bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Young school children working together: a measure of individualism/collectivism
Authors: Lewis A , Maras P , Simonds L 
Published: March 2003

SummaryCo‐operation and group working are key aspects of the National Curriculum, reinforced by recent moves towards redefining the primary school curriculum with a greater emphasis on ‘citizenship’. There is little research on individual differences between children’s preferences for group and individual working or young children’s abilities to work in, and generalize from, group experiences. Furthermore, there are no reliable measures of these factors in children. The study reported in this paper was the first stage in research, the overall aim of which was to look at individual and group differences in young children working cooperatively and competitively in groups and alone. The aim of this study was to develop a new measure of individualism/collectivism and the associated factors: sociability and altruism. Some 152 children from two primary schools in England participated in this study. The mean age of the children was 5 years 5 months (range 4 years 11 months to 6 years 9 months). A new measure of individualism/collectivism based on instruments for use with adults was administered to the participating children. Two stable factors, individualism/collectivism and sociability, were identified and were both found to be reliable. The importance of the measure as a tool for use with other methods for evaluating the effectiveness of group work in classrooms is considered.
Early detection of speech and language delays in the Netherlands. The case for integrating primary and secondary prevention
Authors: Maas W 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe early detection of speech and language delays has been an important feature of the child health services in the Netherlands for some 15 years. During this period ideas about both the purpose of screening and the methods themselves have changed considerably. There are four key outstanding issues: What is the best age to identify children? What screening measures are available? How can we detect speech and language delays in multilingual children? Which groups are best able to detect speech and language difficulties: parents, teachers, playgroup leaders, doctors, nurses, or speech and language therapists? These questions are influenced by social, demographic developments and an increase in the understanding of language delay. This article examines the Dutch solutions to these problems. The conclusion reached is that early language screening can only be part of the answer to early detection both because the available measures are not yet sufficiently accurate and because the growing group of multilingual children (e.g. in Amsterdam more than 50% of the children under the age of 4 years are multilingual) makes the application of specific measures at a population level unworkable. An alternative method is suggested, namely primary prevention by giving information and support to parents, playgroup leaders, doctors, etc.
Assessment of infant physiology and neuronal development using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Morgan B. , Finan A. , Yarnold R. , Petersen S. , Horsfield M. , Rickett A. , Wailoo M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPrevious work has demonstrated both that there are substantial individual differences in the rate of physiological development, and that infants with risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) develop more slowly, suggesting that their increased vulnerability may be due to delayed neuronal development associated with compromised development in fetal or early neonatal life. This project aims to test the hypothesis that individual differences in the rate of physiological development of infants correlate with measurable differences in the rate of brain development as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Sixty infants were recruited to this study in three different groups that are known to have differing rates of physiological development. MRI was performed successfully in 49 cases at 6 weeks of age without sedation. Forty‐one of these cases had full follow‐up (15 normal; 19 IUGR; 11 ‘high risk’). Postnatal physiological development was assessed by measuring age‐related deep body temperature patterns during sleep. Neuronal development was assessed by subjective analysis of MRI images and objective measurements relating to myelination using T1 and diffusion weighted (23 cases) MRI images.As expected the normal group acquired the adult temperature pattern earlier, but this was not statistically significant. All MRI scan appearances were within normal limits. Ranking cases subjectively in order of maturity revealed no significant pattern. The normal group had a significantly higher myelination score than the IUGR and ‘high risk’ groups (P = 0.001). This trend was also shown by the diffusion weighted myelination score but did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were seen in both the subjective and objective MRI measurements and development of nocturnal temperature patterns.The results suggest there may be differences in neurodevelopment between the different groups at 6 weeks of age but these are not linked to late development of temperature patterns. It is therefore unlikely that this related to a global delay in maturation.
Patterns of symptoms in siblings of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome infants
Authors: Wailoo M. , Thompson J. R. , Waite A. J. , Coombs R. C. , Jackson J. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractLongitudinal day‐to‐day recordings of symptoms in the siblings of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) infant show a wide variety of symptoms varying with season and days of years. Implications are discussed.
Deep body temperature changes in twins
Authors: North R. , Jackson J. A. , Wailoo M. P. , Petersen S. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTwins show differences in physiological maturity within and between twin sets; where one infant is 5‐weeks later than its sibling; while one pair may both be slow but develop together. Zygosity, birth weight and sex may be contributory but not causative factors. How vulnerability to illness may be affected, is discussed.
Experience of respiratory and allergic illness in children attending childcare
Authors: Slack‐Smith Linda M. , Read Anne W. , Stanley Fiona J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo describe previous illness for children attending two types of formal childcare (130 family daycare homes and 11 child daycare centres).DesignA questionnaire was completed by the parents of 846 children, which provided information about previous illness and associated factors. The questionnaire was conducted in Perth, Western Australia.ResultsOf all children, 39% had experienced otitis media, 11% glue ear and 26% allergies; 18% had been diagnosed with asthma; 10% had been admitted to hospital with respiratory illness, and 9% had experienced more than six respiratory conditions in the previous year. Attending centre daycare compared with family daycare was more likely to be associated with some of the previous illness outcomes (more than six respiratory illnesses in the past year, asthma, otitis media and glue ear) but, for all children, the major predisposing factors associated with these illnesses were a family history of atopy or bronchitis.ConclusionsChildren with a history of respiratory illness or otitis media are more likely to be attending centre than family daycare, but family history of respiratory illness is an important risk factor for all children in childcare.
Child psychiatric skills in primary healthcare – self‐evaluation of Finnish health centre doctors
Authors: Heikkinen A. , Puura K. , Ala‐Laurila E.‐L. , Niskanen T. , Mattila K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective To study Finnish general practitioners’ (GP’s) perceptions of their child psychiatric skills.Methods The study sample consisted of physicians (n = 755) working in health centres

situated in the special response area of the Tampere University Hospital, Finland.

They were requested to assess their competence in 16 areas on a four‐step Likert

scale. The response rate was 66.1% (n = 499).Results Physicians evaluated their child psychiatric skills as inadequate on many issues. The ability to identify depression was poorer the younger the child in question. Only a minority (14%) felt they were well able to identify a depressed infant. Many physicians considered themselves poorly skilled in assessing the relationship between infant and parents (39.8%), in assessing a child’s need for psychiatric treatment (42.7%) and in identifying a child with attention‐deficit disorder (40.7%). A majority (75.9%) rated their skills poor in co‐operating with daycare personnel or school staff in matters concerning a child with conduct disturbance. Only 26.8% could assess the necessity of taking a child into custody. Women gave higher ratings of their skills in identifying depressed infants and in assessing the infant–parent relationship than men, whereas men assessed their skills as better in cases in which there were problems in co‐operation with parents.Conclusions In order to provide good psychiatric services for children, attention should be paid to the GPs’ child psychiatric skills.
Parents as experts: the position of parents of children with profound multiple disabilities
Authors: De Geeter K. I. , Poppes P. , Vlaskamp C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  Parents of children with disabilities are increasingly considered as experts in the field of care. Their expertise can deliver an important contribution towards planning their child's care and education. The law is increasingly taking this factor into consideration. On the one hand, parents already possess an abundance of know‐how; on the other, they still have to increase their knowledge and sometimes their skills too. Aim  The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the supposition that co‐operation between parents and professionals must meet certain criteria if parents are to receive a proper chance of using their existing knowledge, while at the same time adding to their skills. Design  A questionnaire was sent to 723 parents of children with profound multiple disabilities enquiring about their relationship with the professionals at their child's school for special education. Subsequently, for one group of parents, a method that recognizes the parents’ expertise and assigns them a formal role was introduced. For the other group, no change in method occurred. Results  The results demonstrate that parents regard co‐operation in a favourable light. Comparing both groups after a year, the expected effect of the method (a better rating of the co‐operation by the parents) could not be demonstrated. This is probably a result of a problem with the questionnaire used in this study. Conclusion  Other studies, however, appear to support our supposition.
Serum IgE level is negatively correlated with the ability of peripheral mononuclear cells to produce interferon gamma (IFNγ): evidence of reduced expression of IFNγ mRNA in atopic patients
Authors: Teramoto  , Fukao  , Tashita  , Inoue  , Kaneko  , Takemura  , Kondo  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundIn patients with atopic diseases such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis, an elevated serum IgE level is common. Several studies showed that interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interferon‐gamma (IFNγ) are important for regulation of IgE production.ObjectivesThe study was designed to examine the pathogenesis of an elevated serum IgE level at the production levels of TH1‐type and TH2‐type cytokines.MethodsThe production of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐4, interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) and IFNγ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was analysed in 20 individuals with various serum IgE levels. The amount of IFNγ mRNA in the stimulated PBMCs was analysed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction method.ResultsCytokine production was analysed simply as a function of serum IgE level. The serum IgE level was negatively correlated with the amount of IFNγ secreted by PBMCs (n = 20, R = −0.724, P<0.005) when logarithmically transformed data were analysed, but were not or were only weakly correlated with those of IL‐4, IL‐2, or IL‐5 secreted by these cells (n = 20). For investigation of the cause of reduced IFNγ production in individuals whose serum IgE level are high, the amount of IFNγ mRNA was determined. The levels of IFNγ mRNA expression in the stimulated PBMCs correlated well with the amount of IFNγ secreted by the PBMCs (n = 8, R = 0.947, P < 0.001).ConclusionsReduced IFNγ production ability due to reduced IFNγ mRNA expression in PBMCs is associated with an elevated serum IgE level in atopic patients.
Differences in cellular infiltrates in the adenoid of allergic children compared with age‐ and gender‐matched controls
Authors: Fokkens W. J. , Vinke J. G. , De Jong S. S. , Bogaert D. P. V. D. , Kleinjan A. , Eichhorn E. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAllergic sensitization of the airways occurs in the mucosa of the shock organ, or in the lymphatic stations draining these structures. The lymphatic structure closest to the nasal mucosa is the adenoid.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to find evidence for our hypothesis that allergic sensitization can occur in the adenoid. Of special interest, in this context are cell types involved in antigen‐allergen presentation (e.g. Langerhans cells) and effector cells of allergic disease.MethodsIn this study cellular infiltrates in adenoids of 16 allergic patients and 16 age‐and gender‐matched controls were evaluated. The number of cells positive for CD1a, CD4, CD8, CD‐68, chymase, tryptase, IgE, MBP and cells positive for interleukin (IL)‐4 were determined using immunohistochemical staining techniques. The epithelium, follicles and the interfollicular spaces were evaluated separately.ResultsWhen comparing the two groups a significant increase in cells positive for CD1a was found in interfollicular spaces of the allergic group (P = 0.008). CD1a+ cells in the follicular space and eosinophils in the interfollicular space showed a trend to be more numerous in the allergic group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.05, respectively). The other cell types investigated did not show significant differences between the groups.ConclusionsThe results of this study show for the first time that cells involved in allergic sensitization and allergic disease differ in the adenoid of allergic children compared with controls. These findings support our hypothesis that allergic sensitization takes place in the adenoid. Furthermore, this study confirms that CD1a+ (Langerhans) cells are involved in allergic disease.
Identification of volatile organic compounds emitted in the field by oilseed rape (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera) over the growing season
Authors: Mcewan  , Macfarlane Smith  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundOilseed rape has been associated by rural dwellers with seasonal symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, headache and eye irritation, during its flowering season, for a number of years. This study was performed to identify the volatile chemicals emitted from oilseed rape in the field.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to establish which volatile chemicals may be causative factors of oilseed rape allergy/toxicity.MethodsThe volatile organic compounds were sampled over the flowering period using a modified entrainment technique for headspace analysis under field conditions. These volatiles were then identified using thermal desorption‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.ResultsThe major constituents identified were the monoterpenes limonene, sabinene, β‐myrcene, and cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol acetate, a ‘green leaf’ volatile. The minor constituents included monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, short chain aldehydes and ketones, other ‘green leaf’ volatiles and organic sulphides including the respiratory irritant, dimethyl disulphide.ConclusionsThis report highlights the diversity of volatile chemicals emitted by oilseed rape and confirms field emissions to be broadly similar to those found previously in laboratory studies. A review is carried out on the scientific literature already published on oilseed rape flower headspace analysis.
Oral sensitization to food proteins: a Brown Norway rat model
Authors: Knippels  , Penninks  , Spanhaak  , Houben  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAlthough several in vivo antigenicity assays using parenteral immunization are operational, no adequate enteral sensitization models are available to study food allergy and allergenicity of food proteins.ObjectiveThis paper describes the development of an enteral model for food allergy research in the Brown Norway (BN) rat.MethodsThe animals were exposed to ovalbumin either ad libitum via the drinking water (0.002 to 20 mg/mL) continuously for 6 weeks or by gavage (1 mg/mL per rat). Gavage dosing was performed either daily, twice a week, once a week or once every 2 weeks during a period of 6 weeks. No adjuvants were used during the sensitization studies.ResultsAfter intra‐gastric administration of ovalbumin once or twice a week or once every two weeks, no or only a very low frequency of ovalbumin‐specific antibody responses were detected. Daily intra‐gastric dosing with ovalbumin resulted in antigen‐specific IgG as well as IgE responses in almost all animals tested. Upon ad libitum exposure, ovalbumin‐specific IgG but no ovalbumin‐specific IgE was detected. The cellular response was examined by determination of delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions in the animals dosed by daily gavage and in the ad libitum exposed rats. Both sensitization protocols sensitized for DTH. The response was most pronounced in ad libitum exposed rats at day 28 of exposure.ConclusionsThese studies show that the BN rat may provide a suitable animal model for inducing specific IgG and IgE responses as well as specific T‐cell mediated hypersensitivity (DTH) to ovalbumin upon exposure via the enteral route without the use of adjuvants.
Histamine hypersensitivity induced by passive sensitization of human bronchus: effect of serum IgE depletion
Authors: Watson  , RÜhlmann  , Magnussen  , Rabe  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundSensitivity to specific allergens and increased sensitivity to common spasmogens are characteristic features of allergic asthma and are also features demonstrated by tissues passively sensitized with serum from atopic donors, displaying high levels of IgE. It is evident that the specific response to allergen is related to circulating levels of allergen‐specific IgE, but it is unclear whether the histamine hypersensitivity is also related to this immunoglobulin.ObjectiveThe objective was to deplete IgE in the serum of a donor with high levels of total and allergen‐specific IgE and compare specific‐allergen sensitivity and sensitivity to histamine in tissues passively sensitized with either the whole serum or the IgE‐depleted serum.MethodsSerum from a Dermatophagoides farinae‐sensitive asthmatic (total IgE = 1047 U/mL, D. farinae‐specific IgE > 17.5 U/mL) was subjected to an immunomagnetic separation technique to reduce the levels of IgE (total and specific) to below 10 U/mL. Bronchial tissue from six non‐atopic donors was then passively sensitized overnight with either the whole serum or IgE‐depleted serum and D. farinae and histamine sensitivity were evaluated the next day using standard organ bath techniques.ResultsPassive sensitization with the whole serum resulted in the development of sensitivity to D. farinae and increased sensitivity to histamine (750 ± 169 mg contraction to 10 U/mL D. farinae, histamine pEC50 5.64 ± 0.16 and max. 813 ± 109 mg in sensitized vs 37 ± 34 mg contraction to 10 U/mL D. farinae histamine pEC50 5.05 ± 0.23 and max. 490 ± 84 in non‐sensitized tissues, P > 0.05). Incubation with IgE‐depleted serum still produced histamine hypersensitivity (histamine pEC50 5.57 ± 0.16 and max. 737 ± 70 mg P > 0.05), but no significant response to allergen was detected (20 ± 13 mg contraction to 10 U/mL D. farinae).ConclusionThese results demonstrate, that increased reactivity to histamine and airway contraction to allergen induced by passive sensitization, occur through independent mechanisms and that, unlike allergen‐sensitivity, histamine hypersensitivity is caused by a serum factor other than IgE.
Activation of B‐lymphocytes during pollen season. Effect of immunotherapy
Authors: HÅkansson  , Heinrich  , Rak  , Venge  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundB‐lymphocytes play an important part in the allergic reaction as producers of IgE antibodies.ObjectiveTo investigate the cell surface expression of the activation antigens CD23, CD40 and HLA‐DR on B‐lymphocytes in birch pollen allergic patients before and during birch pollen season and to study the effect of immunotherapy.MethodsThe study included 24 birch pollen allergic patients half of whom were treated with immunotherapy against birch pollen before the start of the season. Eleven of the 24 patients had asthma. Blood samples were taken and lung function was registered before the season began and before the immunotherapy treatment in January to February and during the season in May. The relative number of B‐lymphocytes (CD19+) of the lymphocyte population and the cell surface expression of CD23, CD40 and HLA‐DR on B‐lymphocytes was measured by the use of flow cytometry.ResultsIn the control group of patients the relative number and concentration of B‐lymphocytes, the cell surface expression of CD23, CD40 and HLA‐DR on B cells, and the serum concentration of IgE increased during season compared with before season. In contrast, in the immunotherapy treated patients no changes in the number of B cells or cell surface expression of CD23, CD40 and HLA‐DR were demonstrated.ConclusionThe elevated expression of CD23, CD40 and HLA‐DR on B cells, combined with increased levels of IgE in allergic patients during season could be explained by the effect of cytokines produced by activated TH2 cells. A shift from TH2 to TH1 cells might be the mechanism after the absence of signs of B‐cell activation in immunotherapy treated patients. The prevention of increased cell surface expression on B cells by immunotherapy may constitute a significant mechanism behind the beneficial effects of immunotherapy in the treatment of pollen atopy.