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PubMed2005

Associations of place of birth with asthma and wheezing in Mexican American children.

BACKGROUND: There are wide global variations in the prevalence of asthma and wheezing. OBJECTIVES: We examined the associations of place of birth with doctor-diagnosed asthma, wheezing in the past 12 months, and other allergic conditions in Mexican American children. METHODS: The study used data on 4121 Mexican American children age 2 months to 16 years who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. RESULTS: The risk of asthma was associated with being born in the United States after adjusting for sex, age, history of ear infection, and having a regular place for health care (odds ratio, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.09-4.40). Among children with no previous history of ear infection, US-born children were more likely to report wheezing in the past 12 months than their peers born in Mexico after controlling for confounding variables (odds ratio, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.09-3.87). Mexican American children born in the United States were more likely to have positive skin reaction to cat, house mite, Alternaria alternata , peanut, Bermuda grass, and short ragweed but were less likely to have a positive skin test to German cockroaches after adjusting for sex, age, ear infection, having a regular place for health care, and area of residence. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated significant associations of place of birth with respiratory symptoms and allergic conditions in Mexican American children. These findings highlight the need for further studies to examine environmental factors that change by migration and explain the observed differential in the risk of asthma or wheezing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Prevalences of positive skin test responses to 10 common allergens in the US population: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: Allergy skin tests were administered in the second and third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES II and III) conducted in the United States from 1976 through 1980 and 1988 through 1994, respectively. OBJECTIVES: This study estimated positive skin test response rates in NHANES III and identified predictors of one or more positive test responses. Comparisons with NHANES II were also made. METHODS: In NHANES III, 10 allergens and 2 controls were tested in all subjects aged 6 to 19 years and a random half-sample of subjects aged 20 to 59 years. A wheal-based definition of a positive test response was used. RESULTS: In NHANES III, 54.3% of the population had positive test responses to 1 or more allergens. Prevalences were 27.5% for dust mite, 26.9% for perennial rye, 26.2% for short ragweed, 26.1% for German cockroach, 18.1% for Bermuda grass, 17.0% for cat, 15.2% for Russian thistle, 13.2% for white oak, 12.9% for Alternaria alternata, and 8.6% for peanut. Among those with positive test responses, the median number of positive responses was 3.0. Adjusted odds of a positive test response were higher for the following variables: age of 20 to 29 years, male sex, minority race, western region, old homes, and lower serum cotinine levels. For the 6 allergens common to NHANES II and III, prevalences were 2.1 to 5.5 times higher in NHANES III. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the US population represented in NHANES III was sensitized to 1 or more allergens. Whether the higher prevalences observed in NHANES III reflect true changes in prevalence or methodological differences between the surveys cannot be determined with certainty.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Sea surface temperature 1871-2099 in 38 cells in the Caribbean region.

Sea surface temperature (SST) data with monthly resolution are provided for 38 cells in the Caribbean Sea and Bahamas region, plus Bermuda. These series are derived from the HadISST1 data set for historical time (1871-1999) and from the HadCM3 coupled climate model for predicted SST (1950-2099). Statistical scaling of the forecast data sets are performed to produce confluent SST series according to a now established method. These SST series are available for download. High water temperatures in 1998 killed enormous amounts of corals in tropical seas, though in the Caribbean region the effects at that time appeared less marked than in the Indo-Pacific. However, SSTs are rising in accordance with world-wide trends and it has been predicted that temperature will become increasingly important in this region in the near future. Patterns of SST rise within the Caribbean region are shown, and the importance of sub-regional patterns within this biologically highly interconnected area are noted.

Caribbean Region↗
PubMed2004

Patterns of mold sensitivity in the subtropical Gulf Coast.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the patterns of mold- and nonmold positive skin tests in a subtropical Gulf Coast climate and to determine whether any particular positive skin tests predict "allergic versus nonallergic" status as shown on the full panel of skin testing. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of serial endpoint allergy skin test results in 75 consecutive patients from a tertiary referral medical center. RESULTS: Of the 67 evaluable patients, 58 (86.6%) had a positive skin test to at least 1 antigen. The most common positive skin tests were in response to cockroach, Dermatophygoides farinae, Bermuda grass, false ragweed, mesquite, Stemphylium, Curvularia, short ragweed, and Timothy grass. There were no identifiable groups of antigens that tended to occur together. Screening with a panel of 6 antigens (cockroach, dust mite, cat, rough marsh elder, Timothy grass, and Stemphylium) would have correctly predicted whether the patient would react to any or none of the full panel of antigens. CONCLUSION: Cockroach, dust mite, and a grass were the most common positive skin tests among our patients, with many patients also having positive skin tests to molds. Although there is evidence that cross-reactivity exists among different mold species, we were unable to identify any clusters of mold reacting together in individual patients. In our patient population, a 6-allergen screening panel (cockroach, dust mite, cat, rough marsh elder, Timothy grass, and Stemphylium) would have accurately distinguished "allergic" from "nonallergic" patients, as demonstrated on the full panel of skin testing. SIGNIFICANCE: A small (6-antigen) screening panel accurately predicted "allergic" versus "nonallergic" as shown by our full panel of skin testing. This is useful clinically when an "allergic versus nonallergic" etiology of sinonasal symptoms affects treatment choices.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Rush immunotherapy in an experimental model of feline allergic asthma.

Specific allergen immunotherapy represents the only curative treatment of allergy. No studies have evaluated its efficacy in feline allergic asthma. We hypothesized that an abbreviated course of immunotherapy (rush immunotherapy, RIT) would blunt eosinophilic airways inflammation in experimental feline asthma induced with Bermuda grass allergen (BGA). The 6-month study included asthmatic-RIT treated cats; asthmatic-no RIT treated cats; and non-asthmatic cats. RIT involved increasing parenteral doses (20-200 microg) of BGA over 2 days. Numbers of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum and BALF immunoglobulins, lymphocyte blastogenesis assays, and cytokines in blood and BALF were evaluated. BALF eosinophils decreased (P=0.048) only in asthmatic-RIT treated cats (baseline 1.1 x 10(6); Month 6, 2.4 x 10(5)). Serum BGA-specific IgG was higher (P<0.001) at all time points after baseline within the asthmatic-RIT group, and was higher (P<0.001) than asthmatic-no RIT cats at Months 1 and 3. No differences (P=0.133) in BGA-specific IgE levels over time were noted among asthmatic-RIT cats, but this group had lower IgE levels (P<0.001) levels than asthmatic no-RIT cats at Months 3 and 6. Differences in BGA-specific IgA levels over time and between the two groups did not reach the traditional level of significance. The mean BGA stimulation index in the asthmatic-RIT cats was biologically insignificant at 6 months, reflecting BGA-specific lymphocyte hypoproliferation. Preliminary results of cytokine profiles were not significantly different; however, BAL cytokine profiles favoring a Th2 response prior to RIT shifted to increased IFN-g and IL-10 thereafter. RIT dampens eosinophilic airways inflammation in cats with experimental asthma. The mechanism of RIT may involve changes in allergen-specific immunoglobulins, induction of hyporesponsive lymphocytes, or alteration of cytokine profiles.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

The role of symbiotic dinoflagellates in the temperature-induced bleaching response of the subtropical sea anemone Aiptasia pallida.

Coral bleaching involves the loss of symbiotic dinoflagellates (zooxanthellae) from reef corals and other cnidarians and may be a stress response of the host, algae or both. To determine the role of zooxanthellae in the bleaching process, aposymbiotic sea anemones from Bermuda (Aiptasia pallida) were infected with symbionts from other sea anemones (Aiptasia pallida from Florida, Bartholomea annulata and Condylactis gigantea). The expulsion of algae was measured during 24-h incubations at 25, 32 and 34 degrees C. Photosynthetic rates of freshly isolated zooxanthellae were also measured at these temperatures. The C. gigantea (Cg) symbionts were expelled in higher numbers than the other algae at 32 degrees C. Photosynthesis by the Cg algae was completely inhibited at this temperature, in contrast to the other symbionts. At 34 degrees all of the symbionts had increased expulsion rates, and at this temperature only the symbionts from Florida A. pallida exhibited any photosynthesis. These results provide the first evidence that the differential release of symbionts from the same host species is related to decreased photosynthesis at elevated temperatures, and support other findings suggesting that zooxanthellae are directly affected by elevated temperatures during bleaching events.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Inhibition of coral photosynthesis by the antifouling herbicide Irgarol 1051.

International regulation of organotin compounds for use in antifouling paints has led to the development and increased use of replacement compounds, notably the s-triazine herbicide Irgarol 1051. Little is known about the distribution of Irgarol 1051 in tropical waters. Nor has the potential impact of this triazine upon photosynthesis of endosymbiotic microalgae (zooxanthellae) in corals been assessed. In this study Irgarol 1051 was detected in marinas, harbours and coastal waters of the Florida Keys, Bermuda and St. Croix, with concentrations ranging between 3 and 294 ng 1(-1). 14C incubation experiments with isolated zooxanthellae from the common inshore coral Madracis mirabilis showed no incorporation of H14CO3- from the sea water medium after 4-8 h exposure to Irgarol 1051 concentrations as low as 63 ng 1(-1). Reduction in net photosynthesis of intact corals was found at concentrations of l00 ng 1(-1) with little or no photosynthesis at concentrations exceeding 1000 ng 1(-1) after 2-8 h exposure at all irradiances. The data suggest Irgarol 1051 to be both prevalent in tropical marine ecosystems and a potent inhibitor of coral photosynthesis at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

An evaluation of hemolymph cholinesterase activities in the tropical scallop, Euvola (Pecten) ziczac, for the rapid assessment of pesticide exposure.

The use of sequential measurements of hemolymph cholinesterase activities as a non-invasive biomarker of seasonal organophosphate/carbamate exposure was investigated for the tropical scallop, Euvola (Pecten) ziczac. Overall activities of both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were relatively high compared to studies with bivalve tissues. Acute in vivo experiments showed inhibition of hemolymph acetylcholinesterase activity at concentrations of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos of 0.1, 1 and 10 ng l(-1). Monthly sampling of hemolymph from scallops at two sites in Bermuda over a 15 month period showed seasonal acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition. Direct and indirect evidence suggests that this inhibition did not relate to biochemical or physiological changes associated with gonad maturation and spawning, but rather reflected diffuse contamination of the marine environment by cholinesterase inhibitors or increased bioavailability of such inhibitors at these times. Repetitive sampling of scallop hemolymph for cholinesterase activities represents a rapid, sensitive and non-invasive method for assessing seasonal, sublethal pesticide exposure in these commercially important bivalves and suggests a wider use in marine pollution monitoring.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Grass pollen immunotherapy: a single year double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with grass pollen-induced asthma and rhinitis.

Fifteen grass pollen--sensitive asthmatic patients were selected from 200 patients with grass pollenosis on the basis of positive SPTs and RASTs that were restricted to grass pollens (except Bermuda grass), no previous IT, and residence and occupation in an area monitored by serial pollen counts. They underwent a double-blind trial of specific IT with a mixture of three grass pollen--aqueous extracts (velvet, sweet vernal, and timothy) or placebo. After 10 mo, the mean maintenance dose of pollen extract (assayed by RAST inhibition) in eight actively treated patients was 6000 RAST units (range 3000 to 8000) and the mean total dose was 18,700 RAST units (range 10,200 to 30,000). Results were assessment done by the following clinical and immunological data: (1) during the pollen season, daily symptom scores; (2) PD 20% FEV1, IgE antibody to timothy by RAST in serum and in nasal secretions, serum IgG antibody to purified timothy allergen D by solid-phase radioimmunoassay, and the four IgG subclass antibodies by enzyme immunoassay were all measured before treatment and before and after the pollen season. Symptom scores of both treated patients and controls correlated with pollen counts (R = 0.88, p less than 0.05 and R = 0.71, p less than 0.05, respectively). There was a significant difference between the mean symptom score values of treated patients versus controls (Kruskal-Wallis test, p less than 0.001). No significant differences or changes either in the PD 20% FEV1 or IgE antibody to timothy in serum and nasal secretions were found in the two groups before or after IT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Characterization of the isoforms of the group I allergen of Cynodon dactylon.

BACKGROUND: The group I allergen of Cynodon dactylon, Cyn d I, was found to consist of four to 10 isoforms. METHODS: We studied the isoforms with the use of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The antigenic difference of the isoforms was evaluated by radioimmunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The acidic isoforms and the basic and neutral isoforms were further isolated by MAb-affinity chromatography for RAST and competitive RAST. In addition, the N-terminal sequence was evaluated by microsequencing. RESULTS: A total of 11 isoforms were found in Cyn d I in extracts prepared from different sources of Bermuda grass pollen (BGP). They were either acidic (Cyn d I-A, I-B, I-C, I-D, I-E, I-F, I-G, I-H, and I-I), neutral (Cyn d I-X), or basic (Cyn d I-J). Cyn d I-G, with an isoelectric point of approximately 6.4, was constantly present in all the pollen preparations, whereas the content of the basic Cyn d I-J varied from less than 5% to greater than 20%. The molecular weight of the basic and neutral isoforms were slightly lower than those of the acidic isoforms. All isoforms shared a common antigenic determinant(s) recognizable by MAb 4-37, and the basic and neutral isoforms possessed a unique antigenic determinant(s) recognizable by MAb 1-61. RAST showed that both the acidic Cyn d I and the basic and neutral Cyn d I were recognized by human IgE in the pooled sera of persons allergic to BGP. Competitive RAST showed a high crossreactivity between the acidic and the basic and neutral isoforms. A 95% sequence identity also existed between the N-terminal 20 amino acid residues of basic Cyn d I-J and the dominant acidic isoform Cyn d I-G. CONCLUSIONS: The present study disclosed that basic Cyn d I-J is an important allergen and that the content of this isoform varies in different lots of BGP.

Allergens↗
PubMed1996

Identification of T-cell epitopes of Lol p 9, a major allergen of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) pollen.

T-cell recognition of Lol p 9, a major allergen of ryegrass pollen, was investigated by using a T-cell line and T-cell clones generated from the peripheral blood of an atopic donor. The T-cell line reacted with purified Lol p 9, as well as with crude ryegrass pollen extract, but failed to cross-react with Bermuda grass pollen extract. All of six T-cell clones generated from this line proliferated in response to Lol p 9. Epitope mapping was carried out with a panel of 34 overlapping synthetic peptides, which spanned the entire sequence of the Lol p 9 12R isoform. The T-cell line responded to two of the peptides, Lol p 9 (105-116) and Lol p 9 (193-204), whereas reactivity with one or other of these peptides was shown by five T-cell clones. These two peptides contained sequences consistent with motifs previously reported for major histocompatibility complex class II-restricted peptides. HLA antibody blocking studies showed that presentation of peptide Lol p 9 (105-116) to one T-cell clone was HLA-DR-restricted; this clone expressed a T helper cell phenotype (CD3+, CD4+) and the T-cell receptor alpha beta. The identification of immunodominant T-cell epitope(s) on allergens is essential for devising safer and more effective immunotherapy strategies, which can interrupt the chain of events leading to allergic disease.

Allergens↗
PubMed1996

Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease among cruise ship passengers exposed to a contaminated whirlpool spa.

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of travel-related Legionnaires' disease present a public-health challenge since rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tests are not widely used and because detection of clusters of disease among travellers is difficult. We report an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease among cruise ship passengers that occurred in April, 1994, but that went unrecognised until July, 1994. METHODS: After rapid diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease in three passengers by urine antigen testing, we searched for additional cases of either confirmed (laboratory evidence of infection) or probable Legionnaires' disease (pneumonia of undetermined cause). A case-control study was conducted to compare exposures and activities on the ship and in ports of call between each case-passenger and two or three matched control-passengers. Water samples from the ship, from sites on Bermuda, and from the ship's water source in New York City were cultured for legionellae and examined with PCR. FINDINGS: 50 passengers with Legionnaires' disease (16 confirmed, 34 probable) were identified from nine cruises embarking between April 30 and July 9, 1994. Exposure to whirlpool spas was strongly associated with disease (odds ratio 16.2, 95% Cl 2.8-351:7); risk of acquiring Legionnaires' disease increased by 64% (95% Cl 12-140) for every hour spent in the spa water. Passengers spending time around the whirlpool spas, but not in the water, were also significantly more likely to have acquired infection. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was isolated only from the sand filter in the ship's whirlpool spa. This isolate matched a clinical isolate from the respiratory secretions of a case-passenger as judged by monoclonal antibody subtyping and by arbitrarily primed PCR. INTERPRETATION: This investigation shows the benefit of obtaining a recent travel history, the usefulness or urine antigen testing for rapid diagnosis of legionella infection, and the need for improved surveillance for travel-related Legionnaires' disease. New strategies for whirlpool spa maintenance and decontamination may help to minimise transmission of legionellae from these aerosol-producing devices.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Worldwide occurrence and effects of antifouling paint booster biocides in the aquatic environment: a review.

Organic booster biocides were recently introduced as alternatives to organotin compounds in antifouling products, after restrictions imposed on the use of tributyltin (TBT) in 1987. Replacement products are generally based on copper metal oxides and organic biocides. This ban has led to an increase in alternative coating products containing the above biocides. The most commonly used biocides in antifouling paints are: Irgarol 1051, diuron, Sea-nine 211, dichlofluanid, chlorothalonil, zinc pyrithione, TCMS (2,3,3,6-tetrachloro-4-methylsulfonyl) pyridine, TCMTB [2-(thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole], and zineb. Since 1993, several studies have demonstrated the presence of these biocides in European coastal environment as a result of their increased use. More recently, the presence of these biocides was also revealed in waters from Japan, United States, Singapore, Australia and Bermuda. This paper reviews the currently available data on the occurrence of these biocides in the aquatic environment. Some data dealing with the environmental fate, partitioning, behaviour and risk assessment of antifouling paint booster biocides are also reported in order to discuss the detected levels of contamination.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Allergen-specific IgG and IgA in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in a model of experimental feline asthma.

Allergic asthma, a Th2 cell driven response to inhaled allergens, has classically been thought of as predominantly mediated by IgE antibodies. To investigate the role of other immunoglobulin classes (e.g., IgG and IgA) in the immunopathogenesis of allergic asthma, levels of these allergen-specific immunoglobulins were measured in serum and mucosal fluids. Bermuda grass allergen (BGA)-specific IgG and IgA ELISAs in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were developed and optimized in an experimental model of BGA-induced feline asthma. Levels of BGA-specific IgG and IgA significantly increased over time in serum and BALF after allergen sensitization. Additionally, these elevated levels of BGA-specific IgG and IgA were seen in conjunction with the development of an asthmatic phenotype indicated by positive intradermal skin tests, enhanced airways hyperreactivity, and increased eosinophil percentages in the BALF.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

Production of polyclonal antisera against feline immunoglobulin E and its use in an ELISA in cats with experimentally induced asthma.

Serum samples from six cats with experimentally induced asthma were used to purify feline IgE using gel filtration and affinity chromatography. The resultant IgE, evaluated for purity by immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) and reactivity by Prausnitz-Kustner (PK) testing, was used to develop polyclonal rabbit anti-feline IgE antisera. Using reverse cutaneous anaphylaxis (RCA), the antisera were determined to be specific for feline IgE. The polyclonal rabbit anti-feline IgE antiserum was then validated in an allergen-specific ELISA. Serum samples from an additional five asthmatic cats sensitized with Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) were evaluated prior to sensitization, after parenteral sensitization, and after aerosol sensitization and challenge. A significant increase in serum BGA-specific IgE was noted over time.

Allergens↗
PubMed1997

The impact of social and environmental changes on allergic rhinitis among Saudi children. A clinical and allergological study.

Eighty four children with allergic rhinitis out of 316 consecutive cases were investigated, treated and followed-up for 2 years. Diagnostic skin testing were done with identified common allergens found in Saudi environment (2). Cat fur, Bermuda grass and mesquite were the most common allergens found. Symptoms of recurrent rhinosinusitis, otitis media with effusion, tonsils and adenoids infection were commonly noticed among them. The rapid change of environment in Saudi Arabia in the form of agricultural and other factors seem to play part in the increasing incidence of allergic manifestation in paediatric population. With antiallergic treatment and control of infection, most of these children responded well and only four children required surgery. The treatment of allergic disease saves a lot of children from unnecessary surgical procedures usually carried out on them.

Adenoids↗
PubMed1997

Crustacean muscle plasticity: molecular mechanisms determining mass and contractile properties.

Two crustacean models for understanding molecular mechanisms of muscle plasticity are reviewed. Metabolic changes underlying muscle protein synthesis and degradation have been examined in the Bermuda land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis. During proecdysis, the claw closer muscle undergoes a programmed atrophy, which results from a highly controlled breakdown of myofibrillar proteins by Ca(2+)-dependent and, possibly, ATP/ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic enzymes. The advantage of this model is that there is neither fiber degeneration nor contractile-type switching, which often occurs in mammalian skeletal muscles. The second model uses American lobster, Homarus americanus, to understand the genetic regulation of fiber-type switching. Fibers in the claw closer muscles undergo a developmentally-regulated transformation as the isomorphic claws of larvae and juveniles differentiate into the heteromorphic cutter and crusher claws of adults. This switching occurs at the boundary between fast- and slow-fiber regions, and thus the transformation of a specific fiber is determined by its position within the muscle. The ability to predict fiber switching can be exploited to isolate and identify putative master regulatory factors that initiate and coordinate the expression of contractile proteins.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Cuticular proteins from the lobster, Homarus americanus.

The urea-extractable proteins from calcified regions of intermoult cuticle of the lobster, Homarus americanus, have been separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis, showing that the extracts contain a large number of proteins. The major proteins have isoelectric points between 4 and 9, and their apparent molecular weights are between 5 and 30 kDa. Two of the proteins have been purified by a combination of ion-exchange chromatography, gel-filtration and RP-HPLC, and their complete amino acid sequences were determined by a combination of mass spectrometry and automated Edman degradation. Although they were purified from a single animal, both proteins were obtained as two isoforms. The isoforms of the smaller protein (HaCP4.6) differed only in a single position (phenylalanine/isoleucine), and the isoforms of the larger protein (HaCP11.6) differed in two positions (valine/isoleucine and glutamine/lysine). HaCP11.6 is N-terminally blocked by a pyroglutamate residue. Variants of an 18-residue motif are a characteristic feature of both sequences: it occurs twice in HaCP4.6 and four times in HaCP11.6. Comparison of the sequence to sequences published for cuticular proteins from other arthropods shows that the repeated motif is also present in proteins from the exoskeleton of the Bermuda land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis, but not in the single shrimp protein (Pandalus borealis) sequenced so far. The amino acid compositions of the lobster proteins are similar to that of flexible cuticles in locusts, but no convincing sequence similarities were found between the lobster proteins and cuticular proteins from locusts or other insects.

Amino Acid Sequence↗