pp. 734-766 . https://doi.org/10.1111/all.15090
This update and revision of the international guideline for urticaria was developed following the methods recommended by Cochrane and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. It is a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN) and its Urticaria and Angioedema Centers of Reference and Excellence (UCAREs and ACAREs), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF; EuroGuiDerm), and the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology with the participation of 64 delegates of 50 national and international societies and from 31 countries. The consensus conference was held on 3 December 2020. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). Urticaria is a frequent, mast cell–driven disease that presents with wheals, angioedema, or both. The lifetime prevalence for acute urticaria is approximately 20%. Chronic spontaneous or inducible urticaria is disabling, impairs quality of life, and affects performance at work and school. This updated version of the international guideline for urticaria covers the definition and classification of urticaria and outlines expert-guided and evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria.