bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children who run
Authors: DE'ATH ERICA , NEWMAN CATHY
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. A lack of national statistics is compounded by a range of terms used to describe young people away from home and a definition for ‘runaway’ is suggested. Eased on 12 months data (interim findings of a three year research project), a ‘safe house’ for young runaways in London, run by The Children's Society, is described. Reasons for running, both from parental home and local authority care, are outlined together with some of the consequences. Five key areas are highlighted in order to develop appropriate services, skills and policies to meet the needs of runaways

A ‘runaways’ pack containing the briefing paper and leaflets for use in school, together with further information about the Central London Teenage Project is available from: The Public Relations Department, The Children's Society, Edward Rudolf House, Margery Street, London WC1X 0JL
Developing services to meet the special heeds of children under five: towards collective responsibility
Authors: WOLFENDALE SHEILA
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This article is based on a keynote talk given at a dg seminar on Under Fives: Special Needs, Special Services?held at the National Children's Bureau in June 1987.

The purpose of the seminar is sketched as an introduction. Historical evolution of traditions and practice in early childhood education and in special education are traced and common Principles are identified as a basis for reconciling these traditions to form collective responses to young children's special needs. A number of recent and current initiatives are described which attest to the potential for developing policies on under fives and special needs which epitomise working partnerships between statutory and voluntary services and families.
NCH's Children in Danger campaign
Authors: WHITE TOM
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This article describes the thinking behind the National Children's Home's (NCH) Children in Danger campaign which began in 1985. It discusses the difficulties and benefits for a service providing child care voluntary organisation involving itself in social policy campaigning. The reasons behind the campaign are outlined, its implementation and its effects both on the public and the organisation.
Investing in the future: what is happening to children's health in the UK?
Authors: KURTZ ZARRINA
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. In June 1987 the Policy and Practice Review Group of the National Children's Bureau produced a review of child health and child health services ten years after the Court Report. This article sets this review in context and summarises its findings. The author wishes to acknowledge the fundamental contribution to the text of this article made by the members of the special sub‐committee of the PPRG of the NCB and of its Chairman, Professor Philip Graham.
Developing our understanding of young people and drugs
Authors: IVES RICHARD
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Many youngsters use drugs illicitly or illegally. They can therefore no longer be considered part of a small minority of delinquents. Still larger numbers of young people use alcohol or tobacco. However, most young people have not used drugs illegally and most have a negative attitude towards drug use. The author thus argues for more involvement of young people in prevention schemes, as they are more likely to be listened to by the target audience

The article goes on to argue for variety in service provision in response to the changing nature of drug use and drug users. A. careful eclecticism should lead to co‐operation between services, availability of alternatives to drug use and the involvement of the wider community
Changing comprehensive schools
Authors: REYNOLDS DAVID
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. After a slow start, in changing from traditional school models, comprehensive schools have more recently been changing in ethos, curriculum and organisation as shown by a local study in Wales. It seems likely that the same trends have been occurring nationally with an increasing emphasis on social as well as academic objectives. This article considers what effects new educational policies may have on this ‘radicalisation’ of the comprehensive sector
Institutional characteristics and staff behaviour in day nurseries
Authors: RICHMAN NAOMI , McGUIRE JACQUELINE
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The authors report on a research project aimed at identifying differences between day nurseries in relation to staff and child behaviour. Six day nurseries were studied in London: staff levels and behaviour were measured against child behaviour and interactions between adults and children. They conclude that management styles, group size and staff attitudes to parents affect staff behaviour and consequently problem behaviour in children. The work was supported by a grant from the Department of Health and Social Security

This paper is based in part upon a presentation to the Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society, Leeds, April 1988
Where do families stand after the Cleveland Inquiry?
Authors: GIEVE KATHERINE
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. One of the most important contributions of the Butler‐Sloss Inquiry into Child Abase in Cleveland is to acknowledge the existence and the seriousness of child sexual abuse. The Family Rights Group know from their advice work how difficult it is for families to believe that children have been sexually abused; how fearful mothers are of the implications of accepting the possibility of abuse by their partners; and that often people will not listen to children. In looking at the lessons of the Inquiry this paper seeks to focus on some aspects of law and practice and the way they impinge on family members
Lessons for teachers from Cleveland More questions than answers
Authors: MAHER PETER
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Schools and the role of teachers were rarely mentioned in the Cleveland Inquiry, However, they have a vitally important part to play in the identification of sexually abused children, in support for such children and in preventive strategies. In this article, the author argues not only for a recognition of this role by other professionals, but also by teachers themselves and the education system as a whole. To date, he argues, inadequate understanding of these issues has been compounded by a lack of resources for training and of involvement in the multi‐disciplinary process
Wheels within wheels and systems within systems The assessment process
Authors: HOLMES PAUL
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. To assess the problems and needs of a disturbed child or adolescent, there should be an awareness of many interacting conceptual systems within which the individual exists and develops. This paper highlights the theoretical view that an individual cannot be fully understood within any single theoretical framework or system

Using an awareness of the hierarchy of systems., formulations are set out to allow for logical interventions at one or more of these levels; thus reducing the need for professionals to decide on the ‘right’ intervention or treatment for any individual or family
Making case conferences more effective: a checklist for monitoring and training
Authors: CLINE TONY
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The effectiveness of children's case conferences has been called into doubt. This article presents an observiation checklist for participants that may be used in training and may be adapted by individuals and groups in the field for monitoring their own effectiveness. It proposes a detailed examination of the preparation of a conference, the way discussion is initiated, the decision forming process, the behaviour of participants, including oneself and the involvement of parents, guardians and children.
Putting asunder: the restructuring of the Australian Family Court
Authors: RAYNER MOIRA
Published: August 2010

This article reviews the Australian Family Court system. In describing the history, the author argues that the system is still incomplete: each state or territory has a different division of labour between their own and the federal courts.

The Australian system has been criticised, not least from senior members of the judiciary in Australia. But the author concludes that some of the criticisms are exaggerated, and the benefits have been ignored. The fundamental problem is still the low status and priority given to children and families by lawyers.
Assisted reproduction: what's in it for children?
Authors: BLYTH ERIC
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Recent technological advances in assisted reproduction and publicity accompanying surrogacy arrangements have raised questions about the extent to which such practices should be subjected to formal regulatory control. For the most part, the consequences for children created following the successful application of assisted reproduction techniques have been ignored. This paper examines the implications of the techniques and the proposals for their regulation for these children
Making use of child protection statistics
Authors: CORBY BRIAN
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This paper examines the first set of national statistics collected regarding children on child protection registers. It aims to demonstrate how these statistics can be used to develop policy and practice in the child protection field, provided they are interpreted with care and utilised constructively
In care? In school?
Authors: FLETCHER‐CAMPBELL FELICITY
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This article draws on NFER/ESRC funded research aimed at reviewing the arrangements for the education of children in care. The study followed up issues raised by Sonia Jackson (see CHILDREN & SOCIETY, 2:4) and others who were concerned that the educational experiences of children in care were often poor and that one of the main causes was the lack of coordinated approach by the social services, education departments and other agencies. The paper outlines current arrangements, explores the issues and recommends more research and new policies and practices
Adults' perceptions of children's videotaped truthful and deceptive statements
Authors: WESTCOTT HELEN L. , DAVIES GRAHAM M. , CLIFFORD BRIAN R.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This article uses a research study on decisions about children's truth telling to discuss the difficult issues involved in using video‐taped evidence in child abuse cases. The adult raters had to decide whether each child recounting a school trip was telling the truth or had only seen a video recording of the day's events. Raters were just above chance in detecting truth and deception, were better able to detect truth tellers than deceivers, and were more successful in decoding deceptive behaviour presented by boys and younger children. Most accuracy‐confidence relationships were not significant.
Custodianship and its implications for the Children Act
Authors: BULLARD EMMA
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Custodianship of children was introduced by the 1975 Children Act, but not implemented until 1985. It has now been overtaken by new concepts in the 1989 Children Act, but the experience thus far provides useful indications of how Residence Orders may be operated. Based on Department of Health funded research, this article shows how careers and birth families see such measures designed to give security to children while maintaining contact with their original parents. The article gives important information to all professionals who will have to work with the new principles of parental responsibility.
How do we value our children today? as reflected by children's health, health care and policy?
Authors: KURTZ ZARRINA , TOMLINSON JOHN
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The importance of children in their own right and of their healthy development for the health of society, have been affirmed at an international level by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 and by the Children Act 1989 in the United Kingdom. In the UK fifteen years ago, the report of the Court Committee set out a framework for Child Health Services based on the same recognition of the value of children. This paper describes how in spite of the far‐reaching recommendations made by the Court Committee, the health of children in this country is far from satisfactory; how health policy and services have failed to meet their health care needs; and how other recent legislation such as the NHS and Community Care Act may well lead to further difficulties in working for the best interests of the child.
The youth examiner: an Israeli socio‐legal experiment
Authors: EAGLSTEIN A. SOLOMON , KARNIEL YUVAL
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: In 1955 an innovative statute was enacted in Israel regarding children's testimony in cases of child sexual abuse. In order to save a child victim, witness or suspect from the psychological harm or anguish of examination and cross‐examination in court and interrogation by police, a ‘youth examiner’ was given the task to collect relevant and necessary evidence from the child. If in his professional opinion harm would come to the child by appearing in court, then the examiner's own account of the evidence became admissible in court. A brief history and administrative description of the position are presented. Survey and anecdotal data, and administrative reporting describe the basic demographic characteristics of the youth examiners. the number of children interviewed, the number of court appearances and the relations with police judges.
Problems in the assessment and management of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy abuse
Authors: NEALE BRENDA , BOOLS CHRISTOPHER , MEADOW ROY
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: ‘Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy’ describes the abuse incurred by children as a result of their parents inventing false illness stories. It is a complex mixture of emotional and physical abuse which, because of the medical elements, can be particularly difficult to manage through current procedures. The authors have been involved with more than 200 such families and studied the reasons for delay before intervention, problems with placement of the child and access arrangements, and the difficulties encountered by professionals in securing long‐term involvement and satisfactory supervision. These are considered in relation to the various outcomes for the children assessed at follow‐up 1–14 years after the initial abuse.
Police Reforms in Child Abuse Investigation: Their Success and Limitations in the Struggle to Uphold Children's Rights
Authors: Smith Angela
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The past decade has shown increased awareness, concern and understanding about the extent of child abuse, particularly sexual abuse, and the caring agencies response to listen to and to support the young victims. This article looks at the response of the police service over that decade to meet such demands and to work jointly and responsively with social services to further the welfare and protection of children. It also examines the constraints and limitations of the police and social services when they attempt to uphold the rights of child victims and to gain redress through the criminal justice system
The Disqualification of Childminders: A New Form of Assessment?
Authors: Hebenton Bill , Thomas Terry
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Amongst the many new statutory Regulations introduced with the Children Act 1989 are the “Disqualification for Caring for Children Regulations 1991‘. The Regulations outline, for the first time, exactly which previous criminal convictions may lead to a person being disqualified as a childminder, day care worker or private foster parent. The paper describes the background and implications of the Regulations and suggests some possible implications.
Coordination, Fragmentation and Definitions of Need: The New Under Fives Initiative and Homeless Families
Authors: Edwards Rosalind
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This article links together the broad coordination debate within the early years field, and how children's needs are conceptualised and defined. It does this in conjunction with an examination of the government's new Under Fives Initiative and the situation of the homeless families that some of the voluntary projects funded under the Initiative are intended to reach. For homeless families, mothers' more holistic perceptions of their children's needs are revealed as providing a good basis for coordination within and between sectors, as opposed to policy, agency and professional definitions of their needs. The latter are being forged and reformulated in the context of increasing service fragmentation, as well as short term government funding for the voluntary sector. Coherence in definitions of needs could provide a pragmatic response to such changes in service provision and funding.
The Notion of Justice in Social Workers' Decisions About Children
Authors: Owen Morag
Published: August 2010

This paper investigates the notion of justice in social work with a view to understanding the kind of decisions which may be made for ‘children in need’. The approach is both theoretical and empirical. By examining the reasoning of social workers in cases where children have been admitted voluntarily to local authority care, the author explores the value‐base of the professionals in difficult cases. The result is a picture of justice which has both social and legal dimensions, combined in a way which can be explained by reference to practice theory.
Contracting: Opportunity or Threat?
Authors: Jarman Michael
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The article reveals the tensions engendered for voluntary organisations by the necessity to operate in a commercial situation. It argues that a strength of the contract culture is that it requires much greater clarity from voluntary bodies about their raison d'etre, goals and values. It maintains. however, that government claims that contracts are entirely consistent with principles of partnership cannot be sustained The concept of purchaser‐provider is not the same as joint contributor and the costs both human and financial may be greater than is yet apparent.
Access and Child Contact Centres in England and Wales: An Ethnographic Perspective
Authors: Simpson Bob
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Access centres are a recent development in service provision for families facing difficulties over child contact following divorce or separation. The author has worked for over two years as a volunteer at an access centre and provides a personal view of key issues in the organisation and operation of access centres. Discussion of detailed case material throws light on the paradoxes which arise when a pro‐access ideology is exercised in an informal setting.
Children's Rights and Health Care
Authors: Kurtz Zarrina
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Health and health care are defined as rights in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, although the National Health Service offers universal coverage, it is hugely expensive with growing costs and growing demands made upon it. Rationing is inevitable and priorities must be set. This paper discusses the part that children's rights can play in influencing equitable provision and the quality of care.
In Need of a Guarantee
Authors: Rogers Rick
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: Recent research, together with school inspection reports by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), reveal that many children are given little opportunity to take part in arts activities. The deficiencies found in arts provision in schools are mainly the unintentional effects of local management of schools and the way schools are interpreting the National Curriculum. Linked with these is the low priority that is often given to ensuring children have ready and wide‐ranging access to the arts. A new report by the Royal Society of Arts, with support by the Arts Council of England and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, documents the key research findings, explains why the arts are at risk, and recommends ways forward (based on the research) and aimed at all groups with a responsibility for arts education in schools.
Permanent Exclusions from Schools in England in the 1990s: Trends, Causes and Responses1
Authors: Parsons Carl
Published: August 2010

The number of permanent exclusions from school continues to rise. The number excluded in the 1994–95 school year, the first full year after the implementation of the sections of the 1993 Act, stands at over 12000. Some 84% of permanent exclusions are from secondary schools and over 45% of these are estimated to be in years 10 and 11. Provision for pupils out of school is still unsatisfactory with many receiving part‐time education, some very part‐time. Responses to exclusion are too limited in scope, underfunded and, in the present competitive climate, will not stem the rise in numbers.
A la Recherche du Temps Perdu: Case‐study Evidence from Off‐site and Pupil Referral Units
Authors: Garner Philip
Published: August 2010

Recent changes in provision for children who have been excluded from school have involved the establishment of Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). This paper proposes that many of the difficulties which face both teachers and young people working in PRUs are replicating problems that have traditionally existed in segregated education. Using the views of young people who have been excluded from school and those of their teachers it notes the similarities between current provision and the ‘off‐site units’ for so‐called disruptive children of the 1970s and 1980s. What results, it is argued, represents an often well‐meaning but hopelessly inadequate response to the needs of these children.
Children and anti‐poverty strategies
Authors: Cohen Ruth , Long Gil
Published: August 2010

This paper discusses how far local authority anti‐poverty strategies consider the impact of poverty on children. After outlining some findings on child poverty and linking these with current debates on children's rights, it examines a selection of anti‐poverty strategies. Although examples of good practice are highlighted, the paper concludes that in general issues affecting children living in poverty are insufficiently addressed and that anti‐poverty strategies should be refocused to take account of the needs and rights of children.
Out‐of‐Home Placement of Children Exposed to Violence
Authors: Harpaz‐Rotem Ilan , Berkowitz Steven , Marans Steven , Murphy Robert A. , Rosenheck Robert A.
Published: August 2010

There is growing concern about the increasing number of children in the USA who are exposed to community violence and the need to remove some of them from their families. This study examines risk factors for out‐of‐home placement among a large pool of children and adolescents who were referred for general clinical assessment following exposure to violence and/or psychological trauma in their communities or homes. Children with greater familial and environmental support and children exposed to incidents involving a non‐parental personal threat were associated with a significantly lower risk of out‐of‐home placement. A greater likelihood of being placed out of home was associated with older age (adolescents), history of mental health service use, involvement with law enforcement agencies, higher clinical ratings of depression or impaired thought processes, lower clinical functioning and greater exposure to traumatic events. Evidence of maltreatment and a threat to life was associated with 13.6 times greater likelihood of being placed out of the home. This study raises an important issue in respect to the children's past use of mental health service and current symptoms. It is not just the risk of violence but also evidence of psychiatric problem that trigger out‐of‐home placement. Further studies are needed to assess the quality and effectiveness of mental health services provided to children exposed to violence. © 2007 The Author(s). Journal compilation © 2007 National Children's Bureau.
Interrogating the Concentration on the UNCRC Instead of the ECHR in the Development of Children's Rights in England?
Authors: Lyon Christina M.
Published: August 2010

This review seeks to question the marked concentration in the work of both government and non‐governmental agencies on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is not part of the law in England, as contrasted with the relative absence of reference to the European Convention on Human Rights, which has, since 2 October 2000, been a part of English law through the implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998. The concentration on the UNCRC both in speeches (Hughes) and guidance emanating from government departments and agencies Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, Department for Education and Skills, and non‐governmental agencies (UNICEF UK) is noteworthy but raises critical questions as to why equal attention is not focused on the European Convention of Human Rights.
Asylum, Participation and the Best Interests of the Child: New Lessons from Norway
Authors: Lidén Hilde , Rusten Hilde
Published: August 2010

This article discusses Norway's implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in relation to the field of asylum. In particular, we explore the dilemmas and challenges posed by efforts to realise children's right to express their views and have these views given due weight in decision‐making processes as stipulated in Article 12 of the CRC. The Norwegian authorities have sought to uphold this right through the introduction of ‘child conversations’ within the asylum process. As we explain, children's participation may be crucial in terms of revealing persecution and thus the need for protection in accordance with the 1951 Refugee Convention. However, the early experience of implementing child conversations suggests limited usefulness—indeed the practice may be questioned in the light of the primary obligation of states parties to the CRC to attend to children's best interests. Drawing upon experience from Sweden, the article offers suggestions for how the pursuit of children's participation within the Norwegian asylum system might be developed to ensure that it genuinely serves their best interests.
Understanding Vulnerability: From Categories to Experiences of Young Congolese People in Uganda
Authors: Clark Christina R.
Published: August 2010

This article problematises the ‘vulnerables’ category that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees applies to groups of refugees. Drawing on 9 months’ qualitative research with young Congolese refugees in Uganda, it presents research subjects’ self‐identification and lived realities that do not correspond to the homogenous, fixed ‘vulnerables’ ideal. Moreover, it argues that the ‘vulnerables’ categorisation approach can provoke a number of counter‐productive effects, including a focus on symptoms rather than causes, inflated numbers of ‘vulnerables’ and undermining indigenous support structures. An alternative approach that interrogates and addresses the contextual and relational aspects of vulnerability is proposed.
Being Judged, Being Assessed: Young People’s Perspective of Assessment in Youth Justice and Education
Authors: Ellis Katie , France Alan
Published: August 2010

Research from the Economic and Social Research Council programme on Pathways Into and Out of Crime prioritised young people’s ‘voices’ in exploring experiences of crime and a range of intervention services. Drawing on data from interviews with 110 young people, this paper explores their perspectives of professional assessment. Embedded within neo‐liberal youth welfare policies are a number of contradictions. Policies encourage ‘individualisation’, ‘responsiblisation’ and ‘self‐realisation’ while also needing to maintain control and regulation of ‘risky’ populations. This paper explores the implication of these contradictions through examining the experiences of young people being assessed in youth justice and education. The impact on their identities as neo‐liberal citizens is discussed in the conclusion.
Randomized phase II study of concurrent and sequential combinations of rituximab plus CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) chemotherapy in untreated indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: 7‐year follow‐up results
Authors: Tobinai Kensei , Ogura Michinori , Itoh Kuniaki , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Hotta Tomomitsu , Watanabe Takashi , Morishima Yasuo , Igarashi Tadahiko , Terauchi Takashi , Ohashi Yasuo ,   all collaborators of the IDEC‐C2B8 Study Group in Japan
Published: August 2010

Rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (R‐CHOP) is one of the most frequently applied initial treatments for indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL); however, information on its long‐term outcome is limited. Untreated patients in the concurrent arm (Arm C) received six R (375 mg/m2) treatments, 2 days prior to each cycle of CHOP, and patients in the sequential arm (Arm S) received 6 weekly R (375 mg/m2) treatments following six cycles of CHOP. Sixty‐nine patients were randomized but two patients were withdrawn before receiving the protocol treatment. Sixty‐five patients (94%) had follicular lymphoma, and 37 (55%) were at low risk, 23 (34%) at intermediate risk and seven (10%) at high risk according to the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index. We previously reported that the overall response rate (ORR) in Arm C and in Arm S was 94% and 97%, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS)/7‐year PFS rate in Arm C, Arm S and all 67 assessable patients was 2.4 years/23% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9–40%), 3.8 years/41% (95% CI, 23–57%) and 2.8 years/32% (95% CI, 20–45%), respectively. There was no significant difference between the two arms (P = 0.107). The overall survival (OS) of the 67 patients was 95% at 7 years. In conclusion, R‐CHOP is a highly effective initial treatment for untreated indolent B‐NHL in terms of ORR and OS; however, its long‐term PFS is not good enough either in concurrent or sequential combination, warranting further investigations on post‐remission therapy. (Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 2579–2585)
Esterase polymorphism in vitreous fluid of Pacific hake, Merluccius productus
Authors: Utter Fred M. , Stormont Clyde J. , Hodgins Harold O.
Published: August 2010

Three regions of esterase activity designated I, II, and III were found on zymograms of vitreous fluids. Region I, the most anodal, exhibited two zones, one of which (the slower) was in all samples, occasionally accompanied by a second band which moved just ahead of it. Likewise, Region III, the most cathodal, exhibited two phenotypes, a common one‐band and a rare two‐band phenotype. Region II was occupied by one‐ and two‐banded combinations of five different zones (a, b, c, d and e), which indicated that each band was the product of an allelic series of genes (EsIIa, EsIIb, etc.).

Only 11 of 15 expected phenotypes were encountered because of the rarity of alleles EsIIa and EsIIc. The most common allele, EsIIb, had a frequency of 0.83 in Puget Sound hake and 0.60 in Pacific Ocean hake; this difference was highly significant. In the Pacific Ocean population agreement was good between observed and expected numbers, assuming Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. In the Puget Sound samples deviations from expected frequencies did not appear in females or first‐year fish, but deviations were significant in males 2 years and older; these deviations occurred as a marked deficiency of bd males combined with an excess of bb and dd males, particularly the latter. Inhibition tests indicated that these isozymes are B esterases. Estimations of molecular weight for the isozymes of Region II based on chromatographic and ultracentrifugation methods were 70,000 and 73,500, respectively.
Genetic control of liver esterase forms in chickens
Authors: Okada Ikuo , Sasaki Shigeru
Published: August 2010

Six regions of esterase activity designated I to VI were resolved from liver extracts of chickens by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. These esterases were further characterized on the basis of their substrate affinities and differential responses to various inhibitors.

Genetic variation was found in esterases of region VI which appeared to be ali‐esterase. Four phenotypes, A, B, AB and O, were observed. These phenotypes were shown to be controlled by one autosomal locus, designated Es‐3, with alleles Es‐3A, Es‐3B and Es‐3O. This locus is not closely linked to the blood group loci A and B, serum alkaline phosphatase (Ap), liver acid phosphatase (Acp‐2) and serum esterase (Es‐1) loci.
Polymorphism of transferrin in Ictalurus melas
Authors: Fine J. M. , Drilhon A. , Marneux M. , Mazeaud F. , Amouch P.
Published: August 2010

Polymorphism of serum transferrins in Siluridae (Ictalurus melas) was found by using starch gel electrophoresis of sera previously labelled with radioactive iron (59Fe).

This polymorphism is based on the existence of 4 types of transferrins having different electrophoresis mobilities: types A, B, C and D. The types correspond with alleles at a single locus. Out of 10 theoretically possible phenotypes, 9 were observed by studying 140 individuals. These phenotypes differ between populations in two ponds in Sologne, France.
Genetic variation in the purine nucleoside phosphorylase activity of sheep red cells
Authors: Tucker E. M. , Young J. D.
Published: August 2010

The purine nucleoside phosphorylase (NP) activity of sheep red cells was determined by starch gel electrophoresis and by a spectrophotometric assay technique. Some sheep had high activity (NP‐high type) and some had low or zero activity (NP‐low type). The enzyme deficiency is apparently confined to the red cell since other tissues from NP‐low type animals had activities similar to those from NP‐high type individuals. Family data indicated that NP activity is controlled by a pair of autosomal allelic genes, designated NPH and NPL. Sheep heterozygous for the NP genes had lower enzymic activities than homozygous high‐type individuals. The frequency of NP types in different breeds of sheep was determined. Barbary and Mouflon sheep had activities similar to NP‐high type domestic sheep; goats had high enzyme activities but their NP had a slower electrophoretic mobility than that of sheep.
Serologically defined specificities of the pig main histocompatibility complex (SL‐A)
Authors: Hruban V. , Simon M. , Hradecky J. , Pazdera J.
Published: August 2010

Six antigens detectable by the complement‐dependent lymphocytotoxic technique were determined in pigs by six groups of alloimmune sera. It was confirmed that these specificities are controlled by the main histocompatibility region (SL‐A). Serological and genetic studies showed that the given specificities (provisionally designated LI to L6) form at least 6 haplotypes. In addition, family studies confirmed the linkage between SL‐A region and C blood group locus. Maximum lod score values are in recombination fraction v= 0.2.
Development and genetic differences of complement activity in rabbits*
Authors: Abe Tsuneo , Koraatsu Masanori , Oishi Takao , Yamamoto Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2010

The ontogeny of haemolytic complement in rabbit serum and the genetic differences of the activity in five strains of adult rabbits were investigated by single radial haemolysis in gel and a microtiter method with purified complement components and the appropriate haemolytic intermediate cells.

The haemolytic complement activity was found as early as the 15th day of foetal life, and increased with age reaching approximately adult level by the 120th day of life. Marked strain differences in both total haemolytic activity and C3 levels of adult rabbit sera were observed. The repeatability of haemolytic activity for an individual serum taken at different times was higher than that for C3 levels and no significant correlation between haemolytic activity and C3 level was observed. An inherited complement deficiency, due to the lack of C6, was found in a strain of Angora rabbits. The genetic studies confirmed that this complement defect was transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.
Evidence for the presence of an additional allele in the F system of British Friesian cattle blood
Authors: Hall J. G. , Ross D. S.
Published: August 2010

The antithetical relationship of the F and V alleles in British Friesian cattle was found to be imperfect. The presence of another allele was inferred. It was suspected of being native to the British Isles.

Parentage records that contravened the assumption that F +V– and F–V + animals were homozygous were not necessarily erroneous.

Black and white cattle in the Netherlands have received semen from a bull carrying the allele.
Immunoglobulin G4‐antibodies to rBet v 1 and risk of sensitization and atopic disease in the child
Authors: Kihlström A. , Hedlin G. , Pershagen G. , Troye‐Blomberg M. , Härfast B. , Lilja G.
Published: August 2010

Background
In 1993 extremely high levels of birch‐pollen were recorded in Stockholm, Sweden. This provided an opportunity to evaluate the effects of aeroallergen exposure (exp.) on the early immune response.

Objective
To assess the influence of exp. to birch‐pollen during pregnancy and infancy on the allergen‐specific IgE‐ and IgG4‐antibody (ab) response and the development of atopic disease in children.

Methods
A total of 970 children with atopic heredity and born in Stockholm 1992, 1993 or 1994 were investigated at age 4.5–5 years. They were divided into five groups; high‐dose exp. at 1 year of age, high‐dose exp. at 0–3 months, low‐dose exp. at 0–3 months, high‐dose exp. during pregnancy and low‐dose exp. during pregnancy. The children were examined and skin prick tested with inhalant and food allergens. IgE abs (against birch‐pollen and recombinant Bet v 1(rBet v1)) and IgG4 abs (against rBet v 1) were analysed in serum. All children were assembled in one group to assess the effects of different ab responses (IgE/IgG4) on the development of atopic disease.

Results
Children exposed to high doses of birch‐pollen during the first 3 months of life more often had detectable levels of IgG4 abs to rBet v 1 than the children in the other groups (P<0.001), independent of sensitization to birch. Overall, the risk of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was increased among children sensitized to birch‐pollen and appeared more pronounced in children without detectable levels of IgG4 ab to rBet v 1 (Odds ratio 9.4; 95% Confidence interval: 5.5–16.1). IgE sensitization to birch‐pollen seemed to have a stronger influence on the development of atopic disease than the IgG4‐ab response.

Conclusion
Exposure to high doses of inhalant allergens during the early postnatal period is associated with detectable levels of allergen‐specific IgG4 ab even at 5 years of age. An immune modulating effect by IgG4 on symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is suggested in children sensitized to birch.
Decrease of selective immunoglobulin E response to amoxicillin despite repeated administration of benzylpenicillin and penicillin V
Authors: Fernandez T. , Torres M. J. , R‐Pena R. , Fuentes M. S. , Robles S. , Mayorga C. , Blanca M.
Published: August 2010

Background
Subjects with IgE responses to betalactams can develop selective or cross‐reactive responses after the administration of penicillin derivatives. After the reaction, however, the hapten induces a boosting phenomenon, which may increase the titre and the affinity of the antibody, with the resulting risk of developing allergic reactions to other penicillins.

Objective
To determine in subjects with selective responses to amoxicillin (AX) and good tolerance to benzylpenicillin (BP) and penicillin V (PV) whether the administration of these compounds induced any change in specificity, measured by either skin or in vitro testing, which could predict the appearance of cross‐reactivity.

Methods
Ten subjects with a selective response to AX were followed‐up for 2 years with the periodic administration of penicillin G and V (Group A) and compared with another group composed of 10 persons with identical clinical characteristics but without repeated penicillin administration (Group B). Periodic in vitro and in vivo measurements of specific IgE antibodies were performed at 6‐month intervals. Patients were randomized to Group A or B according to their order of inclusion.

Results
In both groups, skin test reactivity tended to decrease, and although greater in Group A, the difference was not significant compared with Group B. Median RAST values also decreased over time and showed no differences in the exposed group compared with the controls. One patient in Group A became positive to benzylpenicilloyl (BPO), despite becoming negative to AX.

Conclusion
Subjects with selective IgE responses to side‐chain‐specific determinants seem to become negative, with no influence from subsequent administration of a closely related penicillin.
Latex allergy: low prevalence of immunoglobulin E to highly purified proteins Hev b 2 and Hev b 13
Authors: Palosuo T. , Lehto M. , Kotovuori A. , Kalkkinen N. , Blanco C. , Poza P. , Carrillo T. , Hamilton R. G. , Alenius H. , Reunala T. , Turjanmaa K.
Published: August 2010

Background
Hevea brasiliensis (Hev b) 2 and Hev b 13 have recently been identified as major latex allergens by detecting specific IgE antibodies in >50% of sera from Hev b latex‐allergic individuals.

Objective
We assessed the prevalence rates for sensitization to extensively purified latex allergens in patients from three diverse geographical areas.

Methods
Native Hev b 2, Hev b 5, Hev b 6.01 and Hev b 13 were purified by non‐denaturating chromatography and were used in ELISAs to assess sera from 215 latex‐allergic patients and 172 atopic non‐sensitized controls from Finland, Spain and the United States to detect allergen‐specific IgE antibodies.

Results
Unexpectedly, even highly purified Hev b 13 contained epitope(s) to which Hev b 6‐specific human IgE antibodies bound effectively. Further purification, however, reduced the prevalence of IgE antibody reactivity to low levels: 15%, 5% and 11% for Hev b 2, and 18%, 30% and 27% for Hev b 13 among latex‐allergic Finnish, Spanish and American patients, respectively. Interestingly, Finnish patients had a lower prevalence of Hev b 5‐specific IgE antibody (28%) as compared with Spanish (49%) and American (71%) patients. The prevalence of Hev b 6.01‐specific IgE reactivity was uniformly >50% in all three populations.

Conclusion
Neither Hev b 2 nor Hev b 13 appear to be major latex allergens when evaluated in serological assays using highly purified allergens. The reason(s) for the observed differences in published sensitization rates in various geographic regions requires further study. The purity of the allergen preparations has a marked impact on the accuracy of latex‐specific IgE antibody detection in epidemiological studies and in the serological diagnosis of latex allergy.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of montelukast in adult atopic eczema
Authors: Friedmann P. S. , Palmer R. , Tan E. , Ogboli M. , Barclay G. , Hotchkiss K. , Berth‐Jones J.
Published: August 2010

Background
Montelukast is an antagonist of cys‐leukotriene receptors used mainly in the treatment of asthma‐ and seasonal‐allergic rhinitis. Initial reports concerning the use of montelukast in atopic dermatitis (AD) have been encouraging, although not consistent.

Objectives
We have undertaken a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled trial to investigate further the efficacy of montelukast in the treatment of atopic eczema.

Methods
Following a screening visit, subjects received placebo treatment for 2 weeks in a single‐blind phase, followed after visit 2 by an 8‐week, double‐blind period of treatment with montelukast 10 mg daily or placebo. Subjects were patients aged 16–60 years under our care for treatment of AD of moderate severity, defined by a six‐area, six‐sign atopic dermatitis (SASSAD) score in the range 12–50. Response to treatment was assessed by investigators and by subjects using a seven‐point scale, with response defined as marked improvement or better. In addition, the SASSAD score was used to monitor the severity of clinical signs. The proportion of skin involved was estimated and visual analogue scales were used to record the severity of pruritus and sleep disturbance. Topical corticosteroid usage was recorded using a five‐point scale. Adverse events were recorded.

Results
Sixty subjects were recruited and 54 completed the study. The treatment groups were well matched for disease severity at baseline (SASSAD scores were 25 and 29 in the montelukast and placebo groups, respectively). There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in any of the parameters used to assess treatment response. The improvement in mean SASSAD score from baseline (visit 2) to the end of treatment was marginally superior in the placebo group, 1.41 points on montelukast vs. 1.76 on placebo, a difference of 0.35 (95% confidence interval −6.1 to 6.8). Adverse events were generally of a mild nature except for a brief septicaemic illness in one subject receiving montelukast.

Conclusions
The data do not support previous reports of efficacy of montelukast in treatment of AD.
Primary prevention of allergy: avoiding risk or providing protection?
Authors: Hamelmann E. , Beyer K. , Gruber C. , Lau S. , Matricardi P. M. , Nickel R. , Niggemann B. , Wahn U.
Published: August 2010

Primary prevention strategies of allergy so far have been aimed to fight allergy causes, by avoiding risk factors and inhibiting their mechanisms of action. The results of trials testing food or airborne allergen avoidance as a prevention strategy were, however, rather disappointing. A reverse approach for primary prevention of allergies aims to facilitate exposure to protecting factors which promote the induction of immunologic tolerance against innocuous antigens. These factors are associated with farming environment and a ‘traditional lifestyle’, but identification of these factors is quite difficult. Major candidates include food‐borne microbes, helminths or their components, which are able to stimulate mucosal immunity, particularly in the gut. Similarly, new preventive and therapeutic strategies are being tested to induce specific food‐allergen oral tolerance through the ingestion of progressively increasing doses of the offending food. This shifting of allergy prevention research from avoidance to tolerance induction will hopefully allow us to reverse the epidemic trend of allergy diseases.
Environmental control for secondary prevention of asthma
Authors: Arshad S. H.
Published: August 2010

Cite this as: S. H. Arshad, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 2–4.
Modification of the innate immune function of dendritic cells by allergen‐specific immunotherapy
Authors: Bellinghausen Iris
Published: August 2010

Cite this as: I. Bellinghausen, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 12–14.