bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in genes involved in glucose metabolism in cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Burchell A. , Forsyth L. , Hume R. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Infants with intra‐uterine growth retardation have an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Hypoglycaemia is also significantly correlated with retardation of intra‐uterine growth. A number of mutations in key proteins involved in regulation of blood glucose (e.g. glucokinase) have been found to result in reduced birth weight. Heterozygous mutations in the coding region of the glucokinase gene have been shown to cause MODY (a form of early onset Type II diabetes mellitus). The aim was to screen a cohort of SIDS and control infants who were either growth retarded or appropriately grown for gestational age to determine if any mutations and/or polymorphisms were present in the glucokinase gene. Methods PCR, denaturing high performance liquid chromatography on an automated Transgenomic WAVE DNA fragment analysis system and DNA sequencing. Results Genomic DNA was isolated from 129 infants who were either growth retarded or appropriately grown for gestational age. We found several rare novel polymorphisms in the glucokinase gene in the infant samples. However, none of the samples contained any of the mutations in the glucokinase gene previously reported in cases of MODY. Conclusions We have found rare novel polymorphisms in the glucokinase gene in the infant samples. In contrast in these samples, we have not found any examples of the previously reported mutations in the coding region of the glucokinase gene found in MODY. This clearly shows that while MODY babies are often small, MODY is not a common cause of either intra‐uterine growth retardation or of SIDS.
Epidemiological investigation of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome infants – recommendations for future studies
Authors: Blair P. , Fleming P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn recent years the study of infant care practices within the sleeping environment has proved to be the single most important set of observations for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To further reduce the number of deaths and resolve the debate on safe infant care practice, a closer scrutiny of this environment is required. However, anecdotal observation from uncontrolled death‐scene investigations and a reluctance to diagnose SIDS because of adverse social conditions or circumstantial evidence at the time of death is undermining future research. To investigate SIDS now means investigating the wider umbrella of all Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (SUDI) because of the potential for misdiagnosis. In trying to find out why SIDS infants die we have increasingly been forced to search for why infants survive in the first few months of life and it is this comparative component of epidemiological observation that has saved so many lives. A death‐scene investigation is vital to any planned future investigation of SIDS but equally essential is a sleep‐scene investigation of surviving infants to put any findings into context. SIDS infants are no longer scattered across the social strata and the cot is not the only environment in which they are found, social deprivation and use of the parental bed are now more discernable. Future studies should therefore reflect these changes with a second control group of surviving infants more closely matched to the type of environment in which SIDS infants might be found.
Triadic bed‐sharing and infant temperature
Authors: Ball H. L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe effects on infants of sleeping with their parents is currently the subject of much debate. One concern regarding infants who sleep in their parents’ bed involves the possibility of overheating. Previous research reported a significantly greater core temperature of 0.1°C among a cohort of bed‐sharing infants compared with a matched cohort of infants sleeping alone. This paper presents a preliminary analysis of the overnight rectal temperature of 12 of the 20 infants who were monitored sleeping alone and with their parents on separate nights at the University of Durham Parent‐Infant Sleep Lab. No significant differences were found in all night rectal temperature, or temperature from 2 h after sleep onset between bed‐sharing and cot sleeping nights. These preliminary analyses suggest a night‐time difference in rectal temperature between routine bed‐sharers and routine cot sleepers, however, these findings will be further explored in the full analyses for this study.
Management of hip dislocation with postural management
Authors: Pountney Teresa , Mandy Anne , Green Elizabeth , Gard Paul 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundHip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy has a well‐documented history and morbidity.ObjectiveThis paper presents a retrospective study of children with bilateral cerebral palsy who had various postural management and its effect on hip deformity. The most widely accepted theoretical model of hip subluxation/dislocation is that an imbalance in muscle length and strength around the hip leads to acetabular dysplasia and consequent hip subluxation. Maintenance of muscle length and strength and loadbearing is therefore a logical prevention. Research on normal infants’ postures has provided biomechanical data to form the theoretical basis of 24 h postural management equipment.MethodsThe notes and X‐rays of 59 children with bilateral cerebral palsy from East and West Sussex and Oxfordshire were examined and measured to determine whether a relationship existed between postural management and the level of hip subluxation/dislocation. X‐rays were measured using Reimers’ hip migration percentage. Postural management support was divided into three groups for analysis. Category 1: use of a 24‐h postural management approach using Chailey Adjustable Postural Support (CAPS) systems in lying, sitting and standing; category 2: two items of CAPS (either lying/sitting or sitting/standing supports); category 3: use of the CAPS seat only and/or any other postural supports. Hip status was recorded for analysis as both hips safe (under 33% migrated), or one/both hips subluxed.ResultsChildren using ‘All CAPS’ before hip subluxation maintained significantly more hip integrity than other groups (χ2P< 0.05).ConclusionsPostural management interventions have an important role in the prevention of hip dysplasia.
Variations in the orthotic management of cerebral palsy
Authors: Morris Christopher , Newdick Helen , Johnson Ann 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveAnecdotal reports that children with cerebral palsy were provided different orthoses in two adjacent UK health districts were investigated using an observational comparative case study.MethodThe populations were compared using an epidemiological register of children with cerebral palsy, which confirmed that a comparable health service response could be expected. Merging data from the register with the orthotic patient database facilitated comparison of the orthoses prescribed in each district. A survey questionnaire was used to gather the perceptions of clinicians in both districts to understand how each team decides which orthosis to prescribe.ResultsThere was considerable variation in the types of orthoses prescribed between districts, and particularly of ankle foot orthoses. Survey respondents from the same profession described having the same roles, although clinicians expressed different responsibilities for initiating and sanctioning orthotic prescriptions in their district programmes. The survey also suggested that most clinicians were uncertain when prescribing orthoses, and clinical practice was therefore largely determined by professional preference.ConclusionDefining the spectrum of activity limitation in geographically defined populations would enhance health services research and assist in the development of trials using different interventions to reduce those limitations.
Child care decisions: parental choice or chance?
Authors: Anderson E. S. , Jackson A. , Wailoo M. P. , Petersen S. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimA study of the context of child care decision making by inner city and suburban mothers, using parents to help develop and administer a semi‐structured questionnaire.MethodsA total of 131 mothers were interviewed (73 inner city and 58 suburban) at home.ResultsInner city mothers were more likely to bottle feed, smoke and adopt risky infant sleeping positions, for example the settee. Virtually all babies (98%) were fully vaccinated and placed prone (95%) to sleep at night. Inner city mothers smoked (71%) despite the known health risks and continued postnatally (55%), mainly as a means of relieving stress. In total, 30% of inner city mothers wanted to breast feed; 19% had succeeded to 6–8 weeks postnatally. Bottle feeding helped both mother and baby to have uninterrupted nights of sleep. Suburban mothers (59%) succeeded in breast feeding, with others choosing bottle feeding mostly because of returning to work. The average weekly alcohol consumption, 32 units inner city and 15 units suburban, was taken in weekend binges by inner city parents, but in daily small amounts by suburban mothers.ConclusionsThe well‐being of the baby was the prime concern of all mothers, irrespective of social background. However, inner city mothers made rational decisions to smoke and bottle feed to reduce the impact of stress and allow the mother much needed respite for the good of the entire family.
Mite control with low temperature washing–II. Elimination of living mites on clothing
Authors: Bischoff  , Fischer  , Liebenberg  , Kniest  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAllergens produced by mites are one of the principal causes of allergic disease. House dust mites can be found in significant numbers living in textile garments, and therefore development of optimal washing conditions for delicate textiles represents an important aim for domestic mite control.ObjectivesInvestigation of methods to eliminate house dust mites from clothing under low temperature washing conditions.MethodsDomestic house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae were cultured on garments under favourable conditions. The breeding success was monitored in terms of population and distribution using the free‐mite Mobility Test. The mite containing garments were washed at low temperature with different commercial detergents in the presence or absence of a mite control additive containing 0.03% benzyl benzoate, and the numbers of mites surviving the washing process were assessed using the Heat Escape Method.ResultsThe successful culture of mites in textile garments led to mite numbers of a total of at least 9000 to 10000 mites in 10 garments (Mobility Test). After washing in a domestic washing machine with detergents alone ≈ 6000 remaining mites were detected in 10 garment halfs (Heat Escape Method). In contrast, mite control by the application of the same detergents together with an additive achieved a reduction to almost 50 mites. This is an additional reduction in mite numbers of 99.2%.ConclusionsIt is possible to achieve mite control in delicate garments by washing at low temperature in the presence of a mite control additive providing a final concentration of 0.03% benzyl benzoate.
Molecular analysis of DRB and DQB1 alleles in German spina bifida patients with and without IgE responsiveness to the latex major allergen Hev b 1
Authors: Rihs H.‐P. , Cremer R. , Chen Z. , Baur X. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectiveSpina bifida patients are at a high risk of developing latex allergy. Recently, we found a relationship between the IgE responsiveness to latex allergen hevein and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles DRB1*04 (DR4) as well as DQB1*0302 (DQ8). This study was carried out to investigate the association between HLA class II alleles and the specific IgE response to latex allergen Hev b 1 in spina bifida patients.MethodsBlood samples from 103 unrelated German spina bifida patients exposed to latex products and from 90 unsensitized controls were examined. Genomic DNA isolation followed by HLA‐D‐specifc polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was used to perform HLA typing of allelic polymorphisms in exon 2 of DQB1 and of DRB1,3,4,5 with sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOPs).ResultsFifty‐one out of 103 spina bifida patients were found to have anti‐latex IgE antibodies; 40 had also anti‐Hev b 1 antibodies. Further, we observed that 80% of the Hev b 1 responders underwent five or more surgeries whereas 55% of the Hev b 1 non‐responders and 75% of the latex‐non‐responders underwent less than five surgical interventions. From the latex‐sensitized group 33% showed an elevated phenotype frequency of DRB1*0701 (DR7) when compared with unsensitized patients (12%, P = 0.0095, Pc = NS) and with controls (17%; P = 0.035, Pc = ns). Fifteen out of 40 Hev b 1 responders also exhibited an elevated DR7 frequency when compared with latex‐sensitive but Hev b 1‐negative patients (38% vs 18%, P = NS) or with unsensitized controls (38% vs 17%, P = 0.013, Pc = NS).ConclusionsAlthough we found that the DRB1*0701 (DR7) phenotype frequency was elevated in SB patients with latex‐ as well as with Hev b 1‐IgE responsiveness, the analyses of the other class II alleles clearly demonstrate that the HLA‐D region does not play a major role in the pathogenetic way of sensitization to Hev b 1.
Seasonal variations in cyclic AMP production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in allergic asthmatics
Authors: Hoekstra  , Weersink  , Postma  , Kauffman  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundDysfunction of the β‐adrenoceptor (βAR)/adenylyl cyclase (AC) system can impair the response of different cell types, including lymphocytes. In asthma, impairment of this system as well as changes in cytokine production by lymphocytes have been described. Because the severity of asthma can change over the year, a circannual pattern of the βAR/AC system activity may also exist.ObjectivesWe set out to examine the activity of this βAR/AC signal transduction system in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of allergic asthmatics to asses whether differences existed between seasons. We investigated whether changes were associated with asthma severity and circannual changes in serum cortisol levels.MethodsDuring 19 months, 41 allergic asthmatics (mean age 28 years) with nocturnal airway obstruction were enrolled in the study. AC activity was measured by cyclic AMP production. Resting, stimulated and potentiated AC activities and their relationships with clinical parameters, seasonal influences and serum cortisol levels were assessed.ResultsThe AC activity in resting, stimulated and potentiated cells varied during the year. AC activity was relatively low in the periods June–August and September–November, and higher in December–February and March–May. Receptor‐mediated and potentiated responses expressed as percentage of the resting response were equivalent throughout the year. Serum cortisol levels were positively related to AC activity. No relationships were found between clinical parameters and AC activity or serum cortisol levels.ConclusionsThese results indicate that AC activity in PBMCs of allergic asthmatics shows a seasonal variation. However, seasonal differences in AC activity seems to be unrelated with clinical parameters. Other factors such as serum cortisol levels may have a modulating influence on AC activity. Future studies of AC systems in blood cells of asthmatic patients need to take into account these seasonal influences.
Atopy in children with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Caffarelli  , Savini  , Giordano  , Gianlupi  , Cavagni  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundContrasting data have been found on the prevalence of atopy in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). A major issue would be to determine whether screening for atopy should be recommended.SettingCentre for Study of Otitis Media with Effusion, Tabiano Terme, Parma, Italy.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relation of OME to atopy.MethodsThe subjects were 172 children with OME and a control group of 200 children. The protocol included a questionnaire survey of diseases associated with atopy, a skin‐prick test and a clinical evaluation of allergic symptoms and hypersensitivity to aeroallergens.ResultsNo significant difference between patients and control group was observed for family history of atopy or positive skin‐prick test reactions. Symptoms associated with atopy occurred significantly more frequently in the group with OME (P < 0.001), though only the presence of rhinitis or atopic eczema was significantly associated with OME.ConclusionsPrevalence of positive skin‐prick tests results is not enhanced in children with OME. Nevertheless, the association of OME with symptoms associated with atopy suggests that such concomitant diseases may play a part in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Children with allergic rhinitis or atopic eczema should be investigated by tympanometry for OME.
Comparison between eosinophilic markers in induced sputum and blood in asthmatic patients
Authors: Bacci  , Cianchetti  , Ruocco  , Bartoli  , Carnevali  , Dente  , DI Franco  , Giannini  , Macchioni  , Vagaggini  , Morelli  , Paggiaro  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe usefulness and safety of the analysis of blood inflammatory markers in asthma are widely recognized. Recently, the analysis of induced sputum has been proposed as a safe, non‐invasive tool in the study of airway inflammation in asthma.ObjectiveOur aim was to test whether sputum analysis is more useful than blood analysis in the evaluation of airway inflammation in untreated and treated asthmatic patients.MethodsTwelve untreated patients with mild to moderate asthma underwent a methacholine challenge test, sputum induction and blood sampling. A group of 14 normal subjects was also evaluated for baseline comparison. The same evaluation was repeated after 3 months of budesonide treatment. Before and after treatment, we tested the relationship of eosinophilic markers in induced sputum and blood with clinical and functional data. We also compared eosinophilic markers in induced sputum with the same markers in blood.ResultsUntreated patients showed a significant relationship between sputum eosinophils and symptom score, and between sputum eosinophilic cationic protein and symptom score, FEV1 and PD20FEV1. No relationship between blood eosinophilic markers and clinical or functional data was observed. In budesonide‐treated patients, both sputum and blood eosinophils were significantly lower than in untreated patients, but eosinophil decrease was greater in sputum than in blood. Sputum eosinophilic proteins were also significantly lower in treated patients, whereas serum eosinophilic proteins were low at baseline and remained unchanged after treatment. Sputum eosinophilic markers were lower in normal subjects than in both untreated and treated patients, while blood eosinophils, but not serum eosinophilic cationic protein, were lower in normals than in untreated patients.ConclusionsThe analysis of induced sputum is more useful than the analysis of blood in the evaluation of asthma severity and of the effect of glucocorticoid treatment in patients with mild to moderate asthma.
Food allergy with monovalent sensitivity to poultry meat
Authors: Cahen  , Fritsch  , WÜthrich  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAllergy to poultry meat is only rarely covered in science. The few reports are usually related to patients allergic to eggs or bird feathers.ObjectiveTwo patients with a clear history of monovalent, ingestive allergy to chicken and turkey meat, without other food allergies, were analysed. The relevant allergens were to be identified by immunoblotting.MethodsBoth patients were evaluated with skin tests and specific IgE determination (CAP). Allergens were identified by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting. Crossreactivity of chicken and turkey meat was examined by IgE inhibition experiments.ResultsSkin tests and specific IgE were positive for chicken and turkey in both patients. Crossreactivities to other poultry meats were documented for duck and goose meat. No sensitization to egg components or poultry feathers could be found. Allergenic proteins of poultry meat were detected at molecular weights of 21, 23 and 50 kDa (distinct bands) and 13, 27 and 33 kDa (faint bands). An additional band at 91 kDa for turkey, can probably not be considered a distinct allergenic epitope. Immunoblot inhibition confirmed cross‐reactivity of chicken and turkey meat allergens.ConclusionFood allergy to poultry meat is a distinct disorder with crossreactivity among chicken, turkey and other poultries. The relevant allergens were identified by immunoblotting. Associated food allergy to egg‐components is unlikely as the patients were able to tolerate egg and eggs products.
Vβ8+ T lymphocytes are essential in the regulation of airway hyperresponsiveness and bronchoalveolar eosinophilia but not in allergen‐specific IgE in a murine model of allergic asthma
Authors: Hofstra  , Van Ark  , Savelkoul  , Cruikshank  , Nijkamp  , Van Oosterhout  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that in allergic asthma the inflammatory process is regulated by T lymphocytes. In BALB/c mice the majority of ovalbumin responsive T lymphocytes express the Vβ8.1+ and Vβ8.2+ T‐cell receptor.ObjectiveWe analysed the contribution of Vβ8+ T lymphocytes during the sensitization and challenge phase in the regulation of antigen‐specific IgE, airway hyperresponsiveness and cellular infiltration in the airways in a murine model of allergic asthma.MethodsMice strains genetically lacking (SJL/J and SJA/9) and expressing (BALB/c) the Vβ8+ T cell receptor were used. In addition, prior to the sensitization and prior to the challenge BALB/c mice were treated with antibodies to Vβ8. Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin, followed by repeated challenge with ovalbumin or saline aerosols.ResultsIn ovalbumin challenged BALB/c mice treated with control antibody a significant increase in eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage, airway hyperresponsiveness and increased serum levels of ovalbumin‐specific IgE were observed compared to control mice. Treatment of BALB/c mice with antibodies to Vβ8 prior to the sensitization or prior to the challenge period completely inhibited the ovalbumin induced infiltration of eosinophils and airway hyperresponsiveness, while ovalbumin‐specific IgE was slightly decreased. In SJA/9 and SJL/J mice ovalbumin challenge did not induce eosinophilic infiltration and airway hyperresponsiveness. In SJL/J mice ovalbumin challenge induced an upregulation of ovalbumin‐specific IgE, however, in SJA/9 mice no upregulation was observed.ConclusionIt is demonstrated that Vβ8+ T lymphocytes are essential for infiltration of eosinophils in the airways and development of airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of allergic asthma. In contrast, although Vβ8+ T lymphocytes seem to be important for the extent of IgE levels, no essential role for Vβ8+ T lymphocytes in the induction of antigen‐specific IgE was observed.