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Notes: Heavy-ion beam probing generally consists of passing a beam of 1+ ions through a plasma imbedded in a magnetic field. Secondary ions with higher ionization levels are produced by ionizing collisions with the plasma electrons. Detection of the secondary ions with a small-aperture electrostatic energy analyzer allows continuous fluctuation measurements of the plasma density and space potential with both spatial and temporal resolution. Spatial resolution is the order of 0.1 cm3 and temporal resolution is presently electronics limited to ∼1 μs. The energy of the probing beam is determined primarily by the requirement that the secondary ion must escape from the plasma. Typical beam energies extend from 10 to 500 keV. The range of plasma densities that have been investigated is 1012 cm−3〈ne〈1014 cm−3. At the higher densities, beam attenuation becomes a serious problem. Higher beam energies provide better penetration of the magnetic field, and reduced beam attenuation. Heavy-ion beam probes were first used to measure a coherent density fluctuation on a hollow cathode arc in 1969, and soon afterward to measure the space potential. Since then beam probes have been used to measure the space potential and fluctuations in both density and space potential for plasmas with varying magnetic geometries. There is continuing development work to study the feasibility of using beam probes to measure magnetic fluctuations and magnetic field structure. Sensitivity for measuring density and potential fluctuations is best demonstrated by what is the most sophisticated beam probe to date: the 500-keV system on TEXT. For broadband measurements (50–250 kHz), the TEXT beam probe has demonstrated a sensitivity to space potential fluctuations of 2 V (rms), and resolution for ñe/ne of 10−3.Recent measurements on both ISX-B and TEXT have demonstrated the capability of obtaining simultaneous ñ and cursive-phi˜ measurements at three separate locations in the plasma. For some locations the sample volumes are poloidally separated and S(kθ, w) can be estimated for both ñ and cursive-phi˜. This permits evaluation of the net electrostatic-fluctuation-induced particle flux. Some of the problems still being encountered with present beam probes are the nonideal behavior of the energy analyzer, cross talk between ñ and cursive-phi˜ for high-wave-number fluctuations, the effect of finite sample volume and sample volume spacing on the evaluation of k spectra, simultaneous measurement of two components of the k vector, probing of the complex 3-D magnetic fields, and extension of the measurements to higher-energy beam probe systems.

Notes: The sequential changes in serum oestradiol 17β (measured by specific radioimmunoassay), vitellogenin (measured by phosphoprotein phosphorus content) and total calcium (measured by fluorimetry) in male and female rainbow trout under a simulated natural photoperiod cycle were investigated. Resting levels of 130 pg/ml serum oestradiol in both male and female fish were found in April and May. In the female, levels reached a peak of 4800 pg/ml in October, and almost returned to resting levels just prior to spawning in mid-January. No significant change from resting levels was seen in the male fish.In both male and female fish levels of 25 μg/ml serum phosphoprotein phosphorus and 10–14 mg % total serum calcium were found from April to July. Coincident with the rise in oestradiol 17β, in the females serum levels of phospho-protein phosphorus and total calcium increased to 400 uβg/ml and 58 mg% respectively just prior to spawning. In the males no significant change in either of these values was observed throughout the cycle. These results strongly support the hypothesis that photoperiod is the major factor in the environmental control of reproductive activity in the rainbow trout.

Notes: The coincidence of allergic sensitization was investigated in 302 school-aged children and their parents. Specific sensitization to four common inhalant allergens (grass and birch pollens, cat dander, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) was ascertained by means of skin-prick tests (SPT) carried out on the complete family unit at the beginning of a 22-month follow-up period. The same test procedure was then repeated on the children twice at 11-month intervals to provide cumulative prevalences of sensitization. A clinical history of atopy in the children (hay fever or asthma; n= 47), which was derived from an interview, is associated with sensitization (positive SPT in 89%). For three allergens (grass and birch pollens, cat dander) sensitization occurs significantly more frequently in the children of mothers who are sensitized to the same allergen (odds-ratios (ORs), 2.5–4.1). Additionally, in three of the four explanatory models related to a single antigen, maternal sensitization to one of the complementary allergens is of importance (ORs, 2.7–3.7). In contrast to this finding, none of the paternal sensitizations has statistical significance. Based on a reaction to at least one of the four allergens, the child's relative risk to be sensitized is increased in case of maternal (OR, 2.88; P= 0.001) but not of paternal (OR, 1.06; P= 0.83) sensitization. In conclusion, our data indicate that the maternal status is more predictive than that of the father with regard to the child's risk of sensitization.

Notes: Background Sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) is an important risk factor for the development of asthma and allergic disease in childhood. Higher levels of HDM allergen are linked to increased sensitization to HDM.Objective To study the effect of mite-impermeable mattress encasings and an educational package on the development of allergies in a newborn cohort.Methods Six hundred and ninety-six newborns at high risk of developing allergies were enrolled in three European countries (Germany, Austria, UK) in a prospective, randomized, controlled birth-cohort study. Children were randomly assigned to an intervention and control group. Intervention measures included the use of mite-impermeable mattress encasings for the child's bed and a simple educational package on allergen avoidance. The control group received basic information about allergies. Children were followed up at age 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.Results 80.9% of the children were followed up to the age of 24 months. No difference in the prevalence of sensitization to HDM (control vs. intervention group: 8.4% vs. 6.1%, P=0.33) or the development of symptoms (recurrent wheezing 10.3% vs. 10.7%, nocturnal cough 12.5% vs. 12.5%) or allergic diseases (asthma 3.5% vs. 5.1%, eczema 20.0% vs. 19.6%, rhinitis 28.9% vs. 25.8%) could be found between the control and intervention group.Conclusion In this study, HDM avoidance did not show a protective effect on the development of sensitization to HDM or symptomatic allergy in children at age 24 months.

Notes: Background Sensitization to dust mites predisposes to asthma and allergic rhinitis, and prevention of this sensitization might reduce the rising prevalence of these disorders.Objective To test the effectiveness of dust mite avoidance measures on the development of sensitization to dust mites in children.Methods As part of a multicentre study (Study of Prevention of Allergy in Children of Europe), 242 children, aged 5–7 years, in three European countries (United Kingdom, Greece and Lithuania), were randomized to prophylactic group (n = 127) and control group (n = 115). At randomization these children were required to have a family history of atopy and positive skin test to an aeroallergen but not to house dust mite. Children in the prophylactic group were provided with dust mite impermeable mattress covers and advice on environmental measures to reduce exposure to dust-mite allergen. Control group children were given non-specific advice. After 12 months a standardized questionnaire was completed and skin prick tests were performed.Results Ten children in the prophylactic group and 19 in the control group were lost to follow-up. Three of 117 (2.56%) children in the prophylactic group and nine of 96 (9.38%) in the control group developed sensitization to dust mites. Logistic regression analysis confirmed an independent effect of prophylactic measures (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03–0.79, P = 0.03). Fifteen children need to be treated to prevent sensitization in one child.Conclusion Dust mite sensitization can be reduced in school age children with simple mite avoidance measures.

Notes: Several studies have shown linkage of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and total serum IgE concentration to the chromosomal region 12q13–24 in ethnical diverse populations. This region harbours a number of candidate genes for asthma and atopy, including stem cell factor (SCF), leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), thyroid receptor 2 (TR2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). However, the same region was shown as well to be linked to other diseases with inflammatory character. So far no variants in any of these genes have been published which would allow association studies and confirm the pathogenicity of any of these genes.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ObjectiveWe wanted to test for linkage of the chromosomal region 12q13–24 with the atopic phenotype without regard to clinical manifestations. Furthermore we screened for common nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes to enable association studies.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉MethodsWe employed sib-pair linkage analysis and transmission disequilibrium testing with regard to four highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in 12q13–24 in atopic nuclear families. In addition, we looked for polymorphisms in the genes coding for SCF, LTA4H, TR2 and STAT6 performing SSCP-analysis and direct genomic sequencing.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉ResultsWe found no evidence for linkage of the genomic region 12q13–24 to elevated total serum IgE levels, specific sensitization to common inhalant allergens or atopy. Furthermore we identified three nucleotide polymorphisms including one common variant in the gene coding for SCF. No association of this polymorphism and any of the atopic phenotypes was seen.〈section xml:id="abs1-5"〉〈title type="main"〉ConclusionWe conclude from our data that genes in the chromosomal region 12q13–24 and in particular SCF are unlikely to exert a major effect on the induction of the atopic phenotype in our Caucasian population. However, we did not focus on the asthmatic and thereby inflammatory aspect of atopy which might explain these results in contradiction to previous studies.

Notes: Atopy, a clinical syndrome characterized by heightened IgE responsiveness, is largely determined by genetic factors. The disease may well be heterogeneous but the mode of inheritance is unknown. Several genes have been named which affected IgE responsiveness. However, results are conflicting reflecting heterogeneity and a complicated inheritance pattern of the atopic syndrome. In 1994 linkage of the 5q32 gene region and elevated total IgE levels were reported, leaving the IL4 gene as a prominent candidate.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ObjectivesWe were interested in a possible involvement of the IL4-receptor gene in the development of atopy.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉MethodsWe employed sib-pair linkage analysis using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers within and flanking the IL4 receptor gene in atopic families, characterized for specific sensitization to inhalant allergens and elevated total serum IgE. Allele sizes were determined for all microsatellite probes to allow transmission disequilibrium analysis.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉ResultsWe found significant sharing of maternal but not paternal alleles in affected sibs from two independent populations, both of which presented enhanced IgE responsiveness. Linkage and maternal inheritance could be confirmed by transmission disequilibrium analysis.〈section xml:id="abs1-5"〉〈title type="main"〉ConclusionsWe conclude from our findings that maternal inheritance of a gene in the chromosome 16p12 region increases the risk for enhanced IgE responsiveness. The most prominent candidate in this region is represented by the IL4 receptor gene.

Notes: To investigate the year-to-year variation of mite antigen density (Der p I, Der f1) in dust from mattresses and the relevance of residential factors for antigen load, information derived from an epidemiologic study including two surveys carried out in the households of a cohort of elementary school children (n= 1291) was analysed.When considering residences with measurements taken in both years in question (n= 1050), rank-correlation indicated a predominance of stability for both antigens (Der p I: rs= 0-82, p=0.0001; Der f I: rs=0.72, P= 0.0001), Using multiple regression analyses, significant associations between antigen concentrations and a variety of residential factors were found. Use of a blanket of animal hair, use of a cover or underblanket, wet spots in the bedroom, higher relative humidity and a low storey level were significantly associated with increased concentrations of Der p I, whereas inverse relationships between this antigen and room temperature, number of persons per m2 as well as use of underfloor heating were seen. Regarding Der f I, older mattresses, use of a cover or underblanket, higher weight of sampled dust, high educational level and higher ratio of inhabitants per m2 were significantly associated with increased concentrations of the antigen. On the other hand, lower Der f I concentrations were found when interior sprung mattresses were used and when the mattress was ‘treated regularly’.In conclusion, two measurements, 1 year apart from each other, show that stability of mite antigen concentrations predominated. Our data suggest that allergic patients should be advised against living in lower storeys and damp homes and to use a newer or encased mattress and to give preference to a residence with underfloor heating.

Notes: Background Many environmental factors influence the concentration of total serum IgE (tIgE); however, tIgE synthesis is believed to be under strong genetic influence. Multiple genetic studies on tIgE regulation have been performed. For these population-based studies tIgE was commonly determined at one time-point, assuming that tIgE phenotypes (adjusted for age and gender) are stable over time.Objective We assessed correlations of tIgE levels from birth to the age of 10 years in the birth cohort MAS (Multicenter Allergy Study; n=1314).Materials and methods We determined cord-blood IgE levels, total and specific IgE at the age of 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 10 years. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for tIgE at different time-points. All analyses were performed in the entire cohort, adjusted for gender, as well as in non-atopic children only.Results tIgE percentiles increased steadily from birth to the age of 10 years with higher values for boys than for girls at each time-point. tIgE values from birth to 3 years of age correlated poorly with tIgE levels at 10 years (r〈0.5). However, good correlations (r〉0.8) were observed for tIgE concentrations at 6, 7 and 10 years. The same results were observed when the analyses were limited to non-atopic children.Conclusion In childhood, tIgE levels underlie remarkable variation over time even in the absence of atopy. For cross-sectional population-based genetic and epidemiologic studies, tIgE values of children 〈5 years should be interpreted with caution since these values correlate poorly with tIgE levels later in life.

Notes: The skin prick test (SPT) is a commonly used procedure for assessing a specific sensitization. The longitudinal variability of test results is of interest for clinical as well as epidemiological investigations. The sensitization to four common aeroallergens (grass pollen, birch pollen, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander) is investigated within the framework of three consecutive SPTs at 11-month intervals for a population of 587 schoolchildren. The prevalence of sensitization based on a weal diameter of at least 2 mm was between 12.9% (cat dander) and 23.9% (grass pollen) in the initial testing. The positive predictive values of the initial SPT were between 75.3% (birch pollen) and 88.2% (cat dander) for the two subsequent SPTs. In the case of initially negative tests with positive second and third SPTs the incidence ranged between 3.2% (cat dander) and 4.3% (birch pollen) per year. A clear increase in the intensity of reaction in subsequent tests was observed in a number of probands testing positively in the initial SPT. In conclusion, our data indicate a high long-term stability of a specific sensitization to aeroallergens in SPT.