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PubMed1984

Allergen-specific immunoglobulin E antibodies in tears and serum of vernal conjunctivitis patients.

Tears and sera of 53 patients of vernal conjunctivitis were examined for antibodies of the IgE type to a panel of 18 allergens. In 18 of the patients (34.0%) allergen-specific IgE was demonstrated in both tears and serum, in 3 (5.7%) in tears only, and in 4 (7.5%) in serum only. The antigen-specific reactions with tear fluid were found in patients with the highest total IgE levels, not only in tears but also in serum. This is evidence for a specific, local allergic reaction in these patients. Most positive reactions were to perennial allergens, particularly house dust mites, cat epithelium and Bermuda grass. This fact is in harmony with the lack of season-linked symptoms in most patients in this geographical area.

Allergens↗
PubMed1993

Peptide mapping analysis of group I allergens of grass pollens.

Group I allergens, from eight different clinically important grass pollens of the Pooideae (rye-grass, canary, Kentucky bluegrass, orchard and timothy), Chloridoideae (Bermuda grass) and Panicoideae (Johnson grass, maize) were isolated by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and subjected to limited partial proteolysis and cyanogen bromide cleavage. The generated digests were visualised on gels by silver staining. Replicate gels were blotted and screened with Lolp I-specific mAb FMC A1 and IgE binding to an allergic human serum pool, to determine the degree of antigenic and IgE-binding similarities, respectively. The highest antigenic and IgE-binding similarities were between orchard and rye-grass pollens, both in the same tribe Poeae, and among the closely related grass genera. No peptide mapping of major grass pollen allergens has previously been undertaken. This study proves peptide mapping is a powerful method for the preliminary identification and internal amino acid microsequencing of common antigenic and IgE-binding determinants of allergens, providing information that is useful in the development of reagents for the treatment of grass-pollen-associated allergies.

Allergens↗
PubMed1995

Relationship of skin test reactivity to decrements in pulmonary function in children with asthma or frequent wheezing.

We examined the relationship between skin test reactivity and level of FEV1 in a stratified random sample of U.S. children 6 to 12 yr of age with asthma or frequent wheezing, studied as part of the Second National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES II). Subjects were considered symptomatic if they reported asthma or wheezing. Spirometry was performed according to ATS standards. Skin test reactivity to Alternaria, Bermuda grass, cat, dog, house dust, mixed long and short ragweed, oak, and rye grass allergens was determined. House dust mite (-17% FEV1; 95% CI, -9 to -25), dog (-28% FEV1; 95% CI, -11 to -42), and oak (-26% FEV1, 95% CI, -16 to -35) were associated with the greatest decrements in FEV1. In general, indoor allergens (-13% FEV1; 95% CI, -6 to -20) were associated with greater effects than outdoor allergens (-5% FEV1; 95% CI, -2 to -13). The association of indoor allergens with reduced FEV1 was greater in girls (-16% FEV1; 95% CI, -5 to -25) than in boys (-8% FEV1; 95% CI, -3 to -13). Sensitization to indoor allergens among symptomatic children 6 to 12 yr of age was associated with decrements in level of FEV1.

Allergens↗
PubMed2005

Sequence homology: a poor predictive value for profilins cross-reactivity.

BACKGROUND: Profilins are highly cross-reactive allergens which bind IgE antibodies of almost 20% of plant-allergic patients. This study is aimed at investigating cross-reactivity of melon profilin with other plant profilins and the role of the linear and conformational epitopes in human IgE cross-reactivity. METHODS: Seventeen patients with melon allergy were selected based on clinical history and a positive skin prick test to melon extract. Melon profilin has been cloned and expressed in E. coli. The IgE binding and cross-reactivity of the recombinant profilin were measured by ELISA and inhibition ELISA. The amino acid sequence of melon profilin was compared with other profilin sequences. A combination of chemical cleavage and immunoblotting techniques were used to define the role of conformational and linear epitopes in IgE binding. Comparative modeling was used to construct three-dimensional models of profilins and to assess theoretical impact of amino acid differences on conformational structure. RESULTS: Profilin was identified as a major IgE-binding component of melon. Alignment of amino acid sequences of melon profilin with other profilins showed the most identity with watermelon profilin. This melon profilin showed substantial cross-reactivity with the tomato, peach, grape and Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) pollen profilins. Cantaloupe, watermelon, banana and Poa pratensis (Kentucky blue grass) displayed no notable inhibition. Our experiments also indicated human IgE only react with complete melon profilin. Immunoblotting analysis with rabbit polyclonal antibody shows the reaction of the antibody to the fragmented and complete melon profilin. Although, the well-known linear epitope of profilins were identical in melon and watermelon, comparison of three-dimensional models of watermelon and melon profilins indicated amino acid differences influence the electric potential and accessibility of the solvent-accessible surface of profilins that may markedly affect conformational epitopes. CONCLUSION: Human IgE reactivity to melon profilin strongly depends on the highly conserved conformational structure, rather than a high degree of amino acid sequence identity or even linear epitopes identity.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Variability of the downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficient with consideration of inelastic scattering.

In situ time-series measurements of spectral diffuse downwelling irradiance from the Bermuda Testbed Mooring are presented. Averaged diffuse attenuation coefficients of downwelling irradiance, Kd,and their elastic and inelastic components are investigated at seven wavelengths. At shorter wavelengths (<510 nm), Kd is weakly dependent on the solar zenith angle owing to the prevailing scattering effect and therefore can be considered a quasi-inherent optical property. At longer wavelengths (>510 nm), Kd shows a strong dependence on the solar zenith angle. As depth increases, inelastic scattering plays a greater role for the underwater light field at red wavelengths.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Overview of social inequalities in health in the region of the Americas, using various methodological approaches.

Over the past decade, according to several important indicators, health conditions have improved in the Region of the Americas. However, inequalities persist among the countries of the Region. This article has two primary objectives: 1) to provide some unbiased evidence on health inequalities among countries of the Region of the Americas and 2) to illustrate the application of some of the more frequently used methods for measuring inequalities, including effect measurements, population attributable risk, the slope index of inequality, the relative index of inequality, and the concentration index. Analyses have shown that there are great health disparities in the Region of the Americas. For example, residents of the poorest countries of the Region live nearly 10 years less, on average, than do residents of the richest countries. If the other countries of the Americas had the same incidence of tuberculosis as does the subregion of North America (Bermuda, Canada, and the United States of America), there would be 76% fewer cases of this disease in the Region. In the Americas, nearly 35% of deaths of infants under 1 year old are concentrated in the 20% of live births that occur in the group with the lowest income. As for maternal mortality in the Americas, fewer than 2% of maternal deaths occur in association with the 20% of live births in the group with the highest income. The analyses of health inequalities based on the use of various methods highlight the existence of important disparities among subregions and countries of the Americas that are not readily seen when using only the more-traditional methods for analyzing mortality and morbidity. There is also a need to incorporate the concepts of distribution and socioeconomic dimensions of health when interpreting a given situation. Using this approach will allow decisionmakers to target areas and populations that are in less-favorable conditions. A considerable body of aggregate data at the Regional and country levels from routine information systems is already available--especially on morbidity, mortality, and other health-related factors--that can be used on a regular basis to analyze health inequalities. These kinds of analyses may be regarded as a first step toward the identification of health inequities.

Americas↗
PubMed2001

Efficacy of CC traps and seasonal activity of adult Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Imperial and Palo Verde Valleys, California.

Adult whitefly Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring trap (CC trap) catches were compared with suction type trap catches. CC trap catches were significantly correlated to the suction trap catches. Higher numbers of B. argentifolii adults were caught in CC traps oriented toward an untreated, B. argentifolii-infested, cotton field as compared with traps oriented toward Bermuda grass fields, farm roads, or fallow areas. CC trap catches at five heights above ground (from 0 to 120 cm) were significantly related to each other in choice and no-choice studies. CC trap catches were low in the Imperial and Palo Verde Valleys from late October to early June each of 1996, 1997, and 1998. Trap catches increased with increasing seasonal air temperatures and host availability. Trap catches were adversely affected by wind and rain. Abrupt trap catch increases of 40- to 50-fold for 1-2 d in late June to early July followed by abrupt decreases in adult catches suggest migrating activity of adults from other nearby crop sources.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Impact of Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) feeding on seashore paspalum.

Ten cultivars of seashore paspalum, Paspalum vaginatum Swartz, were compared for their response to Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, larval root feeding. Cultivars of Bermuda grass, Cynodon sp., and zoysiagrass, Zoysia sp., also were included for comparison. Turf grown in pots in the greenhouse was infested with second and third instars in this 2-yr study. Grub survival and weight gain, foliar growth, and root loss were compared among turfgrass species and cultivars. Few species-related differences were identified. Differences in grub tolerance were, however, observed to be a function of turfgrass cultivar. Some turf types demonstrating tolerance to grub feeding had rapid root growth and high root mass in control pots, but this was not consistent for all cultivars showing enhanced ability to maintain foliar growth despite grub feeding. The paspalum cultivars that seemed most tolerant of grub feeding were '561-79', 'Sea Isle 2000', 'Durban', 'HI-10', 'Kim-1', 'Sea Dwarf', and 'Sea Spray'.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay of gene expression in plant roots during fungal pathogenesis.

Real-time quantitative RT-PCR is becoming the preferred method for high-sensitivity, rapid-throughput RNA transcript quantification. However, due to the significant developmental costs of dedicated fluorogenic probes, a real-time assay that is simple to establish, comparatively inexpensive, and readily adaptable would be advantageous for the detailed analysis of large sets of expressed sequences. We have devised a flexible real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay that employs a nonspecific DNA binding dye for product detection and uses a relative quantification formula to account for differences in PCR amplification efficiency between the target and reference products. The latter permits the use of an exogenous reference transcript and therefore avoids the normal requirement for the construction of a recombinant RNA reference transcript or extensive characterization of housekeeping gene expression. In an investigation of class II chitinase expression in two varieties of Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.), following infection with the fungal root pathogen Ophiosphaerella narmari, this assay identified 16- and 28-fold peaks in gene expression at 24 and 96 h after inoculation, respectively.

Chitinases↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Positive skin test and age]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate positive responses to skin tests for immediate hypersensitivity to allergens in children with asthma and rhinitis at different ages. METHOD: We observed positive skin test reactivity in prick tests using fifteen allergens of same origin (total dust and Dermatophagoides sp.; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; Dermatophagoides farinae; Blomia tropicalis; Penicillium sp; Alternaria alternata; Cladosporium herbarium; Aspergillus fumigatus; Bermuda grass; forage grass; dog and cat epithelia; feathers; Blatella germanica and wool). We placed 713 selected patients into different age groups - Group I: 6 to 11 months; Group II: 1 to 3 years and 11 months; Group III: 4 to 8 years and 11 months; and Group IV: 9 to 15 years. We used the chi-square test for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The total significant differences between these groups were: I to II = 5; II to III = 5; II to IV = 5; III to IV = 6; I to III = 10; and I to IV = 10. CONCLUSION: Skin test reactivity is acquired progressively with age, and can be observed as early as at 12 months. Reactivity is significantly more positive from the age of 4 on.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Microscopic, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of the Chilean Blob and a comparison with the remains of other sea monsters: nothing but whales.

We have employed electron microscopic, biochemical, and molecular techniques to clarify the species of origin of the "Chilean Blob," the remains of a large sea creature that beached on the Chilean coast in July 2003. Electron microscopy revealed that the remains are largely composed of an acellular, fibrous network reminiscent of the collagen fiber network in whale blubber. Amino acid analyses of an acid hydrolysate indicated that the fibers are composed of 31% glycine residues and also contain hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, all diagnostic of collagen. Using primers designed to the mitochondrial gene nad2, an 800-bp product of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was amplified from DNA that had been purified from the carcass. The DNA sequence of the PCR product was 100% identical to nad2 of sperm whale (Physeter catadon). These results unequivocally demonstrate that the Chilean Blob is the almost completely decomposed remains of the blubber layer of a sperm whale. This identification is the same as those we have obtained before from other relics such as the so-called giant octopus of St. Augustine (Florida), the Tasmanian West Coast Monster, two Bermuda Blobs, and the Nantucket Blob. It is clear now that all of these blobs of popular and cryptozoological interest are, in fact, the decomposed remains of large cetaceans.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2003

Concentrations of cysteinyl leukotrienes in urine and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cats with experimentally induced asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) concentrations in urine and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in cats with experimentally induced asthma. ANIMALS: 19 cats with experimentally induced asthma and 5 control cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were sensitized to Bermuda grass or house dust mite allergen, and phenotypic features of asthma were confirmed with intradermal skin testing, evaluation of BALF eosinophil percentages, and pulmonary function testing. A competitive ELISA kit for LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 was used for quantitative analysis of LTs. Urinary creatinine concentrations and BALF total protein (TP) concentrations were measured, and urinary LT-to-creatinine ratios and BALF LT-to-TP ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Mean urinary LT-to-creatinine ratios did not differ significantly between control cats and allergen-sensitized cats before or after sensitization and challenge exposure with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or allergen, respectively. In BALF the mean LT-to-TP ratio of control cats did not differ significantly before or after sensitization and challenge exposure with saline. Asthmatic cats had BALF LT-to-TP ratios that were significantly lower than control cats at all time points, whereas ratios for asthmatic cats did not differ significantly among the various time points. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although LTs were readily detectable in urine, no significant increases in urinary LT concentrations were detected after challenge in allergen-sensitized cats. Spot testing of urinary LT concentrations appears to have no clinical benefit for use in monitoring the inflammatory asthmatic state in cats. The possibility that cysteinyl LTs bind effectively to their target receptors in BALF and, thus, decrease free LT concentrations deserves further study.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effects of drug treatment on inflammation and hyperreactivity of airways and on immune variables in cats with experimentally induced asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of an orally administered corticosteroid (prednisone), an inhaled corticosteroid (flunisolide), a leukotriene-receptor antagonist (zafirlukast), an antiserotonergic drug (cyproheptadine), and a control substance on the asthmatic phenotype in cats with experimentally induced asthma. ANIMALS: 6 cats with asthma experimentally induced by the use of Bermuda grass allergen (BGA). PROCEDURES: A randomized, crossover design was used to assess changes in the percentage of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); airway hyperresponsiveness; blood lymphocyte phenotype determined by use of flow cytometry; and serum and BALF content of BGA-specific IgE, IgG, and IgA determined by use of ELISAs. RESULTS: Mean +/- SE eosinophil percentages in BALF when cats were administered prednisone (5.0 +/- 2.3%) and flunisolide (2.5 +/- 1.7%) were significantly lower than for the control treatment (33.7 +/- 11.1%). We did not detect significant differences in airway hyperresponsiveness or lymphocyte surface markers among treatments. Content of BGA-specific IgE in serum was significantly lower when cats were treated with prednisone (25.5 +/- 5.4%), compared with values for the control treatment (63.6 +/- 12.9%); no other significant differences were observed in content of BGA-specific immunoglobulins among treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Orally administered and inhaled corticosteroids decreased eosinophilic inflammation in airways of cats with experimentally induced asthma. Only oral administration of prednisone decreased the content of BGA-specific IgE in serum; no other significant local or systemic immunologic effects were detected among treatments. Inhaled corticosteroids can be considered as an alternate method for decreasing airway inflammation in cats with asthma.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Are there any links between Hop Japanese pollen and other weed pollens or food allergens on skin prick tests?

Recent investigations suggest that the importance of Hop Japanese pollen, which has been known as one of the major causative weed pollens, is increasing in this country. There have been few data dealing with the allergenic relationship between Hop J pollen and other food or inhalant allergens. Among 2909 patients who visited the Allergy Clinic of Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea, 471 patients sensitized to Hop J, mugwort, or ragweed pollens on skin-prick test were enrolled. Positive rates to common inhalant or food allergens and their allergenic relationships with other pollens or food allergens were analyzed based upon skin-prick test results. The positive rates to sunflower, fat hen, nettle, grass (Bermuda, Orchard) and tree (alder, birch, and poplar) pollen were significantly higher in those sensitized to Hop J pollen than in those of negative responders (p < 0.05, respectively). No significant associations were noted with ragweed or mugwort pollen (p > 0.05, respectively). In regard to food-related allergens, an association was noted between Hop (Humulus lupulus) or celery allergens in those sensitized to Hop J pollen (p < 0.05, respectively). Hop J pollen may have possible links with celery, Hop, and sunflower pollens on skin-prick test. Further in vitro investigations will be needed to evaluate the possibility of cross-reacting components between them.

Allergens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Extended evaluation of diagnostic skin testing practices in Orange County, California.

In an effort to evaluate conformity with published guidelines for diagnostic allergy skin testing in their locality, a committee of members of the Orange County (California) Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology surveyed their membership for the number, identity, and rates of sensitization of aeroallergens in a selected patient population. Test data were analyzed on patients who were judged appropriate to undergo immunotherapy. Complete test results of 271 patients were obtained from one third of local allergy specialists. A total of 115 different aeroallergen extracts were identified. By category, tree pollen allergens (32) were followed in declining order by weed pollens (28), molds (22), environmentals (18), and grass pollen extracts (15), for the total of 115. The average number of aeroallergens used by a practice in a comprehensive evaluation was 77 (range, 47-114). When only unequivocally positive reactions were considered (3+ equivalent or greater), Bermuda grass pollen extracts elicited the highest rate, 85%, and the environmental, rat dander, was the lowest at 1.8%. At least 20% of the patients reacted strongly on skin tests to 97% of the extracts. The disparity between the recommendations of a maximum of 30 aeroallergens for a comprehensive evaluation and actual practice procedures merits efforts at resolution.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Stanley Paris Award Lecture. Reflections on the history and future of orthopaedic physical therapy.

Carolyn Wadsworth, MS, PT, CHT, OCS, deliver the 1998 Paris Distinguished Service Award Lecture at the Combined Sections Meeting in Boston in February. Wadsworth is the fifth recipient of the Paris Award, which is the Orthopaedic Section's highest honor given to commemorate a member's exceptional and enduring service. The Paris Distinguished Service Award was established in 1990 and is named after Stanley V. Paris, PhD, PT, founder and first president of the Orthopaedic Section. Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Paris immigrated to the U.S. in 1966. He developed physical therapy practices in Boston, Hamilton, Bermuda, and Atlanta; established the Institute of Graduate Health Sciences in Atlanta, GA; and is currently president of the University of St. Augustine, St. Augustine, FL. Paris is a strong advocate of assertive professional practice, clinical specialization, and strengthening leadership in physical therapy. He also champions wellness, exemplified by his personal achievements in sailing the Atlantic Ocean, swimming the English Channel, and completing the Ironman Triathlon. Carolyn Wadsworth, recipient of the 1998 Paris Award, has served as secretary and president of the Orthopaedic Section and is currently editor of the Orthopaedic Section's Home Study Course. She owns a private practice, teaches nationally, and has written two books, Examination and Mobilization of the Spine and Extremities (1988) and Orthopedic Review for Physical Therapists (1998). Major components of the speech she presented at the Orthopaedic Section Awards Ceremony are highlighted in this article.

History, 20th Century↗
PubMed1990

Effects of lecithin and corn oil on site of digestion, ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in sheep.

Six Hampshire wethers with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were fed three diets in a replicated 3 X 3 latin square to compare phospholipids with triglycerides for their effects on ruminal digestion. The diets (56% concentrate, 44% bermuda-grass hay, air-dried basis) contained either no added fat (control), 5.2% soybean lecithin or 2.4% corn oil on a DM basis. All diets were isonitrogenous and both fat-supplemented diets had similar fatty acid and energy contents. Fat added to the diet, regardless of source, reduced digestibilities of DM, energy, ADF and fatty acids in the rumen but had no effect on total tract digestibility coefficients. Lecithin slightly increased (P = .06) fatty acid digestion in the hindgut compared to corn oil (91.0 and 87.0%, respectively). Both fat sources decreased (P less than .01) ruminal ammonia concentration and increased (P less than .10) N flow to the duodenum. Added fat also reduced ruminal (P less than .01) and total tract (P less than .05) N digestibilities. Microbial N flow to the hindgut was not affected by diet, but adding fat increased (P less than .06) true efficiency of microbial protein synthesis. Overall, phospholipids from soybean lecithin inhibited ruminal fermentation similarly to triglycerides from corn oil. Despite ruminal degradation of lecithin by microbial phospholipases as shown in other studies, feeding lecithin tended to increase fatty acid digestion in the hindgut.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Extent and site of mineral release from six forage species incubated in mobile dacron bags.

A study was conducted to measure the extent of DM disappearance and mineral release from six forage species within the rumen, abomasum and intestines of the adult bovine using the mobile bag technique. Three nonlactating Holstein cows, fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas, were given ad libitum access to alfalfa hay. One gram (DM) of alfalfa, rhizoma peanut, dwarf elephantgrass, bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and limpograss was individually weighed into 8-cm x 3-cm dacron bags. After ruminal incubation for 24 h, bags were incubated in an acid-pepsin solution (a simulated abomasal environment) for 1 h, inserted into the duodenum via cannula, and collected in the feces upon excretion. Ruminal incubation accounted for 86% to 100% of total DM disappearance. Release of Ca from all forages was at least 65%, with the majority having extents of release of over 70%. Most Ca was released in the rumen, but acid-pepsin incubation and washing increased Ca release an additional 17 to 272%. Forages with the highest NDF concentration (bermuda, bahia, and limpograss) sequestered Ca in the intestines. Total tract P release ranged from 84 to 98%, with an average of 7.5 percentage units occurring postabomasally. Grasses released more P in the intestines than legumes. Eighty-eight to 98% of total Mg was released in the rumen. Acid-pepsin incubation increased Mg release only slightly, with some Mg being sequestered in the intestines. Potassium release was complete in the rumen. Ranking of minerals based on maximal extent of release was K greater than Mg greater than P greater than Ca. With the exception of K, legumes released more of their minerals than grasses.

Abomasum↗