Decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor family receptors involved in humoral immune responses in preterm neonates.

Neonates have an increased rate of infection with encapsulated bacteria compared with older children and adults because of diminished antibody responses to T-independent (TI) antigens such as bacterial polysaccharides. Because the interactions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family ligands BAFF and APRIL with the TNF family receptors (TNFRs) TACI, BCMA, and BAFF-R are crucial to TI antibody responses, we measured the expression of these receptors on adult and cord blood-derived term and preterm neonatal B cells. Preterm neonatal B cells expressed less TACI, BCMA, and BAFF-R compared with adult B cells and had significantly less proliferation compared with adult B cells after stimulation with human recombinant BAFF and anti-IgM in an assay in which TACI-Fc fusion protein inhibits B-cell proliferation.

Repair of tympanic membrane perforation by topical application of 1% sodium hyaluronate.

Objective: The administration of exogenous hyaluronic acid can increase the repair potential of damaged tissue. This study was conducted to verify whether or not the hyaluronic acid enhances the repair process in perforations of tympanic membrane. Hyaluronic acid is commercially available as its sodium salt.

Comparative evaluation of Teller and Cardiff acuity tests in normals and unilateral amblyopes in under-two-year-olds.

Purpose: To compare and evaluate Teller Acuity Cards (TAC) and Cardiff Acuity Cards (CAC) to assess vision in children below the age of two.

Methods: The study evaluated TAC and CAC to assess visual acuity in 90 normal children divided into three age groups, 0-6 months (group I), 6-12 months (group II) and 12-24 months (group III). 30 cases of unilateral amblyopiogenic conditions, 10 cases each of unilateral refractive error, unilateral esotropia, and unilateral cataract, were also examined.