bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of giardiasis among primary school children
Authors: NIMRI L. F.
Published: April 2006

Summary
This cross‐sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children in Northern Jordan. Stool specimens were collected from 1100 children of both sexes from urban and rural schools. A questionnaire covering relevant informations was completed for each child. Wet mount preparation, formaline‐ether concentration technique, and trichrome stain were prepared for the recovery and identification of parasites. Giardia lamblia was observed in 396 (36%) of the stool specimens examined. The infection rates were higher in the younger age group where several of them had diarrhoea and reported variable symptoms. The infection rates declined with age and children were asymptomatic. Rates were higher in children from the rural areas, from low income families, and it was higher in boys than girls.

Contaminated drinking water is suspected to be the major potential source of infection. The importance of the asymptomatic cases and the epidemiological factors contributing to the transmission in these areas are discussed.
Infant crying patterns in Manali and London
Authors: ST JAMES‐ROBERTS I. , BOWYER J. , VARGHESE S. , SAWDON J.
Published: April 2006

Summary
This study sought to assess the generalizability of the crying ‘peak’ previously found in Western infants at around 6 weeks of age. To this end, maternal reports and audiorecordings were used to compare the crying patterns of 2, 6 and 12‐week‐old infants in two cultures expected to differ in their approaches to babycare. As anticipated, Manali mothers were less inclined to leave their babies to cry, took them into their own beds more often, were more likely to be breastfeeding and breastfed their babies to an older age. In spite of these differences, both Manali and London mothers reported their babies to have an evening crying peak, most pronounced at 6 weeks, during this age‐range; indicating that this is a general feature of infant development rather than a reflection of Western methods of babycare. Although the maternal reports suggested lower incidences of crying in the Manali infants, the study failed to produce convergent, tape‐recorded evidence that this was the case. The definitional and methodological implications of the findings are discussed.
How are children's growth problems diagnosed?
Authors: JELLINEK D. , HALL D. M. B.
Published: April 2006

Summary
Members of the Child Growth Foundation were surveyed to ascertain how children's growth problems were diagnosed. For many (46%) it was the parents who first expressed a concern about the child's growth. Routine height monitoring detected only 8%. Parents consulted a doctor promptly when worried, but there were often delays between the first medical consultation and referral to a hospital consultant. Many parents reported that their concerns were not taken seriously.
Sleep disruption in young children. The influence of temperament on the sleep patterns of pre‐school children
Authors: Atkinson E , Vetere A , Grayson K
Published: April 2006

Sleep problems are a common concern of parents with toddlers. Various reasons have been put forward as to the possible causes and maintenance of sleep disruption. These have included neurophysical differences in the child, perinatal differences such as a long labour and depression and anxiety in the parents themselves resulting in adverse effects on the child's sleep patterns. However, recent research has indicated that a child's temperamental style may be a possible causal factor as to whether the child will present its parents with a sleep problem. This study, therefore, sets out to investigate the importance of temperament as a predictor of whether children may or may not have sleep problems. Environmental factors are controlled as far as possible by selecting toddlers with and without sleep problems from very similar environments. Case studies are also introduced to further illuminate other possible associated factors such as parental handling. The results from this study found significant differences in the temperament profiles of children with and without sleep problems. Children with reported sleep problems were more likely to obtain a‘intermediate high to difficult’profile. Various findings from a group of toddlers with and without sleep problems are discussed in this paper together with implications of the findings and recommendations for further research.
Two cases of severe head‐banging parasomnias in peripubertal males resulting from otitis media in toddlerhood
Authors: Bramble D
Published: April 2006

The author presents two case reports of peripubertal boys with severe and chronic head‐banging parasomnias, or rhythmic movement disorders (RMDs), which started de novo whilst they were suffering from recurrent and severe otitis media in toddierhood. Treatment consisting of straightforward behaviour modification techniques and advice concerning healthy sleeping habits proved highly successful. It is proposed that these late‐onset or‘acquired’forms of RMD might be distinct from those which continue from infancy which have a stronger developmental aetiology.
Sibling empathy and behavioural adjustment of children with chronic illness
Authors: Janus M , Goldberg S
Published: April 2006

This study Investigated the relationship of healthy siblings’empathy to the psychosocial adjustment of children with a congenital heart disease (CHD) in 28 sibling dyads aged 3.5‐11 years, as well as the perceived quality of sibling Interactions, reported by mothers and children with illness. As in previous studies, children with CHD were reported to have more behaviour problems in the clinical range than either siblings or normative populations. On the basis of a task unconnected with illness issues, siblings were assigned to a high or low empathy group. Children with illness, but not their mothers, saw the siblings with high empathy more positively than those with low empathy. However, the adjustment of the children with illness did not differ between high and low empathy groups. Findings suggest the need to seek children's points of view when studying psychosocial effects of paediatric conditions.
Establishing a district palliative care team for children
Authors: Wallace A C , Jackson S
Published: April 2006

Summay

The children's palliative care team aims to ensure a high standard of care and support for children with life‐threatening illnesses and their families. The team works through primary care teams and with hospital staff to ensure consistency and continuity of care and to maintain awareness of good practice and acts as a resource for staff from independent and voluntary agencies. The team consists of a consultant community paediatrician, clinical child psychologist, a dedicated social worker, sick children's trained district nurse, a senior member of staff from the children's ward, a health visitor, a school nurse, and a special school nurse. Other professionals are co‐opted to the team as and when considered necessary, for example hospice consultant, pain specialist, dietician, paediatric pharmacist, chaplain. This paper describes how the children's palliative care team was set up and the first 2 years of its functioning.
Education for children with a poor prognosis: reflections on parental wishes and on an appropriate curriculum
Authors: Closs A , Burnett A
Published: April 2006

This paper examines the wishes expressed by parents in relation to the education of their children who are in the advanced stages of a life‐threatening condition. They hope that through participating in education, their children will achieve success or fulfil their potential, experience peer friendship or, at least, companionship, have interests and activities which may distract them from the unpleasant aspects of their condition, leave behind a marker of their existence and above all, experience some aspects of a normal life. The curricular models available upon which education programmes for these children may be based are examined critically In relation to all children's entitlement to an‘appropriate curriculum. Factors which may impede teachers’willingness and ability to address the educational and other needs of their dying pupils are explored and some positive ways forward are suggested.
Clumsiness: kinaesthetic perception and translation
Authors: Smyth T R
Published: April 2006

Summary
Earlier findings have suggested that abnormal clumsiness in children is associated with a perceptual defect in the kinaesthetic modality, and with a defect of the translation between stimulus and response. In this experiment, perception was investigated by manipulating the requirement to discriminate between kinaesthetic stimuli, and the translation process by manipulating stimulus‐response compatibility. Consistent with earlier findings, the kinaesthetic reaction time of clumsy children was found to be longer than that of controls; but, although the requirement to discriminate between stimuli and incompatibility both lengthened reaction times, the increases were similar for clumsy and control groups. It is suggested that these negative findings may be attributable to a practice effect in the former, and to inadequate loading on the translation process in the latter. However, it is also suggested that the findings may indicate that clumsiness is associated with a defect in the cross‐modal translation of information.
Growth screening in schools: an evaluation of the programme in one district
Authors: Laing G J , Rossor E B
Published: April 2006

Summary
It has been recommended that all children should have their height and weight measured at school entry, although the disadvantages associated with screening and the benefits, in terms of a change in outcome, have not been fully established. The measuring equipment used in schools, recording of anthropometric data and adherence to local guidelines were assessed across one district. Few schools had the recommended equipment, problems with accuracy were common and screening coverage was low. The achievement of optimal outcome will require a reduction in the gap between local practice and recommended policy: guidelines should recognize difficulties encountered in the field.
Diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: parents’experiences and satisfaction
Authors: Green J M , Murton F E
Published: April 2006

The purpose of the study was to investigate parents' experiences of diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Data were collected retrospectively by postal questionnaire from the parents of 158 boys diagnosed at different times and locations and, for some, after lengthy periods of uncertainty. Most parents knew nothing about Duchenne before being given the diagnosis. There was considerable variation in parents' experiences but the only independent predictors of parents' satisfaction with how the diagnosis was given were obtaining the information that they wanted and feeling that they had understood and remembered it. What distinguishes Duchenne from, say, Down syndrome is that doctors are having to deliver a death sentence on a child. Our data show that this can be done in a way that is satisfactory to parents. What is required is empathy and sensitivity to parents' informational and emotional needs.
Summer holiday respite provision for the families of children and young people with learning disabilities
Authors: McGill P
Published: April 2006

While the provision of respite care is a relatively recent development in the provision of services to families, it is an area of considerable growth and apparent importance. Most service development and research has focused on the provision of residential or family‐based respite care though some studies have commented on the apparent demand for other kinds of relief. This study describes a pilot summer play scheme for children with learning disabilities and the reactions of mothers to its provision. The characteristics of families who used the scheme are described and their felt needs for additional respite care explored. Mothers found the scheme very useful and expressed felt needs for substantially more such provision both during the summer and at other times. The findings are discussed in the context of the importance of developing respite services which meet the varied needs of families.
Allergic contact purpura
Authors: CALNAN C. D. , PEACHEY R. D. G.
Published: April 2006

Isopropylaminodiphenylamine, an antioxidant used in the manufacture of some types of rubber, is capable of causing an allergic contact dermatitis. Some cases are associated with a widespread purpuric capillaritis similar to the eruption produced by sensitivity to carbromal and meprobamate.

Two typical cases of this reaction are described in men following the wearing of rubber boots. All haematological findings were normal. No evidence on the mechanism involved has been found.
The significance of food antibodies in familial dysautonomia
Authors: KLETTER B. , NOACH Z. , ROTEM Y. , MOSES S. , FREIER S.
Published: April 2006

Immunological studies have shown that antibodies to cow's milk protein in dysautonomic children are probably due to recurrent aspiration. The immunologicai mechanisms involved do not seem to include reaginic activity but, on the other hand, complement binding Arthus type phenomena probably do occur. There is, therefore, theoretical support for withholding milk protein from dysautonomic children. Our clinical trials were not sufficiently prolonged to prove the usefulness of milk‐free diets in practice.
Basophils in bronchial asthma with reference to reagin‐type allergy
Authors: KIMURA IKURO , MORITANI YOSHIAKI , TANIZAKI YOSHIRO
Published: April 2006

The relationship of the basophils in the peripheral blood of patients with bronchial asthma to their allergic reactions has been studied. The basophils were stained and counted using our improved method of Kovács. The results showed that the basophils increased in the pre‐attack stage and a count of 65/mm3 or more made it possible to predict a forthcoming attack. Among the patients on prolonged treatment, the basophils which were over this level during repeated asthmatic attacks decreased during the attack‐free stage, reflecting the effects of therapy. It was also found that the basophils were increased in those patients with allergic asthma whose sera gave positive Prausnitz‐Küstner reactions. This study suggests a significant relationship of peripheral blood basophils with the allergic reaction.
Description and immunological findings
Authors: REEVES W. G. , CAMERON J. S. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , OGG C. S. , PETERS D. K. , WELLER R. O.
Published: April 2006

Three cases are described showing a seasonal exacerbation of their nephrotic syndrome in association with an atopic trait and grass pollen allergy. The first patient has a history of four consecutive seasonal relapses each requiring steroid therapy. Following a course of desensitization injections he has now been free of relapse for 3 consecutive years. The second patient has also had a recurrent steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome often associated with the pollen season and allergic rhinitis. In this patient a course of cyclophosphamide has reduced his tendency to relapse. The third patient who has been on continuous prednisone therapy shows a seasonal increase in proteinuria.

Serum changes in the first two patients include: a seasonal rise in total and grass pollen specific IgE; the continued presence of grass pollen specific IgG throughout the year but with a reduction during the pollen season in association with a more pronounced fall in the total IgG level; a depression in the C3 level in association with each major relapse; a mild rise in the I‐K titre and a positive result in the C1q test for circulating complexes. A renal biopsy performed on the first patient when in relapse showed minor histological changes only and IgG. IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE, C3 and fibrinogen were undetectable by immunofluorescent examination. The probable mechanism for the development of proteinuria in these patients is discussed.
Allergy profiles from bloodstains
Authors: WERRETT D. J. , KING L. A.
Published: April 2006

The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) has been adapted to measure specific IgE antibodies in bloodstains. By incubating several allergen discs simultaneously with one stain extract, an allergy profile can be readily obtained from less than 50 μl of dried blood.
Phthalic anhydride asthma
Authors: CHESTER EDWARD H. , SCHWARTZ HOWARD J. , PAYNE CHARLES B. , GREENSTEIN STEPHEN
Published: April 2006

A patient with occupational asthma caused by phthalic anhydride is described. Inhalation challenges under laboratory control produced immediate and delayed asthmatic responses. Repeat exposure to phthalic anhydride after treatment with cromolyn sodium showed inhibition of the late but not the early bronchoconstrictive, asthmatic response.
Study of prolonged hyposensitization with D. pteronyssinus extract in allergic rhinitis
Authors: GABRIEL SISTER MARY , Ng H. K. , ALLAN W. G. L. , HILL LISA E. , NUNN A. J.
Published: April 2006

Sixty‐six Chinese patients with rhinitis, with or without asthma, were randomly allocated to a course of injections either with D. pteronyssinus extract or placebo. The course consisted of 18–22 weekly injections, followed by monthly maintenance injections with the highest concentration for 1 year.

Progress was evaluated by a patient's daily diary and monthly assessments by the physician, by comparisons of skin and nasal challenge tests and by the specific serum IgE concentration, before treatment, at the end of the weekly course, and once during the maintenance course.

No improvement was detected at the end of the weekly course, but during maintenance there was a consistent benefit to the patients receiving the D. pteronyssinus extract both in the diary and the physician's assessment, especially the former. There was no consistent change in the skin or nasal challenge tests and there was a trivial fall in the serum IgE levels in the patients on the extract. Adverse reactions were much more common in the patients on the extract, but most were trivial.

The different methods of assessment used and the role of hyposensitization with D. pteronyssinus are discussed.
Proper use of skin tests with food extracts in diagnosis of hypersensitivity to food in children
Authors: BOCK S. A. , BUCKLEY J. , HOLST ANITA , MAY C. D.
Published: April 2006

This study was undertaken to determine the proper use of skin tests with food extracts in diagnosis of hypersensitivity to food in children. Cutaneous reactions evoked by graded amounts of food extracts were compared with results of double‐blind food challenge and in vitro release of histamine from leucocytes. A 3 mm or greater weal reaction in skin tests by puncture technique using food extracts of 1:20 w/v concentration was found to indicate the degree of hypersensitivity likely to be associated with clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions to food. Proper use of this simple technique will facilitate accurate diagnosis of food hypersensitivity in children by identifying the group among whom all positive reactions to food challenges will be found. Nevertheless, double‐blind food challenge is essential to establish a diagnosis of symptomatic hypersensitivity to food.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis with antibodies to Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: MIYAGAWA T. , OCHI T. , TAKAHASHI H.
Published: April 2006

Clinical and immunological studies were made in forty‐two patients diagnosed as suffering from hypersensitivity pneumonitis at Osaka Prefectural Habikino Hospital between 1973 and 1977. All the sera from forty‐one patients tested had high litres of antibody against Cryptococcus neoformans in indirect fluorescent antibody tests, and twelve also had precipitins against Cryptococcus neoformans polysaccharide. Only about 10% of control sera from patients with otherlung diseases had low titresof antibody against Cryptococcus neoformans. Antibody against Cryptococcus neoformans was also found frequently in the sera of asymptomatic members of the families of the patients. A possible relationship of Cryptococcus neoformans to hypersensitivity pneumonitis is suggested.
Appraisal of skin tests with food extracts for diagnosis of food hypersensitivity
Authors: BOCK S. A. , LEE W.‐Y. , REMIGIO L. , HOLST A. , MAY C. D.
Published: April 2006

Seventy‐six children aged 5 months to 15 years who exhibited a net weal of 3.0 mm or greater to a puncture skin test with one or more of fourteen foods were subjected to double‐blind food challenge. Confirmed reactions to double‐blind food challenge were found to occur only with peanut, milk, egg and soybean. Puncture skin tests with 1:20 w/v concentration of food extracts identified all subjects who exhibited an adverse reaction during the double‐blind food challenge. Performance of intradermal skin tests did not identify any additional subjects who reacted clinically to double‐blind food challenge.
Extraction and analysis of coffee bean allergens
Authors: LEHRER S. B. , KARR R. M. , SALVAGGIO J. E.
Published: April 2006

Workers in the coffee industry can develop occupational allergic disease upon exposure to dust associated with coffee manufacturing. Since controversy exists as to the source or chemical nature of these allergens, the mouse model of reaginic antibody production was used to assess the potential sources of allergens in samples obtained from a local coffee manufacturing plant. Mice were immunized with extracts of coffee dust and beans and the resulting reaginic antibody response determined by the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. Cross‐reacting allergens were detected in samples of coffee dust, cleaner can debris and green coffee beans, but not in chaff or roasted coffee beans. None of the allergens detected in coffee samples cross‐reacted with extracts of castor beans, although these extracts contained the potent castor bean allergen. Green coffee bean allergens partially purified by gel filtration were heterogeneous with respect to molecular size, although quite similar in their reactivity with reaginic antiserum. These results suggest that the green coffee bean is the major source of allergen in coffee manufacturing plants. This allergen is heterogeneous with respect to size and heat lability, and is immunochemically different from the castor bean allergen.
Microbiological and serological studies of farmers' lung in Finland
Authors: TERHO E. O. , LACEY J.
Published: April 2006

Sera from few Finnish patients with clinical farmers' lung react in precipitin tests with extracts of the thermophilic actinomycetes that commonly cause the disease elsewhere. Hays associated with the disease in Finland showed less evidence of spontaneous heating and contained fewer actinomycete spores than British hays. Only Thermoactinomyces vulgaris was sometimes abundant. Some species of mesophilic fungi were more abundant than in Britain and one, Aspergillus umbrosus, reacted with most sera from farmers' lung patients in precipitin tests. A panel of antigens, including thermophilic actinomycetes, A. umbrosus and other species of the Aspergillus glaucus group, is recommended for screening farmers' lung sera.
RAST in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity to dog and cat allergens A comparison of different extract preparations with clinical history, skin test and provocation tests
Authors: WÜTHRICH B. , ARRENDAL H.
Published: April 2006

A comparison was made of clinical signs and provocation tests with the RAST for allergy to dog in eight and cat in twenty patients. Twenty‐two had high IgE levels and all gave positive reactions to provocation tests. A commercially available dog epithelium extract gave more positive RASTs than five other dog allergen preparations, and there were no positive reactions to dog serum. The RAST was negative in patients with a low degree of sensitivity. All twenty patients allergic to cat gave positive intracutaneous test reactions and in the RAST the cat epithelial allergen showed 90% agreement with the in vivo findings.
Ketotifen in childhood asthma: a double‐blind placebo controlled trial
Authors: TAYLOR BRENT , FORD RODNEY
Published: April 2006

In a three week double‐blind cross‐over controlled trial in twenty asthmatic children, ketotifen (HC 20‐511, ‘Zaditen’, Sandoz) showed no significant difference from placebo, although there was a consistent trend in favour of the active drug.
Prevalence of precipitins in groups at risk of developing hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: SCRIBNER GERTRUDE H. , BARBORIAK J. J. , FINK J. N.
Published: April 2006

A study was made of the prevalence of serum precipitins to Micropolyspora faeni, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, Aspergillus fumigatus, and pigeon serum in population groups suspected to be at high risk for the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Pigeon breeders' sera contained precipitins mainly to pigeon serum (38%) and A. fumigatus (18%). Occupants of homes in which forced air heating systems were investigated for the presence of microorganisms reacted mostly with M. faeni (13%) and A. fumigatus (8%). Individuals from environments where several cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis were discovered reacted largely with M. faeni (28%) and T. vulgaris (21%). Sera supplied by physicians from patients with respiratory symptoms reacted primarily to A. fumigatus (24%) and to a lesser extent to M. faeni (16%) and T. vulgaris (9%). The results indicate that the prevalence of precipitins to the tested antigens is not uniform and may be influenced by the environment. Furthermore, the prevalence of precipitins in groups at risk is greater than previously reported for the normal population.
Predictable clinical disorders related to serum and saliva Ig‐levels and the number of circulating T cells in asthmatic children
Authors: ØSTERGAARD P. A.
Published: April 2006

An examination was made of 221 children with bronchial asthma, who were divided into six groups according to serum and saliva Ig levels and the number of circulating T cells. Absence or small amounts of IgA and low or low‐normal numbers of T cells were associated with (1) atopic dermatitis, (2) hypersensitivity to house dust mite and animal danders, (3) previous hospital admissions due to respiratory tract infections with pathogenic bacteria and (4) a high family incidence of allergic diseases. In a group of patients with IgA deficiency and elevated serum and saliva IgM, respiratory tract infections were not common, and furthermore, in another group of IgA‐deficient patients with normal numbers of circulating T cells, atopic dermatitis was rare. In the latter patients, allergic rhinitis occurred very frequently, and in that respect they resembled a group of patients with combined high IgM/high IgE levels. Another group of asthmatic children with normal Ig levels represented an intermediate type of patient with regard to hypersensitivity to different allergens and family incidence of allergy on the one hand, and the occurrence of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis on the other. Investigations on Ig levels and circulating T cells in asthmatic children may provide important clues into disease classification and mechanisms of such patients.
The human basophil degranulation test as an invitro method for the diagnosis of allergies
Authors: BENVENISTE J.
Published: April 2006

We have designed a human basophil degranulation test based on a one‐step method of basophil staining after exposure to a specific allergen. This very simple test is now commercially available as a ready‐to‐use kit. It explores the allergic sensitivity at the cellular level, probably through IgE‐dependent sensilization of the basophil. It positively correlates with histamine release and radioallergosorbent test (RAST). It detects sensitivity to common allergens and to chemical and food products as well. In its present state, the test provides a simple, inexpensive specific means for in vitro diagnosis of allergic diseases, Recently, it has been further developed to be performed on the automatic Hemalog D Technicon machine.
Effect of nasal and oral breathing on exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: MANGLA P. K. , MENON M. P. S.
Published: April 2006

The effect of nasal as well as oral breathing during level‐ground running for 6 min on the post exercise bronchial response was studied in fifteen people (five asthmatics with exercise liability, five asthmatics with no such liability and five normals). Each patient did the exercise twice; once with the nose clipped and once with the mouth closed. FEV1 was measured before exercise, immediately after exercise and at 5,10, 15,20and 30 min thereafter. A fall in FEV1 of 20% or more from the basal level was taken as evidence of bronchoconstriction. When the patients were required to breath only through the nose during the exercise, the post‐exercise bronchoconstrictive response was markedly reduced as compared with the response obtained by oral breathing during exercise, indicating a beneficial effect of nasal breathing. Nasal breathing was beneficial as compared with oral breathing in normals as well. In the five asthmatics with no exercise liability no appreciable difference was observed. This study suggests that the oropharynx and nasopharynx play important roles in the causation of exercise‐induced asthma.
Radioallergosorbent test with conjugates specific for ‘minor’ haptenic determinants in the diagnosis of IgE‐mediated penicillin allergy in man
Authors: KRAFT D. , BERGLUND A. , RUMPOLD H. , ROTH A. , EBNER H.
Published: April 2006

Penicillamine‐polylysine, benzylpenicillanyl‐human serum albumin and ampicillin‐polymers were coupled to CNBr‐activated paper discs and used in addition to penicilloyl G and penicilloyl V discs in RAST investigations. Sera from sixty patients with case histories of penicillin allergy and with positive or negative skin tests to different penicillin determinants and from seventeen subjects with atopic diseases caused by allergens other than penicillin were tested. The penicilloyl‐(‘major’ determinant) specific RAST (Phadebas RAST® Penicilloyl G and V) was positive in twenty out of twenty‐four patients with positive skin tests to penicilloyl‐polylysine, in eight out of twelve patients with sole skin reactivity to ‘minor’ determinants, and in five out of twenty‐four patients with negative skin tests to all antigens used. The penicillamine‐specific RAST was the only positive in vitro test in four patients with negative skin tests (two) or sole positive skin reactivity to ‘minor’ determinants (two), whereas benzylpenicillanyl and ampicillin‐polymer discs added no more information than the penicilloyl structures in all patients tested. Antibodies specific to ‘minor’ determinants apparently show strong in vitro cross‐reactivity with the penicilloyl determinant. It is, therefore, concluded that ‘minor’ determinant specific conjugates are of marginal importance for in vitro diagnosis of penicillin‐allergic patients.
An immunofluorescent study of the ampicillin rash
Authors: GATTER K. C. , BELL J. I.
Published: April 2006

The aetiology of the ampicillin rash is uncertain although numerous theories have been proposed–mainly immunological. One such concerns the presence of anti‐epithelial antibodies which have received conflicting reports in the literature. In this study, skin biopsies from three patients with a maculopapular ampicillin‐rash were studied by immunofluorescence to investigate the presence of anti‐epithelial antibodies. However immunofluorescence for IgG, IgM, IgA and C3 was completely negative so that we were unable to provide any support for this particular hypothesis.
Reaginic and non‐reaginic antibodies against mammalian danders
Authors: KUULIALA OUTI , AHO K. , JÄRVINEN K. A. J. , PALOSUO T.
Published: April 2006

Solid phase enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and passive haemagglutination techniques were used to study the occurrence of IgG‐type antibodies against feline and bovine epithelial extracts among RAST‐positive patients, senior veterinary students, cat fanciers (representing exposed subjects) and healthy controls. In most groups both techniques exhibited equal sensitivity being positive in about half of the RAST‐positive cases. The levels of both EIA‐reactive IgG‐class and IgA‐class antibodies were increased in most of the sera (> mean + 2 s.d. of controls), while only a few sera showed increased IgM values.
Clinical significance of specific IgE determination on nasal secretion
Authors: MIADONNA A. , LEGGIERI E. , TEDESCHI A. , ZANUSSI C.
Published: April 2006

The clinical use of RAST on the nasal secretions was investigated in seventeen atopic patients, with asthma or rhinitis, who had shown at a first diagnostic screening, some difficulties in the identification of the responsible allergen(s). The results of the skin tests, of the RAST on the serum and on the nasal secretions and of the specific provocation test (bronchial or nasal) were compared. In some cases the basophil degranulation test was performed. The results of the RAST on the nasal secretions were in perfect agreement with the provocation test. The skin tests and the RAST on the serum showed many discrepancies, particularly for Dermatophagoides, epidermal derivatives of cat and dog and moulds, and less frequently for Graminaceae and other pollens. It is concluded that RAST analysis on nasal secretions is useful in clinical diagnosis of allergy especially for Dermatophagoides, epidermal derivatives and moulds. Most false positive results were observed with the RAST on serum; in fifteen cases it was positive, while all the other tests, basophil degranulation test included, were negative. The data suggest that IgE may have a low affinity for basophil receptors.
Plasma histamine concentrations and complement activation during house dust mite‐provoked bronchia] obstructive reactions
Authors: KAUFFMAN H. F. , van der HEIDE S. , de MONCHY J. G. R. , de VRIES K.
Published: April 2006

Lung function and histamine levels in peripheral venous plasma samples were followed after challenge with house dust mite allergen. In eight patients the mean maximal histamine concentration showed a significant rise during the early obstructive reaction when compared with the concentrations at similar time intervals after inhalation of a control solution. In nine other patients treatment with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) caused a significant fall in plasma histamine concentrations indicating that histamine liberation plays u role during the early obstructive reaction and was released from the lung compartment. Histamine during early obstructive reactions compared with the pre‐inhalation values did show a rise in mean maximal histamine concentration (1.5‐4.1 ng/ml) but this was statistically not significant. During the late reaction neither significant increase in histamine nor inhibition by DSCG was found. Measurement of complement degradation products did not support the role of complement activation during cither early or lute bronchial obstructive reactions.
A clinical and immunological study of allergy to hen's egg white
Authors: LANGELAND T.
Published: April 2006

Various clinical features of eighty‐four atopic patients, with clinical hypersensitivity to egg and positive RAST to egg white, were studied. Some of the clinical data were compared with data from a control group of atopic patients without egg allergy. Atopic diseases and certain food allergies in the families of the egg‐allergic patients and atopic controls were also studied. This was done in order to investigate the extent to which differences between the egg allergy group and the atopic control group were reflected in their respective families.
Prevalence and diagnosis of laboratory animal allergy
Authors: BEESON M. F. , DEWDNEY J. M. , EDWARDS R. G. , LEE D. , ORR R. G.
Published: April 2006

A survey of the prevalence of laboratory animal allergy to rats, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits among sixty‐nine animal workers and 308 other subjects on a pharmaceutical research site revealed a 22% prevalence of laboratory animal allergy among the animal workers. The overall prevalence of atopy was 67% in persons with allergy to laboratory animals. This was significantly greater than the 31% prevalence in other animal workers. Skin‐prick tests and specific IgG and IgE assays to urinary protein extracts strongly correlated with the occurrence of laboratory‐animal allergy and would appear to have diagnostic value. However, a number of clinically diagnosed laboratory‐ani‐mal‐allergy subjects gave no evidence of immunological response to the urinary allergens and wider diagnoses may have to be applied in these cases.
Precipitins to inhaled avian antigens: Results of an inter‐laboratory study
Authors: BERGMANN K.‐CH. , AIACHE J. M. , BARTMANN K. , FOOKE‐ACHTERRATH M. , KRAFT D. , LONGBOTTOM J. L. , WICHERT P. V.
Published: April 2006

Precipitins against avian antigens in sera from patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis, asymptomatic pigeon and chicken breeders and from control individuals were tested with different antigen extracts in six laboratories by a variety of different methods. Eighty percent of the results coincided in identifying the positive sera from patients and 90% in identifying the controls. It seems possible therefore to exchange results among experienced laboratories with fair confidence.
Asthma in merchant seamen and laboratory workers caused by allergy to castor beans: analysis of allergens
Authors: DAVISON A. G. , BRITTON M. G. , FORRESTER J. A. , DAVIES R. J. , HUGHES D. T. D.
Published: April 2006

Three merchant seamen and two laboratory workers who developed allergic symptoms following exposure to castor beans have been investigated. Bronchial‐provocation testing with castor beans in the merchant seamen demonstrated a late reaction in two. Specific IgE against whole castor‐bean extract and ricin, ricinus agglutinin and dericinated extracts of castor bean were found in the patients' sera using radioallergo‐sorbent tests (RAST). RAST inhibition, toxocological and haemagglutination tests suggest that the ricin and dericinated extracts contain distinct allergens.
Adrenocortical function during high‐dose beclomethasone aerosol therapy
Authors: FRANCIS R. S.
Published: April 2006

Prolonged observation of eight steroid‐dependent asthmatics show that the dose of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol may be increased in some cases up to 2000 μg daily without significant impairment in the results of serial tetracosactrin tests of adrenocortical function. These findings contrast sharply with the results of such tests during oral prednisolone therapy.
Recurrent nocturnal asthma after bronchoprovocation with Western Red Cedar sawdust: association with acute increase in non‐allergic bronchial responsiveness
Authors: COCKCROFT D. W. , HOEPPNER V. H. , WERNER G. D.
Published: April 2006

Recurrent nocturnal asthma following a single exposure to Western Red Cedar sawdust was documented by measurements of peak flow rates in two sensitized subjects. The nocturnal asthma followed a dual asthmatic response in the first subject and a late (non‐immediate) asthmatic response in the second. Both subjects developed a 10‐fold reduction in the dose of histamine required to decrease the FEV1 by 20%. This cedar‐induced increase in non‐specific bronchial reactivity was maximal at the time of the recurrent nocturnal asthma, and persisted after nocturnal asthma had ceased and after FEV1 had returned to normal. We hypothesize that the enhanced non‐specific bronchial reactivity which occurs following late asthmatic responses to bronchial challenge is the cause of recurrent nocturnal asthma following single exposure to a sensitizing agent.
Aspergillus fumigatus spore concentration in outside air: Cardiff and St Louis compared
Authors: MULLINS J. , HUTCHESON PATRICIA S. , SLAVIN R. G.
Published: April 2006

Intermittent sampling of the atmosphere 3 days/week over a 12‐month period using Andersen samplers in Cardiff, Wales, U.K. and St Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., indicated average A. fumigatus spore concentrations of 13.5/m3 in St Louis and 11.3/m3 in Cardiff. Both sites showed seasonal variations with highest concentrations during winter.
Bronchial asthma due to spiramycin and adipic acid
Authors: MOSCATO G. , NALDI L. , CANDURA F.
Published: April 2006

Two cases of bronchial asthma due to spiramycin in workers of a pharmaceutical factory are reported. The subjects complained of cough, breathlessness and symptoms of asthma at work when coming into contact with spiramycin's powder. The symptoms cleared when away from work for more than 3 or 4 days.

Inhalation challenge tests by aerosolization of solutions of spiramycin reproduced asthmatic reactions dual in type in both patients, the immediate component of the response has not been previously described for this antibiotic.

Furthermore, one of the patients developed an immediate asthmatic reaction also after inhalation of a solution of adipic acid, and additive to bind spiramycin and diminish its irritant action. The reaction was obtained at a non‐irritant concentration of the acid, was reproducible and inhibited by previous administration of sodium cromoglycate: this finding and the failure to elicit the reaction in the other patient suggest a hypersensitivity reaction to this substance.
Lymphocyte glucocorticoid receptors in asthmatic and control subjects
Authors: TSAI B. S. , WATT G. , KOESNADI K. , TOWNLEY R. G.
Published: April 2006

Glucocorticoid hormones, which are widely used in the treatment of asthma, have been shown to potentiate physiological and biochemical beta‐adrenergic responsiveness in asthmatics. These effects are presumably mediated through glucocorticoid receptors. In order to better understand glucocorticoid pharmacology in asthmatics, we assayed glucocorticoid receptors by directly binding a radioactively labelled glucocorticoid hormone, dexamethasone, to intact lymphocytes prepared from the peripheral blood of asthmatics and control subjects. Binding studies were performed with dexamethasone at 100 nm and 5 nm concentrations. At 100 nm dexamethasone, the mean number of lymphocyte glucocorticoid receptors (per cell) in control subjects (7191 ± 385. n= 9) was not significantly different from that in asthmatic subjects (7772 ± 437, n = 9). At 5 nm dexamethasone, the mean number of glucocorticoid receptors in control subjects (1177 ± 194, n= 5) was not significantly different from that in asthmatic subjects (1215 ± 108. n= 8). At 100 nm dexamethasone, males had significantly more receptors (7939 ± 360. n= 11) than females (6764 ± 72, n= 7). Our results suggest that the number of lymphocyte glucocorticoid receptors and the apparent affinity of dexamethasone for receptors are not related to the presence or severity of asthma; however, a significant sex effect exists which should be corrected for in future studies of lymphocyte glucocorticoid receptors.
A study on the reproducibility of specific bronchial provocation testing in children
Authors: RUFIN P. , BENOIST M. R. , SCHEINMANN P. , PAUPE L
Published: April 2006

Bronchial provocation tests with housedust were carried out on thirty‐five asthmatic children aged 4‐13. Each patient was tested twice. Subjects were studied with two different doses of allergen: 1200 and 3600/μg.

There was reproducibility in 80% of the seventy tests performed, allowing confirmation of the reliability of the test. Furthermore, reproducibility was better when lower doses of allergen were inhaled.

The intensity of the bronchial response sometimes varied in the same subject. These variations were greater when the inhaled volume increased.

Immediate and delayed reactions together and delayed reactions alone were frequent (60% of cases); this should therefore be taken into account when studying the reproducibility of specific bronchial provocation test.
Neutrophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis (NCF‐A) release in aspirin‐induced asthma
Authors: ORTOLANI C. , CAPSONI F. , RESTUCCIA M. , PASTORELLO E. , RIBOLDI P. S. , ZOCCHI M. , ZANUSSI C.
Published: April 2006

Neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) following oral challenge with aspirin (ASA) was determined in ASA‐intolerant asthmatic subjects, and in ASA‐tolerant asthmatic and normal subjects. There was a statistically significant fall in FEV1 and a rise in NCA (P <0.01) following challenge in the ASA‐sensitive subjects compared with that of the ASA‐tolerant subjects and normal controls. No significant difference was observed between the latter two groups. The chemotactic factor identified in this study had a molecular weight greater than 150 000 which is consistent with NCF‐A (neutrophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis). The ASA‐induced fall in FEV1 and rise in NCA was further studied in three of the ASA‐intolerant asthmatic subjects, with and without pretreatment with inhaled sodium cromoglycate. In these subjects, the drug inhibited both the oral ASA‐induced bronchoconstriction and the increase in neutrophil chemotactic activity.

These results suggest that ASA‐induced asthma involves mediator release from mast cells, as shown by the increase in NCA following ASA challenge and the protective effect of sodium cromoglycate which is considered to inhibit mast‐cell degranulation.
study of the mast cells of the human duodenal mucosa
Authors: MONERET‐VAUTRIN D. A. , DE KORWIN J. D. , TISSERANT J. , GRIGNON M. , CLAUDOT N.
Published: April 2006

The ultrastructure of the process of degranulation of mast cells of human duodenal mucosa was examined. In normal controls little degranulation was seen, but in persons with false food allergy (pseudo‐allergy) considerable degranulation of mast cells was delected. This is consistent with the hypothesis that some persons have an abnormal fragility of duodenal mast cells in the presence of histamine‐releasing substances. Incubation of duodenal biopsy material with various histamine‐releasing agents (compound 48/80, Concanavalin A, the calcium ionophore A 23187, and anti‐IgE) confirmed the susceptibility of duodenal mast cells for antigen non‐specific release of histamine, or that mediated by IgE. In a group of patients with immediaie‐type, anaphylactic, food allergy, mast cells in the absence of antigen are in a normal state, but degranulation occurs on exposure in vitro or in vivo to specific antigen. The susceptibility to degranulation continues in persons cured of their food allergy. This suggests that a clinical cure is not due to a change of susceptibility of duodenal mast cells to release histamine, but is possibly associated with formation of blocking antibodies, and/or a modification in reactivity of basophils and mast cells of other organs.
Disodium cromoglycate compared with beclomethasone dipropionate in juvenile asthma
Authors: FRANCIS R. S. , MCENERY G.
Published: April 2006

In a double‐blind controlled crossover trial of inhaled disodium cromoglycate and beclomethasone dipropionate in juvenile asthma, beclomethasone produced higher therapeutic scores but significantly so in only two indices–wheeze‐free days and morning peak flow rates. Combined treatment offered no advantage over beclomethasone alone. No side‐effects were noted. The findings confirm other studies of cromoglycate and a steroid aerosol (betamethasone 17‐valerate) but disagree with the only other comparative trial of cromoglycate and beclomethasone, in which both were found equally effective.
Systemic mastocytosis in a 5‐year‐old child: successful treatment with disodium cromoglycate
Authors: BUSINCO L. , CANTANI A. , BUSINCO E. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Most clinical signs and symptoms of systemic mastocytosis (SM) are attributed to histamine release. We report here a 5‐year‐old male child with SM, who suffered from the age of 4 months from disseminated skin lesions, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flushing, tachycardia, hypotension, somnolence, and transient blindness, triggered by heat and egg ingestion. Oral disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) or placebo were started in a single blind trial at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day in four divided doses. The child was studied for 21 months during the administration of three courses of DSCG, each of 6 months’ duration, interspersed with three 1‐month courses of placebo. During treatment with DSCG all the systemic manifestations improved, and the histaminaemia decreased. During the placebo periods the symptoms, signs, and histaminaemia recurred.