T cell reactivity in neonates from an East and a West German city--results of the LISA study

BACKGROUND: Within an ongoing birth cohort study (LISA) the cytokine production of cord blood T cells was compared between neonates from Leipzig (East Germany) and Munich (West Germany). The aim of this study was to analyse regional differences and influencing factors of the immune status. METHODS: Cytokine production was measured in a randomly selected subgroup of 158 children from the LISA (Life style - Immune system - Allergy) cohort by intracellular cytokine staining. Information on family "atopy" history (FAH) and home characteristics was obtained from questionnaires. RESULTS: Reduced numbers of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) producing T cells were found in association with biparental FAH and housing renovation during pregnancy. In addition, cytokine production was influenced by season. In Munich, the frequency of biparental FAH and of renovation measures during pregnancy was significantly higher as compared to Leipzig. Neonates from Munich showed significantly decreased amounts of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and elevated levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) producing T cells. Differences in cytokine production between Munich and Leipzig were influenced by season (IL-4) and housing renovation (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha). CONCLUSIONS: Since differences in the T cell cytokine production of neonates in Munich and Leipzig are independent from FAH our findings may provide evidence for the impact of environmental factors upon the fetal immune system.     

Effects of indoor painting and smoking on airway symptoms in atopy risk children in the first year of life results of the LARS-study. Leipzig Allergy High-Risk Children Study

INTRODUCTION: The Leipzig Allergy High-Risk Children Study (LARS) is a prospective nested cohort control study about the influence of chemical indoor exposure in dwellings on the health outcome of atopy-risk children during the first years of life. DESIGN AND METHODS: 475 premature children and children with allergic risk factors have been selected out of the 1995/1996 birth cohort in the city of Leipzig. Twenty-five volatile organic compounds (VOC) were measured in the infant's bedrooms using passive sampling systems for 4 weeks after birth. The babies underwent a medical examination at the age of six weeks and 1 year. The parents answered a questionnaire. RESULTS: Correlations between VOC exposures and infections were calculated by multiple logistic regression. Selected VOC show a direct association to actually painted dwellings (OR = 2.4; 95% Cl 1.1-5.3). An increase of risk of pulmonary infections was observed in infants aged 6 weeks if restoration (painting OR 5.6; 95% Cl 1.3-24.0) or flooring connected with painting had occurred during the pregnancy period. Higher concentration of styrene (> 2.0 micrograms/m3, indicator for flooring) elevated the risk of pulmonary infections in six-week-old infants (OR = 2.1; 95% Cl 1.1-4.2). Environmental benzene > 5.6 micrograms/m3 increased the risk of airway infections in six-week-old babies (OR = 2.4; 95% Cl 1.28-4.48). Smoking in the dwelling (OR = 2.0; 95% Cl 1.1-3.5) as well as restoration (OR = 1.9; 95% Cl 1.1-3.5) are also risk factors of the development of wheezing in the one-year-old child. CONCLUSIONS: The data give indications in order to prevent allergies and chronic lung diseases in atopy risk children exposure to chemicals from indoor air should be minimised from birth on.     

NMR observations of drawn polymers VI. Poly (ethylene oxide)

Wide line NMR spectra of cold drawn poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were recorded at temperatures between ?196°C. and 66°C. as a function of the alignment angle between the draw direction and the magnetic field. Line width, second moment, and mobile fraction were determined and are discussed in terms of segmental motion. In agreement with other authors two motional processes were found. (1) The β-process, commencing at temperatures around ?45°C., probably occurs in non-crystalline regions and causes the emergence of a narrow NMR line in addition to the broad one. (2) The β-process was observed between 0°C. and the melting point (66°C.) and led to a pronounced decrease of the width of the broad line and of the second moment. This decrease was anisotropic and was greatest at the alignment angle γ = 45°. As a consequence of this the dependence of the line width and of the second moment on γ is changed: whereas both these quantities show at low temperatures (<0°C.) a maximum at γ = 45° and an absolute minimum at γ = 0°, near the melting point, a minimum close to γ = 45° and an absolute maximum at γ = 0° were found. These changes are explained by oscillations of the helical molecules around their axes in crystalline regions.     

Spontaneous elimination of helicobacter pylori infection in children

BACKGROUND: With the (13)C-urea-breath test, 6.6 % of 3 372 preschool children of the Leipzig area tested H. pylori positive in 1998. PATIENTS: In 2000, 5.6 % of 3 854 grade-two pupils of the same area tested positive. METHOD: 2 235 children participated in both tests campaigns. Therefore, their H. pylori state could be reinvestigated after two years. RESULTS: 30 of the 104 children, who were tested positive in 1998 were negative in 2000. Using questionnaires completed by the corresponding parents and family physicians, possible reasons of individual elimination were analysed. It was found that 18 of the 25 children received a H. pylori triple therapy. Three children had been tested false-positive in 1998. Four children received antibiotics for other reasons and H. pylori was obviously eradicated too. Only three children were not treated with any antibiotics between 1998 and 2000. For these children, spontaneous elimination is assumed. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions about spontaneous elimination of H. pylori infections are problematic. Further investigations are needed in consideration of this object.     

Well water--one source of Helicobacter pylori colonization

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the world's most widespread microorganisms. Its acquisition in humans remains poorly understood, however, epidemiological studies have identified drinking water as reservoir for the bacterium. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection among individuals using or drinking previously H. pylori tested well water. Applying household cluster sampling, a total of 91 subjects, all using or drinking well water (13 of either H. pylori positive or negative wells), were screened for their H. pylori status. The group was comprised of 73 adults and 19 children under the age of 18. H. pylori infection was determined using the [13C]urea breath test. A self-administered or parent-completed questionnaire provided information on living conditions and lifestyle habits including the use or drinking of well water. Logistic regression analyses associated the drinking of H. pylori positive well water with a positive colonization status [Odds Ratio (OR) 8.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.4-29]. In summary, the use or drinking of H. pylori contaminated well water appears associated with the acquisition of a H. pylori infection. This study is based on a relatively small and inhomogeneous population sample and should be repeated to confirm the results.     

Redecoration of apartments promotes obstructive bronchitis in atopy risk infants--results of the LARS Study

Findings by other authors indicate that exposure to chemical emissions from indoor paint is related to asthma symptoms in adults. In their first years of life children are receptive to obstructive airway diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of redecoration of the apartment on airway symptoms in infants during the first two years of life. The Leipzig Allergy Risk Children Study (LARS) is a birth cohort study with the following inclusion criteria: double positive family atopy anamnesis, cord blood IgE > 0.9 kU/l, or low birth weight between 1500-2500 g. Within the context of LARS, 186 parents of risk children completed a questionnaire on the respiratory symptoms of their children and the redecoration of their apartment at the end of the first and second year of life. A total 22% of the children suffered from obstructive bronchitis once or more during their first year, and 11% experienced this condition during their second year of life. Redecoration of the apartment had a significant influence on the appearance of obstructive bronchitis in the first (OR 4.1 95% CI 1.4-11.9) and in the second year of life (OR 4.2 95% CI 1.4-12.9). (The OR are adjusted for cord blood-IgE > 0.9 kU/l, birth weight < or = 2500 g, male sex and double positive parental atopy anamnesis, dampness, smoking or pet in the apartment). Simultaneous contamination from redecoration activities and additional exposures such as smoking, a pet or dampness in the apartment increased the risk for obstructive bronchitis in the first year (OR 9.1; 95% CI 2.3-34.8) as well as in the second year (OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.6-15.6). Our data suggest that redecoration of the apartment is associated with the development of acute inflammations, but not with a chronic influence on the airways in atopy risk infants. At an exposure to more than one environmental factor, pronounced effects were seen.     

Pulmonary function and urban air pollution in preschool children

Epidemiologic evidence indicates that respiratory disease in infancy and childhood has respiratory health consequences in later life. Pulmonary function is considered a good index of early effects. This study assessed the relationship of pulmonary function in preschool children in Leipzig, Germany, and exposure to high levels of air pollution during early childhood. Spirometric measures were taken of 235 preschoolers (126 boys, 109 girls, mean age 5.1 +/- 1.3 years) attending 16 randomly selected daycare centres, using the 'Bosch Spiro 501' spirometer. The results showed decrements in the average FVC (85.5% predicted [pred]) and FEV1 (90.2% pred) differing with spatial variations in the ambient air pollution burden of the children's residential area. Exposure to a pollution profile of heavy traffic and/or domestic heating showed markedly lower FVC (78.9% and 85.5% pred, respectively) and FEV1 (82.4% and 88.5% pred). Miller's Diagnostic Quadrant Model of Disease Classification, categorizing pulmonary function data for preliminary diagnostic purposes, assessed the lung function values (FVC% pred/relative FEV1 [FEV1/FVC]%) of a significant number of children as 'restrictions' (n = 52; 22.1%). Summarizing: variations in spirometric indices were observed across exposure groups with a significant number of children showing signs of a restrictive ventilatory function. These cross-sectional data, however, do not permit to conclude with any degree of certainty that this is indicative of an early sign of a functional deficit.