Interleukin-4 and soluble CD23 serum levels in asthmatic atopic children.

IL-4 is an essential mediator of IgE synthesis; it also upregulates the expression of the low affinity receptor for IgE (CD23) and its release in soluble form (sCD23). The involvement of IL-4 and sCD23 on the IgE synthesis control has been observed in experimental studies. IL-4 and sCD23 serum levels in asthmatic atopic children were determined in order to investigate a possible correlation between these factors and IgE levels. IL-4, total sCD23 and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specific IgE were determined in the serum of 19 asthmatic atopic children (aged 7 to 14) and in 13 age-matched controls. Since sCD23 may present an age-dependent variation, sCD23 and IL-4 serum levels were evaluated in 20 "wheezy babies." IL-4 serum levels were significantly higher in patients as compared to controls, whereas there was no significant difference between them concerning sCD23 levels. sCD23 levels were, however, significantly higher among "wheezy babies" as compared to atopic and nonatopic children. There was no correlation between IL-4 and sCD23 serum levels, nor between any of these factors and IgE levels in all groups. In conclusion, the enhanced IL-4 levels suggest that atopic patients have a preferential activation of Th2 subset. CD23 expression is markedly influenced by age.

Inhibitory serum factor of lymphoproliferative response to allogeneic cells in pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: An inhibitory serum factor of mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) has been associated with successful pregnancy after lymphocyte transfusion in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). OBJECTIVE: Investigate whether the inhibitory serum factor of MLC is essential for a successful pregnancy. METHOD: Sera from 33 healthy pregnant women and from 40 women with RSA were assessed by a one-way MLC in which the woman's lymphocytes were stimulated with her partner's lymphocytes or with third party lymphocytes. RESULTS: An inhibitory serum effect (inhibition > 50% as compared to normal serum) was detected in 45% of the pregnant women who had at least 1 previous parity, in 8% of the primigravidea, in 29% of those with one abortion and in 58% of those with more than one abortion. CONCLUSION: MLC inhibitory serum factor does not seem to be an essential factor for pregnancy development. Therefore, it should not be considered as a parameter for the assessment of RSA patients.

[Seventieth anniversary of the Brazilian Nursing Association]. / Os setenta anos da Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem (ABEn).

The celebration of the Brazilian Nursing Association seventieth anniversary, former Brazilian Graduated Nurses Association, represents, in fact, seventy years of the history of Nursing in Brazil. We have certified, in a historical retrospective that the entity's creation, its organization which has been through several changes, adapting itself to the demands imposed by the conjunctures; the cultural landmarks, where the Brazilian Nursing Magazine, Brazilian Nursing Week, National Seminar of Research in Nursing, the Nursing Regional Meetings and the Brazilian Congress of Nursing are highlighted and are a demonstration of power and guts of this entity that survives from the struggle, conquests and achievements for the category. We also highlight the political advance these last two decades for the political and structural organization, the more democratic decisory process both internal and externally (ABEn's National Council); an autonomous social and political expression while civil society, better relationship with other national and international entities. Finally, we relate the challenges which appear to the entity's present management.