Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 und Allergien vom Soforttyp gehören zu den häufigsten chronischen Erkrankungen des Kindes- und Jugendalters. Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 wird verursacht durch eine autoimmune Zerstörung der Beta-Zellen des Pankreas. Aus immunologischer Sicht wird dieser Prozess durch TH1-Zellen dominiert. Im Gegensatz dazu wird vermutet, dass Allergien vom Soforttyp, wie die allergische Rhinitis, das allergische Asthma und die allergische Urtikaria mit TH2-Zellen assoziiert seien. Die Hypothese, dass TH1- und TH2-Zellen sich gegenseitig in ihrer Aktivität hemmen, ist immer noch gültig. Ziel unserer Fall-Kontroll-Studie war es, die Assoziation zwischen Typ 1 Diabetes und IgE-vermittelten Allergien zu untersuchen. Zur Prüfung unserer Forschungshypothese wurden ein standardisierter, evaluierter Fragebogen sowie verschiedene Laboranalysen herangezogen. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 mit einem erhöhten Risiko für das gleichzeitige anamnestische Vorliegen IgE-vermittelter allergischer Symptome assoziiert sein könnte. Somit konnten wir bestätigen, dass die noch heute weit verbreitete TH1/TH2-Hypothese eine Vereinfachung tatsächlich viel komplizierterer immunologischer Vorgänge darstellt. Um diese Assoziation im Detail zu prüfen, bedarf es jedoch weiteren populationsbasierten epidemiologischen Studien.

BACKGROUND: Alternaria is considered one of the most common saprophytic fungal genera on the planet. It is comprised of many species that exhibit a necrotrophic phytopathogenic lifestyle. Several species are clinically associated with allergic respiratory disorders although rarely found to cause invasive infections in humans. Finally, Alternaria spp. are among the most well known producers of diverse fungal secondary metabolites, especially toxins. DESCRIPTION: We have recently sequenced and annotated the genomes of 25 Alternaria spp. including but not limited to many necrotrophic plant pathogens such as A. brassicicola (a pathogen of Brassicaceous crops like cabbage and canola) and A. solani (a major pathogen of Solanaceous plants like potato and tomato), and several saprophytes that cause allergy in human such as A. alternata isolates. These genomes were annotated and compared. Multiple genetic differences were found in the context of plant and human pathogenicity, notably the pro-inflammatory potential of A. alternata. The Alternaria genomes database was built to provide a public platform to access the whole genome sequences, genome annotations, and comparative genomics data of these species. Genome annotation and comparison were performed using a pipeline that integrated multiple computational and comparative genomics tools. Alternaria genome sequences together with their annotation and comparison data were ported to Ensembl database schemas using a self-developed tool (EnsImport). Collectively, data are currently hosted using a customized installation of the Ensembl genome browser platform. CONCLUSION: Recent efforts in fungal genome sequencing have facilitated the studies of the molecular basis of fungal pathogenicity as a whole system. The Alternaria genomes database provides a comprehensive resource of genomics and comparative data of an important saprophytic and plant/human pathogenic fungal genus. The database will be updated regularly with new genomes when they become available. The Alternaria genomes database is freely available for non-profit use at http://alternaria.vbi.vt.edu.

Food allergies are an increasing health problem throughout the developed world. Among these, peanut allergy is particularly significant, due to its exceptional severity and frequent lifelong duration. Much of its aetiology remains unclear. In particular, it remains unknown why, unlike other food allergies, peanut allergy incidence correlates poorly with average dietary peanut consumption. A popular explanation for this discrepancy is that peanut allergy is more common in regions where predominantly dry-roasted (DR) peanuts are consumed, leading to speculation that DR-induced chemical modifications may contribute to pathological T_h2 responses in humans. Yet to date, no research group has demonstrated an enhanced immunogenicity of DR peanuts relative to raw in a murine model of sensitisation. This thesis begins with the hypothesis that dry-roasting does indeed alter the chemical composition of peanut proteins in such a way as to increase immunogenicity and allergenicity. To test this hypothesis robustly, I have first addressed flaws in previous studies by developing a methodology to thoroughly characterise samples of raw and DR peanut protein, as well as purifying samples of individual peanut allergens. Using these samples, I have demonstrated an enhanced immunogenicity of DR peanut protein relative to raw, in intragastric, subcutaneous and epicutaneous models of mouse sensitisation, and furthermore, that such enhanced responses feature a pronounced T_h2 bias and functional IgE production. I will present evidence that this difference is not caused by either protein aggregation or the presence of other non-protein substances, but is due to an intrinsic property of the DR peanut proteins. I will go on to clarify candidate molecular mechanisms of this effect, examining several putative receptors and probing the effects of roasting on dendritic cell binding and interactions of peanut proteins. I conclude in light of these investigations that the dry-roasting hypothesis remains the most plausible explanation for the epidemiological distribution of peanut allergy, although many additional questions remain regarding the nature of the chemical modifications produced by roasting and the molecular basis of their recognition by the immune system.

Thesis (MSc) -- Stellenbosch University, 1995. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the allergic reaction on the respiratory system. The influence of parasite infestation (with specific reference to the roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides) on the normal functioning of the respiratory system was also investigated. Firstly a pilot study was done to determine the normal immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels of coloured newborns in the Western Cape. The cord blood IgE values of a group of coloured newborns were determined by using the RIA technique. Although a mean value was reached, it is important for more controlled studies, that would take into account a variety of factors, to be done before determining separate reference values for this population. The levels of one of the most important effector cells in the allergic reaction, namely eosinphils, were determined in a group of asthma patients by using the counting chamber method. In all the cases the eosinophil levels were elevated The influence of Ascaris lumbricoides on the respiratory system was investigated from two different points of view, namely the possible allergic reactions it could induce in the host and secondly by determing the influence of this parasite on one of the parametres of the respiratory system, namely the peak expiratory flow (PEF) values. In the first case the presence of specific Ascaris allergens in a group of asthma patients was determined by using the RAST technique. The incidence of these specific allergens was however not high. Secondly the PEF values of two groups (the one group was infested with the roundworm and the other not) were compared. Wet stool mounts were investigated under a light microscope to identy parasite ova. There was however no significant difference in PEF values between these two groups. This study underlines the complex interaction between parasites and the respiratory system. Further studies in this regard are needed in order to fully understand the nature of this interaction. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om ondersoek in te stel na die invloed wat die allergiese reaksie uitoefen op die respiratoriese sisteem. Daar is verder ook aandag gegee aan die uitwerking van parasiet infestasies (met spesifieke verwysing na die rondewurm, Ascaris lumbricoides) op die normale funksionering van die respiratoriese sisteem. 'n Loodsstudie is eerstens uitgevoer ten einde normale immunoglobulien E (IgE) vlakke vir Kleurling pasgeborenes te bepaal. lgE bepalings is gedoen op die nawelstring bloed van 'n groep Kleurling babas in die Wes-Kaap. Die RIA tegniek is vir hierdie doel gebruik. Hoewel 'n gemiddelde waarde verkry is, is dit egter noodsaaklik dat meer gekontrolleerde studies wat 'n wye verskeidenheid van faktore in ag neem, uitgevoer sal moet word alvorens aparte verwysingswaardes vir hierdie bevolkingsgroep saamgestel kan word. Die voorkoms van een van die belangrikste effektor selle in die allergiese reaksie, naamlik eosinofiele, is bepaal in die bloed van 'n groep asma pasiente. Die eosinofiele is getel deur gebruik te maak van die telkamer metode. In al die gevalle was die eosinofiel vlakke verhoog. Die invloed van Ascaris lumbricoides op die respiratoriese sisteem is vanuit twee oogpunte ondersoek, naamlik die uitlokking van 'n allergiese respons in ~ie gasheer en die invloed van hierdie parasiet op een van die parameters van longfunksie, naamlik "peak expiratory flow" (PEF) vlakke. In die eerste geval is die mate van teenwoordigheid van Ascaris allergene in 'n groep asma pasiente bepaal deur gebruik te maak van die RAST tegniek. Die insidensie van allergie teen hierdie allergene was egter nie hoog nie. Tweedens is die PEF waardes van twee groepe proefpersone (die een groep gei:nfesteer met Ascaris lumbricoides en die ander groep nie) met mekaar vergelyk. Daar was egter nie 'n beduidende verskil tussen die waardes van die twee groepe nie. Parasiet ova is gei:dentifiseer deur die maak van eenvoudige nat stoelgang smere en die ondersoek daarvan onder 'n ligmiroskoop. In hierdie studie word die komplekse aard van die interaksie tussen parasiete en die respiratoriese sisteem duidelik na vore gebring. Verdere studies is nodig ten einde die verband tussen hierdie twee faktore te bepaal. / SNO and Stellenbosch 2000 scholarship

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Healthcare workers (HCWs) wear latex gloves to protect themselves and their patients against the transmission of microbial, viral and bloodborne diseases. These individuals are primarily exposed to latex via cutaneous (direct contact) and mucocutaneous (inhalation of airborne allergens on glove powder) routes. Repeated exposure leads to the formation of circulating latex-specific IgE and subsequent sensitisation with varying clinical expression. The airconditioning system of the Tygerberg Hospital (TBH) complex was investigated for the presence of aerosolised cornstarch glove powder and proteins. Dust samples were collected from 14 areas with different levels of latex glove usage. Dust samples were spectrophotometrically compared to a calibration graph of pure glove powder. The detection of starch and proteins in all the dust samples confirmed the presence of glove powder and possibly airborne latex allergens in the airconditioning ducts. As expected, the high exposure areas showed the highest concentrations of both starch and proteins. It is possible that other proteins than latex were involved, but the confirmed high level of protein contamination should be a cause for concern. Correlation between starch and protein levels was highly significant (p<0.01) in all instances. A total of 500 questionnaires were circulated for completion by HCWs from TBH. The response rate was 69.8%. After considering specific inclusion criteria, a study group of 152 individuals was compiled (28 males, 124 females). All subjects had current latex exposure and suffered from at least three pre-defined symptoms. Serum was collected from all subjects and dermal fluid from 31 subjects. Total IgE and latex specific IgE analysis were done on all serum and dermal fluid samples. Latex-specific IgE was positive (>0.35 IU/ℓ) in 23 serum and six dermal fluid samples. Skin prick tests (SPTs)for latex were done on 59 subjects with negative serum latex-specific IgE and 34 had positive results. Twelve subjects with negative latex-specific IgE and latex SPTs underwent patch tests with the European Standard Series, a piece of latex glove and glove powder in petrolatum. Three subjects had positive results to one or more of these allergens. Western blot analysis for latex was done on all positive sera and dermal fluid collected from these subjects. Western blot analysis for latex proved to be more sensitive than the capRAST, because it was able to identify specific bands in samples with negative capRAST results. All subjects showed a band for Hev b 1, which has been confirmed as a powder-bound airborne allergen. Hev b 6.01 is associated with HCWs with cutaneous symptoms and this band was recognised by 81% of the subjects. These findings confirmed that airborne and cutaneous routes are the major routes of exposure in HCWs. According to their laboratory results, subjects were divided into the following subgroups and compared statistically: Group A (serum positive, n=23), Group B (SPT positive, n=34) and Group C (negative, n=25). Group D (withdrawn, n=70) could not be used for statistical comparisons, due to incomplete results. An overall latex allergy prevalence of 38% was found. Group A differed significantly from Group B and Group C for most clinical and special investigations. Group A and B were also combined to represent all subjects with positive results (Cohort AB). The Allergy Score and Class were highly significant when Cohort AB was compared to Group C. The selection of clinical symptoms was confirmed to be relevant and work-related deterioration on any of the symptoms should bear a high index of suspicion in the evaluation of latex allergy. Numerical indices and specific symptoms showed high positive predictive values and the Allergy Score produced statistical significance in the positive subgroups when compared to the negative subgroup. Paired statistical significance was confirmed between the Allergy Score and occupational exposure (number of years, hours and pairs per week). The areas with the highest occupational latex exposure in HCWs are the face and hands. Different occupations also have different levels of exposure and two subgroups of HCWs (16 laboratory technologists and 13 theatre staff) were investigated for sebum content on different facial areas and the palms and dorsal areas of both hands. Baseline measurements were done before putting on gloves. In 21 subjects follow up measurements were done following three to four hours of occupational exposure, but before washing their hands. Baseline and follow up values were compared for all the different anatomical regions. Levels on the forehead and cheeks increased over time, while the level on the nose decreased. All hand regions decreased significantly during occupational exposure, suggesting that glove powder contributes to dryness of the skin. In conclusion, the problem posed by latex allergy will not be solved overnight and will probably remain a major occupational hazard for years to come. It is currently not possible to avoid exposure to latex, but it is imperative to institute safety measures to prevent further sensitisation in predisposed individuals and manage those already affected. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Gesondheidswerkers dra lateks handskoene om hulleself en hulle pasiënte te beskerm teen die oordrag van mikrobiale, virale en bloed-gedraagde siektes. Die lateks blootstelling vind hier hoofsaaklik plaas via kutane (direkte velkontak) en mukokutane (inaseming van lug-gedraagde allergene op hanskoen poeier) roetes. Herhaalde blootstelling veroorsaak sirkulerende lateksspesifieke IgE en sensitisasie met variërende kliniese beelde. Die lugreëlingstelsel van die Tygerberg hospitaalkompleks is ondersoek vir die teenwoordigheid van handskoenpoeier (stysel) en lateks proteïene. Stofmonsters is versamel in 14 areas wat verskillende blootstellingsvlakke verteenwoordig het. Die stofmonsters is spektrofotometries vergelyk met "n kalibrasiekurwe van suiwer hanskoenpoeier. Stysel en proteïene kon in al die stofmonsters aangetoon word en het die teenwoordigheid van handskoenpoeier en moontlike luggedraagde lateks proteïene in die lugreëlingstelsel bevestig. Soos verwag kon word, het die hoogste stysel en proteïen waardes in hoë blootstellingsareas voorgekom. Hoogs beduidende statistiese korrelasies (p<0.01) tussen die stysel en proteïenvlakke kon aangedui word in alle monsters. "n Totaal van 500 vraelyste is gesirkuleer vir voltooiing deur TBH gesondheidswerkers, waarvan 69.8% voltooide vraelyste terugontvang is. Na evaluering van insluitingskriteria, is "n studiegroep van 152 individue saamgestel (28 mans, 124 vrouens). Almal het huidige lateks blootstelling en ten minste drie het vooraf gedefinieerde simptome gerapporteer. Serum is van die hele groep versamel en dermale vog van 31 proefpersone. Totale IgE en lateks-spesifieke IgE vlakke is op alle serum en dermale vog bepaal. Positiewe resultate (>0.35 IU/ℓ) is verkry in 23 serum en ses dermaIe vog monsters. Velpriktoets vir lateks is op 59 proefpersone uitgevoer en 34 daarvan het positiewe resultate opgelewer. Twaalf proefpersone met negatiewe lateks-spesifieke IgE en velpriktoets resultate het kutane plaktoetse ondergaan met die Europese Standaard Reeks, "n stukkie lateks handskoen en handskoenpoeier in petrolatum. Drie proefpersone het positiewe resultate teen een of meer van die allergene gehad. Westerse kladanalise vir lateks is op alle positiewe serum gedoen, asook die dermale vogte van hierdie proefpersone. Westerse kladanalise vir lateks blyk baie meer sensitief te wees as die capRAST, aangesien dit spesifieke bande kon identifiseer in monsters capRAST resultate. Alle monsters het "n band getoon vir Hev b 1, "n poeier-gebinde, luggedraade allergeen. Hev b 6.01 is geassosieer met gesondheidswerkers met velsimptome en hierdie band is gevind in 81% van die monsters. Hierdie resultate bevestig dat die belangrikste blootstelling aan lateks in gesondheidswerkers deur die vel en inaseming plaasvind. Proefpersone is in die volgende drie groepe verdeel volgens laboratorium resultate en statisties vergelyk: Groep A (positiewe serum, n=23), Groep B (positiewe velpriktoetse, n=34) en Groep C (negatief, n=25). Groep D (onttrek, n=70) kon nie vir betekenisvolle statistiese vergelykings aangewend word nie, as gevolg van onvolledige resultate. 'n Finale lateks allergie prevalensie van 38% is gevind. Groep A het hoogs beduidend verskil van Groep B en C vir die meeste van die kliniese en spesiale laboratoriumondersoeke. Groep A en B is gekombineer om alle proefpersone in te sluit met positiewe resultate (Kohort AB). Die Allergie Telling en Klas van Kohort AB was hoogs beduidend in vergelyking met Groep C. Die gekose simptome is bevestig as relevant en enige werksverwante verergering van simptome moet met 'n hoë mate van agterdog bejeën word in lateks allergie. Numeriese indekse en spesifieke simptome het hoë positiewe voorspellingswaardes gelewer en die Allergie Telling was hoogs beduidend in die positiewe subgroep in vergelyking met die negatiewe subgroep. Gepaarde statistiese beduidenheid is ook gevind tussen die Allergie Telling en beroepsblootstelling (jare van blootstelling, uur en paar handskoene per week). Die meeste beroepsblootstelling aan lateks in gesondheidswerkers vind plaas op die hande en gesig. Verskillende beroepe het ook verskillende blootstellingsvlakke en two subgroepe gesondheidswerkers (16 laboratorium tegnoloë en 13 teater personeel) is ondersoek vir die sebumgehalte op veskillende areas van die gesig en hande. Basislynvlakke is gemeet voordat handskoene aangetrek is en in 21 gevalle is opvolgvlakke gemeet na drie tot vier uur beroepsblootstelling, maar voor die hande gewas is. Basislyn en opvolgvlakke is met mekaar vergelyk vir al die anatomiese areas. Die voorkop en wange het 'n toename in sebumgehalte getoon, terwyl dié van die neus afgeneem het. AI die areas op die hande toon 'n hoogs beduidende afname tydens beroepsblootstelling, wat impliseer dat hanskoenpoeier moontlik bydra tot droogheid van die vel. In samevatting, die lateks allergie probleem sal nie oornag opgelos word nie en sal waarskynlik 'n belangrike beroepsrisiko bly vir die aansienlike toekoms. Totale vermyding van lateks is tans onmoontlik en daarom is dit van uiterste belang om voorsorgmaatreëls in plek te stel om verdere sensitisasie in blootgestelde individue te verhoed en die wat reeds geaffekteer is, effektief te hanteer.

<p>Food allergy is an IgE-mediated immunological disease, which affects almost 4% of the adult population and up to 6% of children. Proteins from milk, egg, peanuts, soybean, wheat, fish and nuts are the main cause of food allergies. A less common allergen is pea protein. The National Food Administration analyses undeclared pea protein and contaminations of pea protein in foods using rocket immunoelectrophoresis and immunodiffusion. For both methods an antiserum against pea protein is needed. The aim of this study has been to characterize a newly developed rabbit-antiserum against pea protein. It is important to know if the antiserum is specific against peas, the detection as well as the quantification limits before it can be taken into use. The results of the study show that the antiserum was not absolutely specific, since it cross-reacted with chickpeas, fenugreek and lenses. However there is an "in-house" established PCR-method that can distinguish between chickpeas, fenugreek and peas and that method can be used as a complement to the rocket immunoelectrophoresis. The PCR-method cannot be used alone because it is not quantitative. Rocket immunoelectro¬phoresis detects 0,003% pea protein with purified IgG-antibodies from the antiserum.</p>

Mast cell progenitors originate from the bone marrow and migrate to the lungs via the blood. During maturation, these cells acquire granules that contain a potent array of bronchoconstrictive mediators. The number of pulmonary mast cells is augmented in asthmatic patients and in mice with allergic airway inflammation, possibly contributing to airway hyperreactivity. An increase in mast cells is likely due to an increased recruitment of committed mast cell progenitors from the blood. However, until now a committed mast cell progenitor population has not been found in adult peripheral blood. We isolated Lin- c-kithi ST2+ integrin β7hi CD16/32hi progenitors from murine blood and showed that these cells were committed to the mast cell lineage. Based on the expression of FcεRI, these cells were less mature in Th1-prone C57BL/6 mice than in Th2-prone BALB/c mice. Asthma is associated with elevated levels of IgE. Upon exposure to allergens, IgE immune complexes are formed. In a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation, we showed that intranasal administration of IgE immune complexes to antigen-sensitized mice resulted in an increased number of mast cell progenitors compared with antigen administration alone. The increase in mast cell progenitors was independent of the low-affinity IgE receptor CD23. Rather, signaling through the common FcRγ-chain was required to enhance the number of lung mast cell progenitors. Signaling through FcεRI was likely responsible for the increase. However a role for FcγRIV could not be excluded. CD11c+ cells, such as dendritic cells, are important for antigen sensitization. In a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation, these cells are also important for the development of airway hyperreactivity, eosinophilia and Th2 cytokine production in response to antigen challenge. We showed that CD11c+ cells are critical for the recruitment of lung mast cell progenitors and the subsequent increase in mast cells. These CD11c+ cells were needed for the upregulation of endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), which is a prerequisite for the antigen-induced recruitment of lung mast cell progenitors.

Disertacijos objektas: įvairių BCG skiepijimo režimų įtaka tuberkulino reakcijos išraiškai, vietinei BCG žymei, specifinei serologijai, alergijos klinikai vaikams iki 6 m. Tyrime dalyvavo 509 vaikai, vakcinuoti įprasta arba pusine BCG vakcinos doze naujagimio ar 3 mėn. amžiaus. Jiems 3 mėn. po BCG vakcinacijos, 1, 2 ir 6 m. atliktas tuberkulino mėginys, įvertintas BCG randelis, ištirti specifiniai antikūnai kraujo serume, įvertintos alerginės būklės. Disertacijos išvadose konstatuojama, kad 3 mėn. amžiaus BCG vakcinuotų vaikų tuberkulino reakcijos yra stipresnės bei susidariusi vietinė BCG žymė dažnesnė, nei įprasta BCG vakcinos doze naujagimio amžiaus skiepytųjų, tiriant juos 3 mėn. po BCG vakcinacijos ar 1 m. amžiaus. Specifinių antikūnų dėsningumų nepavyko aptikti. 3 mėn. amžiaus kūdikių BCG vakcinacija sumažino su maistu siejamų alerginių bėrimų riziką mergaitėms ikimokykliniu laikotarpiu. / Object of dissertation: The influence of different BCG vaccination schedules on the tuberculin reactivity, BCG scarring, specific serology and allergy. 509 children were included in this research, all of them received BCG vaccination with standard or half dosage as newborns or 3-months old. 3 months after BCG vaccination and at one, two, and six years of age they were tested with tuberculin, and examined for BCG scarring. Anti-tuberculosis antibodies were detected in sera and children were evaluated for allergy. In conclusions of the dissertation it is declared, that 3 months after BCG vaccination and at 1 year of age children, vaccinated as 3 months - old had stronger tuberculin reactions and better BCG scarring, in comparison to neonatal vaccination. Clear consistent patterns in anti-tuberculosis antibody levels were not established. BCG vaccination at 3 months of age reduced the risk of food –related allergic rash for girls in preschool period.

Object of dissertation: The influence of different BCG vaccination schedules on the tuberculin reactivity, BCG scarring, specific serology and allergy. 509 children were included in this research, all of them received BCG vaccination with standard or half dosage as newborns or 3-months old. 3 months after BCG vaccination and at one, two, and six years of age they were tested with tuberculin, and examined for BCG scarring. Anti-tuberculosis antibodies were detected in sera and children were evaluated for allergy. In conclusions of the dissertation it is declared, that 3 months after BCG vaccination and at 1 year of age children, vaccinated as 3 months - old had stronger tuberculin reactions and better BCG scarring, in comparison to neonatal vaccination. Clear consistent patterns in anti-tuberculosis antibody levels were not established. BCG vaccination at 3 months of age reduced the risk of food –related allergic rash for girls in preschool period. / Disertacijos objektas: įvairių BCG skiepijimo režimų įtaka tuberkulino reakcijos išraiškai, vietinei BCG žymei, specifinei serologijai, alergijos klinikai vaikams iki 6 m. Tyrime dalyvavo 509 vaikai, vakcinuoti įprasta arba pusine BCG vakcinos doze naujagimio ar 3 mėn. amžiaus. Jiems 3 mėn. po BCG vakcinacijos, 1, 2 ir 6 m. atliktas tuberkulino mėginys, įvertintas BCG randelis, ištirti prieštuberkulioziniai antikūnai kraujo serume, įvertintos alerginės būklės. Disertacijos išvadose konstatuojama, kad pusine BCG vakcina skiepytųjų tuberkulino reakcijos silpnesnės, o susidariusi vietinė žymė mažesnė, o 3 mėn. BCG vakcinuotų vaikų tuberkulino reakcijos yra stipresnės, o susidariusi vietinė BCG žymė dažnesnė, nei skiepijant įprasta BCG vakcina naujagimio amžiaus vaikus lyginant su įprasta BCG vakcina naujagimio amžiaus skiepytais vaikais 3 mėn. po BCG vakcinacijos ar 1 m. vaikams. Aiškių prieštuberkuliozinių antikūnų dėsningumų nepavyko aptikti. 3 mėn. amžiaus BCG vakcinacija sumažino su maistu siejamų alerginių bėrimų riziką ikimokyklinio amžiaus mergaitėms.

In 1974 Random House published a popular and controversial book entitled Why Your Child is Hyperactive. The author, San Francisco allergist Ben F. Feingold, claimed that hyperactivity was caused by food additives and was best prevented and treated with a diet, subsequently dubbed the 'Feingold diet', free of such substances. Reaction to the idea was swift. The media and parents found Feingold's environmentally-based theory intriguing, as it provided an aetiological explanation for hyperactivity that was both sensible and topical. The medical community, in contrast, was suspicious and designed double-blind trials to test his theory. The dominant perception emerging out of these tests was that Feingold's hypothesis was incorrect and, soon after Feingold's death in 1982, medical and media attention faded away. Drawing on unpublished archival material, medical literature, popular media sources and oral history interviews, this thesis explores the rise and fall of the Feingold diet. It examines the origins of Feingold's idea, the manner in which his theory was disseminated to the medical community and the broader public, and analyses how physicians and patients evaluated whether or not Feingold's hypothesis was correct. Aiming to contribute to the histories of allergy, psychiatry and nutrition, the thesis contends that social factors, rather than scientific testing, were largely responsible for the fate of the Feingold diet. Some of these factors include Feingold's methods and approach to describing and promoting his diet, the professional and economic interests of medical practitioners and the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and the difficulties inherent in following the diet. From a broader historiographical perspective, the history of the Feingold diet suggests that in order to understand how medical controversies are resolved it is essential to analyse the historical context within which they emerge.