bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low IgG4 concentrations in infants with Haemophilus influenzae type b infections
Authors: Beard L. J. , Hagedorn J. F. , Ferrante A.
Published: June 2007

Haemophilus influenzae type b causes considerable morbidity and mortality in infants and young children. Immunity to this organism has been attributed in part to the formation, and increase with age, of antibodies to the capsular polysaccharide of the bacteria. A degree of immunodeficiency could explain why some infants and young children develop invasive haemophilus disease. In this study we investigated immunocom‐petence in ten infants with invasive haemophilus disease. We found normal lymphocyte mitogen responses, neutrophil iodination and bactericidal and fungicidal capacities in this group. While we found no deficiencies of any of the immunoglobulin classes, three patients had low concentrations of IgG4 and two of them had low concentrations of IgG2 as well. These findings suggest that in some infants who develop haemophilus infections, the measurement of IgG subclasses may reveal immune defects that would not otherwise be apparent.
Safety of a new, ultrafiltrated whey hydrolysate formula in children with cow milk allergy: a clinical investigation
Authors: Halken S. , Host A. , Hansen L. G. , Østerballe O.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a new ultrafiltrated whey hydrolysate infant formula, Profylac®, could be administered safely to children with cow milk protein allergy/intolerance. Profylac has a stated molecular weight of < 8 kD and at least 30, 000 times reduced antigenicity which is controlled by a combination of ELISA‐techniques and immunochemical methods. The study comprised 66 children with cow milk protein allergy/intolerance diagnosed by controlled elimination/ challenge procedures. The children were aged 1 month‐14. 5 years, median 1% years and 15 were below 1 year. Thirty‐five of these children had proven IgE‐mediated reactions (cow milk protein allergy). Sixty‐one of the children had at least two different symptoms and 31 had concomitant allergies to other foods and/or inhalants. All 66 children underwent and tolerated open, controlled challenges with Profylac. A total of 64 children continued having Profylac daily for at least 3 months and 58 for at least 6 months after challenge. Nine of the children older than 1 year did not like the taste and only had Profylac in minor amounts. No side effects were registered. Fifteen of the infants were below 1 year of age, and this group was compared with an age matched group of 16 infants challenged with and fed an extensively hydrolysed casein hydrolysate, Nutramigen®. All the infants in these two groups accepted and tolerated Profylac and Nutramigen, respectively, and no side effects were registered. Among the 35 patients with IgE‐mediated reactions 6% (2/35) had positive skin prick tests and 11% (3/28) had specific IgE class 2 against Profylac, 2 of the latter before intake of Profylac. None of the patients with non‐IgE‐mediated reactions had a positive skin prick test or specific IgE against Profylac. The study provides 95% confidence that this product is tolerated by at least 95% of children with cow milk protein allergy/intolerance and by 90% with IgE‐mediated reactions. We conclude, that this ultrafiltrated whey hydrolysate is generally safe to feed to children with verified adverse reactions to cow milk protein, including children with IgE‐mediated reactions. The taste of the product was widely accepted, also by older children.
Prevalence of intolerance to food additives among Danish school children
Authors: Fuglsang Gunver , Madsen Charlotte , Saval Per , Østerballe Ole
Published: June 2007

The prevalence of intolerance to food additives was assessed in a group of unselected school children aged 5–16 years. A study group of 271 children was selected on the basis of the results of a questionnaire on atopic disease answered by 4, 274 (86%) school children in the municipality of Vihorg. Denmark. The children in the study group followed an elimination diet for two weeks before they were challenged with a mixture of food preservatives, colourings and flavours. The challenge was open and the additives were prepared as a fizzy lemonade. If the open challenge was positive, a double‐blind placebo controlled challenge with gelatine capsules was perfomed. The study included 281 children. 10 were excluded, and the remaining 271 children were given the open challenge (98 healthy controls and 173 with atopic symptoms). The open challenge was negative in all 98 healthy control children who had not reported any atopic symptoms. of the 173 children reporting present or previous atopic disease 17 had a positive open challenge. Of these 17 children 1 experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, 13 reacted with aggravation of atopic eczema, and 3 with urticaria. Twelve of these 17 children went through the double‐blind challenge which was positive in 6 cases. Five of these 6 children had positive reactions to synthetic colourings and l to citric acid. No serious reactions were seen. Based upon calculations of the results from this study and an earlier multi‐center study in children referred to hospital clinics, the prevalence of intolerance to food additives in school children is estimated to be 1‐2%.
Cetirizine for seasonal allergic rhinitis in children aged 2‐6 years
Authors: Allegra L. , Paupe J. , Wieseman H. G. , Baelde Y.
Published: June 2007

A total of 107 children of both sexes between 2 and 6 years of age with pollen‐indueed seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) were entered in a multicentre study of double‐blind parallel group design in which the effects of 5 mg cetirizine, given as drops from a solution containing 10 mg/ml once daily each evening for two weeks, were compared with those of identical placebo. Sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction and nasal and ocular pruritus were the symptoms evaluated by means of symptom scores by investigators and on daily record cards, by parents. Investigators also made a global evaluation at the end of treatment. Cetirizine was more active than placebo for eaeh symptom evaluated both by parents and investigators. There were significant by more (p = 0.002) days during which symptoms were absent or mild, in the cetirizine than in the placebo group. When the maximum symptom scores rated by investigators at each visit were compared, the difference in favour of cetirizine at the end of treatment was statistically signifieant (p = 0.04). Global evaluation by investigators of changes in symptoms at the end of the study showed an improvement in both groups which was significantly greater with cetirizine. providing excellent or good improvement in 34/54 patients compared with 25/53 patients on placebo (p = 0.039). Toleranee was good. Three patients on cetirizine and none on placebo experienced mild somnolence.
Evidence for eosinophil activation in cow's milk allergy
Authors: Suomalainen H. , Soppi E. , Isolauri E.
Published: June 2007

To assist in identifying pathogenetic mechanisms in different clinical manifestations of cow's milk allergy (CMA), the involvement of eosinophil cells in immunoinflammatory reactions was evaluated. The study population comprised 28 patients, aged from 5.8 to 43.0 months, who had challenge‐proven CMA, manifested either cutaneously (n = 17) or gastrointestinally (n = 11). A clinical cow's milk challenge was performed in hospital after a 4 week cow's milk elimination period. Eosinophil activationin vivowas studied by measuring the serum level of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) before the oral cow's milk challenge, mean (SD) 27 (12) hours after commencing the challenge and one week later. These results were compared to those of 80 non‐allergic age‐matched controls. During the challenge, the level of ECP increased from 6.2 (4.5, 8.0) μg/L to 20.0 (9.5, 30, 4) μg/L in CMA patients with skin manifestations but not in those with gastrointestinal symptoms. The increase was shown to be transient. We conclude that eosinophil degranulation is an important immunologic mechanism leading to allergic inflammation in cutaneously manifested CMA.
Inhibition of exercise‐induced‐asthma (EIA) by nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate in children
Authors: Novembre E. , Frongia G. F. , Veneruso G. , Vierucci A.
Published: June 2007

Nedocromil sodium (Ned) 4 mg, sodium cromoglycate (SCG) 10 mg, and placebo were compared for their efficacy in preventing exercise‐induced asthma. Nineteen asthmatic children aged six to 15 years performed a treadmill exercise test before and 20’ after a single dose of drug in a double‐blind trial. Both active drugs performed significantly better than placebo; in fact the exercise challenge resulted in a mean maximum fall in FEV1 of 26.1 ± 14.9% after placebo, but only of 14.6 ± 11.5% after SCG (P < 0.05), and 11.0 ± 12.4% after Ned (p < 0.01). Measurements of PEFR gave similar results, while the effect of treatment on FEF 25–75 was significant for Ned alone (p < 0.05). Direct comparison between Ned and SCG at different time points demonstrated significant differences in FEV1 at 1 min (p < 0.05) with a better overall performance of Ned. In individual patients, complete protection was provided in 9 patients with SCG, in 14 patients with Ned and in 2 with placebo. No side effects were observed. This study suggests that at the dosages used there are only slight differences between SCG and Ned activity in the prevention of exercise‐induced asthma.
Peripheral blood eosinophil counts and eosinophil cationic protein content of respiratory secretions in bronchiolitis: relationship to severity of disease
Authors: Garofalo R. , Dorris A. , Ahlstedt S. , Welliver R.C.
Published: June 2007

Infants and young children with acute viral respiratory illness were studied to determine the association of peripheral blood eosinophil counts and concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in nasopharyngeal secretions with the development and severity of bronchiolitis. Subjects included those with upper respiratory illness (URI) alone, pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Controls consisted of healthy infants, and those hospitalized with non‐respiratory illnesses. While peripheral blood eosinophil counts were suppressed in all infected infants greater than two months of age, eosinophil counts in patients with bronchiolitis were significantly greater than in those with URI alone. ECP concentrations were significantly greater among individuals with bronchiolitis than other infected infants. For bronchiolitis cases with detectable peripheral blood eosinophils, eosinophil counts correlated weakly and inversely with oxygen saturations. In contrast, ECP concentrations were strongly inversely correlated with initial oxygen saturation. ECP concentrations were also significantly correlated with peripheral blood eosinophil counts. Viral infections suppress peripheral blood eosinophil counts in infants greater than two months of age, although the effect is somewhat overcome in patients with bronchiolitis. The form and severity of bronchiolitis is much more strongly related to degranulation of eosinophils in the respiratory tract than to peripheral blood eosinophil counts.
Risks of milk formulas containing peanut oil contaminated with peanut allergens in infants with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Moneret‐Vautrin D. A. , Hatahet R. , Kanny G.
Published: June 2007

Four cases of infants with atopic dermatitis are reported. In all cases, a sensitization to peanut is demonstrated. Any ingestion of peanuts can be excluded, with the exception of a daily consumption of peanut oil, contained in milk formulas. Oral challenges with peanut oil induce a rash, and elimination of these brands is followed by the disappearance of eczematous lesions. The presence of residual allergenic proteins in peanut oil is thus suspected. Owing to the growing incidence of peanut hypersensitivity, the elimination of peanut oil from all milk formulas, food for babies, and ointments, seems to be highly advisable.
Eosinophil cationic protein, myeloperoxidase and tryptase in children with asthma and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kristjánsson S. , Shimizu T. , Strannegård I.‐L. , Wennergren G.
Published: June 2007

Serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tryptase, total IgE and differential blood cell counts were studied in atopic children with: 1) moderate to severe asthma using inhaled steroids and symptom‐free for the last 3 weeks (n= 13), 2) mild asthma with sporadic symptoms, using only inhaled β2‐agonists < 3 times/week (n= 15), 3) acute asthmatic attacks admitted to hospital (n= 12), 4) mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (n= 14). Fifteen children without any history of atopy served as controls. ECP, MPO, tryptase and IgE were measured in serum by radioimmunoassays (RIA). The symptom‐free children with inhaled steroids had similar median ECP and MPO values as the controls, 8.0 and 360 μg/l, vs. 9.0 and 310 μg/l, while both ECP and MPO were significantly (p < 0.001) increased in the symptom‐free children without anti‐inflammatory treatment, 32 and 887 μg/l and in those with acute asthma, 28 and 860 μg/l. The children with atopic dermatitis had increased ECP but normal MPO levels, 16.0 and 455 μg/l. Tryptase in serum was not measurable in any patient. All groups except the control group had significantly elevated total IgE levels. The results indicate that in atopic children serum ECP is a good marker of ongoing asthma or atopic dermatitis. The normal levels of ECP and MPO in the children with asthma using inhaled steroids seem to reflect successful anti‐inflammatory treatment. The increased levels of ECP and MPO in the children with mild asthma and no anti‐inflammatory treatment may indirectly reflect airway inflammation.
Age patterns of immunoglobulins G, A & M in healthy children and the influence of breast feeding and vaccination status
Authors: Kanariou M. , Petridou E. , Liatsis M. , Revinthi K. , Mandalenaki‐Lambrou K. , Trichopoulos D.
Published: June 2007

Serum levels of immunoglobulins G, A and M were determined by nephelometry in 414 infants and children aged 1 month to 14 years. The children were admitted to “Aghia Sophia” Teaching Hospital for Children for surgical corrections of minor anatomical abnormalities, but they were otherwise healthy. Statistical analysis was performed through multiple regression after logarithmic transformation of the immunoglobulin values. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels increased significantly by 18% per year until the age of 5 years and by 2% per year thereafter. Among children less than 5 years old, IgG levels tended to increase significantly with the number of doses of either DTP or Sabin vaccine. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels increased significantly by 27% until the age of 7 years and by 4% thereafter. Among children less than 7 years old, history of breast feeding was significantly associated with higher levels of IgA. Vaccination with either DTP or Sabin was associated with elevation of IgA levels among younger and, to a lesser extent, older children, but the elevations did not reach statistical significance. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels increased rapidly during the first 12 months of life and very slowly thereafter and they were significantly higher among girls. Among children less than one year old, there was evidence that vaccination with either DTP or Sabin was associated with elevated IgM levels, although the differences were not statistically significant possibly because of small numbers of infants in the study sample. The results of the present study demonstrate the age‐ and sex‐dependent changes of immunoglobulins G, A and M, they indicate that vaccination is associated with higher immunoglobulin levels among younger children, and suggest that breast feeding may increase IgA levels among children less than 7 years old.;
Influence of budesonide on the response to inhaled terbutaline in children with mild asthma
Authors: Fuglsang G. , Agertoft L. , Vikre‐Jorgensen J. , Pedersen S.
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate if continuous treatment with budesonide or salmeterol influences the bronchodilator response to terbutaline in children with asthma; 23 children, aged 7 to 16 years (mean = 11 years), with mild asthma were treated with inhaled budesonide 100 μg b.i.d. and placebo for three weeks in a randomized, double blind crossover study. These treatments were followed by treatment with inhaled salmeterol 50 μg b.i.d. for 3 weeks. On the last day of each period a cumulative dose‐response experiment with terbutaline in the doses 50, 100, 250 and 500 μg (cumulative dose 900 μg) was performed. Lung function was measured before and 20 min after each terbutaline inhalation. Baseline pulmonary functions after budesonide treatment were significantly higher than the baseline measured after the two other treatments (p < 0.05). After budesonide treatment, the dose‐response curve was shifted vertically upwards but otherwise parallel to the dose‐response curve after placebo. The increase from baseline after the first cumulative dose of terbutaline was significantly lower after salmeterol treatment than after the two other treatments (p < 0.01). Maximal lung functions after 900 μg terbutaline also differed significantly between the three dose‐response days; budesonide being significantly higher and salmeterol significantly lower than placebo (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). It is concluded that budesonide treatment does not enhance the brochodilator response to terbutaline. Further studies are needed to assess if long‐term continuous salmeterol treatment reduces the response to terbutaline.
Mucosal T cells recovered from mice after infection with respiratory syncytial virus display a memory/activation phenotype
Authors: Kimpen J. L. L. , Ogra P. L.
Published: June 2007

Pgp‐1 expression was studied as a marker of memory/activation on systemic and mucosal T cells of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice after infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), using two‐color dual fluorescence flow cytometry employing anti‐L3T4 (CD4), anti‐Ly2 (CD8), and anti‐Pgp‐1 (CD44) monoclonal antibodies. Pgp‐1 was expressed in relatively low densities on T cells of C57BL/6 mice, allowing differentiation of a dual population of Pgp‐110 and Pgp‐1hi T cells after antigenic stimulation in vivo. On the contrary, T cells of BALB/c mice were uniformely Pgp‐1hi, making this mouse strain less suitable for studies with this marker. In blood and spleen consistently more CD8+ than CD4+ T cells were Pgp‐1hi, while in BAL more CD4+ than CD8+ T cells were Pgp‐1hiAfter primary but not after secondary infection, CD4+ Pgp‐1hi T cells increased significantly in the blood and spleen. After secondary infection both CD4+ Pgp‐1hi and CD8+ Pgp‐1hi T cells increased in the BAL. It is hypothesized that after primary infection systemic RSV‐specific T cells acquire an activation/memory phenotype as characterized by an enhanced expression of Pgp‐1, resulting in a faster and stronger influx of these cells in the lungs after secondary infection.
Leukotriene B4 and C4 generation by human leukocytes after ex vivo stimulation with Ca‐ionophore and opsonized zymosan in children with atopic asthma
Authors: Kristjansson S. , Shimizu T. , Wennergren G. , Strannegard L.‐L , Strandvik B.
Published: June 2007

The ex vivo release of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) from leukocytes was evaluated after stimulation with both Ca‐ionophore (Ca‐I) and opsonized zymosan (OZ) in children with atopic asthma. Twenty‐seven patients with asthma of varying severity were evaluated and divided into three groups: 1) moderate to severe asthma using inhaled steroids and symptom‐free for the last 3 weeks (n = 8), 2) mild asthma with sporadic symptoms, only using inhaled pVagonists < 3 times/week (n = 8), and 3) acute asthmatic attacks admitted to hospital (n = 11). A group of children without atopic disease or any other known disease served as controls (n = 15). Total serum IgE levels were significantly increased in the children with asthma compared with the control group. LTC4 production was only significantly increased in the group of children with moderate to severe asthma after stimulation with Ca‐I, when compared with controls. In the same group, a trend towards increased LTC4 production after stimulation with OZ was found. LTB4 was not significantly increased in any patient group compared with the control group. A significant correlation between LTC4 production after stimulation with Ca‐I, but not OZ, and the relative blood eosinophil count was found in all subjects. LTC4 generation per eosinophilic cell after stimulation with Ca‐I or OZ was not statistically different in any patient group compared with the controls. We conclude that the increased leukotriene (LT) levels found after the stimulation of peripheral white blood cells sampled from atopic children with asthma are mainly the result of increased numbers of LT‐producing cells, rather than due to increased releasability from these cells.
Viable fungi in indoor air in homes and schools in the Sør‐Varanger community during winter
Authors: Dotterud L. K. , Vorland L. H. , Falk E. S.
Published: June 2007

The present study investigated the content of fungal aerospores in homes and schools of house‐dust‐mite (HDM)‐sensitized and control children in a subarctic area. During winter, airborne microfungi were collected from the homes and schools of 19 HDM‐sensitized children and 19 nonatopic controls, all living in the community of Sør‐Varanger. northern Norway. The samples were cultivated and microfungal growth was identified microscopically. Indoor humidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide (C02) concentrations were measured. Housing conditions and sociodemographic and symptom data were obtained by a questionnaire. Penicillium was the most common microfungus in both homes and schools, followed by various yeasts, Aspergillus. Cladospohum, and Mucor. The number of infected homes was equal in the HDM‐sensitized group and the control group, but aerospore counts were higher in the HDM‐sensitized group than in the control group. The lowest aerospore counts were found in the schools. High aerospore counts also appeared to be related to high indoor humidity. The keeping of pets and damp indoor conditions were more frequent in homes of HDM‐sensitized children than in the control group, whereas parental smoking and carpeting occurred with equal frequency in both groups. This indicates that no allergy sanitation measures had been undertaken, especially in the homes of the HDM‐sensitized children.
Sensitivity and allergy to latex in atopic and non‐atopic children
Authors: Liebke C. , Niggemann B. , Wahn U.
Published: June 2007

To study the sensitivity and allergy to latex in children, we investigated sera of 306 atopic md 303 non‐atopic children (median age 4. 5 years) for specif‐ic IgE to latex. In patients with specific IgE to latex, a questionnaire was sent to families and provocation tests were carried out. 60/306 atopic children (20. 8%) and 1/303 non‐atopic children (0. 3 %) showed specific IgE to latex in serum. The proportion of atopic. latex‐sensitized and provocation positive children was 12/48 (25 %). Specific IgE to latex was significantly higher (p < 0.03) in symptomatic compared to non‐symptomatic patients. Specificity of a positive history was 92 %, sensitivity 50 %. Atopic dermati‐tis tended to be more prevalent among the 12 provocation positive atopic children (75 %) compared to 36 provocation negative children (58 %). There was a tendency that children of the symptomatic group underwent surgical interventions more frequently compared to non‐symptomatic children. In conclusion, latex sensitization and latex allergy seem to have oc‐cured more often in atopic children than previously known. Risk factors for the development of a sensitization to latex are atopy and the clinical diagno‐sis of atopic dermatitis; risk factors for a clinically manifest allergy to latex are an elevated specific IgE to latex, a positive history upon contact to mate‐rial containing latex and probably frequent operations. Provocation tests should be performed to plan avoidance measures in latex‐allergic children especially before surgical interventions.
Fetal peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferative responses to mitogenic and allergenic stimuli during gestation
Authors: Jones A. C. , Miles E. A , Warner J. O. , Colwell B. M. , Bryant T. N. , Warner J. A.
Published: June 2007

Blood samples were obtained from fetuses and premature babies (n=51) (15‐34 weeks gestation) to determine at what stage the fetal immune system was able to produce a positive proliferative response to common allergens. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB MC) were stimulated with the mitogen, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and the allergens, house dust mite, cat fur. birch tree pollen, β‐lactoglobulin, ovalbumin and bee venom (mellitin). Results were expressed as ratios of stimulated to unstimulated 3H thymidine incorporation, and as percent positive responders. There was an increase in proliferation ratio which correlated with increasing gestational age for PHA (p < 0.0001), cat fur (p=0.042), birch pollen (p=0.022) and β‐lactoglobulin (p=0, 006). The point in gestation when cells from some individuals began responding to the allergens with a ratio of 2. 0 was at approximately 22 weeks. PBMC proliferative response ratios were higher from samples from babies > 22 weeks gestation compared to < 22 weeks for the mitogen and all allergens, except mellitin. There was also a greater proportion of positive responders from samples > 22 weeks compared to < 22 weeks for the mitogen and all allergens, except mellitin. Maternal exposure to birch pollen, which has a discrete season, was assessed to determine whether exposure had occurred at 22 weeks gestation or beyond. Results showed a higher prolifera tive response in infant cells stimulated with birch pollen (p=0.005) and higher proportion of positive responders (p=0.01) in the group of babies whose mothers had been exposed to hirch pollen beyond 22 weeks, compared to those whose mothers had not been so exposed. These results suggest that in utero fetal exposure to an allergen from around 22 weeks gestation may result in primary sensitisation to that allergen, leading to positive proliferative responses, at birth.
Are combinations of questions better than individual questions for detecting sensitization to mite allergen?
Authors: Murray A. B. , Milner R. A.
Published: June 2007

Previous studies have found that questions are considerably less sensitive for predicting sensitization to dust mites than to pollens or to household pets. We studied 1160 children with respiratory symptoms to find whether the sensitivity for predicting mite allergy could be increased by asking several rather than single questions. Parents accompanying the children were asked standardized validated questions. Of the four individual questions relevant to mites, the one with the highest sensitivity for predicting a positive skin prick test to this allergen was whether the symptoms were worse when the house was heing swept, vacuumed or dusted (29. 8%). If an affirmative answer to that question, or to any of the other three questions, was taken as predictive of sensitization, the sensitivity increased to 54. 2%. However, requiring only a single affirmative answer to this combination of questions decreased the specificity. The sensitivity of the combination of questions was comparable to that of questions for predicting positive tests to tree pollens (56. 4%), cats (56. 4%), grass pollens (52. 5%) and dogs (51. 4%). We conclude that asking a combination of questions is as useful for indicating possible sensitization to dust mite as are questions for detecting sensitization to other common inhalant allergens.
CD4+ cells from patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency have a reduced ability of CD40 ligand membrane expression after in vitro stimulation
Authors: Brugnoni Duilio , Airò Paolo , Lebovitz Morena , Malacarne Fabio , Ugazio Alberto G. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Plebani Alessandro , Cattaneo Roberto
Published: June 2007

Background: Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by defective antibody production. This has been variably attributed to intrinsic B‐cell defects or to T‐cell disfunctions. Recently, it has been reported that the expression of the CD40 Ligand (CD40L), a T‐cell surface molecule that plays a critical role in the cell‐contact‐mediated helper signals provided to B‐cells, is defective in a subset of patients with CVID.

Methods: To demonstrate that the defective expression is due to intrinsic functional abnormalities of CD4+ lymphocytes, CD4+ cells were purified from eight patients with CVID and eight age‐paired controls, stimulated with PMA+Ionomycin. and studied for CD40L expression by flow cytome‐try using specific monoclonal antibodies.

Results and conclusions: The percentage of CD4+ cells expressing CD40L after optimal stimulation was correlated with age both in patients with CVID (r: 0. 74: p: 0.04) and in healthy controls (r: 0. 73; p: 0.04). The percentage of CD40L+ cells was reduced in patients with CVID compared to that of controls (p: 0.02 when data are paired for age) with a reduced density of expression (p: < 0.01). The defect was variable in different patients and in some cases it was marginal.
Atopic versus infectious diseases in childhood: a question of balance?
Authors: Holt P. G. , Sly P. D. , Björksién B.
Published: June 2007

There is an increasing interest in the concept that respiratory tract infections during early childhood may in some circumstances confer protection against sensitisalion 10 ueroallergens, via “bystander” stimulation of Th‐1 associated immune functions in the regional lymph nodes draining the airway mucosa. We hypothesise below that this phenomenon may be but one component of a broader process operative during early postnatal life, in which generalised contact with the microbial environment plays an obligatory role in stimulating the functional maturation of the Th‐1 arm of the immune response. We argue further that one of the most potent sources of such stimulation is provided by the normal commensal flora of the gasirointesiinal tract, which is establish during early infancy.
Immunoglobulin E and G antibodies two years after a booster dose of an aluminium‐adsorbed or a fluid DT vaccine in relation to atopy
Authors: Mark Anders , BjÖrkstén Bengt , Granström Marta
Published: June 2007

Iinnumoglobi. il in E and G levels lo diphtheria and tetanus toxoids were investigated two years after a DT booster wilh either an adsorbed or a nonadsorbed, fluid vaccine, given at 10 years of age. Although IgE levels had declined, detectable IgE to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids were still found in 82% and 67% of samples, respectively, to be compared to prebooster levels of 3‐14% and postbooster levels of 92‐94%. The IgG levels had also declined hut remained at equal and high levels in both the adsorbed and the fluid vaccine groups. The prevalence of allergic symptoms was similar in the two vaccination groups. Thus, the study showed an unexpected, long duration of the IgE responses elicited by a booster dose of DT vaccine. The booster dose also induced a durable, high IgG antibody response to both the adsorbed and the fluid vaccine.
Worldwide variations in prevalence of symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children: the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)
Authors: Strachan David , Sibbald Bonnie , Weiland Stephan , Ait‐Khaled Nadia , Anabwani Gabriel , Anderson H. Ross , Asher M. Innes , Beasley Richard , Bjorksten Bengt , Burr Michael , Clayton Tadd , Crane Julian , Ellwood Philippa , Keil Ulrich , Lai Christopher , Mallol Javier , Martinez Fernando , Mitchell Edwin , Montefort Stephen , Pearce Neil , Robertson Colin , Shah Jayant , Stewart Alistair , von Mutius Erika , Williams Hywel
Published: June 2007

Background: As part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), prevalence surveys were conducted among representative samples of school children from locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, North and South America.

Subjects: 257,800 children aged 6‐7 years from 91 centres in 38 countries, and 463,801 children aged 13‐14 years from 155 centres in 56 countries. Methods: Written symptom questionnaires were translated from English into the local language for self‐completion by the 13‐14‐year‐olds and completion by the parents of the 6‐7‐year‐olds. Rhinitis was described as a problem with sneezing, or a runny, or blocked nose when you (your child) DID NOT have a cold or the flu. Additional questions were asked about rhinitis associated with itchy‐watery eyes, interference with activities and a history of hay fever ever.

Results: The prevalence of rhinitis with itchy‐watery eyes (“rhinoconjunctivitis”) in the past year varied across centres from 0.8%(to 14.9% in the 6‐7‐year‐olds and from 1.4% to 39.7% in the 13‐14‐year‐olds. Within each age group, the global pattem was broadly consistent across each of the symptom categories. In centres of higher prevalence there was great variability in the proportion of rhinoconjunctivitis labelled as hay fever. The lowest prevalences of rhinoconjunctivitis were found in parts of eastern Europe. south and central Asia. High prevalences were reported from centres in several regions.

Conclusion: These results suggest substantial worldwide variations in the prevalence and labelling of symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis which require further study. These differences, if real, may offer important clues to environmental influences on allergy.
The “Nasal Pool”‐device for challenge and lavage of the nasal mucosa in children: Histamine‐induced plasma exudation responses
Authors: Greiff Lennart , Meyer Peter , Svensson Christer , Persson Carl G. A. , Andersson Morgan
Published: June 2007

The accessibility of the nasal airway allows important examination of the airway mucosa in health and disease. However, the current methods for nasal challenge and lavage in children suffer from several shortcomings. In the present study, we have assessed the utility of a recently developed “nasal pool”‐device in 7–9 year old children, and explored the ability of the nasal mucosa of these school‐children to mount a plasma exudation res‐ponse (lumenal entry of bulk plasma). Isotonic saline was instilled and maintained (1 min) as a “pool” in the unilateral nasal cavity. Recovery of the “pool” (lavage fluids) was determined. Concomitant challenge and lavage was then performed by exposing the nasal mucosa to a “pool” of iso‐tonic saline and histamine (40‐400 μg/ml) for 2 min. “Pool” fluids were analysed for α2‐macroglobulin as an index of microvascular epithelial exudation of bulk plasma. The school‐children successfully managed to carry out nasal lavages as well as concomitant histamine challenges and lavages with the “nasal pool”‐device. The recovery of the nasal lavage fluids was almost quantitative (>85%) and thus well reproducible. Histamine produced significant exudation of bulk plasma (α2‐macroglobulin), We suggest that the “nasal pool”‐device is well suited for challenge and lavage of the nasal airway mucosa in children above 6 years of age. and conclude that lumenal entry of multipotent humoural protein‐systems may be an im‐portant first line respiratory defence mechanism in children.
Time course of changes in the intestinal permeability of food‐sensitized rats after oral allergen challenge
Authors: Sakamoto Yasutoshi , Ohtsuka Takeshi , Yoshida Hideo , Ohto Kumi , Onobori Makoto , Matsumoto Tsutomu , Likura Yoji , Morohoshi Toshio
Published: June 2007

Rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) with a molecular weight of 45 kd, challenged with OVA orally, followed by orally administered pMac‐toglobulin (BLG) as an intestinal permeability marker. BLG is a macro‐molecular protein with a molecular weight of 18 kd. Blood BLG concentrations were measured (by ELISA) serially over 4 hours following BLG administration, which in turn was given 1 hour after OVA challenges. The maximum BLG concentration was at 2 hours. BLG was then administered orally 1, 3, 6,12 and 24 hours after oral OVA challenge, and the serum BLG concentration at 2 hours after BLG administration was compared among the five groups. BLG appeared in the circulation of the animals 1,6 and 24 hours after allergen challenge, but not after 3 and 12 hours. The serum BLG concentration was not significantly different at 1, 6 and 24 hours. Histopathological examinations of the intestines showed mast cell infiltration of the intestinal mucosa at 1 hour, remarkable edema of villi at 3 hours, eosinophil infiltration at 6 hours, an increase of goblet cells at 12 hours and villous atrophy and lymphocyte infiltration at 24 hours. The appearance in the serum of three BLG peaks of comparable heights suggested that the intestinal absorption of BLG may be related to a late and delayed phase as well as the immediate IgE‐dependent phase response.
Thymoma and cellular immune deficiency in an adolescent
Authors: Sicherer Scott H. , Cabana Michael D. , Perlman Elizabeth J. , Lederman Howard M. , Matsakis Rebecca R. , Winkelstein Jerry A.
Published: June 2007

Thymoma has been associated with both humoral immunodeficiency and cellular immunodeficiency, but the latter association has never been described in the pediatric age group. We report a 15‐year‐old female with thymoma, recalcitrant oropharyngeal candidiasis, recurrent generalized cutaneous herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, recurrent pneumonia and myasthenia gravis. Pathology of the thymic lesion showed a 10times5x6 cm extensively hyalinized mass with residual regions of spindle cell predominant and lymphocyte‐rich thymoma. There was no evidence of humoral immunodeficiency but there was clinical and laboratory evidence of cellular immunodeficiency with cutaneous anergy and absence of T cell proliferation to Candida antigen. Six weeks after the thymoma was resected, she was no longer anergic and Candida proliferation was normal, although she continued to experience infections. This is the first reported pediatric patient with an association of cellular immunodeficiency with thymoma.
Statistics at County Hall
Authors: REYNOLDS P.
Published: June 2007

‘But how is statistics used in practice?’ ask our pupils. Peter Reynolds outlines two applications that landed on his desk.
Measuring Uncertainty
Authors: MOORE P. G.
Published: June 2007

When analysing situations which involve decisions to be made as between alternative courses of action under conditions of uncertainty, decision maker and their advisers are often called upon to assess judgemental probability distributions of quantities whose true values are unknown to them. How can this judgement be taught?
Amusement with Occasional Prizes
Authors: DOWNTON F.
Published: June 2007

About 40%of adults in Great Britain regularly participate in gambling. Gaming machines are popular. What are the odds.?
Breakdowns and Birthdays
Authors: BISSELL A. F.
Published: June 2007

In the previous article in this series, Old Problems in New Clothes, the appearance of a classical probability problem in a technological guise was described. Here is mother such example.
An Analysis of the First 100 Years of Wimbledon Tennis Finals
Authors: CROUCHER JOHN S.
Published: June 2007

The Wimbledon tennis tournament began in 1977 when the first men's singles final was played. In 1879 men's doubles were introduced and 1884 saw the advent of women's singles. Using elementary probability theory we can compare that the players and expected number of sets each match lasted under the hypothesis that the players were of equal ability. Consideration is also made of a “back‐to‐the‐wall” effect which favours the player(s) trailing in the match.
Design of Experiments Illustrated by Weighing
Authors: WILKIE D.
Published: June 2007

A smiple weighing experiment is used to illustrate classical, factorial, fractional replicate of a factorial, confounded factorial and latin square designs of experiments.
The Game of Tai Sai
Authors: Wang Ann‐Lee
Published: June 2007

In this article Ann‐Lee Wang describes a gambling game that many Malaysians engage in. often illegally. The game is called “Tai Sai” which literally means “Big Small” in Chinese. There are two versions of the game, both of which provide interesting problems for teachers of introductory courses in probability. Both versions use three dice.
Sampling In Everyday Life in Nigeria
Authors: Oshungade Isaac O.
Published: June 2007

This article describes a means of introducing the elementary concepts of sampling with practical class based discussions to a group of first year students in a four year degree programme in Statistics and in other Science courses at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. This class is equivalent to the Advanced level course and the students are usually of ages between 17 and 19 years.
Board With Statistics?
Authors: Careless Christopher
Published: June 2007

This article reviews use of a games based resource pack with a view to its value as an aid to developing an appreciation of chance and statistics, as well as other mathematical skills, in an experiential context.
Correlation and Regression using QUEST
Authors: Butt Peter
Published: June 2007

This article provides a report on how a commonly availbale chemical database and the graphical utilities of a database management system were used to generate discussion when introducing the topics of correlation and regression to sixth form pupils.
Wimbledon Results Re‐analysed
Authors: Pangarkar K. G. , Welukar R. M.
Published: June 2007

This article considers the remodified model for the analysis of Wimbledon finals.
Visualising Correlation with Spreadsheets
Authors: Neuwirth Erich
Published: June 2007

When teaching correlation it is often very useful to show examples of data sets with a given correlation. This article describes a method using a spreadsheet to generate such scatterplots and to obtain “confidence regions”.
The Game of Chong Yuen Chow
Authors: Wang Ann‐Lee
Published: June 2007

Chong Yuen Chow is a Chinese game played with six dice and sixty‐three sticks. This gambling game is a nice little game for students to simulate on the computer. The students may then be able to study its statistical properties.
Elementary Statistics with Minitab
Authors: Johnson Phillip E.
Published: June 2007

Computer packages are available which can take much of the tedium out of the computational aspects of statistics and, we hope, thereby improve comprehension of the concepts. This article describes how the software package Minitab was incorporated into two elementary statistics courses, one at Kingston Polytechnic in England, the other at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the United States.
Discovering the Laws of Sampling
Authors: Rennolls Keith , Massay Michael
Published: June 2007

That the sample mean and variance are “good” estimates of the corresponding population parameters is easily accepted as “obvious” by students, but the concept of standard error of the mean is often found to be quite a hurdle. That this standard error decreases inversely as the square‐root of the sample size, and the mysterious appearance of the Normal distribution, are often taken as magical and incomprehensible effects, and non‐mathematical students can often be turned away from further understanding. This article describes a program which provides an experimental framework in which the student can rapidly develop an intuition for the basic properties of sampling.
Life Tables – A Plea for their Use
Authors: Raeside Robert , Windle David
Published: June 2007

This article highlights the important contribution that life tables can make to teaching in the social sciences and in engineering subjects, especially when comparative work is carried out. The article ends by illustrating how to form the life table and generate appropriate graphs using a spreadsheet.
What Divisor for the Sample Variance?
Authors: Rayner J. C. W. , Best D. J.
Published: June 2007

Simulation is used to show why the divisor in the sample variance is n, ‐ 1. Choice of the divisor for the sample standard deviation is also discussed.
Graphwork – Developing a Progression: Part 2 – A diversity of graphs
Authors: Rangecroft Margaret
Published: June 2007

This article indicates how graphwork can be developed systematically in the secondary school.
Students' Weaknesses in Statistical Projects
Authors: Li K.Y. , Shen S.M.
Published: June 2007

This article classifies and discusses some of the common technical and conceptual mistakes found in the entries to student statistical project competitions in Hong Kong.
Sample and Population Diagram ‐ A Teaching Tool
Authors: Lewis John L. , Brewer James K.
Published: June 2007

This article describes a simple, yet effective way to introduce and also review the concepts of ‘sample’ and ‘population’ using a Sample and Population Diagram.
Illustrating Regression Concepts
Authors: Nurhonen Markku , Puntanen Simo
Published: June 2007

Modern microcomputers offer attractive possibilities to illustrate various concepts related to regression. In this article we describe how this can be achieved.
The UK Unemployment Figures
Authors: Kimber Alan
Published: June 2007

This article investigates the prblems of fitting a simple time series model to data in which there are rapid changes in trend. The UK monthly unemployment figures are used as an example.
Illustrating the Dangers of Hunting the Process Mean
Authors: Dodgson Jeffrey
Published: June 2007

This article describes two simple ways to illustrate the important concept in statistical process control known as “hunting”. The two simulations use dice and Minitab respectively.
Book Reviews
Authors: RANGECROFT MARGARET , EAGLESTONE MARGARET , FLETCHER MIKE , HOLMES PETER , GREEN DAVID
Published: June 2007

Books Reviewed in this Article:

Used Numbers.

SMP 11‐16 Handling Data Booklets.

Statistics.

Basic Statistical Computing.

Innumeracy: Mathematical illiteracy and its consequences.
Creative Data in Business Statistics Courses
Authors: Strasser Sandra , Ozgur Ceyhun
Published: June 2007

This paper discusses an innovative approach for using live data generated through student projects or through experiments using student subjects. This live data set, in which the students have a vested interest, becomes the foundation upon which the learning of the statistical concepts is built.
Fishy Statistics
Authors: Watson Jane M.
Published: June 2007

Being a statistical detective can provide a strong motivation for early work in data handling. Media reports can often start a fascinating chain of events, as this article shows.
Data Handling in Primary Mathematics Schemes
Authors: Rouncefield Mary
Published: June 2007

The authors of this article are members of a subcommittee of the Mathematical Association's Teaching Committee. The subcommittee's brief is to prepare a pack of materials for primary school teachers to help them to teach Data Handling in the National Curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2. This report is based on a review of existing mathematics schemes undertaken as part of the subcommittee's work.
Book Reviews
Authors: CRITCHER HELEN , RANGECROFT MARGARET
Published: June 2007

Books Reviewed in this Article:

SMP 16‐19 Living with Uncertainty.

Introductory Statistics (5th Edition)

New Applications of Mathematics.

2010 Education.

A Handbook for Teachers in Universities and Colleges.

Teaching Mathematics and Art.

History in the Mathematics Classroom IREM Papers Vol 1.
The Analysis of Experimental Data: The Appreciation of Tea and Wine
Authors: Lindley Dennis V
Published: June 2007

A classical experiment on the tasting of tea is used to show that many standard methods of analysis of the resulting data are unsatisfactory. A similar experiment with wine is used to show how a more sensible method may be developed.
Computers in the Statistics Curriculum
Authors: Higgo John
Published: June 2007

This article is inessence a condensed extract from the comprehensive report Computers in the Mathematics Curriculum (1992) recently published by the Mathematical Association and produced by a subcommittee of the Teaching Committee. The subcommittee was chaired by the author and the report was drafted and edited by WJA Mann. The 188‐page report is available at £9.95 from the Mathematical Association. 259 London Road, Leicester LE2 3BE, UK.