[Respiratory symptoms and sensitization to airborne pollen of ragweed and mugwort of adults in Southwest Germany].

Background And Objective: Allergic diseases of the respiratory tract are common atopic diseases in the population. Pollen of plants are one of their main causes. Pollen of trees, grasses, and weeds like mugwort are of particular importance in this context.

[Normalisation of screening HASE for 4- to 4½-year-old children].

For reasons of prevention medical examinations of school beginners are brought forward up to 2 years before school enrollment. In Baden-Württemberg HASE is used as screening for risks in the acquisition of language and in learning to read and write. Up to now norms were insufficient for the age-group of 4;0-4;5 years.

Association of fatty acids in serum phospholipids with lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in adults.

Background: The dietary intake of certain fatty acids might have an impact on inflammatory processes in the lung and therefore contribute to the development of lung diseases like asthma or COPD.

Methods: In this study data from a population based cross-sectional study on respiratory health including measurement of fatty acids in serum phospholipids of 593 adults between 20 and 64 years of age were analyzed.

Results: Statistically significant positive associations were found between percentage predicted FEV1 (P = 0.

Impact of parental education and income inequality on children's food intake.

Objective: To analyse the association between socio-economic indicators and diet among 2-year-old children, by assessing the independent contribution of parental education and equivalent income to food intake.

Design: The analysis was based on data from a prospective birth cohort study. Information on diet was obtained using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire.

Association of carotenoids, tocopherols and vitamin C in plasma with allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitisation in adults.

Objectives: Antioxidant nutrients like carotenoids, tocopherols and vitamin C have been suggested to protect against allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitisation but scientific evidence is scarce. The aims of the study were to measure the plasma concentration of six carotenoids, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol and vitamin C as biomarkers of the intake, absorption and subsequent metabolism of these nutrients, and to assess their association with allergic rhinitis and sensitisation.

Method: Data from a cross-sectional study on representative dietary and lifestyle habits of the population of Bavaria, Germany, were analysed.