bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of the occlusal plane orientation by intra‐oral method (retromolar pad)
Authors: ČELEBlĆ A. , VALENTICcar‐PERUZOVlĆ M. , KRALJEVIĆ K. , BRKIĆ H.
Published: June 2007

Summary
Reliability of the intra‐oral method which orientates the occlusal plane to terminate at the upper level of the retromolar pad was studied. Thirty individuals all with natural teeth and 34 complete denture wearers participated in the study. Stone casts were mounted in the S.A.M. 2 articulator by a quick mount face bow transfer. The angle between the occlusal plane and the articulator horizontal plane was measured in both groups. The angle was 9.42°± 4.1° in dentate individuals and 8.53°± 2.8° in complete denture wearers. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups (t=0.72, P > 0.05). Therefore, the method can be advocated for a wide clinical use, as it is a simple method and places the artificial occlusal plane very close to the position of the natural plane of occlusion.
Ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolases 1 and 2 affect shoot architecture in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Peizhen , Smalle Jan , Lee Sangsook , Yan Ning , Emborg Thomas J. , Vierstra Richard D.
Published: June 2007

Ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolases (UCHs) are a subset of de‐ubiquitinating proteases that release covalently linked ubiquitin (Ub), and as such play essential roles in recycling Ub and reversing the action of Ub conjugation. We show here that two related Arabidopsis UCHs, UCH1, and UCH2, are important for shoot development. The UCH1 and 2 genes are ubiquitously expressed, with the corresponding proteins present in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Unlike their animal and fungal counterparts, we found no evidence that the Arabidopsis UCH1 and 2 proteins stably associate with the 26S proteasome. Altering the levels of UCH1 and 2 has substantial effects on Arabidopsis shoot development, especially with respect to inflorescence architecture, with over‐expression and double mutants enhancing and suppressing the outgrowth of cauline branches, respectively. Neither UCH1‐over‐expressing nor uch1‐1 uch2‐1 plants have detectably altered sensitivity to cytokinins or auxins individually, but exhibit an altered sensitivity to the ratio of the two hormones. UCH1‐over‐expressing plants show dramatically enhanced phenotypes when combined with auxin‐insensitive mutants axr1‐3 and axr2‐1, suggesting that one or more aspects of auxin signaling are affected by this enzyme pair. Previous studies revealed that the ubiquitination and degradation of the AUX/IAA family of repressors is a key step in auxin signaling. Here, we show that turnover of a reporter fused to a representative AUX/IAA protein AXR3 is faster in the uch1‐1 uch2‐1 double mutant but slower in the UCH1 over‐expression backgrounds. Taken together, our results indicate that de‐ubiquitination helps to modify plant shoot architecture, possibly via its ability to directly or indirectly protect upstream target proteins involved in auxin/cytokinin signaling from Ub‐mediated degradation.
Primary sensitisation to inhalant allergens during infancy
Authors: Holt P. G. , McMenamin C. , Nelson D.
Published: June 2007

The early postnatal period has been identified as a time of increased risk lor primary sensitisation to aeroallergens. The expression of the allergic phenotype is predominantly genetically determined but is influenced by a myriad of environmental factors. The underlying mechanisms for allergic sensitisation to inhalant allergens have been investigated in both humans and experimental animal models. Data from the literature in both these areas are in agreement that the nature of the initial response of the T‐cell arm of the immune system to first encounters with an aero‐allergen can potentially determine whether allergic sensitisation will occur and be manifest in later life as allergic respiratory disease. The combination of exposure to environmental “risk factors” along with the immaturity of the mucosal component of the infant's immune system may provide a basis for the increased risk of allergic sensitisation in early childhood.
Comparison of two IgE antibody tests with skin test and clinical history in asthmatic patients
Authors: Warner J. A. , Little S. A. , Warner J. O.
Published: June 2007

The multiple allergosorbent chemiluminescent assay (MAST‐CLA) is a system to measure total and allergen‐specific IgE in human serum by means of a chemiluminescent immuno‐enzymatic system. The test has been compared with skin test, RAST and clinical history in 67 atopic, asthmatic children. The individual percentage agreement between MAST‐CLA and skin test was grass pollen 67%, tree pollen 82%, cat 76%, dog 84%, house dust mite 87%, alternaria 64%, aspergillus 79%, cladosporium 84%, penicillium 93%, milk 78% and egg 76% and between MAST‐CLA and RAST was grass pollen 62%, tree pollen 72%, cat 75%, dog 72% and mite 87%. The total IgE levels on MAST‐CLA did not agree with PRIST results. MAST‐CLA was randomly duplicated and proved repToducible in 85% of tests. Changes between positive and negative results occurred in only 4% of tests. Clinical history predicted allergy diagnosis accurately in 21 (31. 5%) cases whilst MAST‐CLA provided additional information in 14 (21%). MAST‐CLA proved least reliable for grass pollen allergy diagnosis, which has prompted a change in allergen composition for this assay. MAST‐CLA is a simple in vitro test for specific IgE to 35 allergens which compares favourably with RAST. The variation in correlates with other techniques of allergy diagnosis, however, indicates that there are differences in credibility for each result within the multiple test system.
Response to poliovirus immunization and type of feeding in babies of atopic families
Authors: Businco L. , Bruno G. , Grandolfo M. E. , Novello F. , Fiore L. , Amato C.
Published: June 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antibody response to oral poliovirus immunization, and to evaluate the infection morbidity in a group of infants with a positive family history of atopy who were soy‐protein‐formula fed during the first 6 months of life. We have selected and followed from birth to 4 yr, 107 babies, 18 of whom were exclusively soy‐protein‐formula fed during the first 6 months of life. All infants were seen at our clinic at the ages of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and once‐a‐year afterwards. They regularly received the oral vaccine against polioviruses at the ages of 3, 5 and 12 months. At age 6, 12 and 24 months, poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3 antibodies were detected. There was no significant difference of seroconversion in the babies, breast, soy or breast and soy fed. Furthermore, no increase in infection morbidity was observed in the soy‐protein‐formula fed infants. Our data shows that soy‐protein‐formula feeding in the first 6 months of life does not induce any abnormal antibody response to the oral poliovirus vaccination, as well as no increase in infection morbidity.
Serum C‐reactive protein is a useful marker for congenital infection
Authors: Han KT , Wilson DC , McCord FB , Halliday HL , McClure G , McC Reid M
Published: June 2007

Serial quantitative measurements of C‐reactive protein (CRP) were performed by reaction rate nephelometry on cord blood and scrum of 70 babies (60 preterm and 10 full term). There were 41 babies born to mothers with no risk factors for bacterial infection (Group 1) and 29 babies born to mothers with risk factors (Group 2), Maternal risk factors for congenital infection were: a history of prolonged rupture of membranes, maternal treatment with antibiotics, chorioamnionitis or positive cultures from high vaginal swabs. Twelve babies had raised CRP levels (>10 mg/1), 2 from Group 1 and 10 from Group 2, 9 of whom were subsequently found to have bacterial infections. One of the 2 babies without suspected infection had severe birth asphyxia. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for CRP levels and total white cell counts (TWCC). Within Group 2, the specificity of raised CRP for diagnosis of congenital bacterial infection was 95% and the sensitivity was 100%, compared to the specificity of TWCC 95% and sensitivity 55%. CRP can be used as a marker for congenital bacterial infection and appears to be more sensitive than TWCC.
Levocabastine eyedrops in comparison with cromoglycate in the treatment of conjunctivitis in children with birch pollinosis
Authors: Möller C. , Blychert L. ‐O.
Published: June 2007

During the season 65 children, 7–19) yours old, with conjunctivitis due to birch pollinosis were treated with eyedrops, either levocabastine b. i. d. (+ placebo b. i. d.) (n=32), or cromoglycate q. i. d. (n= 33). Beclomethasone was given to children with rhinitis. Symptoms of conjunctivitis and sedation as well as pollen counts were assessed daily. Blood was drawn before and at the end of the treatment. When mean weekly scores for symptoms of conjunctivitis or sedation were evaluated there were no significant differences between the treatments. A dynamic statistical method correlating symptoms with pollen counts on the same and previous days was applied showing that the children treated with levocabastine had a quicker reduction of their conjunctivis symptoms after a pollen peak (p < 0.05) but were tired for a longer period (p < 0.01). Other side effects were few and similar in the groups. No significant changes were seen in the blood safety data. The differences between the groups were small, and from a clinical point of view the conclusion is that levocabastine taken twice daily is as effective and as free of side effects as cromoglycate taken 4 times a day.
Urban living as a risk factor for atopic sensitization in Swedish schoolchildren
Authors: Bråbäck L. , Kälvesten L.
Published: June 2007

The prevalence of atopic sensitization was compared among all pupils in three urban school classes (median age 10, 12 and 14 years, respectively) and three corresponding classes in the adjacent rural district (642 pupils in all). A written questionnaire, oral interview and skin prick testing against 7 allergens were used, with skin tests performed on 93.4 % of the urban, and 92.0 % of the rural pupils. Contact with domestic animals was much more common in the rural area. Urban living was a risk factor for at least one positive skin test to pollen or animal dander, with odds ratio (OR) 1.83 and confidence interval (CI) 1.26–2.67. This was even more pronounced for children with both positive skin test and allergic symptoms (OR 2.13; CI 1.38–3.28). An increased prevalence of positive skin prick tests in the urban area compared with the rural environment was also found for 3 individual allergens, i.e. birch pollen (OR 1.78), timothy pollen (OR 1.87) and cat dander (OR 2.29). The relative risk for positive skin test in the urban area was further increased when standardized for allergic heredity, type of dwelling, daily exposure to tobacco smoke and dampness or abnormal smell in the home. This study suggests that various adjuvant factors increase the risk of sensitization in urban environments, particularly among children with a positive family history of allergy
IgG subclass deficiency
Authors: Ferrante A. , Beard L. J. , Roberton D. M.
Published: June 2007

The different biological properties of human IgG subclasses make each subclass unique in its functional role in either resistance to infection, autoimmune diseases or allergy. Not only are there marked differences in the relative concentrations of IgG subclasses in serum (IgG1> IgG2> IgG3/IgG4) but the distribution of the antibody responses in the 4 subclasses of IgG can vary markedly depending on the nature of the antigen, the type of infection, the degree of antigen exposure, the immunization regimens, the age of individual, the immune disorder and the allotype of the individual. Measurement of the IgG subclass distribution of antibodies can be informative in identifying an immunological deficiency, evaluating the production of host protective antibodies, and assessing pathophysiology. Determination of IgG subclass concentrations is essential in the diagnosis of immunodeficiencies. However, there is still uncertainty about the accuracy of measurements in relation to standards, monoclonal antibodies and assay types. For the paediatric population, a sensitive assay, such as an enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay, is essential. A standardised definition of IgG subclass deficiency is yet to be accepted; however, values substantially below the 5th percentile for a normal healthy population of appropriate age measured by a defined assay system may be indicative of significant abnormality. There is emerging evidence that some subclass deficiencies are associated with increased susceptibility to infection. Such IgG subclass deficiencies may be amenable to treatment with intravenous gammaglobulin preparations, but further carefully designed and controlled studies are needed to ascertain treatment efficacy.
The ontogeny of serum IgA in the newborn
Authors: Weaver L. T. , Wadd N. , Taylor C. E , Greenwell J. , Toms G. L.
Published: June 2007

The effect of milk feeding on the ontogeny of serum IgA in breast and cow milk formula fed neonates was studied. There was a rise in serum IgA concentrations from the 2nd week in both groups, but no difference in rate of appearance or concentrations in relation to age, gestation or sex. The ingestion of RSV antibody‐rich colostrum was associated with a rise in serum anti‐RSV IgA in 2 preterm infants during the perinatal period. We suggest that there are 2 mechanisms which regulate the ontogeny of circulating IgA: an early but small intestinal uptake of colostral IgA, and a later endogenous production, which in this study was not influenced by composition of feeds.
Analysis of various types of chronic granulomatous disease with the monoclonal antibody 7D5 directed against the small subunit of surface cytochrome b558
Authors: Mühlebach T. J. , Erny C. , Suter R. , Brägger C. , Yalman N. , Kobayashi S. , Nakamura M. , Seger R. A.
Published: June 2007

Four different types of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) were analysed with the monoclonal antibody, 7D5, directed against the small 23 kD subunit of cytochrome b558 using a flow cytometric fluorescence analytical method. 7D5 immunofluorescent surface staining of granulocytes was absent in 12 patients with X‐linked cytochrome b558 deficiency, in 2 patients with variant X‐linked CGD with residual (X‐forming activity and in 2 patients with autosomal recessive cytochrome b558 deficiency. The mothers of the patients with the X‐linked form of CGD had 2 cell populations, one 7D5 negative or weakly positive and one 7D5 positive. The granulocytes of both parents of one patient with autosomal recessive cytochrome b558 deficiency had slightly reduced fluorescence intensity comparable to their reduced cytochrome b558 content. Three CGD patients with normal cytochrome b558 and their parents had granulocytes normally stained with antibody 7D5. 7D5 antibody enables rapid detection and classification of CGD patients with cytochrome b558 deficiency as well as rapid identification of heterozygous carriers.
Use of infant formulas in infants with cow milk allergy
Authors: Kleinman R. E. , Bahna S. , Powell G. F. , Sampson H. A.
Published: June 2007

Allergic (immune‐mediated) reactions to cow milk and other dietary proteins encountered during infancy are responsible for some of the adverse symptoms and syndromes observed in infants intolerant to cow milk, infant formulas and occasionally human milk. Iron deficiency anemia associated with gastrointestinal blood loss, protein losing enteropathy, enterocolitis, colitis, and malabsorption syndrome are examples of putative allergic reactions to dietary antigens which occur in infancy. A number of symptoms referable to the gastrointestinal tract such as, vomiting, colic and chronic non‐specific diarrhea occur in infants both with and without immune‐mediated reactions to dietary antigens. Verification of adverse reactions to dietary antigens, including allergic reactions, should be accomplished through the use of double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge, with the dietary antigen to be tested presented in a liquid vehicle or, in older children, in capsule form. Approximately 8%–25% of children with immediate hypersensitivity to cow milk have been found to be allergic to soy products. Soy and other intact protein substitutes for cow milk, such as beef and lamb based formulas, have produced anaphylactic reactions both in human infants and in animal models. Hypoallergenic formulas should have a chemically modified protein base which demonstrates significant reduction in anti‐genicity when tested in the laboratory both in vitro and in vivo. Such formulas should meet rigorous standards for hypoallergenicity in clinical testing in human allergic infants or infants at high risk for developing allergy before being labelled hypoallergenic.
Usefulness of antiendomysial antibodies as a serological marker in coeliac children
Authors: Garrote J. A. , Blanco A. , Alonso M. , Arranz E. , Calvo C.
Published: June 2007

The new diagnostic criteria of coeliac disease (CD) give more importance to serological markers. Immunoglobulin A antiendomysial antibodies (IgA‐EmA) were determined in 138 sera from 79 coeliac children and the antibody levels compared to IgG and IgA antigliadin antibodies (IgG‐AGA, IgA‐AGA) in the sera. The assessment was also carried out in 29 children with other gastrointestinal diseases, 29 with non‐gastrointestinal diseases and 35 healthy children. The IgA‐EmA had a 91.4% specificity and a 88.4% sensitivity for active CD. The corresponding figures were 89.8% and 64.4% for IgA‐AGA and 73.7% and 86.2% for IgG‐AGA, respectively. The results of IgA‐EmA determinations were concordant with the intestinal biopsy findings in 90% of cases, versus 80% for IgA‐AGA and 83% for IgG‐AGA. In most of the discordant cases the biopsy showed only minor changes, making the classification difficult. All patients with positive IgA2‐EmA also had positive IgA1 EmA antibodies. IgA‐EmA are an excellent serological marker of CD activity in children and they are useful to decrease the number of intestinal biopsies which are needed to confirm the diagnosis in coeliac patients.
An overview of food hypersensitivity
Authors: James J. M. , Sampson H. A.
Published: June 2007

This review addresses food hypersensitivity in the context of adverse food reactions, distinguishing them from food intolerance, and provides useful information regarding the extent of this medical problem. An extensive survey of both recent and past developments including the pathogenesis, immunopathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and natural history of food hypersensitivity is included. Specific clinical and immunologic observations from several investigators around the world are highlighted. Finally, future areas of investigation in food hypersensitivity are identified in hopes of generating continued medical research in this area.
Airway hyperresponsiveness: mechanisms and relevance
Authors: Dolovich J. , O'Byrne P. , Hargreave F. E.
Published: June 2007

Airway provocation tests such as the methacholine inhalation test or histamine inhalation test are commonly used for the quantitation of the airway hyperresponsiveness characteristic of asthma. The reduced provocation concentration of methacholine (PC20M) or histamine (PC20H) required to produce a 20% fall in FEV1 may be due to a number of underlying mechanisms, particularly airway mucosal inflammation. The characteristic eosinophilic mucosal inflammation of asthma apparently contributes to hyperresponsiveness through an enhancement of neuromuscular responses to methacholine and histamine in addition to increased responses to various stimuli through the release of inflammatory mediators. Methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness and airway mucosal inflammation usually are both present in asthma, but these findings do not always coexist. Patients with chronic cough and a normal PC20M may have eosinophilic airway inflammation; treatment with inhaled steroid can reduce the cough, sputum production and the number of eosinophils and mast cells in the sputum. Airway responses in provocation tests with histamine or methacholine seem to depend, at least in part, upon direct stimulation of airway smooth muscle and have been referred to as direct tests of airway responsiveness. In contrast, tests with stimuli such as allergen or adenosine, which elicit mediator release, have been referred to as indirect tests of airway hyperresponsiveness. There are complex interrelationships and an interdependence between methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation; progress in the assessment of underlying mechanisms has been greatly enhanced by biochemical, immunologic and pathologic‐type measurements in various types of specimens from the airways to directly assess the pathogenetic processes. Some features of asthma such as exercise and nocturnal symptoms correlate well with the level of methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness. Conversely, the occurrence of cough or the occurrence of asthmatic attacks are not predicted accurately by a measurement of methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness. The assessment of asthma severity seems to require the consideration of a number of types of parameters including the level of ongoing symptoms, need for inhaled B2‐agonist, frequency and severity of acute attacks, level of treatment required to maintain control of asthma, baseline airflow rates and tests of variability of airflow such as serial measurements of variability of PEF or of PC20M. Measurement of the PC20M is a sensitive test of changes in airway responsiveness and can be useful in serial measurements. In some instances, airway reactions can be identified by serial measurements of PC20M but not by serial measurement of airway calibre such as the FEV1.
Systemic meningococcal infections in patients with acquired complement deficiency
Authors: Garty B. Z. , Nitzan M. , Danon Y. L.
Published: June 2007

Congenital deficiency of the late components of the complement may predispose the individual to systemic meningococcal infection. Assuming that patients with acquired complement deficiencies may also have an increased risk of contracting meningococcal infections, a retrospective and prospective study to assess this association was conducted. Over 20 years (1970–1989), 30 patients with meningococcemia or meningococcal meningitis, proven by blood or CSF culture, were treated at the Beilinson Medical Center. Only one patient died of the infection. Risk factors were found in three patients (10%). One had a congenital deficiency of C7, and two had acquired complement deficiency due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). These latter two patients had low serum concentration of C3 and C4 and reduced complement hemolytic activity before onset of the infection. Since the incidence of culture‐proven systemic meningococcal infection in the Jewish population in central Israel is 1/100, 000, and the prevalence of SLE and MPGN is, at most, 250/100, 000, the finding of two patients with meningococcal infection and these rare disorders is over 100 times the expected incidence. We conclude that patients with acquired complement deficiency are at significant risk of meningococcal infection.
Immune defense to dietary cow milk in healthy infants
Authors: Kaila M.
Published: June 2007

The healthy young infant is immunologically adapted to receiving vast amounts of antigens in diet. At the age of 6 months, nine infants were put on a CM elimination diet for 3 weeks and then challenged with CM. Gut immune response was evaluated indirectly with ELISPOT assay at 6 months, after CM elimination (Day 1) and challenge (Day 8), and at 11 months. CM elimination decreased the numbers of immunoglobulin secreting cells (ISC): in the IgM class from mean [95% CI] 4969 [2555, 9653] at 6 months to 1716 [1024, 2873]/106 cells on Day 1 (t = 3. 14. p = 0.01); and in the IgG class from 5547 [3562, 8630] to 2684 [1383, 5208)/106 cells (t = 3. 29, p = 0.01). CM challenge further reduced interindividual variation, and at 11 months the scatter of ISC was comparable to that at 6 months. Specific antibody‐secreting cells of the IgA and IgG class were seen at 6 months and again at 11 months, while specific IgM‐secreting cells persisted throughout the dietary manipulation. The results indicate that diet profoundly affects the immune defense system, and further suggest that a focused immune response is vital in acquisition of tolerance to dietary antigens.
Prevalence of atopic disease among Danish school children
Authors: Saval Per , Fuglsang Gunver , Madsen Charlotte , Østerballe Ole
Published: June 2007

As a result of a 1990 survey by questionnaire, the symptoms of atopy among all 4, 952 school children aged 5 to 16 years in the municipal district of Viborg, Denmark, were registered. Random eheeks, made among children who were recorded as having symptoms, and others who were recorded as having none, accorded well with the information supplied by the parents about symptoms and the clinical diagnosis of a specialist; 10. 5% of all school children had rhinitis, 7% had atopic eczema, 3. 2% had urticaria and 4. 5% had asthma; ¼ of all those questioned had shown symptoms within the last year, and a further 13% of all the children were reported as having had atopic symptoms that had disappeared more than a year previously. Of the children showing symptoms within the last year before the survey, ⅔ had gone to a doctor. Of the children with present symptoms, largely asthma, ¼ had been referred to a hospital allergy clinic. For ⅓ of the children with present symptoms, these had led to no contact with a doctor. Of the cases with present symptoms, 6. 5% had had contact with natural healers or chiro‐practers. Rhinitis and asthma were most freqent among boys, while atopic eczema was most frequent among girls. For both sexes, the frequency of rhinitis increased during their years at school, while the frequency of skin symptoms fell.
Vacuum cleaning decreases the levels of mite allergens in house dust
Authors: Munir A. K. M. , Einarsson R. , Dreborg S. K. G.
Published: June 2007

To investigate the capacity of chemical treatment of surfaces and the difference in capacity among common vacuum cleaners to reduce mite allergen content in house dust, we recruited 52 families with allergic children. Ten families used their central vacuum cleaners. Forty‐two families were randomly divided into four groups with 10 or 11 families in each. These families used cither new vacuum cleaners with either HEPA (High Efficiency Paniculate Air) or micro‐filters, or their own vacuum cleaners with either tannic acid or placebo. Dust samples were collected from carpets and upholstered furniture in the living rooms and from the mattresses of the children at Days 0, 7, 21, and 35. Der p I and Der f I allergens were determined by sandwich ELJSA, After one week, tannic acid reduced the concentration of mite allergens/g of dust and the total amount/sampling area by 30% and 34%, respectively (p < 0.05), but there was no significant decrease in relation to placebo. After 5 weeks, central, HEPA‐ and micro‐filter vacuum cleaners decreased the mite allergen concentration by 10–50% (p < 0.05) and the total amount of mite allergen from the investigated areas by 50–85% (p < 0.01). In relation to the placebo group the decrease was significant for HEPA‐and micro‐filter vacuums (p < 0.05), The total amount of mite allergens/ sampling area was more significantly (p < 0.05) reduced than the con‐centration/g of dust. We conclude, that tannic acid reduces mite allergen concentrations in dust and total amount/sampling area for a short period of time. Central, HEPA‐ or micro‐filter vacuum cleaners reduce mite ellergen concentrations and still more the total amount of mite allergen in house dust when used regularly for long periods. Therefore, when the total house is thoroughly cleaned, tannic acid should be applied to car pets and upholstery and low mite allergen levels maintained by using modern vacuum cleaners.
Biochemical properties of aeroallergens: contributory factors in allergic sensitization?
Authors: Stewart G. A. , Thompson P. J. , McWilliam A. S.
Published: June 2007

Recent studies indicate that the majority of clinically important aeroallergens are biochemically active, A diverse range of properties have been demonstrated but most possess either enzymatic activity (principally hydrolytic), enzyme inhibitory activity, low molecular weight ligand transporting or regulatory properties. In addition, some allergens are glycosylated and/or are structurally similar to proteins which have evolved to function in the respiratory system per se. Little attention has been given to the possibility that the biochemical activity of an allergen or any post‐translational modifications contribute to sensitization. In this review, mechanisms with the potential to influence immunogenicity are discussed including interaction with respiratory secretions, epithelial disruption, interactions with immunocompetent cells and receptor mediated endocytosis. Given that many aeroallergens are structurally and functionally similar to a variety of endogenous (e. g. lysosomal enzymes) and exogenous proteins (e. g. microbial enzymes and glycoproteins), particular attention has been directed to the latter. This process represents an important non‐adaptive defence mechanism which has evolved to recognize and process such proteins and it is feasible that it plays a similar role in the processing of some allergens entering the respiratory system.
Interfering factors to sensitivity and specificity of bronchial reactivity in children
Authors: Kraemer R. , Sommer C. Wirz , Gschwend‐Eigenmann S. , Schöni M. H. , Stadier B. M.
Published: June 2007

Bronchial reactivity to carbachol, estimated by the PD65, the provocation dose of inhaled carbachol inducing a 65% increase of baseline respiratory resistance, was measured in 355 asthmatic children (age 8.7 ± 2.6 years) and 149 healthy children (age 11.8 ± 2.3 years). The frequency distribution of PD65 snowed apart from 2 minima at 480 μg and 960 μg 2 significant peaks at 240 μg (p = 0.003) and 1200 μg (p = 0.01) to carbachol. reflecting a hyperreactive class (PD65 <480 μg), an intermediate class (481 ug < PD65 < 960 μg) and a normo‐reactive class (PD65 > 961 μg). The intermediate class is characterised by a considerable overlap between “health” and “disease”. However, taking into account the degree of air pollution in which healthy children are living (best related factor to specificity) and the type of initial lung function disorder in asthmatic children, (the MEF50 to be the best related factor for specificiy), weighed specificity and sensitivity improved from 64 to 88%. Evaluating bronchial responsiveness in children, such interfering factors should be strongly considered.
Immunologic disturbances in cow's milk allergy, 2: evidence for defective interferon‐gamma generation
Authors: Suomalainen H. , Soppi E. , Laine S. , Isolauri E.
Published: June 2007

We have investigated the role of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐gamma) in the regulation of antigen‐specific T‐cell function in patients with cow's milk allergy. The study population consisted of 22 patients, aged from 7. 6 to 56. 9 months, who had challenge‐proven cow's milk allergy (CMA) manifested with either skin (n=9) or gastrointestinal (n=13) symptoms. In addition, 11 age‐matched children and 6 adults, mean (SD) age 31 (7) years, were studied as controls. Patients with challenge‐proven CMA were rechallenged to establish whether they had acquired clinical tolerance to cow's milk. The spontaneous and mitogen‐induced IFN‐gamma and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) generation of isolated lymphocytes was evaluated in vitro with commercial ELISA Kits at diagnosis and at reassessment. At diagnosis, the IFN‐gamma production was not detectable in patients with CMA as compared with control children. IL‐4 production was almost undetectable in all subjects in this study. However, at reassessment the CMA patients who had acquired clinical tolerance to cow's milk (n=16) showed enhanced IFN‐gamma production, when compared with that of control children, but still lower when compared with that of healthy adults. Our results indicate that the maturation of IFN‐gamma producing T‐cells is delayed in CMA, which could lead to a disturbance in the regulation of T‐cell function. This defect might be an important etiologic factor for CMA.
Prospective oral food challenge study of two soybean protein isolates in patients with possible milk or soy protein enterocolitis
Authors: Burks A. W. , Casteel H. B. , Fiedorek S. C. , Williams L. W. , Pumphrey C. L.
Published: June 2007

The soybean protein isolate used in powdered soybean formula is hydrolyzed more extensively than the isolate which is used in liquid soybean formula in most commercial soybean formulas. Previous in vitro studies have shown differences in human antibody response to these soybean protein isolates. Therefore, a prospective clinical study was undertaken to determine if there were differences in adverse reaction rates to these soybean protein isolates. Forty‐three patients with possible milk‐ and/or soy‐protein enterocolitis were enrolled in this study. Patients had 3 separate oral food challenges; using milk formula, soybean powder formula and soybean liquid formula. Ten (23%) patients challenged with milk had positive challenges. Fourteen (33%) patients challenged with powdered soy formula had positive challenges while thirteen (30%) challenged with liquid soy formula had positive challenges. In the 10 patients with positive milk challenges, 6 (60%) had a positive soy challenge. In the group with positive soy challenges, 5 reacted to the powdered soy challenge done first, but not the second challenge with the liquid soy formula, and 4 patients reacted to the liquid soy formula challenge done first, but not the second challenge with the powdered soy formula. These results indicate that a significant number of patients with milk protein enterocolitis have soy protein enterocolitis. In addition, an order effect can be demonstrated in the soy challenges because of the tendency to react to the first soy challenge regardless of the type of isolate. These results suggest that a local immune effect caused by the protein may be present.
Histamine release from cord blood basophils is influenced by plasma IgE concentration, osmolarity, gestational age at birth and atopic disposition
Authors: Bjerke T. , Hedegaard M. , Henriksen T. B. , Nielsen B. W. , Schiøtz P.O.
Published: June 2007

To characterize the normal values of histamine release from basophil leucocytes in cord blood after stimulation with both IgE‐mediating and non‐IgE‐mediating secretagogues, a population of 1,684 newborn infants was studied using a microfiber‐based method for detecting histamine release. A wide variation in anti‐IgE and Concanavalin A‐induced histamine release in the population was found. An increase in osmolarity in the release media selectively enhanced the maximal IgE‐mediated histamine release, in addition to an increase in sensitivity in the dose response for anti‐IgE and Concanavalin A. Both anti‐IgE and Concanavalin A mediated histamine release were found to be significantly associated with the concentration of IgE in cord blood. Furthermore, an increased sensitivity to the IgE‐mediated response and a close correlation between anti‐IgE and Concanavalin A histamine release were found in the group of newborns with high IgE levels. Gestational age at birth and histamine release after stimulation with both IgE‐mediating, and non‐IgE mediating secretagogues were found to be significantly related, thus suggesting a continuing maturation of the human basophil leucocytes in the last weeks of gestation. Parental atopic disposition also affected basophil releasability in cord blood.
Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of topical levocabastine and sodium cromoglycate in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children
Authors: Vermeulen J. , Mercer M.
Published: June 2007

Children (n = 110) with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were randomized to receive either twice daily 0.05% levocabastine eye drops and nasal spray plus twice daily topical placebos or 2% sodium cromoglycate eye drops and nasal spray four times daily for a period of 4 weeks. Patients were required to use the nasal sprays as directed and the eye drops only when required. The results obtained suggest that topical levocabastine is at least as effective as sodium cromoglycate for the treatment of this condition. After 2 weeks treatment the effect of therapy on nasal symptoms was considered to be excellent or good in 72% of levocabastine‐treated patients and 54% of patients on sodium cromoglycate (p = 0.009), with corresponding values for ocular symptoms of 81% and 57% in the two groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Investigator assessments also revealed that the severity of sneezing and lacrimation were significantly lower in the levocabastine group at this time (p < 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, patient diary data revealed that levocabastine was at least as effective as sodium cromoglycate with intergroup differences attaining statistical significance in favor of the topical antihistamine for nasal congestion (p < 0.05). Both agents were well‐tolerated with no significant differences in the incidence or type of adverse reactions in the two treatment groups.
Early solid food diet and eczema in childhood: a 10‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Fergusson D. M. , Horwood L. J.
Published: June 2007

The relationship between early solid feeding in the first four months and risks of eczema in childhood was examined in a birth cohort of 1265 children studied to the age of 10 years. The major findings of this analysis were: 1) children exposed to a diverse solid food diet during their first four months had risks of eczema in early childhood which were about 1.6 times those of children who were not introduced to solid food by age four months. These associations persisted when a range of confounding factors (including family history of atopic disease, infant milk diet (breast/bottle) and family social background factors) were taken into account. 2) Similar associations between early infant diet and risks of chronic and recurrent eczema up to the age of ten years were also found. It was estimated that after adjustment for confounding factors, children exposed to an early diverse solid food diet had risks of eczema which were over 2.5 times those of children not introduced to solid feeding. These results are generally consistent with the hypothesis that early exposure to a diverse solid food diet may increase risks of eczema in children who are susceptible to this condition.
Ontogeny of human mannan‐binding protein, a lectin of the innate immune system
Authors: Thiel S. , Bjerke T. , Hansen D. , Poulsen L. K. , Schiøtz P. O. , Jensenius J. C.
Published: June 2007

Mannan‐binding protein (MBP) is a member of the collectins. These lectins are composed of polypeptide chains which contains a collagen‐like region and a calcium dependent carbohydrate recognition domain (named a C‐type CRD). MBP binds via the CRD to carbohydrate structures on microorganisms. MBP can activate the complement system when bound to carbohydrate. MBP is thus thought to play a role in the defence against microorganisms. The present report describes the ontogeny of MBP. The level of MBP increase during the first 3 months of life, at which time a stable level is reached, comparable to that seen in adults. On average, the level of MBP at term was 37% of the post 3‐month level. Measurements on infants born prematurely showed a 3‐fold increase in MBP concentration from the time of birth at around 30 weeks from conception to the 10th week of life.;
Mucosal IgA, mucosal cow's milk antibodies, serum cow's milk antibodies and gastrointestinal permeability in infants
Authors: Kuitunen M. , Savilahti E.
Published: June 2007

We have studied development of the levels of IgA cow's milk (CM) antibodies in the saliva, faeces and serum of 20 term and 20 preterm infants from birth to 8 months. All infants already had IgA in their saliva during the first week of life. The levels peaked at the age of one month, thereafter decreasing in both groups; from the age of three months levels remained stable. Term infants had higher levels than preterm infants, but no differences were found between breastfed and CM‐fed infants. Breastfed infants had higher levels of IgA in their faeces than did CM‐fed infants; the IgA levels were similar in breast‐fed term and preterm infants, being highest at birth, and decreasing thereafter. We also showed rising titers of serum IgA CM antibodies, with higher levels in infants regularly exposed to CM than in breast‐fed infants. We sought associations between the magnitude of intestinal permeability to human a‐lactalbumin (ALA) measured at the ages of 4‐7 days and one month and the levels of IgG antibodies to CM, but no such relation was found.;
Latex allergy in children with no known risk factor for latex sensitization
Authors: Sorva R. , Mäkinen‐Kiljunen S. , Suvilehto K. , Juntunen‐Backman K. , Haahtela T.
Published: June 2007

We describe latex allergy in 11 atopic children, aged 0.7‐11.1 years, without any known risk factor. A skin prick‐test (SPT) for latex was positive in 8/11, and latex specific IgE was found in all. Latex glove challenge was positive in 9 assessed. These patients demonstrate that latex allergy should be looked for not only in children who have had several operations or those children reporting symptoms from rubber, but also in children with severe atopic eczema, banana allergy, or urticaria or anaphylaxis for which the cause is unknown.;
Lack of correlation between NADPH‐oxidase priming and elevated alkaline phosphatase activity in cord blood neutrophils
Authors: Khalfan L. , Karlsson A. , Lundqvist H. , Björkstén B. , Dahlgre C.
Published: June 2007

Human neutrophils were isolated from cord blood drawn after Caesarean section deliveries without labour and from peripheral blood from healthy adults. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the cell populations was compared with the release of respiratory burst products after activation with the chemoattractant n‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP). In contrast to cord blood neutrophils obtained from babies after normal vaginal deliveries, the Caesarean section neutrophils were not metabolically primed. However, like the neutrophils from vaginally delivered babies, the Caesarean section neutrophils showed an increased ALP activity compared to adult control neutrophils. These findings indicate that priming of cord blood neutrophils appears to be induced by labour and can be dissociated from increased ALP activity.
Impact of pollution and place of residence on atopic diseases among schoolchildren in Telemark County, Norway
Authors: Steen‐Johnsen Jon , Bolle R. , Holt J. , Benan K. , Magnus P.
Published: June 2007

For estimation of the prevalence, degree of severity, and association with outdoor pollution, a questionnaire on asthma and other atopic diseases was distributed to the parents of 4666 7–13‐year‐olds, comprising all the children in 36 schools in Telemark County, Norway, including 37% of the schoolchildren in the county. The response rate was 94%. In a validity study employing clinical evaluations, the questionnaire‐based diagnosis of asthma was found to have a sensitivity of 0.96 and a specificity of 0.88. The lifetime prevalence of asthma in Telemark was 9% (boys 11.3%, girls 6.6% p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the lifetime prevalence of asthma by pollution zone; 8.3% in heavily, 9.3% in moderately, and 9.2% in minimally polluted zones. The asthma prevalence was significantly higher (14.2% p < 0.05) among boys in the coastal area of the county than in the mountainous area (8.9%). Both of these areas were in the minimal pollution zone. Of asthma cases, 67% were categorized as mild, 29% as moderate, and 4% as severe. The lifetime prevalence was 17.8% (boys 21.3%, girls 14.2% p < 0.001) for allergic rhinitis, 13.2% (boys 11.4%, girls 15.2% p < 0.001) for atopic eczema, and 29.6% (boys 31.7%, girls 27.4% p < 0.01) for overall atopic disease (asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema). These findings are not compatible with the hypothesis that outdoor pollution is associated with the lifetime prevalence of asthma in school‐age children. The results also show that less than 0.5% of schoolchildren suffer from severe asthma.
Do parental smoking and history of allergy influence cord‐serum IgE?
Authors: Atict A. , Altintas D. , Yiiksel B. , Evliyaog̀lu N. , Evrüke C. , Satar M. , Güneşer S.
Published: June 2007

The associations between parental smoking habits during pregnancy, family history of allergy, and IgE levels in cord‐serum IgE (clgE) were investigated prospectively in 1251 infants. Mean clgE levels were similar in infants with positive and negative family history of allergy (0.50 and 0.54 kU/1, respectively). In infants with a positive family history of allergy whose mothers smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day, however, the mean clgE level was significantly higher (0.78 kU/1) than that in infants of nonsmoking mothers (p = 0.011). Similarly, the mean clgE level was significantly higher in boys (0.61 kU/1) than in girls (0.51 kU/1) of nonsmoking parents (p = 0.03). However, in infants of smoking parents, there was no significant difference in the mean clgE level between boys and girls. A total of 178 (14%) mothers and 477 (38%) fathers were current smokers, and in 128 (10%) cases, both parents were active smokers. The mean clgE level tended to be slightly higher in infants of smoking mothers, especially when the mother consumed more than 10 cigarettes a day (0.63 vs 0.54 kU/1) (p > 0.05). Thus, clgE levels were higher only in genetically prone babies whose mothers consumed more than 10 cigarettes a day.
Month of birth, atopic disease, and sensitization to common aeroallergens in Greece
Authors: Karachaliou F.‐H. , Panagiotopoulou K. , Manousakis M. , Sinaniotis K. , Papageorgiou F.
Published: June 2007

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the month of birth on the development of atopic disease and the rate of sensitization to common environmental allergens in Greece. Analysis of the month of birth of 1755 individuals with atopic disease (asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis), out of whom 771 had positive skin tests/RAST to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and mixed grasses, in comparison to total live births (2 877 733) in Greece during 1968–88, was performed and showed significant correlation (p < 0.001) between month of birth and development of atopic disease in general. Months of birth May to August correlated best with bronchial asthma (p < 0.05) and rhinitis (p < 0.05), and July to August with atopic dermatitis (p < 0.05). Significantly greater than the expected frequency was found for D. pteronyssinus sensitivity for months of birth May to August (p < 0.01), for mixed grass pollen March to August (p < 0.01), and for Olea europaea pollen mainly March (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that in Greece high‐risk birth months for development of atopy are May to August, whereas for sensitization to common aeroallergens they are March for O. europaea, March to August for mixed grasses, and May to August for D. pteronyssinus.