Serum Of Children Research Articles

Genetic variability in G2 and F2 region between biological clones of human respiratory syncytial virus with or without host immune selection pressure.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is an important respiratory pathogens among children between zero-five years old. Host immunity and viral genetic variability are important factors that can make vaccine production difficult. In this work, differences between biological clones of HRSV were detected in clinical samples in the absence and presence of serum collected from children in the convalescent phase of the illness and from their biological mothers. Viral clones were selected by plaque assay in the absence and presence of serum and nucleotide sequences of the G2 and F2 genes of HRSV biological clones were compared. One non-synonymous mutation was found in the F gene (Ile5Asn) in one clone of an HRSV-B sample and one non-synonymous mutation was found in the G gene (Ser291Pro) in four clones of the same HRSV-B sample. Only one of these clones was obtained after treatment with the child's serum. In addition, some synonymous mutations were determined in two clones of the HRSV-A samples. In conclusion, it is possible that minor sequences could be selected by host antibodies contributing to the HRSV evolutionary process, hampering the development of an effective vaccine, since we verify the same codon alteration in absence and presence of human sera in individual clones of BR-85 sample.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Among Children Presented with Cervical Lymphadenopathy.

Epstein-Barr virus is a known cause of childhood cervical lymphadenopathy. In practice this infection is not sought as a cause in low-resources settings. The virus among children with cervical lymphadenopathy was not studied before in this country. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of primary EBV infection and to describe clinical characteristics of children presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children presented with cervical lymphadenopathy to Khartoum Children Emergency Hospital during the period from February 2009 to January 2010. Eighty-two children were randomly selected. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Routine laboratory values were determined and children's sera were analysed for anti- viral capsid antigens IgM Epstein-Barr virus ELISA tests. Mean and SD were calculated. Regression analysis was to identify association between demographic, clinical and laboratory variables and IgM seropositivity of EBV. Epstein-Barr virus infection was diagnosed in 13 (15.9%) children with cervical adenopathy (n=82). The average age of these children was 7.5 (SD±3.3) years. The male to female ratio was 1.6. The most frequent symptoms were fever, loss of appetite and cough. The anterior cervical group of lymph nodes was most commonly implicated. All affected patients had mobile lymph nodes and the majority, 12 (92.3%), of patient had firm nodes. The lymph node number ranged from 2-6 nodes; with a mean of 3.5 nodes and average size of 3.6 cm. Splenomegaly and pharyngo-tonsillitis were found in 30.8% and 23.1% of patients respectively and leukocytosis was noted in 3 (23.1%). The odds of IgM seropositivity decreased with age ≤ 9 years (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.78, p=0.023). EBV infection is not an uncommon cause of childhood cervical lymphadenopathy. The commonest symptoms are fever, loss of appetite and cough. Anterior cervical nodes are the most affected. Younger children (age ≤ 9 years) are less likely to be sero-positive.

Development and evaluation of multiplexed immunoassay for detection of antibodies to HPV vaccine types

Reliable antibody based-assays are needed to evaluate the immunogenicity of current vaccines, impact of altered dosing schemes or of new vaccine formulations. An ideal assay platform would allow multiplex type-specific detection with minimal sample requirement.We used the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) electrochemiluminescence based detection platform to develop a multiplex direct virus-like particle (VLP) ELISA to detect antibodies to HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 with a protocol developed for detection using the SI 6000 imager (M4ELISA). MSD prepared the plates in the 7-spot/well format, using the purified VLPs (4 spots) and PBS+BSA pH7.4 (3 blank spots). Three-point titrations and the parallel line method were used to calculate antibody levels. Dynamic range, precision, and stability of pre-printed plates were determined using a panel of previously characterized sera. Cut-off values using children's sera were established using 99% RLU limits based on the 4-parameter Johnson Su best fit curve. Results of the M4ELISA were compared to competitive Luminex Immunoassay (cLIA) on n=4454 sera from a predominantly unvaccinated cohort.Using a VLP coating concentration of 80μg/ml with BSA provided the most robust RLU signal for all types. The dynamic range of the assay was about 1000 fold, with assay variability under 25% for each of the four vaccine types. Long-term stability of the plates extended to about 7months from the time plates was received in the laboratory after printing. There was moderate agreement (κ=0.38–0.54) between M4ELISA and cLIA, with antibody detection for each of the 4 types more frequent with M4ELISA. Quantitative analysis however showed a good correlation between concordant samples by both assays (ρ≥0.6). The MSD platform shows promise for simultaneous quantitation of the antibody responses to four HPV vaccine types in a high-throughput manner.

A pilot proteomic study of protein markers in autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is increasing, with 1/88 children believed to be affected by the disorder, with a most recent survey suggesting numbers as high as 1/50. Treatment and understanding of ASD causes is a pressing health concern. ASD protein biomarkers may provide clues about ASD cause. Protein biomarkers for ASDs could be used for ASD diagnosis, subtyping, treatment monitoring, and identifying therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed the sera from seven children with ASD and seven matched controls using Tricine gel electrophoresis (Tricine-PAGE) and LC-MS/MS. Overall, we found increased levels of apolipoproteins ApoA1 and ApoA4, involved in cholesterol metabolism and of serum paraoxanase/arylesterase 1, involved in preventing oxidative damage, in the sera of children with ASD, compared with their matched controls. All three proteins are predicted to interact with each other and are parts of high-density lipoproteins. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger subject numbers.

Reactive oxygen species and serum antioxidant defense in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

In autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which leads to joint destruction, there is an imbalance between production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their neutralization which, as a consequence, leads to “oxidative stress.” The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of oxidative stress markers: nitric oxide (NO), a degree of lipid membrane damage, and total antioxidant plasma capacity in children with JIA. Thirty-four children with JIA were included into the study. A degree of lipid membrane damage (lipid peroxidation products) was estimated as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs), NO concentration as NO end-products: nitrite/nitrate (NO2 −/NO3 −) and total antioxidant plasma capacity as ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). NO2 −/NO3 − serum concentration in children with JIA was statistically significantly higher than that in healthy children (p = 0.00069). There was no significant difference in TBAR levels between children with JIA and the control group. FRAP in sera of children with JIA was lower than that in healthy children, but the difference was not statistically significant. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between NO end products and the 27-joint juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS-27) and ESR, and a negative correlation was observed between FRAP and C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). Our results confirm the increased oxidative stress in children with JIA. Overproduction of NO and decrease in the antioxidant plasma capacity may be involved in JIA pathogenesis.

Autoimmune hepatitis related autoantibodies in children with type 1 diabetes

Background and objectivesThe frequency of Type 1 diabetes (T1D)-related autoantibodies was determined in children with autoimmune hepatitis. However, the incidence of autoimmune hepatitis related autoantibodies in children with T1D has been poorly investigated. The aim of the present cross sectional prospective study was to determine the occurrence of autoimmune hepatitis-related autoantibodies in children with T1D.MethodsChildren with T1D following in diabetic clinic in our center were screened for existence of liver related autoantibodies from November 2010 to November 2011. The patients’ sera were analyzed for the existence of autoantibodies such as anti-nuclear antibody, anti-smooth muscle antibody, and anti-Liver Kidney microsomal antibody, using enzyme linked immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence methods. A titer of anti-nuclear antibody ≥1/40 was considered positive and titer of < 1/40 was considered negative. Anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody titer of < 3 U/ml was considered negative, 3 – 5 U/ml borderlines, and > 5 U/ml was considered positive.Results106 children with T1D have been examined over a one-year period: age ranges between 8 months to 15.5 years, sixty two patients were females. Autoantibody screen revealed a girl with positive anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody (1%) and 8 children had positive anti-nuclear antibody (7.5%), without clinical, biochemical or radiologic evidence of liver disease. None of the patients had positive smooth muscle antibody.In conclusionAnti-liver kidney microsomal antibody is rarely found in sera of children with T1D; the clinical significance of which is unknown.

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seropositivity Among Children in Kabul, Afghanistan: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background:Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world, especially in underdeveloped countries like Afghanistan. Limited data are available concerning the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in the pediatric age group in Afghanistan .Objectives:The aim of the study was to assess HBV, HCV and HIV serology among children at an outpatient clinic in Kabul.Patients and Methods:A total number of 330 children were included to the study from outpatient clinics of Ataturk Kabul ISAF Role II Military Hospital from May to November 2012. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus antibody (anti-HIV) were measured.Results:The mean age of children was 6.5 ± 4.2 years. The frequency of positive results for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV in all age groups were 12 (3.6%), 47 (14.2%) and 2 (0.6%), respectively. Anti-HIV was not detected in any of the children's serum samples. The frequency of positive results for HBsAg was significantly higher in children older than six years than in other age groups.Conclusions:Vaccination program including HBV has begun during the last five years in Afghanistan. The continuation of the vaccination program is of great importance. Vaccination program and implementation steps should be revised and the deficiencies, if any, should be overcome without delay.

Enfermedad tiroidea autoinmunitaria materna: repercusión en el recién nacido

Background and objectiveAutoimmune thyroid disease is amongst the most frequent endocrine disorders during pregnancy. It is associated with an increase in perinatal morbidity, congenital defects, neurological damage, fetal and neonatal thyroid dysfunction. Maternal thyroid hormones play a key role in child neurodevelopment. We aimed to evaluate the thyroid function and the clinical course of neonates born from mothers with autoimmune thyroid disease during the first months of life in order to define the follow-up. Patients and methodWe monitored thyroid function and clinical status during the first months in 81 newborns of mothers with autoimmune thyroid disease; 16 had Graves disease and 65 autoimmune thyroiditis. ResultsA percentage of 4.93 newborns had congenital defects, and 8.64% neonates showed an increase in thyrotropin (TSH) (>9.5μUI/mL 2 times) and required thyroxin within the first month of life. A 85.7% of these showed a negative newborn screening (due to a later increase of TSH). A higher TSH value in the newborn was related to an older age of the mother, higher levels of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody during pregnancy and lower birth weight. A higher free thyroxine (FT4) value in the newborn was related to fewer days of life and mothers with Graves disease. ConclusionsWe recommend the evaluation of TSH, T4 and TPO antibodies before 10 weeks in all pregnant women with follow-up if maternal thyroid autoimmunity or disorders is detected. It is also recommended to test children's serum TSH and FT4 at 48h of life in newborns of mothers with autoimmune thyroid disease and repeat them between the 2nd and 4th week in children with TSH>6μUI/mL. Careful endocrine follow-up is advised in pregnant women and children if hyperthyroidism is detected.

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Exhaled Breath Condensate and Serum of Children With Asthma

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor and uncoupler of nitric oxide synthase. By promoting the formation of peroxynitrite, ADMA is believed to contribute to several aspects of asthma pathogenesis (ie, airway inflammation, oxidative stress, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and collagen deposition). The aim of the present study was to compare this mediator in healthy children and children with asthma using the completely noninvasive exhaled breath condensate (EBC) technique. We recruited 77 children with asthma (5-16 years of age) and 65 healthy children (5-15 years of age) who underwent EBC collection and spirometry. Serum ADMA levels and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels were measured on the same day in a subgroup of children with asthma. EBC was collected using the Turbo-Deccs (Medivac). ADMA levels were measured using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technique. ADMA could be detected in the EBC of 71 subjects with asthma and 64 healthy subjects. ADMA levels in the EBC of children with asthma were significantly higher than in the healthy control subjects (median, 0.12 [interquartile range, 0.05-0.3] vs 0.07 [0.05-0.12]; P = .017), whereas no difference emerged between the children with asthma who were or were not receiving inhaled steroid treatment. No correlation was found between serum and EBC ADMA levels (P &gt; .5). We measured ADMA in EBC by UPLC-MS/MS, a reference analytical technique. Higher ADMA levels were found in children with asthma, supporting a role for this mediator in asthma pathogenesis. This oxidative stress-related mediator also seems to be scarcely affected by steroid therapy. We speculate that ADMA might be a target for new therapeutic strategies designed to control oxidative stress in asthma.

Resolution of Neonatal Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Presumed Secondary to Acquired Maternal Ribonucleoprotein and Smith Autoantibodies

Severe asymmetrical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without heart block accompanied by neuromuscular hypotonia and feeding difficulties was evident shortly after birth in the second child of a mother with systemic lupus erythematosus who had no indication of gestational diabetes. High-level anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and Smoth (Sm) antibodies arising from transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies were detected in the child's serum. The cardiac abnormalities improved with a commensurate decline in antibody titers. Previously reported cases of neonatal cardiomyopathy with endocardial fibroelastosis have been ascribed to the transplacental transfer of maternal Sjogrens Syndrome (SS) A (Ro) and Sjogrens Syndrome (SS) B (La) antibodies and have been more severe and persistent compared with our patient. We advocate close monitoring of all babies of mothers with systemic autoimmunity for changes in heart rate during pregnancy and signs of heart failure and neuromuscular weakness after delivery.

Specific IgG Response against Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis in Children and Adults with Crohn’s Disease

Background and AimsPresence of serum antibodies against Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) in Crohn’s Disease (CD) as a disease characteristic remains controversial. In the present work, we assessed antibody reactivity of serum and intestinal fluid against four distinct MAP-antigens, including the recently identified MAP-specific lipopentapeptide (L5P).MethodsImmunoglobulin concentrations and specificity against 3 non MAP-specific antigens: glycosyl-transferase-d (GSD), purified protein derivative from MAP (Johnin-PPD), heparin binding haemagglutinin (MAP-HBHA) and one MAP-specific antigen: synthetic L5P were determined by ELISA in gut lavage fluids from adult controls or patients with CD, and in sera of children or adult controls or patients with CD, ulcerative colitis or celiac disease.ResultsTotal IgA and IgG concentrations were increased in sera of children with CD but were decreased in sera of adults with CD, thereof specificity against MAP antigens was assessed by normalizing immunoglobulin concentrations between samples. In CD patients, IgG reactivity was increased against the four MAP antigens, including L5P in gut lavage fluids but it was only increased against L5P in sera. By contrast, anti-L5P IgG were not increased in patients with ulcerative colitis or celiac disease.ConclusionsA significant increase in anti-L5P IgG is observed in sera of children and adults with CD but not in patients with other intestinal inflammatory diseases. Anti-L5P antibodies may serve as serological marker for CD.

EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF ELISA TO DETECT THE ANTIBODY AGAINST T. VAGINALIS, AND THE PREVALENCE OF T.VAGINALIS INFECTION IN HUE CITY

Objective:The protist Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common non-viral, curable, sexually transmitted disease agent worldwide. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis patients in Hue City, Vietnam and its serological patterns. Materials and methods: The study included 249 symptomatic women, 534 asymptomatic women, 38 healthy men, and 50 sera of children 2-10 years of age from Hue City, Vietnam from September 2010 to June 2012. In addition, specific anti - T. vaginalis antibody response was studied in a group of 46 women affected by trichomoniasis and 8 male sexual partners. All women were subjected to standard clinical examination and vaginal samples were collected for identification of Trichomonas vaginalis by wet mount and cultivation in specific media. Sera from trichomoniasis patients were used to set up immunoenzymatic techniques to detect specific antibody response for seroepidemiological studies. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA assay were 93.48%, 84.88% respectively. The prevalence of trichomoniasis diagnosed by microscopic examination in symptomatic women and asymptomatic groups were 19.3% (42/243, 95% CI = 12.8% - 22.7%) and 0.7% (4/534, 95% CI = 0.18% - 1.8%), respectively. The seroprevalence from general population were found 18.9% in women and 8.7% in men. The seroprevalence were 31.3% in symptomatic women, 13.3% in asymptomatic women. The seroprevalence was 14% in safe sex behavior women to compare with 22.7% in unsafe sex behavior women. There were 7.9% seropositive from sera of healthy men and 12.5% seropositive from sera of men partners of trichomoniasis women. Conclusion: In general, the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection is high in symptomatic women and low in asymptomatic women. ELISA essay yielded high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of vaginal trichomoniasis. Key words: T. vaginalis, seroepidemiology, ELISA.

Weight status and dietary intake determine serum leptin concentrations in pregnant and lactating women and their infants

Leptin regulates energy homeostasis and immune and metabolic functions. Highly elevated leptin concentrations during pregnancy may be associated with aberrations in maternal metabolism and long-term health consequences both in women and children. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether dietary counselling, probiotic supplementation, maternal characteristics or dietary intake during pregnancy has an impact on serum leptin concentrations in women, cord blood or in children. A total of 256 pregnant women were randomised to a control group (n 85) or to receive dietary counselling with probiotics (n 85) or placebo (n 86). Dietary counselling aimed at affecting the type of fat used and to increase the amount of fibre in the women's diet. Women's dietary intake and serum leptin concentrations were analysed at the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and at 1 month postpartum. Furthermore, leptin concentrations were measured from the cord blood and from children's serum at 1 and 6 months of age. Weight status and dietary composition were the key determinants of leptin concentrations. Specifically, high dietary fibre and low SFA intakes were related to low serum leptin concentrations in women. Female sex and birth weight were associated with higher infant leptin, whereas cord blood leptin was additionally affected by maternal leptin concentration and protein intake. Probiotics or dietary counselling did not affect leptin concentrations. Weight control to recommended levels and modification of diet towards higher fibre and lower SFA intakes during pregnancy may through leptin concentrations provide health benefits to both women and children.

Associations Between Antibodies Against the Endothelial Cell and T.gondii; Cytomegalovirus in Serum of Children with Cochlear Implant Surgery

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and T. gondii are two common causes of SNHL (Sensorineural hearing loss) in Iranian children. Immune-mediated vascular damage induced by endothelial cell antibodies may have a prominent role in sensorineural hearing loss. Objectives: To determine the serum CMV and T. gondii antibodies against endothelial cell in children with profound SNHL and cochlear implant surgery. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was performed on 76 cases with severe SNHL (mean age 32 ± 30.6 months) at cochlear implant ward of Rasoul hospital, Tehran Iran (2008-2010). The titers of antibodies against endothelial cell (Indirect immunofluorescence assay); were determined in sera of 66 cases. Specific antibodies (IgG & IgM) against T. gondi, CMV (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) determined in Idiopathic SNHL cases. Results: Idiopathic type of SNHL was diagnosed in 28.8% (19/66) of younger cases (mean age=20 months; PV=0.05). Positive AECAs was detected in 14.4% (11/76) of cases (with mean age 50 vs. 32 months in cases with negative test; P value=0.047). Positive AECAs had not significant differences between Idiopathic and Non idiopathic type of SNHL [10.5% vs. 9%; PV=0.1]. Positive AECAs were more frequent in cases with known postnatal infections (e.g. mumps, meningitis, chicken pox, etc.) in comparison with non-infection cases (P-value=0.05). Positive T. gondii -IgM (recent infection) was found in 8 /19 (%42); 1 case also had positive T. gondii -IgG. Positive CMV-IgM I 17/19 (%89) respectively. A meaningful correlation was observed between positive AECAs and those infections (Toxo, CMV) in Idiopathic (and unclassified) SNHL cases. Conclusion: Idiopathic type of SNHL with a poor outcome is common (28.8%) in children with cochlear implant surgery Positive AECAs cases had not differences between 2 type of SNHL but were more frequent in older cases with known postnatal infections (meningitis, mumps, chicken pox etc.). A good correlation (p=0.05) between the positive AECAs and known infections determined in studied cases. In contrast, those younger cases ( 2 year old) with Idiopathic SNHL and concomitant positive AECAs.

Concentrations of Bisphenol A and Seven Other Phenols in Pooled Sera from 3–11 Year Old Children: 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Concerns exist regarding children's exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and other phenols because of the higher sensitivity, compared to adults, of children's developing organs to endocrine disruptors. Several studies reported the urinary concentrations of these phenols in children, but data on levels of these compounds in children's serum are limited. We present here the total (free plus conjugated) and free concentrations of BPA and seven other phenols in 24 pooled serum samples prepared from individual specimens collected from 936 children 3-11 years old who participated in the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We detected benzophenone-3, triclosan, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,5- dichlorophenol, and three parabens in at least 60% of the pools suggesting children's exposure to these compounds or their precursors. Conjugated phenols were the major species. However, although many previous studies have shown widespread detection of BPA in children's urine, we only detected total or free BPA in 3 and 2 pooled serum samples, respectively, at concentrations of 0.1-0.2 μg/L. The nonpersistent nature of BPA and the phenols examined and the likely episodic nature of the exposures to these compounds (or their precursors) suggest that for general population biomonitoring of these nonpersistent phenols, urine, not serum or plasma, is the preferred matrix.

Development of cross-reactive antibodies to the proline-rich region of pneumococcal surface protein A in children

Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is an important virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae and a candidate for inclusion in future protein-based vaccines. The surface-exposed α-helical region of PspA is immunogenic and frequently cross-reactive, but also variable in structure. Sequence and serological differences in this region divide PspAs into two major families. We showed previously that children preferentially develop antibodies limited to the PspA family of the colonizing strain. In this study, sera of children with history of pneumococcal colonization were analyzed for presence of IgG antibodies to the conserved proline-rich region (PRR) of PspA. The results indicate that children produce antibodies to the PRR upon exposure to pneumococci. The PRR-specific antibodies were elicited regardless of the PspA family of the infecting strain. The results indicate that the PRR antigen elicits broadly cross-reactive antibodies that may have the potential to provide cross-protection against a broad spectrum of pneumococcal strains.

Circulating biomarker-IgM complexes in the serum of pediatric patients with osteosarcoma and Ewing tumor (127.9)

Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing tumor (ET) together account for the majority of musculoskeletal sarcomas diagnosed in patients of all ages and nearly 90% of those occurring in children and adolescents. Natural IgM antibodies to tumor antigen have been reported in patients with early-stage cancer, and a panel of serum antibodies can detect cancer many years prior to imaging detection. Circulating immune complexes formed by tumor antigens and immunoglobulin M (IgM) represent a novel class of biomarkers with diagnostic value for early cancer detection. In the present study, we investigated the presence of ANG-IgM, VEGF-IgM, bFGF-IgM, PDGF-IgM in the sera of children with bone tumors. The study included 174 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed bone tumors. Express ELISA techniques have been developed to quantify immune complexes in INR. Serum samples from all patients were analyzed for the presence of biomarker-IgM immune complexes. We compared the serum level of angiogenic factors and immune complexes in children with different types of bone tumors. The highest concentration of VEGF-IgM was detected in ET patients and ANG-IgM in OS patients. The present study demonstrated increased ANG-IgM expression in the sera OS patients and a positive correlation between its expression levels and tumor vascularity evaluated by CTA. Our results have potential applications as biomarkers for controlling unwanted angiogenesis, early diagnosis and response to therapy in children with bone tumors.

Penicillin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis and Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Influenza Coinfection in a Child

Penicillin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis and Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Influenza Coinfection in a Child

Serum Vaccine Antibody Concentrations in Children Exposed to Perfluorinated Compounds

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have emerged as important food contaminants. They cause immune suppression in a rodent model at serum concentrations similar to those occurring in the US population, but adverse health effects of PFC exposure are poorly understood. To determine whether PFC exposure is associated with antibody response to childhood vaccinations. Prospective study of a birth cohort from the National Hospital in the Faroe Islands. A total of 656 consecutive singleton births were recruited during 1997-2000, [corrected] and 587 participated in follow-up through 2008. Serum antibody concentrations against tetanus and diphtheria toxoids at ages 5 and 7 years. Similar to results of prior studies in the United States, the PFCs with the highest serum concentrations were perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Among PFCs in maternal pregnancy serum, PFOS showed the strongest negative correlations with antibody concentrations at age 5 years, for which a 2-fold greater concentration of exposure was associated with a difference of -39% (95% CI, -55% to -17%) in the diphtheria antibody concentration. PFCs in the child's serum at age 5 years showed uniformly negative associations with antibody levels, especially at age 7 years, except that the tetanus antibody level following PFOS exposure was not statistically significant. In a structural equation model, a 2-fold greater concentration of major PFCs in child serum was associated with a difference of -49% (95% CI, -67% to -23%) in the overall antibody concentration. A 2-fold increase in PFOS and PFOA concentrations at age 5 years was associated with odds ratios between 2.38 (95% CI, 0.89 to 6.35) and 4.20 (95% CI, 1.54 to 11.44) for falling below a clinically protective level of 0.1 IU/mL for tetanus and diphtheria antibodies at age 7 years. Elevated exposures to PFCs were associated with reduced humoral immune response to routine childhood immunizations in children aged 5 and 7 years.

Detection of Phl p 1, Phl p 5, Phl p 7 and Phl p 12 Specific IgE Antibodies in the Sera of Children and Adult Patients Allergic to Phleum Pollen

Grasses belong to major sources of inhaled allergens. The knowledge of particular molecules responsible for hypersensitivity is of crucial importance for better understanding of individual differences among single allergic subjects and allergic populations living in various world-areas. Specific-IgE-antibodies against Phl p 1, Phl p 5, Phl p 7, Phl p 12 were detected in a group of 130 Phleum-allergic-subjects (82 children, 48 adults). Phl p 1 antibodies were detected in most pediatric and adult patients, however, the children were associated with higher RAST classes more often. Anti-Phl p 5-antibodies were found more frequently in adults. An increase was observed in the number of pediatric patients reacting to Phl p 7 and Phl p 12. There were no differences in concentrations of specific-IgE against Phl p 5, Phl p 7 and Phl p 12 depending on age. Almost 10% of allergic children produced antibodies directed exclusively against minor allergens or did not produce specific-IgE-antibodies against tested molecules. Part of the patients reacted to profilin and calcium-binding protein originating from only one source (Phl p 12/Bet v 2 and Phl p 7/Bet v 4). Antibodies against Phl p 1 and Phl p 5 can be used as a marker of allergy to grasses in adult patients. Children reacted exclusively to minor allergens more frequently than adults. Prolonged allergen exposure is evidently necessary to induce sensitization to Phl p 5. A high level of homology between profilins and calcium-binding proteins enables only one allergen to be used for diagnostic purposes but a possibility of a reaction to species-bound epitopes should be taken into account.