Neural signals predict information sharing across cultures

Information sharing influences which messages spread and shape beliefs, behavior, and culture. In a preregistered neuroimaging study conducted in the United States and the Netherlands, we demonstrate replicability, predictive validity, and generalizability of a brain-based prediction model of information sharing. Replicating findings in Scholz et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 114, 2881-2886 (2017), self-, social-, and value-related neural signals in a group of individuals tracked the population sharing of US news articles. Preregistered brain-based prediction models trained on Scholz et al. (2017) data proved generalizable to the new data, explaining more variance in population sharing than self-report ratings alone. Neural signals (versus self-reports) more reliably predicted sharing cross-culturally, suggesting that they capture more universal psychological mechanisms underlying sharing behavior. These findings highlight key neurocognitive foundations of sharing, suggest potential target mechanisms for interventions to increase message effectiveness, and advance brain-as-predictor research.

JS04.6.A The landscape of tumor cell states and spatial organization in H3-K27M mutant diffuse midline glioma across age and location

Background

Histone 3 lysine27-to-methionine mutations (H3-K27M) frequently occur in childhood diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) of the pons, thalamus and spinal cord, presumed to be driven by the specific spatiotemporal context of these midline locations during postnatal development. While most common in the pons and at mid-childhood ages, the same oncohistone mutation is recurrently detected in adult DMGs and throughout different midline regions. The potential heterogeneity of tumors at different ages and in different anatomical locations of the midline are vastly understudied.

Material and Methods

Through dissecting the transcriptomic, epigenomic and spatial architectures of a comprehensive cohort of patient H3-K27M DMGs - spanning the age range from 2-68 years and locations from spinal cord to thalamus - at single cell resolution, we delineate how age- and location-dependent contexts shape glioma cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic features in light of the shared driver mutation.

Results

We identify that oligodendrocyte precursor (OPC)-like cells constitute the stem-like compartment in H3-K27M DMGs across all clinico-anatomical groups, however, depending on location, display varying levels of maturity resembling less differentiated pre-OPCs or more mature OPCs further differentiated along the oligodendroglial lineage. We further demonstrate increased mesenchymal cell states in adult tumors, which we link to age-related differences in glioma-associated immune cell compartments. We for the first time resolve the spatial organization of H3-K27M DMG cell types in intact patient tissues, identifying a local niche of the oligodendroglial lineage.

Conclusion

Our study provides a powerful resource for rational modeling and therapeutic frameworks taking into account determinants of age and location in this lethal glioma group.

Multi-phase volcanic resurfacing at Loki Patera on Io

The Jovian moon Io hosts the most powerful persistently active volcano in the Solar System, Loki Patera. The interior of this volcanic, caldera-like feature is composed of a warm, dark floor covering 21,500 square kilometres surrounding a much cooler central 'island'. The temperature gradient seen across areas of the patera indicates a systematic resurfacing process, which has been seen to occur typically every one to three years since the 1980s. Analysis of past data has indicated that the resurfacing progressed around the patera in an anti-clockwise direction at a rate of one to two kilometres per day, and that it is caused either by episodic eruptions that emplace voluminous lava flows or by a cyclically overturning lava lake contained within the patera. However, spacecraft and telescope observations have been unable to map the emission from the entire patera floor at sufficient spatial resolution to establish the physical processes at play. Here we report temperature and lava cooling age maps of the entire patera floor at a spatial sampling of about two kilometres, derived from ground-based interferometric imaging of thermal emission from Loki Patera obtained on 8 March 2015 ut as the limb of Europa occulted Io. Our results indicate that Loki Patera is resurfaced by a multi-phase process in which two waves propagate and converge around the central island. The different velocities and start times of the waves indicate a non-uniformity in the lava gas content and/or crust bulk density across the patera.

Effect of web-based training for Department of Motor Vehicle staff on donor designation rates: results of a statewide randomized trial

On approach to addressing the continual shortage of organ donors is to encourage people to join a state donor registry. Joining the registry saves time and assures family members that organ donation is what their loved one would want. However, fewer than half of adults have taken this step. We tested a brief, web-based training program for department of motor vehicles (DMV) staff that educates them about organ and tissue donation and also models the correct way to interact with customers. The intervention was developed with extensive input and active participation from DMV staff. After a small-scale pilot test, all DMV offices across the state of West Virginia (WV) were randomized to receive the training or serve as a comparison group. The results showed that customers of DMV staff who had received the training were 7.5% more likely to register as organ donors. A conservative estimate is that this generates approximately 800 additional donor designations per month. An important aspect of web-based training is that once it has been deployed, it can continue to be used without incurring additional cost; the state of WV currently requires all new employees to complete the training program. This type of training can be adopted nationwide.

The use of mouse models to investigate shear bond strength in amelogenesis imperfecta

Patients with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) have defective enamel; therefore, bonded restorations of patients with AI have variable success rates. To distinguish which cases of AI may have good clinical outcomes with bonded materials, we evaluated etching characteristics and bond strength of enamel in mouse models, comparing wild-type (WT) with those having mutations in amelogenin (Amelx) and matrix metalloproteinase-20 (Mmp20), which mimic 2 forms of human AI. Etched enamel surfaces were compared for roughness by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Bonding was compared through shear bond strength (SBS) studies with 2 different systems (etch-and-rinse and self-etch). Etched enamel surfaces of incisors from Amelx knock-out (AmelxKO) mice appeared randomly organized and non-uniform compared with WT. Etching of Mmp20KO surfaces left little enamel, and the etching pattern was indistinguishable from unetched surfaces. SBS results were significantly different when AmelxKO and Mmp20KO enamel surfaces were compared. A significant increase in SBS was measured for all samples when the self-etch system was compared with the etch-and-rinse system. We have developed a novel system for testing shear bond strength of mouse incisors with AI variants, and analysis of these data may have important clinical implications for the treatment of patients with AI.

Enrichment of gene-coding sequences in maize by genome filtration

Approximately 80% of the maize genome comprises highly repetitive sequences interspersed with single-copy, gene-rich sequences, and standard genome sequencing strategies are not readily adaptable to this type of genome. Methodologies that enrich for genic sequences might more rapidly generate useful results from complex genomes. Equivalent numbers of clones from maize selected by techniques called methylation filtering and High C0t selection were sequenced to generate approximately 200,000 reads (approximately 132 megabases), which were assembled into contigs. Combination of the two techniques resulted in a sixfold reduction in the effective genome size and a fourfold increase in the gene identification rate in comparison to a nonenriched library.

FKBP12, the 12-kDa FK506-binding protein, is a physiologic regulator of the cell cycle

FKBP12, the 12-kDa FK506-binding protein, is a ubiquitous abundant protein that acts as a receptor for the immunosuppressant drug FK506, binds tightly to intracellular calcium release channels and to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) type I receptor. We now demonstrate that cells from FKBP12-deficient (FKBP12(-/-)) mice manifest cell cycle arrest in G(1) phase and that these cells can be rescued by FKBP12 transfection. This arrest is mediated by marked augmentation of p21(WAF1/CIP1) levels, which cannot be further augmented by TGF-beta1. The p21 up-regulation and cell cycle arrest derive from the overactivity of TGF-beta receptor signaling, which is normally inhibited by FKBP12. Cell cycle arrest is prevented by transfection with a dominant-negative TGF-beta receptor construct. TGF-beta receptor signaling to gene expression can be mediated by SMAD, p38, and ERK/MAP kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways. SMAD signaling is down-regulated in FKBP12(-/-) cells. Inhibition of ERK/MAP kinase fails to affect p21 up-regulation. By contrast, activated phosphorylated p38 is markedly augmented in FKBP12(-/-) cells and the p21 up-regulation is prevented by an inhibitor of p38. Thus, FKBP12 is a physiologic regulator of cell cycle acting by normally down-regulating TGF-beta receptor signaling.

Increased acute cocaine sensitivity and decreased cocaine sensitization in GABA(A) receptor beta3 subunit knockout mice

The role of the GABA(A) receptor beta3 subunit in determining acute cocaine sensitivity and behavioral sensitization to repeated cocaine was measured in mice missing both (-/-), one (+/-), or neither (+/+) allele of the beta3 gene. Locomotor stimulation induced by one cocaine injection (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was found to be greater in -/- mice compared with +/+ mice, whereas cocaine-induced behaviors were intermediate in +/- mice. Amphetamine did not cause greater locomotor responses in -/- mice, suggesting that the increased sensitivity of -/- mice to cocaine does not generalize to other psychomotor stimulants. GABA-stimulated chloride uptake was 51% lower in striatum of -/- mice compared with +/+ mice, but only 27% lower in cortex. After 14 daily cocaine injections, the behavioral response to cocaine was increased in +/+ and +/- mice, but was not increased further in -/- mice. Additionally, repeated cocaine exposure decreased striatal GABA(A) receptor function in +/+ and +/- mice. In -/- mice, GABA(A) receptor function was not decreased any further by repeated cocaine injections. Thus, alterations in the beta3 subunit may be responsible for determining the behavioral responses induced by acute and repeated cocaine treatment, as well as mediating the neurochemical adaptation that occurs during sensitization to repeated cocaine.

Polarized Emissivity and Kirchhoff's law

An expression for the polarized emissivity of a material is obtained with the Stokes vector-Mueller matrix polarization formalism. The result obtained is that thermally emitted radiance might have a circular polarization component. In addition, the emissivity depends only on the reflectance matrix.

Antisense inhibition of striatal GABAA receptor proteins decreases GABA-stimulated chloride uptake and increases cocaine sensitivity in rats

The functional status of striatal GABAA receptors appears to be inversely related to the magnitude of cocaine-induced behaviors. Exposure of striatum to antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODNs) targeted to the mRNAs for the alpha 2 and the beta 3 subunits of the GABAA receptor should decrease expression of receptor proteins and therefore might be expected to increase cocaine sensitivity. ASODNs, scrambled ODNs or saline were injected into right lateral ventricle of rats and behavioral responses to cocaine were tested 18-20 h after treatment. Animals injected separately with alpha 2 or beta 3 ASODNs exhibited increased behavioral sensitivity to cocaine compared to rats injected with saline or scrambled ODNs including performing more 360 degrees turns to the left than to the right. There was significantly less GABA-stimulated Cl uptake in right striatum compared to left striatum of ASODN-treated rats with no significant difference between sides in control animals. Specific binding to benzodiazepine and convulsant sites on the GABAA receptor was not selectively altered by ASODN treatment. Combined alpha 2 beta 3 ASODN treatment did not affect either cocaine sensitivity or GABAA receptor function. There was no difference between the density of Nissl stained cells in the left and right edges of striatum in control or ASODN-treated rats indicating the absence of significant neurotoxic effects of the ASODN treatment. Injection of fluorescein-conjugated ASODNs indicated that ASODN is present in striatum at times during which behavioral and neurochemical indices of GABA receptor function are decreased. Thus, the functional status of GABAA receptors in striatum may be involved in determining cocaine sensitivity.

Neuropsychological performance across the menstrual cycle in women with and without Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

This study examined neuropsychological performance across the menstrual cycle in women with varying levels of premenstrual symptomatology. Following a 2-month period of prospective symptom documentation, there were 19 women who met DSM-IV criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD group) and 18 women with mild to moderate symptoms. Neuropsychological functioning was evaluated at the late follicular (pre-ovulatory) and late luteal (premenstrual) phases across the domains of psychomotor speed, attention, and verbal learning and memory. Repeated measures analysis of variance yielded significant group x phase differences on the psychomotor index, with women in the PMDD group demonstrating significant psychomotor slowing in the late luteal phase. This psychomotor slowing was subtle, however, and scores remained within the normal range across testing sessions. No group or phase differences were found on indices of attention or verbal learning and memory. These results suggest that with the exception of subtle psychomotor slowing in the late follicular relative to the late luteal phase, there is no discernible difference in cognitive functioning between women with and without PMDD.

Role of particulate antigens of Aspergillus in murine eosinophilia

OBJECTIVE

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, a disabling hypersensitivity lung disease, results from inhalation of Aspergillus fumigatus antigens present in contaminated environments. A murine model has been developed to understand the immune mechanism involved in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. We have investigated the immunoregulatory role of different physical forms of A.fumigatus antigens, such as A.fumigatus spores, soluble antigens. and soluble antigen coupled inert particles, in the model.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were exposed to soluble A.fumigatus antigens, spores, or inert particles of comparable size to the spores coupled with A.fumigatus soluble antigens. Antibody and eosinophil response, pulmonary pathology, and cytokine expressions were studied.

RESULTS

Peripheral blood eosinophilia and pulmonary inflammation with influx of eosinophils into the lung was detected more in animals exposed to particulate antigens than in those exposed to soluble antigen. However, the total serum IgE and Aspergillus-specific IgG levels showed only a slight increase in the former groups as opposed to elevated levels in animals exposed to soluble antigen. The cytokine expression in in vitro antigen stimulated spleen cells showed a typical Th2 pattern in all antigen-exposed animals. IL-5 mRNA could be detected in the spleen cells cultured with antigen from all groups of antigen-exposed animals.

CONCLUSION

Particulate A.fumigatus antigens induced eosinophilia in mice prior to the elevation of serum IgE levels. This pattern of IgE and eosinophilia is reversed with the soluble antigen exposure in this model.

Plasma melatonin circadian rhythms during the menstrual cycle and after light therapy in premenstrual dysphoric disorder and normal control subjects

The aim of this study was to replicate and extend previous work in which the authors observed lower, shorter, and advanced nocturnal melatonin secretion patterns in premenstrually depressed patients compared to those in healthy control women. The authors also sought to test the hypothesis that the therapeutic effect of bright light in patients was associated with corrective effects on the phase, duration, and amplitude of melatonin rhythms. In 21 subjects with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and 11 normal control (NC) subjects, the authors measured the circadian profile of melatonin during follicular and luteal menstrual cycle phases and after 1 week of light therapy administered daily, in a randomized crossover design. During three separate luteal phases, the treatments were either (1) bright (> 2,500 lux) white morning (AM; 06:30 to 08:30 h), (2) bright white evening (PM; 19:00 to 21:00 h), or (3) dim (< 10 lux) red evening light (RED). In PMDD subjects, during the luteal phase compared to the follicular menstrual cycle phase, melatonin onset time was delayed, duration was compressed, and area under the curve, amplitude, and mean levels were decreased. In NC subjects, melatonin rhythms did not change significantly during the menstrual cycle. After AM light in PMDD subjects, onset and offset times were advanced and both duration and midpoint concentration were decreased as compared to RED light. After PM light in PMDD subjects, onset and offset times were delayed, midpoint concentration was increased, and duration was decreased as compared to RED light. By contrast, after light therapy in NC subjects, duration did not change; onset, offset, and midpoint concentration changed as they did in PMDD subjects. When the magnitude of advance and delay phase shifts in onset versus offset time with AM, PM, or RED light were compared, the authors found that in PMDD subjects light shifted offset time more than onset time and that AM light had a greater effect on shifting melatonin offset time (measured the following night in RED light), whereas PM light had a greater effect in shifting melatonin onset time. These findings replicate the authors' previous observation that nocturnal melatonin concentrations are decreased in women with PMDD and suggest specific effects of light therapy on melatonin circadian rhythms that are associated with mood changes in patient versus control groups. The differential changes in onset and offset times during the menstrual cycle, and in response to AM and PM bright light compared with RED light, support a two-oscillator (complex) model of melatonin regulation in humans.

Aspergillus fumigatus peptides differentially express Th1 and Th2 cytokines

Relevant allergens from Aspergillus fumigatus associated with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) have been cloned and expressed. The pathogenesis of ABPA probably depends on specific cytokines and immunoglobulins secreted by lymphocytes on stimulation with different epitopes of those allergens. In the present study, we synthesized peptides of 12-16 amino acids from the sequence of Asp fI and compared their immunological responses in four mice strains (BALB/c, C57BL/6, AKR, and CBA). Of the five peptides studied for their cytokine profile, one showed a clear Th1, whereas another showed a Th2 response. The remaining three peptides varied in their immunoreactivity. The results suggest that a number of epitopes of diverse activities are present in individual molecules and may be involved in the pathogenesis of ABPA through differential cytokine secretions.

Ammonia inhibits cAMP-regulated intestinal Cl- transport. Asymmetric effects of apical and basolateral exposure and implications for epithelial barrier function

The colon, unlike most organs, is normally exposed to high concentrations of ammonia, a weak base which exerts profound and diverse biological effects on mammalian cells. The impact of ammonia on intestinal cell function is largely unknown despite its concentration of 4-70 mM in the colonic lumen. The human intestinal epithelial cell line T84 was used to model electrogenic Cl- secretion, the transport event which hydrates mucosal surfaces and accounts for secretory diarrhea. Transepithelial transport and isotopic flux analysis indicated that physiologically-relevant concentrations of ammonia (as NH4Cl) markedly inhibit cyclic nucleotide-regulated Cl- secretion but not the response to the Ca2+ agonist carbachol. Inhibition by ammonia was 25-fold more potent with basolateral compared to apical exposure. Ion substitution indicated that the effect of NH4Cl was not due to altered cation composition or membrane potential. The site of action of ammonia is distal to cAMP generation and is not due simply to cytoplasmic alkalization. The results support a novel role for ammonia as an inhibitory modulator of intestinal epithelial Cl- secretion. Secretory responsiveness may be dampened in pathological conditions associated with increased mucosal permeability due to enhanced access of lumenal ammonia to the basolateral epithelial compartment.

Comparison of latex hypersensitivity among patients with neurologic defects

BACKGROUND

Latex hypersensitivity has been described in discrete populations including health care workers and children with spina bifida (SB).

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine whether the SB population is a unique neuroimmunologic group manifesting this sensitivity.

METHODS

Four groups of subjects were studied. These included: 36 patients with SB with or without clinical evidence of latex hypersensitivity, 50 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), and 10 patients with cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), all of whom were questioned regarding contact with and possible clinical allergic reactions to latex. Ten healthy control subjects were also studied. We used a latex sap extract, previously shown to react with latex-specific IgE in a biotin-avidin ELISA, to determine latex-specific IgE antibody titers and to compare the groups.

RESULTS

Responses to questionnaires indicated that neither the patients with SCI nor the patients with CVA had histories suggestive of latex hypersensitivity. In contrast, 72% of the SB population had histories of clinical latex allergy. Comparisons of latex contact among the SB, SCI, CVA, and control groups revealed that the SB and SCI groups had similar latex exposure, whereas the other groups had less exposure. Both the SB and SCI groups had an average of two surgical procedures per year, which was greater than the average for the other groups. Comparisons of IgE latex antibody titers among the groups indicated that only the SB group had significant levels. The mean optical density values for each group were: 0.299 +/- 0.177 for patients with SB and positive skin prick test results, 0.072 +/- 0.066 for patients with SB and negative skin prick test results, 0.098 +/- 0.005 in patients with SCI, 0.073 +/- 0.038 in patients with CVA, and 0.053 +/- 0.034 in control subjects. The percentages of positive latex IgE antibody detection were 72% for SB, 4% for SCI, 0% for CVA, and 0% for control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the SB population is unique in demonstrating IgE responses to latex contact, which may be due to increased latex exposure or altered neuroimmunologic interactions.

Early versus late partial sleep deprivation in patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and normal comparison subjects

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effects of early-night and late-night partial sleep deprivation in patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and normal comparison subjects.

METHOD

In the premenstrual phase of two menstrual cycles, 23 subjects with DSM-IV premenstrual dysphoric disorder and 18 normal comparison subjects underwent a randomized crossover trial of 1) early-night sleep deprivation, in which subjects slept from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., followed by a night of recovery sleep (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), and 2) late-night sleep deprivation, in which subjects slept from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., followed by a night of recovery sleep.

RESULTS

For the subjects with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, in both partial sleep deprivation conditions the Hamilton and Beck depression ratings were significantly lower after recovery sleep than at baseline. Ratings on the day after early or late partial sleep deprivation tended to be lower than at baseline but were not statistically different. The normal comparison subjects showed no clinically important mood changes. A factor analytic approach used with the Hamilton depression scores showed that depressive retardation symptoms were the most responsive to sleep deprivation in the premenstrual dysphoric disorder subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

These results are consistent with the reported efficacy of sleep deprivation for major depressive disorder. However, the premenstrual dysphoric disorder subjects improved after the recovery sleep rather than directly after partial sleep deprivation. That late-night sleep deprivation did not have greater benefit than did the hypothesized sham treatment, early-night sleep deprivation, also suggests that placebo effects cannot be ruled out.

A cluster of anaphylactic reactions in children with spina bifida during general anesthesia: epidemiologic features, risk factors, and latex hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

Anaphylactic reactions (ARs) in high-risk pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia, especially those with spina bifida, have been attributed to anesthetics, muscle relaxants, antimicrobials, ethylene oxide, and latex.

METHODS

To identify risk factors for AR during general anesthesia and to investigate the role of latex allergy, we studied epidemiologic and immunologic characteristics of patients with ARs during general anesthesia during a 13-month cluster of such reactions at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (case patients). Patients with AR were compared with patients with spina bifida undergoing uneventful general anesthesia during the same period (control patients). For each case patient and control patient, we conducted a chart review; a parental interview; skin prick testing with latex, anesthetics, aeroallergens, and banana extract; ELISA and RAST for latex-specific IgE; a total serum IgE; and an ELISA for IgE antibody to ethylene oxide.

RESULTS

Anaphylactic reactions occurred exclusively in patients with spina bifida (n = 10) or patients with a congenital urinary tract anomaly (n = 1). Case-patients were more likely than control patients to have a history of asthma (p = 0.002), rubber contact allergy (p = 0.001), food allergy (p = 0.001), rash caused by adhesive tape (p = 0.05), daily rectal disimpaction (p < 0.001), nine or more prior surgical procedures (p < 0.002), latex-specific IgE (p = 0.027), or elevated total serum IgE levels (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis identified non-white race, rubber contact allergy, history of food allergy, and nine or more surgical procedures as significant independent risk factors. Logistic model equation identified the predicted probability of AR with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 82%, 97%, and 82%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that atopy, especially symptomatic latex allergy, is associated with AR during anesthesia in patients with spina bifida. Until a standardized latex test is available, a medical history of immediate rubber contact allergy, non-white race, food allergy, or nine or more prior surgical procedures can identify patients with spina bifida at highest risk for ARs. A complete history, including rubber contact and food allergy, should be compiled on all patients with spina bifida before surgery.

Latex antigens induce IgE and eosinophils in mice

Hypersensitivity to latex proteins has been reported with increasing frequency in recent years. Elevated levels of latex specific IgE have been detected in the majority of these patients. Severe anaphylaxis and death resulting from latex exposure has also been reported. Nevertheless, the immune mechanism of latex allergy is not fully understood. In this report, we describe a model of latex allergy developed in mice exposed to latex proteins. Animals exposed to latex proteins demonstrated enhanced levels of total IgE, peripheral blood and lung eosinophilia, and elevated levels of serum IL-4 and IL-5. mRNA transcripts of IL-4 and IL-5, but not IFN-gamma, could be demonstrated in spleen lymphocytes. Antibodies to latex belonging to all IgG subclasses were detected in the sera of mice exposed to latex antigens. The histology of the lung showed non-necrotizing granulomas and extensive interstitial chronic inflammatory infiltrates, particularly around bronchioles and small blood vessels. Although this model of latex allergy demonstrates a heterogeneous immunological response, the CD4-positive Th2 cell-mediated response predominated.

Skin and serologic testing in the diagnosis of latex allergy

BACKGROUND

Latex hypersensitivity is associated with occupational allergy, contact urticaria, rhinitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis. However, standardized sensitive and specific latex extract for skin prick or serologic testing is not available in the United States.

METHODS

We investigated the reliability of two latex extracts in 118 consecutive skin tests in patients with spina bifida, health care workers, and other patients with symptoms of latex allergy, and 10 control subjects.

RESULTS

Forty-two of 86 patients with spina bifida, 11 of 15 health care workers with symptoms of latex allergy, 6 of 7 patients with symptoms of latex allergy, and 0 of 10 control subjects had demonstrable immediate wheal and flare responses to latex prick testing. In addition, 95 patients and 10 control subjects were tested concurrently for latex-specific IgE by ELISA. Of 55 patients with positive skin prick test results, 48 were reactive as determined by ELISA for IgE-specific latex antibody (sensitivity = 87%). Latex ELISA titers were significantly higher in patients with positive skin prick test results with a history of anaphylaxis to latex and in individuals without symptoms of latex allergy who had positive skin prick test results when compared with patients with negative skin prick test results. During the skin test procedure, nine patients had adverse reactions, including anaphylactic reactions in four.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin prick and serum testing are reliable methods of diagnosing latex allergy. Serologic evaluation may be more desirable until allergen standardization is available.

Characterization of latex antigen and demonstration of latex-specific antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients with latex hypersensitivity

Two latex antigens, one extracted from surgical gloves (GE) and the other from the sap of Hevea brasiliensis plant (RPE) were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. These antigens were used to detect latex specific IgE and IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the sera of patients with meningomyelocele (spina bifida) and of normal controls. Of the 36 patients studied, 26 had wheal-and-flare skin-prick test reactivity to latex antigen with 11/26 having had a history of anaphylaxis to latex products. Twenty three of the 26 sera from skin-test positive patients and 10/11 patients with history of anaphylaxis demonstrated significant levels of latex specific IgE and IgG in the sera, whereas only 1/14 normals showed significant antibodies to latex. The remaining 10 patients, all skin-test negative with latex antigens, showed only low levels of antibodies. The findings indicate that the ELISA used in the present study employing partially characterized antigens has sensitivity and specificity to detect latex specific antibodies in the sera of suspected patients and can be used for presumptive diagnosis of latex allergy.

Serological investigation of refractory human adult periodontitis

This study examined the difference between the serum antibody profiles in refractory adult periodontitis patients (group A), and compared to those (group B) who responded well to conventional periodontal treatment. The levels of specific IgG antibody to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides gingivalis, Fusibacteriumnucleatum, and Eikenella corrodens were assessed in a group of 19 patients (group A) and 11 patients (group B). Specific IgG serum antibody levels were estimated using biotin-avidin linked immunosorbent assay (BALISA). Results indicated that Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Bacteroides gingivalis had very high levels of specific circulating antibody in the sera of both groups of patients; whereas, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Eikenella corrodens showed considerable lower levels of antibody than the other two antigens. However, the differences between the two groups with regard to the antibody levels against different bacterial antigens were not statistically significant.

Antibody isotype responses in Aspergillus-induced diseases

The Aspergillus fumigatus-specific immunoglobulin class and subclasses were evaluated in the sera of patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma, patients with asthma and immediate wheal-and-flare skin test reactivity to Aspergillus antigens, and normal controls. A sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay using a biotin-avidin amplification system was used to detect the specific antibodies. No difference was demonstrated in the specific antibody levels against A. fumigatus between the normal controls and A. fumigatus skin test-reactive asthmatic subjects except for immunoglobulin IgD and IgG4 isotypes. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) sera showed significant elevation of A. fumigatus-specific antibodies of all isotypes. On the other hand, aspergilloma sera, when compared with that of asthmatic individuals, showed significant increases of IgA, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 antibodies. The specific antibodies belonging to both IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses were elevated in ABPA, the former predominant in 40% of cases and the latter in 60%, while in aspergilloma IgG1 was predominant. Among the initially diagnosed ABPA patients, all specific Ig isotypes were considerably elevated when compared with sera from other patients being treated with prednisone or when compared with sera from patients who became asymptomatic after treatment.

Immunopathological response of C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice to Aspergillus fumigatus antigens

C3H/HeN and C57BL/6 mice were exposed to culture filtrate (CF) and mycelial extracts (ME) of Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) intranasally. Animals received 6, 8 or 10 biweekly doses and were sacrificed 2 weeks after the last dose was administered. Specific antibodies against Af were detected in their sera by biotin-avidin-linked immunosorbent assay (BALISA). Antibodies against Af belonging to all isotypes showed an increase in both strains of mice. A progressive increase in IgG and IgA antibody isotypes against both CF and ME antigens was detected in C3H/HeN mice during the entire experimental period, whereas most antibody levels peaked after the 8th dose and remained steady or decreased slightly in the C57BL/6 strain. Lung lavage studies showed a relative decrease in the number of macrophages and an increase in the number of lymphocytes after the 6th and 8th instillation of Af antigens in both strains of mice. Histology of the lung demonstrated a progressive inflammatory reaction in C57BL/6 mice during the experimental period. On the other hand, the C3H/HeN mice showed a negligible inflammatory pulmonary reaction. The antibody responses and inflammatory changes detected in the lungs of mice exposed to Af antigens are comparable to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in humans and hence this model will be of value in understanding the disease mechanism in ABPA and related diseases.

Detection of circulating Aspergillus fumigatus antigen in bone marrow transplant patients

A competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay able to detect Aspergillus fumigatus antigenemia at a concentration sensitivity of 68 ng/ml was developed. To test the utility of this assay in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, serum was collected twice weekly from all patients in a bone marrow transplant unit. When analyzed retrospectively, A. fumigatus antigen was detected in three of four patients (75%) with proved invasive aspergillosis at autopsy or biopsy and in a solitary patient with suspected but not proved invasive aspergillosis. No antigen was detected in 17 bone marrow transplant unit patients without proved or suspected invasive aspergillosis or in 16 healthy control subjects. Detection of antigen rose with an increasing number of samples tested. A. fumigatus antibody levels were not helpful in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, although in a few patients antibody levels decreased just before death.

Immunologic response to Faenia rectivirgula (Micropolyspora faeni) in a dairy farm family

In the present study, cellular and humoral responses to Faenia rectivirgula antigens were evaluated in seven subjects, members of a family who lived and worked on a dairy farm. Four subjects had clinical features of hypersensitivity pneumonitis after exposure to moldy hay. The other three subjects had no clinical disease in spite of similar exposure. Although serum precipitins were found in most subjects, a biotin-avidin-linked immunosorbent assay revealed high levels of F. rectivirgula-specific antibodies only in the symptomatic subjects. In addition, numerous precipitin arcs were present in the sera of the symptomatic but not the asymptomatic subjects by antigen-antibody crossed immunoelectrophoresis. No clear distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects could be made on the basis of lymphocyte phenotype studies, and antigen-induced lymphocyte transformation was not detected in any subjects. The results indicate that F. rectivirgula-specific antibody levels as detected by biotin-avidin-linked immunosorbent assay and by the presence of precipitin arcs in crossed immunoelectrophoresis may differentiate symptomatic and asymptomatic farmers.

A corticosteroid program for prevention of hospitalization for status asthmaticus in children

This study assessed the efficacy of an outpatient course of prednisone in the treatment of acute asthma, as a method of preventing hospitalization for status asthmaticus. From September-November 1984, 181 courses of prednisone were utilized by children for acute exacerbations of asthma inadequately controlled by bronchodilators and inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate or cromolyn. The dose of prednisone was 1 mg/kg/day for five days with a maximum of 40 mg/day. Only ten children required hospitalization for status asthmaticus. Privately insured patients and non-privately insured patients accounted for 61 and 120 of the prednisone courses, respectively, of which five children from each group required hospitalization. The data suggest that short-term administration of prednisone for exacerbations of asthma was valuable in decreasing the need for hospitalization for asthma among bronchodilator-treated asthmatics. Further, patients from families without private hospitalization insurance appear as amenable to prednisone-intervention as privately insured patients.

Aspergillus fumigatus-specific antibodies in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and aspergilloma: evidence for a polyclonal antibody response

Patients with the Aspergillus-induced diseases allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), aspergilloma (fungus ball), and Aspergillus skin test-positive asthma were differentiated immunologically by radioimmunoassay based on their total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE levels. In this study, a new, highly sensitive biotin-avidin-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate A. fumigatus-specific antibodies of all immunoglobulin classes. Studied populations included 13 patients with ABPA, 12 with aspergilloma, 9 with Aspergillus skin test-positive asthma, and 9 normal individuals without asthma. A. fumigatus-specific antibodies of all classes were elevated in patients with ABPA, variably elevated in those with aspergilloma, and lowest in the other two groups. This assay demonstrated significantly higher specific IgE antibody levels in the ABPA group over those of the other groups, even with 1:1,000 dilutions of the sera. This study demonstrated that ABPA is a disease characterized by a polyclonal antibody response to Aspergillus antigen and not just a response to IgE and IgG antibody classes. The measurement of other antibody classes, particularly IgD and IgA, could enhance the immunodiagnosis of ABPA. The biotin-avidin-linked immunosorbent assay was found to be a highly sensitive assay that can be a clinically useful alternative to radioimmunoassay in the measurement of A. fumigatus-specific antibodies.

Enzyme profile and immunochemical characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus antigens

We have compared the immunochemical characteristics of culture-filtrate antigens (Ag) from Aspergillus fumigatus extracted in our laboratory with commercially available Ags. A total of 20 different preparations were studied for protein and carbohydrate content, presence of endotoxins, mycotoxins, and hemolytic toxins. These extracts were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis for protein components. The immunogenicity of the preparations was determined by rocket electrophoresis with rabbit anti-A. fumigatus sera and by agar gel diffusion with sera from patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma, and normal control subjects. In order to have dependable immunologic results, the Ags must be sufficiently pure and reproducible. Until such time as pure and standardized Ags are available, the crude Ags used should be characterized to the extent that adequate reproducibility between preparations can be ascertained. The enzyme profile of the Ag preparations provides a fair indication of the quality of antigenic components, and together with other immunochemical parameters, it will be of use in determining the suitability of the extracts in immunodiagnosis. Immunochemical results demonstrate that commercial Ags contain less proteins and carbohydrates and fewer enzymes than the homemade antigens. In addition, fewer patients demonstrated specific precipitins against commercial Ags than with homemade Ags. This study once again confirms the need for pure standardized Ags for studying the immunologic response in patients with Aspergillus-induced diseases. Until such preparations are readily available, partially purified or crude Ags with known immunochemical properties and enzyme profile may be the choice for immunodiagnosis.

Medium for susceptibility testing and yeast phase conversion of Blastomyces dermatitidis

Cottonseed protein agar and a modified Tween-albumin casein hydrolysate (TAC) medium were compared for the yeast phase conversion of Blastomyces dermatitidis strains including fresh isolates as well as strains maintained in long-term storage. It was found that both media converted all the B. dermatitidis (mycelial phase) strains studied to yeast phase in three days. The TAC medium has the added advantage that it is clear and the growth can be recognized earlier than in the opaque cottonseed agar medium. The conversion in most cases was more than 95% and the morphology of the yeast cells was uniformly typical with broad base budding. There was a striking difference between the sensitivity of the yeast and mycelial phases of B. dermatitidis strains. The yeast phase was usually more sensitive to Amphotericin B than the mycelial phase of B. dermatitidis. Similarly, the yeast phases of four out of six strains were more sensitive to ketoconazole than their respective mycelial phases, while two strains showed identical sensitivity in cottonseed agar. The yeast phase organism was more susceptible to Amphotericin B when cottonseed medium was used whereas the yeast phase showed more susceptibility to ketoconazole in TAC medium. Since the sensitivity among the various strains differed, it is necessary to determine the antifungal susceptibility of the pathogenic phase of the organism for initiating proper therapy and monitoring effectiveness.

A partially purified glycoprotein antigen from Aspergillus fumigatus

Culture filtrate antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus were fractionated by isoelectric focusing using a pH gradient of 4-6.5. Three fractions, namely, 18, 19 and 20 were pooled and subjected to immunochemical analysis. It contained a concanavalin A binding glycoprotein. Antibody raised against this component was used to prepare an affinity column of IgG-Sepharose and was used to purify crude culture filtrate antigens. This component produced three precipitin arcs in crossed immunoelectrophoresis using anti-A. fumigatus rabbit serum. This fraction has an isoelectric point of 6.5 and showed three components in two-dimensional electrophoresis with approximate molecular weights of 20, 40 and 80 kilo daltons. This antigen reacted with patient sera in the biotin-avidin linked immunosorbent assay and showed high levels of anti-A. fumigatus IgG and IgE antibodies in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and IgG antibodies in aspergilloma. Both controls and Aspergillus skin test positive asthmatics showed only low levels of specific antibodies. Because of the purity of this antigen, its potential use as a standardized antigen in the detection of antibody is discussed.

Immunochemical studies of a purified antigen from Micropolyspora faeni

A pure antigen fraction was isolated from the crude culture filtrate of Micropolyspora faeni by gel filtration and affinity chromatography. The isolated antigen has a mol. wt of approximately 16,000 and an isoelectric point of pH 3.8. The major amino acid content of this fraction includes glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and alanine. This antigen fraction reacted with the sera of all 15 farmer's lung patients and 20 asymptomatic farmers with circulating anti-M. faeni antibodies. An ELISA method was developed using the purified antigen to detect specific circulating antibodies against M. faeni in farmer's lung patients.

Allergenic fungi and actinomycetes in smoking materials and their health implications

Street marijuana, commercial cigarettes and pipe tobaccos were studied for the presence of fungi and actinomycetes associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Aspergillus species and thermophilic actinomycetes were isolated from the smoking materials. In addition, Aspergillus fumigatus spores were isolated from marijuana smoke, indicating the potential hazard involved in developing serious disease. Precipitin antibodies against fungi, particularly Aspergillus, showed a higher prevalence in marijuana smokers, whereas only very few cigarette smokers and nonsmokers demonstrated antibodies to fungi. Cigarette smokers and nonsmokers showed more or less similar prevelance of antibodies against thermophilic actinomycetes.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and Legionnaires' disease

Four outbreaks of Legionnaire's disease (LD) and numerous instances of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) have been associated with contaminated water in air-conditioning and cooling tower systems. The present study was carried out to determine if antibody to Legionella pneumophilia (LP) could be detected in the serums of persons with HP related to air-conditioning and cooling tower systems, thus suggesting a possible relationship between the 2 diseases. Serums from 209 persons with suspected or confirmed HP were examined for antibody to LP by the microagglutination method. The results of only 3 serum tests were positive; these serums were from persons with respiratory symptoms suggestive of HP from air-conditioning and cooling tower systems, but who lacked clinical and laboratory confirmation of the disease. The results of all serum tests from confirmed cases of HP were negative. The results indicate that there probably is no association between the organisms causing LD and those associated with HP.

Relative Effectiveness of Document Titles and Abstracts for Determining Relevance of Documents

Individuals who received documents through a selective dissemination of information system were asked to determine the relevance of documents to their work interests on the basis of titles and of abstracts. The results indicate that there was no significant difference between the usefulness of titles and of abstracts for this purpose.