A Photograph-Based Visualization and Prediction Framework for Radiation-Induced Dermatitis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study aimed to suggest a photograph-based prediction system for acute radiation-induced dermatitis (RID), which can be applied to notify patients about the risk of the development of skin discomfort during radiotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The proposed system compared the spatial dose distribution with the RID region using the following methods. Skin photographs of patients were taken using an RGB-depth camera to acquire the shape information of RID. The skin surface data measured from the camera was registered with the shape of the external body contour using an iterative closest point algorithm. Spatial dose distribution of skin was extracted from the external body contour to a depth of 2 mm and projected onto the plane of the skin photograph using a transformation matrix for skin depth data. To compare the spatial distribution of skin dose with the shape of RID, the region of RID in patients' skin was delineated on photographs into three toxicity symptoms referring to the CTCAE criteria grade 1 (skin redness), grade 2 (dry desquamation), and grade 3 (moist desquamation). The degree of overlap between the shape of each RID and skin dose distribution was evaluated using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Threshold doses for predicting RID occurrence were estimated by skin isodose lines with the highest DSC. The developed system was validated using data from 19 patients who received volumetric modulated arc therapy for head-neck cancer at a single institution.

RESULTS

Threshold doses for RID grades 1, 2, and 3 were estimated using 18, 18, and 2 individual RID labels delineated on skin photographs, respectively. Isodose lines with the highest DSC for RID grades 1, 2, and 3 were calculated as 26.0 Gy, 36.5 Gy, and 54.0 Gy, respectively. A strong overlap (average DSC > 0.6) was observed between isodose skin lines and the shape of RID labels in all RID grades.

CONCLUSION

Assessing the spatial information of skin dose can be helpful in predicting acute RID. The region of RID shows a strong similarity with the skin dose distribution in head-neck patients. Visualization of skin dose on the patient photograph is potent to patient education for preparing the cosmetic discomfort during radiotherapy, which may lead to the improvement of the patient satisfaction in treatment.

Allergenicity of recombinant profilins from Japanese hop, Humulus japonicus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Pollen from Japanese hop, Humulusjaponicus, is a major cause of pollinosis in Korea. Profilin (15 kDa) from Humulus scandens has been associated with strong allergenicity in allergic Chinese patients. Profilin has also been detected in pollen extract from Korean Japanese hop by proteomic analysis and immunoglobulin (Ig) E immunoblotting. However, the allergenicity of allergens isolated from Japanese hop has not been investigated in Korean individuals. This study was undertaken to produce recombinant profilin from Japanese hop and evaluate its allergenicity.

METHODS

Complementary DNA sequences encoding 2 isoallergens were cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and their recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. The IgE-binding reactivities of the recombinant allergens were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The deduced amino acid sequences of the H. japonicus profilins were 68.7% to 80.2% homologous with profilins from mugwort (Art v 4), ragweed (Amb a 14), and birch (Bet v 2). Two isoallergens of profilin from H. japonicus were 78.2% identical. Notably, the cDNA sequences of these 2 isoallergens were 98.5% (AY268422) and 98.7% (AY268424) identical to those of H. scandens. Serum samples from Japanese hop-sensitized individuals showed 12.9% IgE reactivity to both of the recombinant profilin isoallergens from H. japonicus, indicating that profilin may not be an allergenically dominant component of Japanese hop pollen. The recombinant profilins showed only 0% to 9.3% inhibition of the crude extract.

CONCLUSIONS

Two isoallergens of profilin that are highly conserved with those of mugwort, ragweed, and birch were identified in H. japonicus. Profilins from Japanese hop pollen may play a minor role in the pathogenesis of pollinosis in Koreans.

YKL-40 in induced sputum after allergen bronchial provocation in atopic asthma

BACKGROUND

Serum chitinase-like proteins such as YKL-40 in asthmatic patients are known to positively correlate with disease severity but controversy remains regarding their role. The allergen bronchial provocation test (ABPT) can induce allergic airway inflammation in individuals with atopic asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the induction and kinetics of YKL-40 during allergen-induced airway inflammation in atopic asthmatics.

METHODS

Thirteen patients were enrolled from May to November 2008. They all underwent ABPT with Dermatophagoides farinae crude extract. Induced sputums (IS) and serum were collected 3 times: 7 days before ABPT (baseline), 7 hours after ABPT, and 24 hours after ABPT. We examined the cytology of induced sputum (IS) and measured levels of YKL-40, interleukin (IL) 4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in IS and/or serum.

RESULTS

Following ABPT, total inflammatory cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils increased in a time-dependent manner in IS. YKL-40 levels were increased in IS but not in serum at 7 or 24 hours after ABPT (P=.011 and P=.006, respectively). Similarly to YKL-40, IL-5 and ECP levels were also increased in IS at 7 and 24 hours after ABPT (P=.011 for IL-5 and P=.006 for ECP). Overall, YKL-40 levels were well correlated with ECP levels in IS (p=0.576, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

YKL-40 levels increased immediately in IS but not in the serum of atopic asthmatics. The correlation between YKL-40 levels and ECP in IS suggests that YKL-40 may play a pathophysiologic role in human atopic asthma.

Exercise-induced airway obstruction in young asthmatics measured by impulse oscillometry

BACKGROUND

Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a good method for measuring airway resistance. It does not require special breathing skills and it can reflect different aspects of airway obstruction to those revealed by spirometry, which is an effort-dependent maneuver.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the characteristics of airway obstruction in young asthmatics after an exercise bronchial provocation test (EBPT) using IOS.

METHODS

Forty-seven young adults were enrolled in the study. All the participants underwent a methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT) and an EBPT for the evaluation of their asthma. IOS and spirometric parameters were collected at baseline and at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes post-EBPT.The participants were divided into 2 groups according to MBPT positivity: an airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) group and a no-AHR group.

RESULTS

There were differences in the percent decrease in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) between the 2 groups at 5, 10, and 20 minutes after exercise. Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) increased in the AHR group but not in the no-AHR group at 5 and 10 minutes after exercise. Integration of reactance from 5 Hz to resonance frequency (area of reactance, AX) was also increased in the AHR group at only 5 and 10 minutes post-EBPT. Delta R5 and delta AX at 5 and 10 minutes post-exercise were well correlated with the percent decrease in FEV1.

CONCLUSIONS

IOS parameters, especially delta R5 and delta AX, may be useful for performing objective evaluations and improving our understanding of exercise-induced airway obstruction in young asthmatics.

Allergen-specific immunosuppression by ovalbumin fused with diphtheria toxin in mice sensitized with albumins of different origin

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that ovalbumin-diphtheria toxin (OVA-DT) fusion protein eliminates mast cells bearing OVA-specific IgE and protects OVA-sensitized mice from fatal anaphylaxis induced by OVA challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To prove the specificity of therapeutic effect of OVA-DT to allergy induced by OVA only and not by other allergens such as human serum albumin (HSA), and to examine the cytotoxic effect of OVA-DT on B cells bearing OVA-specific IgE.

METHODS

Mice were sensitized with two different antigens, OVA and HSA, and then treated with OVA-DT. The therapeutic effect of OVA-DT on the allergy response to each of allergen was evaluated by anaphylactic test. The effect of OVA-DT on the production of allergen-specific Ig isotypes of the sensitized mice and the cytotoxic effect of OVA-DT on B cells expressing OVA-specific IgE were examined.

RESULTS

OVA-DT suppressed only OVA-induced allergy but not HSA-induced allergy in mice sensitized with a mixture of OVA and HSA. The suppression was prolonged even to the mice boosted with the same allergen 14 days after last treatment of OVA-DT. In addition, when the sensitized mice were boosted with the same allergens 14 days after last treatment of OVA-DT, the mice showed to increase the production of OVA-specific IgG2a/IgG3 and decreased that of OVA-specific IgE. OVA-DT targeted B cells bearing OVA-specific IgE, and killed them by DT-mediated cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effect of OVA-DT was specific to OVA-induced allergy and the suppression of OVA-induced allergy was continuously shown in the mice boosted with the same allergens. This is considered to be caused by the increase of OVA-specific IgG2a and IgG3, and because of the decrease of OVA-specific IgE by killing of B cells bearing OVA-specific IgE.

Ultrafast photoinduced reflectivity transients in doped manganite

The temperature and magnetic field dependence of ultrafast photoinduced spin and quasiparticle relaxation dynamics is reported in La(0.67)Ca(0.33)MnO(3) and LaMnO(3) single crystals and thin films. Both manganites reveal an unusually slow ( approximately 10 micros) carrier relaxation process attributed to the spin-lattice relaxation in localized states. The quasiparticle dynamics is governed by the temperature- and magnetic field-dependent pseudogap in La(0.67)Ca(0.33)MnO(3), and by the temperature-independent Jahn-Teller gap in LaMnO(3). The loss of spectral weight near the Fermi level in La(0.67)Ca(0.33)MnO(3) strongy affects the quasiparticle relaxation dynamics as temperature increases from below T(C). Our results show that the coupled dynamics of charge, spin and lattice is strongly correlated with the distinct gap structures in these manganites.

Trace organic contaminants, including toxaphene and trifluralin, in cotton field soils from Georgia and South Carolina, USA

Residues of organic contaminants--including toxaphene, DDT, trifluralin, hexachlorocyclohexanes, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nonylphenol--were measured in 32 cotton field soils collected from South Carolina and Georgia in 1999. Toxaphene, trifluralin, DDT and PAHs were the major contaminants found in these soils. The maximum concentration of toxaphene measured was 2,500 ng/g dry weight. Trifluralin was detected in all the soils at concentrations ranging from 1 to 548 ng/g dry weight. Pesticide residues were not proportional to soil organic carbon content, indicating that their concentrations were a reflection of application history and dissipation rates rather than air-soil equilibrium. Soil extracts were also subjected to in vitro bioassays to assess dioxinlike, estrogenic, and androgenic/glucocorticoid potencies. Relatively more polar fractions of the soils elicited estrogenic and androgenic/glucocorticoid activities, but the magnitude of response was much less than those found in coastal marine sediments from industrialized locations.

Monoclonal antibodies to recombinant Der f 2 and development of a two-site ELISA sensitive to major Der f 2 isoallergen in Korea

BACKGROUND

Der f 2 is a major sensitizing allergen in patients allergic to house dust mites worldwide. Isoforms of Der f 2 have been reported and are known to have different antigenicities. The aim of this study was to facilitate antigenic analysis and to develop an improved method for the detection of Der f 2 isoallergen, which is prevalent in Korea.

METHODS

A two-site ELISA was developed with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which were produced against recombinant Der f 2 (rDer f 2) and applied to assess Der f 2 in bedding samples.

RESULTS

A major isoform of Der f 2, found in Korea, was found to have amino acid variations especially at position 100 from lysine to glutamic acid, which is known to reduce significantly the binding affinity of mAbs when used to assess group 2 allergens. The detection limit of the developed two-site ELISA was determined to be about 8 ng/ml with rDer f 2 and 1 microg/ml with Derntatophagoides farinae crude extract. The average amount of Der f 2 in dust obtained from bedding samples from 89 homes in Seoul was estimated to be 25.61+/-10.70 microg/g dust.

CONCLUSIONS

Assays using mAbs for rDer f 2 could be useful for the assessment of environmental allergen exposure and mAbs could be used to further characterize the isoallergens of Der f 2.

Molecular cloning and characterization of mouse cardiac junctate isoforms

Junctate is a newly identified integral ER/SR membrane calcium binding protein, which is an alternative splicing form of the same gene generating aspartyl beta-hydroxylase and junctin. Screening a mouse heart cDNA library using canine junctin cDNA as a probe yielded three complete mouse heart cDNAs. One of the cDNAs is homologous to the previously reported human junctate. The three mouse junctate proteins are composed of 270, 259, and 215 amino acids (we named them junctate-1, -2, and -3). The apparent molecular masses of the mouse junctates in SDS-PAGE were in the range between 40 and 53 kDa. Northern and Western blot analyses indicate that mouse junctates are expressed in heart, brain, spleen, lung, liver, kidney, and stomach, but not in skeletal muscle. The apparent molecular weights of junctates from heart and brain were somewhat different from those from the other tissues tested, suggesting that there are tissue-specific expression patterns of the different junctate isoforms. Immunohistochemical studies showed that junctates were expressed both in ventricular and atrial tissues. This is the first study that shows the presence of 3 distinct cardiac junctate isoforms expressed in various mammalian tissues.

Heterogeneity of IgE epitopes of vinyl sulphone reactive dye: human serum albumin that react with IgE

BACKGROUND

Vinyl sulphone reactive dye (vRD), which consists of vinyl sulphone reactive groups and a chromogen, can elicit IgE-mediated occupational asthma (OA) by haptenation. Human serum albumin (HSA) is known as the most reliable carrier protein for the vRD, the IgE epitopes of vRD-HSA are not well characterized. In this study we evaluated the epitope of vRD-HAS-specific IgE.

METHODS

Two vRD (Remazole Black-GR and Remazole Orange-3R), Procion Red-MX-5B, which has a dichlorotriazine reactive group, and vinyl sulphone (VS), were haptenated to HSA, respectively. vRD-HSA was denatured by heat or mercaptoethanol treatment and the allergenicities of denatured and non-denatured vRD-HSA were compared by ELISA and IgE immunoblotting using the sera of six vRD-OA patients. vRD-HSA-specific, Procion Red-MX-5B (pRD)-HSA-specific and VS-HAS-specific IgE were also measured with ELISA and the cross-reactivity between them was evaluated with ELISA inhibition.

RESULTS

Denaturation of vRD-HSA by heat affected its allergenicity markedly in five of six sera of RD-OA. When vRD was conjugated to the pre-heated HSA, its allergenicity also disappeared or was markedly attenuated compared with the vRD-HSA in five of six sera. Mercaptoethanol treatment markedly affected the allergenicity of the RD-HSA in all six RD-OA sera. Immunoblotting from non-denatured PAGE showed strong IgE affinity to vRD-HSA but immunoblotting from denatured SDS PAGE did not show IgE affinity. Among six RD-OA patients, five and four patients had pRD-HSA-specific and VS-HSA-specific IgE, respectively. However, the vRD-HSA-specific IgE was neither inhibited by pRD-HSA nor VS-HSA CONCLUSION: We considered that the conformational structure of HSA would be critical for the IgE epitopes during the haptenation process and both of the chromogen and reactive groups of the vRD would contribute to the formation of IgE epitope. Our results also confirmed the heterogeneity of IgE epitopes in the RD-HSA complex.

Molecular cloning and characterization of mouse cardiac triadin isoforms

Triadin is a ryanodine receptor and calsequestrin binding protein located in junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum of striated muscles. In the present study, mouse cardiac triadin cDNAs have been identified by cDNA library screening and RT-PCR. The deduced aa sequences show that the three isoforms consist of 277, 293 and 305 aa giving rise to the molecular weights of approximately 31,414, 33,066, and 34,328, respectively. The isoforms have identical 262 aa N-terminal sequences, whereas they have distinct C-terminal sequences. Northern blot analysis using a cDNA probe representing the N-terminal common region of triadin revealed that the mouse triadins were present both in heart and skeletal muscles. The estimated sizes of the transcripts were approximately 1.3, 4.3 and 5 kb in heart and 5, 5.5 and 7 kb in skeletal muscle. Endo H treatment and Western blot analysis of isolated mouse cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and in vitro translation products indicate that there are three distinct mouse cardiac triadin isoforms having molecular weights of 35, 35.5 and 40 kDa. We termed those three isoforms as mouse cardiac triadin 1, mouse cardiac triadin 2 and mouse cardiac triadin 3.

Unusual ferromagnetic couplings in single end-to-end azide-bridged cobalt(II) and nickel(II) chain systems

Two new one-dimensional single azide-bridged metal(II) compounds [[M(5-methylpyrazole)4(N3)]n](ClO4)n(H2O)n [M = Co (1a), Ni (2a)] were prepared by treating an M(II) ion with stoichiometric amount of sodium azide in the presence of four equivalents of the 3(5)-methylpyrazole ligand. The isostructural compounds 1a and 2a crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n. The azide bridging ligands have a unique end-to-end coordination mode that brings two neighboring metal centers into a cis-position with respect to the azide unit to form single end-to-end azide-bridged cobalt(II) and nickel(II) chains. The two neighboring metal atoms at inversion centers adopt octahedral environments with four equatorial 3(5)-methylpyrazole ligands and two axial azide bridges. Two adjacent equatorial least-squares planes form dihedral angles of 60.5 degrees and 60.6 degrees for Co and Ni, respectively. In addition, the metal-azide-metal units form large M-N3-M torsion angles, which are magnetically important geometrical parameters, of 71.6 degrees for M=Co and 75.7 degrees for M=Ni. It should also be noted that the M-N-N angles associated with end-to-end azide group, another magnetically important structural parameter, fall into the experimentally observed range of 120-140 degrees as 128.3(3) and 147.8(3) degrees for cobalt species and 128.4(2) and 146.1(3) degrees for nickel species; these values deviate from the theoretical value of around 164 degrees at which the incidental orthogonality is achieved under the torsion angle of 0 degrees. The compounds 1a and 2a have unique magnetic properties of ferromagnetism, zero-field splitting, and spin canting. The MO calculations indicate that the quasiorthogonality between the magnetic orbitals of metal ions and the p atomic orbitals of the bridging azide is possible in the observed structures and leads to the ferromagnetism. The spin canting related to the perturbation of ferromagnetism arises from the magnetic anisotropy and antisymmetric interactions judged by the structural parameters of the zero-field splitting and the tilted MN4 planes in a chain. The enhancement of magnetic interactions was accomplished by dehydrating the chain compounds to afford two soft magnets with critical temperature T(C) and coercive field of 2 K and 35 G for 1b and 2.3 K and 20 G for 2b, respectively.

Occupational asthma due to formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a low molecular weight chemical and can elicit acute and chronic health related problems. Most of the inhaled formaldehyde is retained in the upper respiratory tract due to its extraordinary solubility. Therefore, cases of formaldehyde-induced occupational asthma are sporadic despite its widespread use in industrial processes. We herein report upon a case of occupational asthma due to formaldehyde, which was confirmed by workplace challenge including working environmental assessments, and by formaldehyde inhalation challenge using a specially designed closed-circuit apparatus. To investigate the possible involvement of an IgE-mediated mechanism, both in vitro and in vivo tests were done. IgE antibody specific for formaldehyde-human serum albumin conjugate (F-HSA) was not detected by ELISA, and no specific cutaneous reactivity to F-HSA was noted by either skin prick or intradermal test. The patient was diagnosed with formaldehyde-induced occupational asthma not associated with an IgE mediated mechanism.

On the roles of heterochromatin and euchromatin in meiosis in drosophila: mapping chromosomal pairing sites and testing candidate mutations for effects on X-Y nondisjunction and meiotic drive in male meiosis

Mapping of pairing sites involved in meiotic homolog disjunction in Drosophila has led to conflicting hypotheses about the nature of such sites and the role of heterochromatin in meiotic pairing. In the female-specific distributive system, pairing regions appear to be exclusively heterochromatic and map to broad regions encompassing many different sequences. In male meiosis, autosomal pairing sites appear to be distributed broadly within euchromatin but to be absent from heterochromatin, whereas the X-pairing site maps in the centric heterochromatin. The X site has been shown to coincide with the intergenic spacer (IGS) repeats within the rDNA arrays shared between the X and Y. It has not been clear whether the heterochromatic location of this pairing site has any significance. A novel assay for genic modifiers of X-Y chromosome pairing was developed based on the intermediate nondisjunction levels observed in males whose X chromosome lacks the native pairing site but contains two transgenic insertions of single rDNA genes. This assay was used to test several mutations in Su(var) (Suppressor of position effect variegation), PcG (Polycomb-Group) recombination defective, and repair-defective genes. No strong effects on disjunction were seen. However, the tests did uncover several mutations that suppress or enhance the meiotic drive (distorted X-Y recovery ratio) that accompanies X-Y pairing failure.

Organochlorine contaminant exposure and reproductive success of black-crowned night-herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) nesting in Baltimore harbor, Maryland

The declining size of the Baltimore Harbor black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) colony has been hypothesized to be linked to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure. In 1998, a "sample egg" was collected from 65 black-crowned night-heron nests (each containing > or = three eggs) for contaminant analysis, and the remaining eggs in these 65 nests, plus four two-egg nests, were monitored for hatching and fledging success. Eggs were also collected from 12 nests at Holland Island, a reference site in southern Chesapeake Bay. Samples were analyzed for 26 organochlorine pesticides and metabolities and 145 PCB congeners. Pesticide and metabolite concentrations, including p,p'-DDE, were well below thresholds associated with adverse reproductive effects at both sites. Average concentration of total PCBs, 12 Ah receptor-active PCB congeners, and toxic equivalents in eggs from Baltimore Harbor were greater (up to 35-fold) than that observed in Holland Island samples. Overall nest success at the Baltimore Harbor heronry was estimated by the Mayfield method to be 0.74, and the mean number of young fledged/hen was 2.05, which is within published productivity estimates for maintaining a stable black-crowned night-heron population. Using logistic regression, no significant relationships were found between organochlorine contaminant concentrations in sample eggs and hatching, fledging, or overall reproductive success. Processes other than poor reproduction (e.g., low postfledging survival, emigration, habitat degradation) may be responsible for the declining size of the Baltimore Harbor colony.

Role of skin prick test and serological measurement of specific IgE in the diagnosis of occupational asthma resulting from exposure to vinyl sulphone reactive dyes

OBJECTIVES

Some patients with occupational asthma resulting from exposure to reactive dyes have skin reactivity to the causative dyes and specific IgE to reactive dyes have been found in these patients. However, the usefulness of skin prick tests (SPTs) and serological measurement of specific IgE in screening, diagnosis, and monitoring the occupational asthma resulting from exposure to reactive dyes have not yet been assessed. In this study, the clinical validation of SPTs and measurement of specific IgE to vinyl sulphone reactive dyes by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated.

METHODS

42 Patients with occupational asthma from reactive dyes (true positive group) were enrolled. In these the causative reactive dye was confirmed by bronchial challenge test. 93 Asymptomatic factory workers with negative challenge to the reactive dye (true negative group) and 16 unexposed controls with negative challenge to the reactive dye were also enrolled. Skin prick tests were done with 10 mg/ml reactive dye in 0.4% phenol/0.9% saline. IgE specific to reactive dye conjugated to human serum albumin (HSA) was measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

RESULTS

None of the unexposed controls had a positive response to SPTs. The sensitivity (76.2% v 53.7%), specificity (91.4% v 86.0%), positive predictive value (80.0% v 62.9%), and negative predictive value (89.5% v 80.8%) of SPTs were higher than those of ELISAs. The mean weal size of reaction to reactive dye was weakly correlated with the ELISA optical density of IgE to reactive dye conjugate in patients with occupational asthma from reactive dyes (n=41, r=0.337, p<0.05). In four patients with occupational asthma from reactive dyes and eight control subjects exposed to reactive dye, IgE specific to reactive dye conjugated to HSA was detected with ELISA even though they showed negative skin reactivity. Six patients completely avoided the reactive dye for a mean (SD) 27.8 (10.3) months, IgE specific to reactive dyes decreased in all six patients (p<0.05) during this time.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SPTs and detection of IgE specific to reactive dye in serum samples could be valuable for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring occupational asthma resulting from exposure to reactive dyes. These two tests would complement each other.

Clinical applications of forced oscillation techniques (FOT) in patients with bronchial asthma

BACKGROUND

Forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a method to characterize the mechanical properties of the respiratory system over a wide range of frequencies. Its most important advantage is to require minimal cooperation from the subject. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the FOT applications in patients with bronchial asthma by estimating the associations between asthma severity and FOT parameters, and the relationships between FOT and spirometry parameters.

METHODS

216 patients with asthma were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into 3 different groups according to their symptoms and pulmonary functions. Respiratory impedance, resistance (at 5 Hz, 20 Hz, 35 Hz) and resonant frequency were measured by FOT. FEV1, FVC and MMEF were measured with conventional spirometry.

RESULTS

There were significant differences of resonant frequency, resistance at 5 Hz and 20 Hz, resistance difference at 5 Hz and 20 Hz according to asthma severity (p < 0.05, respectively). Resonant frequency, resistance at 5 Hz, and impedance were significantly correlated with FEV1 (r = -0.55, -0.48, -0.49, p < 0.05, respectively), and with MMEF in patients with normal pulmonary function (r = -0.37, -0.35, -0.34, p < 0.05, respectively). Resistance at 5 Hz had similar reproducibility compared to FEV1 (resistance at 5 Hz, r = 0.78 vs FEV1, r = 0.79).

CONCLUSION

FOT is a useful and alternative method to evaluate the clinical status of bronchial asthma. Further studies will be needed to clarify its value for a wide range of clinical applications.

Comparison of allergenic components between German cockroach whole body and fecal extracts

BACKGROUND

Cockroaches have been demonstrated to be an etiologic factor in allergic diseases. Further, sensitivity to cockroach places patients with asthma at risk for exacerbations that require emergency medical care.

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the differences in allergenic components between German cockroach whole body and German cockroach fecal extracts (GWBE and GFE).

METHODS

Patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis were skin prick tested with German cockroach extract (Bayer Corporation, West Haven, CT). Serum specimens from these patients, 25 with positive skin tests and 8 with negative tests, were used for the ELISA and immunoblot experiments.

RESULTS

By ELISA, 72% (18 of 25) and 60% (15 of 25) of positive responders' sera showed IgE antibodies to GWBE and GFE, respectively, and the IgE levels to GWBE were highly correlated with those to GFE (r = .84, P < .01). In inhibition ELISA experiments, extensive cross-reactivity was observed between GWBE and GFE, slight cross-reactivity between GWBE and Dermatophagoides farinae, and no cross-reactivity between GFE and D. farinae. The two-site monoclonal antibody ELISA detected more of the German cockroach major allergens in GFE compared with GWBE; 6.2 times (2420 vs 390 U/mL) for Bla g 1 and 3 times (15.32 vs 5.07 microg/mL) for Bla g 2. In the immunoblot comparison of patients' sera, the IgE antibodies binding to GWBE were apparently different from those binding to GFE in all the positive responders' sera; eg, 50% or more of the 25 positive responders' sera reacted to 43- to 67-kDa proteins in GWBE and to 28- to 30-kDa proteins in GFE, respectively. No IgE antibodies bound to components in GWBE and GFE in the 8 negative responders' sera.

CONCLUSIONS

There are major differences between the allergenic components of GWBE and GFE. Based on the amounts of major allergens (Bla g 1, Bla g 2), German cockroach feces are a more important source of allergen than the whole body in respiratory allergic diseases.

Ovalbumin fused with diphtheria toxin protects mice from ovalbumin induced anaphylactic shock

For those with allergy, vaccination with a specific allergen has often been used as a major therapeutic measure. However, the universal application of this technique in clinics have been restricted due to its low success rates and the risk of active systemic anaphylactic shock (ASAS). In this regard, we constructed a fusion protein (OVA-DT), ovalbumin (OVA) fused with diphtheria toxin protein (DT), which may exert a specific cytotoxicity to cells bearing OVA-specific IgE. Its therapeutic effect was evaluated in mice (BALB/c) sensitized with OVA (Os-mice). OVA challenges to the OVA-sensitized mice (Os-mice) caused ASAS to death within 30 min, but OVA-DT treatment afforded mice complete protection. When OVA-DT was treated to the Os-mice, none showed the signs of ASAS when re-challenged 48 h after the treatment. OVA-DT itself was not found to be toxic or allergenic in normal mice. The effect of OVA-DT on the biological functions of mast cells was also studied. Binding of OVA-DT to OVA-specific IgE bearing mast cells and the inhibition of histamine release from these cells were observed. In addition, OVA-DT treatment inhibited the proliferation of OVA-specific B cells in mice. In Os-mice treated with OVA-DT, levels of anti-OVA IgG2a in serum and the production of IFN-gamma by splenic lymphocytes were found to increase, but the production of IL-4 by these cells decreased. Re-direction of cytokine profiles from OVA-specific Th2 to OVA-specific Thl is suggested. These results indicate that OVA-DT can protect Os-mice from ASAS due to OVA challenge, because it inactivates OVA-specific IgE-expressing cells, including mast cells and B cells.

The effect of immunotherapy on nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness in bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis

Allergen injection therapy may improve nonallergic bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but results at the moment are less than convincing. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of immunotherapy on the degree of nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness in patients with allergic bronchial asthma (BA) and/or allergic rhinitis (AR). Methacholine challenge bronchial provocation test, allergic skin test, serum IgE and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were performed before and after 12 months or more of immunotherapy. The improved group, as determined by a shift of at least two doubling concentrations of methacholine, was 75% of AR (n=16), 41.7% of BA (n=24) and 53.8% of BA+ AR (n=13). The geometric mean of the methacholine provocational concentration (PC20) changed from 3.40 to 14.36 mg/ml (P <0.05) in AR, from 0.73 to 1.04 mg/ml in BA (not significant), and from 1.43 to 5.07 mg/ml (P <0.05) in BA+ AR. In conclusion, nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness was improved by immunotherapy in three quarters of the allergic rhinitis cases and in about a half of the allergic bronchial asthma patients, which suggests that immunotherapy might be helpful at preventing the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in allergic rhinitis patients, and that it does not improve bronchial hyperresponsiveness in about a half of allergic bronchial asthma patients.

Identification and characterization of the major allergens of buckwheat

BACKGROUND

Buckwheat (BW) has been recognized as a common food allergen in Korea, Japan, and other countries. Until now, serologic findings of BW food-allergic patients and its major allergenic components have not been clarified. In this study, we analyzed the serologic findings of BW food allergy and characterized its major allergenic components.

METHODS

Nineteen BW-allergic subjects with symptoms after BW ingestion and 15 asymptomatic control subjects with positive skin prick test to BW were recruited. BW-specific IgE was measured with the Pharmacia CAP kit. Allergenic components of BW were analyzed by IgE immunoblotting, periodate oxidation, two-dimensonal PAGE, and sequencing of N-terminal amino acids.

RESULTS

From the BW-allergic patients and asymptomatic controls, the sensitivity (100%), specificity (53%), and negative (100%) and positive predictive values (73%) of Pharmacia CAP specific IgE for diagnosis were estimated. The prevalence of IgE binding to 24-kDa (pI 8.3), 16-kDa (pI 5.6), and 9-kDa (pI 5.0/ 6.0) allergens was higher than 50% in BW-allergic and asymptomatic subjects. However, the specific IgE to split 19-kDa (pI 6.5/7.0) allergens were more specifically found in BW-allergic patients than in asymptomatic subjects (78% vs 7%). N-terminal amino-acid sequences of 19-kDa and 16-kDa allergens showed moderate and weak homology to the 19-kDa globulin protein of rice and alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitor of millet, respectively. The N-terminus of the 9-kDa isoallergens were not different from each other and were identified as the reported trypsin inhibitors of BW. Attenuation of the IgE binding to the 9-kDa allergen was found with periodate oxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

The allergens of 24, 19, 16, and 9 kDa are strong candidates to be major allergens, and the 19-kDa allergen was relatively specific for BW-allergic patients. Moreover, measurement of BW-specific IgE and the features of immunoblotting should be very useful tools in the diagnosis of BW allergy.

IgE immune response to Ginkgo biloba pollen

BACKGROUND

The ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) continues to be planted as a shade tree in preference to other species in Seoul, Korea. The proportion of ginkgo to total shade trees was 43.2% in 1998, but the allergenic characteristics of ginkgo pollen has not been elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

This study was undertaken to obtain information regarding the skin reactivity rate to ginkgo pollen in a population of Korean subjects with respiratory allergy. Possible ginkgo pollen allergens and the cross-reactivity of ginkgo pollen with other prevalent pollens were also examined.

METHODS

Four hundred and forty-seven patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis were skin prick tested with extract of ginkgo pollen (1:20 wt/vol). Of these patients, positive skin responders (A/H ratio > or =2+) were selected for ELISA and immunoblot experiments.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients (4.7%) showed skin reactivity (A/H ratio > or =2+) to ginkgo pollen in the skin prick test. They were also cosensitized to many other tree, grass, and weed pollens. Sixteen (76%) of the 21 positive skin responders showed specific IgE responses to ginkgo pollen in ELISA. In inhibitory ELISA, IgE binding to ginkgo pollen was inhibited by more than 80% by oak, ryegrass, mugwort, and ragweed; and 34% by hop Japanese; and 10% by rBet v 2 at 10 microg/mL. In immunoblot, 10 out of 21 sera (48%) reacted to the 15-kD protein of ginkgo pollen, 9 (43%) to 33-35 kD, and 8 (38%) to 36-38 kD. In inhibitory immunoblot, IgE binding to ginkgo pollen proteins was almost completely inhibited by oak, ryegrass, mugwort and ragweed, but only partially by hop Japanese and rBet v 2.

CONCLUSION

The skin reactivity rate to ginkgo pollen is approximately 4.7% in a population of Korean subjects with respiratory allergy. Since ginkgo pollen has a high cross-reactivity with other prevalent pollens, it could cause clinical symptoms during its pollen season by cross-reacting with the IgE produced in response to other pollens in patients sensitized to multiple pollens.

cDNA cloning and characterization of human cardiac junctin

Junctin is a calsequestrin binding protein detected in junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum of striated muscles. In the present study, the human cardiac junctin cDNA has been cloned by human heart cDNA library screening and RT-PCR, and the cDNA sequence has been determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of human junctin (210 aa) has 84% sequence identity to that of canine junctin identified previously. A human junctin isoform (isoform 1, 225 aa) was also identified and characterized. The isoform 1 has a 15 aa insertion at the amino acid residue 55 of the human junctin. Northern blot analysis revealed that the human junctin was present both in cardiac and skeletal muscles, and the sizes of the transcripts were approximately 3.0 and 4.2kb. Amino acid residues 6-78 of human junctin and 35-107 of human aspartyl beta-hydroxylase (hAspH) overlapped perfectly. The gene copy number of human junctin and hASPH was investigated by genomic Southern blot analysis using various restriction enzymes and a common DNA probe. The result showing a single hybridized DNA band at each restriction enzyme suggests that the same genomic region codes both junctin and hASPH.

TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of PCBs in soil-water systems containing fluoro surfactant

Titanium dioxide-mediated photodegradation of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil/aqueous systems with added fluorinated surfactant was investigated. PCBs can bind tightly to organic matter in the soil, especially in aged, contaminated soil. Experiments showed an effective PCB photocatalytic degradation in mixed systems of soil/clay with anionic fluorinated surfactant FC-143 and TiO2. The FC-143 surfactant is stable in this photochemical process. PCB degradation rates in samples followed the order: spiked clay > spiked soil > Hudson River bank soil. The results suggest that anionic fluorinated surfactant may form semimicelles and/or admicelles on the surface of positively charged TiO2. The hydrophobic surface of TiO2 can provide a nonpolar phase that acts as a partioning medium for hydrophobic PCBs. Therefore, PCBs in soil can be released to the semimicelle and/or admicelle on the TiO2 surface and are effectively photodegraded in a dispersion containing anionic fluorinated surfactant. The combination of surfactant extraction and photooxidation forms the basis for a novel two-stage process for the removal and destruction of PCBs from soil.

Localization of a major allergen, Der p 2, in the gut and faecal pellets of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

BACKGROUND

The house dust mite Dermatophagoides ptronyssinus is one of the most significant indoor sensitizing agents of allergy. Allergen localization may indicate the importance of secreted materials, faeces, and nonexcreted mite body components as allergen sources.

OBJECTIVE

This study attempted to localize the sites and concentrations of Der p 2 in the cryostat sections of D. pteronyssinus using antirecombinant Der p 2 monoclonal antibody.

METHODS

Male and female mites and mite faeces collected separately from both sexes were used. Live mites were embedded and serial cryostat sections for light microscopy were performed. Anti-recombinant Der p 2 monoclonal antibody previously produced by the authors was used. For immunoprobing, mite cryostat sections were incubated in the following antibody-containing solutions: monoclonal antibody against Der p 2 was initially applied to the sections and fluorescent isothiocyanate conjugated antimouse immunoglobulin G was reacted as the secondary antibody. The faecal pellets were treated the same as described above.

RESULTS

Immunofluorescent probing of cryostat sections with the monoclonal antibody showed labelling of the gut lining, gut contents and defecated faecal pellets. No other internal organs were identified as positively labelled.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that a major allergen, Der p 2, found in the house dust mite D. pteronyssinus is derived from the digestive tract and concentrated in the faeces.

Effects of gamma radiation on the conformational and antigenic properties of a heat-stable major allergen in brown shrimp

This study was performed to evaluate the application of food irradiation technology as a method for reducing shrimp allergy without adverse effects. Shrimp heat-stable protein (HSP) was isolated and gamma irradiated at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 kGy in the condition of solution (1 mg/ml), and fresh shrimp was also irradiated. Conformational change of irradiated HSP was monitored by means of spectrometric measures, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with mouse monoclonal antibody, or human patients' sera and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The ability of the immunoglobulin E of patients allergic to shrimp to bind to irradiated HSP was dose dependently reduced. The amount of intact HSP in an irradiated solution was reduced by gamma irradiation, depending on the dose. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the main band disappeared and the traces induced from coagulation appeared at a higher molecular weight zone. The binding ability of immunoglobulin E to allergens in the extracts from irradiated shrimp decreased, depending on the dose. The results provide a new method so that food irradiation technology can be applied to reduce allergenicity of shrimp.

Cross-reactivity of Tyrophagus putrescentiae with Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in urban areas

BACKGROUND

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP) have cohabited with D. pteronys-sinus (DP) and D. farinae (DF) in more than 25% of houses in urban areas of Korea, and many atopic subjects have also been cosensitized to TP and Dermatophagoides species.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the cross-reactivity of TP with DF and DP in atopic subjects of urban inhabitants.

METHODS

The cross-reactivity was evaluated with inhibition ELISA and immunoblotting. Allergenic components of TP were evaluated with IgE immunoblotting of the sera from 25 individual atopics. All enrolled subjects lived in urban areas.

RESULTS

In ELISA inhibition with pooled sera, all TP, DP, and DF extract inhibited TP-specific IgE by more than 90%, and the 50% inhibitory concentrations of TP, DP, and DF extract were 0.4 microg/mL, 0.8 microg/mL and 0.8 microg/mL, respectively. The maximum inhibition, however, of DP-specific and DF-specific IgE by TP extracts was 32% and 29%, respectively. With six individual sera, the TP-specific IgE was also inhibited by more than 88% with DF extract in all cases. In inhibition immunoblotting, all of the TP, DP, and DF extracts completely inhibited the TP-specific IgE bands at a concentration of 2.0 microg/mL. Fifteen allergenic components in TP were found. Among them, the 16-kD allergen was most prevalent (52%) and its IgE binding was completely inhibited by 0.1 microg/mL of purified Der f2 and it also bound with 2 different monoclonal antibodies to the group 2 allergen of Dermatophagoides species.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested considerable cross-reactivity between TP and the two Dermatophagoides species in urban areas where TP and Dermatophagoides species cohabit. The 16-kD allergen, which shared common epitopes with the group 2 allergen of Dermatophagoides, is one of the most prevalent allergens of TP.

Anaphylaxis to venom of the Pachycondyla species ant

BACKGROUND

In the southeastern United States, imported fire ants have caused systemic reactions with a high incidence. On the contrary, in Korea Pachycondyla species ants (P chinensis and P solitaria), and the family Formicidae, which are in the genus Pachycondyla and the subfamily Ponerinae, have only occasionally caused systemic reactions.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess whether commercially available imported fire ant extract would be useful in treating patients with anaphylaxis induced by venom from a Pachycondyla species ant.

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from 2 women who had anaphylaxis induced by Pachycondyla species ant venom and from 6 volunteers with no history of having been stung. Specific IgE to Pachycondyla species ant extracts was measured by means of ELISA and possible allergenic components by immunoblot. Cross-reactivity between Pachycondyla chinensis, P solitaria, and imported fire ant extracts was also measured by inhibitory ELISA.

RESULTS

Skin prick test responses were strongly positive to the extract of P chinensis (1:20 wt/vol) in the patient. Ten healthy volunteers exhibited negative responses. The 2 patients' sera exhibited high ELISA values, with absorbencies of 0.78 and 0.61 for P chinensis and 0.83 and 0.68 for P solitaria, respectively, and negative ELISA values for the extract of imported fire ants (absorbency <0.01). Imported fire ants showed no inhibition of the IgE binding to P chinensis or P solitaria. Possible allergenic components of Pachycondyla species ant extracts are 29- and 27-kd proteins and, less frequently, 16 kd proteins.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that patients who have had an anaphylactic reaction to a Pachycondyla species ant might not benefit from immunotherapy with an imported fire ant extract. Immunotherapy with the extract of Pachycondyla species ants is expected to be highly effective.

Identification of Chironomus kiiensis allergens, a dominant species of non-biting midges in Korea

Non-biting midges are known to contain potent inhalant allergens. IgE antibody responses to the crude extract of Chironomus kiiensis adults, a dominant chironomid species in Korea, were examined. With the IgE-ELISA or passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions, increased levels of chironomid-specific IgE were detected in the skin test positive human sera, or immunized BALB/c mouse sera with the crude extract adsorbed to alum. IgE-immunoblot analysis showed major IgE-reacting protein band patterns, which reacted with more than 50% of the skin test positive human sera, at 110, 80, 73, 46, 40, 37, 34, and 31 kDa. The reactive band patterns were largely similar between skin test positive humans and immune BALB/c mice. However, the bands of 55, 31, 27, 26, 24, and 23 kDa were found only in sensitized humans, but not in immunized mice.

Monoclonal antibodies to recombinant Der p 2, a major house dust mite allergen: specificity, epitope analysis and development of two-site capture ELISA

House dust mite allergens have been well established as sensitizing agents that are important in the induction of allergic diseases. In order to analyze epitopes of the allergen and to develop a quantitative method of the allergen exposure, monoclonal antibodies against a recombinant Der p 2 (rDer p 2), one of the major allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, were produced. Four monoclonal antibodies produced were species-specific and did not cross-react to the D. farinae crude extract. Two of the monoclonal antibodies were found to be IgG1 and the others were IgM. For the analysis of epitopes, a Der p 2 cDNA encoding 126 amino acids (aa) was dissected into three fragments with several overlapping peptides. A (aa residues 1-49), B (44-93), and C fragment (84-126). Three monoclonal antibodies showed reactivities to the recombinant B fragment and to the full-length rDer p 2, but one monoclonal antibody reacted only with the full-length rDer p 2. Two-site capture ELISA was developed using two different monoclonal antibodies for quantitating Der p 2 in house dust. The sensitivity limit was 4 ng/ml with rDer p 2 and 8 micrograms/ml with the D. pteronyssinus crude extract. The result suggested that the assay using monoclonal antibodies against rDer p 2 could be useful for the environmental studies and for the standardization of mite allergen extracts.

Identification and characterization of the major allergen of the Humulus japonicus pollen

BACKGROUND

Pollen of Humulus japonicus has been known as one of the important causes of pollinosis in Korea and China. To date, the major allergen of H. japonicus has not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the major allergen of H. japonicus pollen and characterize its biochemical properties.

METHODS

With the sera of 29 patients reactive to H. japonicus, the major allergen of H. japonicus was determined from the results of IgE immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition. The biochemical properties of the major allergen of H. japonicus were evaluated by lectin blotting assay and 2-dimensional PAGE blot. N-terminal amino acid sequences were determined by the Edman degradation method. The suggested major allergen was purified by DEAE anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine sera contained IgE bound to the 10, 16, 20, 29 and 42 kDa proteins of H. japonicus in immunoblot analysis. A protein of 10 kDa was the most prevalent allergen in the sera of H. japonicus-reactive patients (72%). The ELISA optical density of H. japonicus-specific IgE was not inhibited by pollen extracts of birch, oak, rye grass and mugwort. The 10-kDa allergen was neither stained with PAS nor bound with ConA and five other lectins. The isoelectric point of the 10-kDa allergen was approximately pH 5.1. We sequenced the N-terminal amino acids of the 10-kDa allergen, which was not homologous with any previously characterized allergen. The 10-kDa allergen could be purified with DEAE anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Maximum inhibitions of H. japonicus-specific IgE ELISA by whole extract of H. japonicus and purified 10-kDa allergen were more than 97 and 88%, respectively, while the 50% inhibitory concentration of the whole extract of H. japonicus and purified 10 kDa were 38 and 20 ng/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The 10-kDa peptide could be a major allergen of H. japonicus. Its isoelectric point was 5.1 and it did not bind with lectins. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 10-kDa major allergen was also determined.

Contrasting role of presenilin-1 and presenilin-2 in neuronal differentiation in vitro

Presenilin-1 (PS1) and presenilin-2 (PS2), the major genes of familial Alzheimer's disease, are homologous to sel-12, a Caenorhabditis elegans gene involved in cell fate decision during development. Recently, wild-type and mutant presenilins have been associated also with apoptotic cell death. By using stable transfection of antisense cDNAs, we studied the functions of PS1 and PS2 during neuronal differentiation in the NTera2 human teratocarcinoma (NT2) cell line. Expression of antisense PS1 resulted in a failure of the clones to differentiate into neurons after retinoic acid induction, whereas cells transfected with antisense PS2 differentiated normally. Concomitantly, antisense PS1 clones were associated with increased apoptosis both under basal conditions and during the early period of neuronal differentiation after retinoic acid treatment. Overexpression of bcl-2 in antisense PS1 clones reduced cell death and resulted in a recovery of neuronal differentiation. These studies suggest that PS1 plays a role in differentiation and cell death and that PS1 and PS2 have differing physiological roles in this experimental paradigm.

Seasonal variation of IgG subclass antibodies to house dust mite in sera from mite-sensitive asthmatic patients

BACKGROUND

House dust mite is an important cause of bronchial asthma. Seasonal variation of environmental house dust mite allergen levels and the specific IgE antibody to house dust mite have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the changes in IgG subclass antibodies to house dust mite associated with seasonal variation of house dust mite allergen levels in houses of mite-sensitive asthmatic patients.

METHODS

In 14 mite-sensitive asthmatic patients, house dust mite allergen (Der f 1) contents in bedding were measured monthly, and IgG subclass antibodies to house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) every 3 months from July to December.

RESULTS

The concentration of Der f 1 in dust from bedding reached maximum levels in August and September, and significantly decreased in November and December compared with August and September (P < .05). Levels of D. farinae-specific IgG4 antibodies significantly decreased in December compared with September (P < .05) with no statistically significant change between September and June (P > .05). Levels of D. farinae-specific IgG2 antibodies decreased significantly in December compared with June (P < .05). The levels of IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies to D. farinae showed no significant differences during the study period.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that seasonal changes in natural exposure to house dust mite allergen might lead to concurrent changes in specific IgG4 antibodies to house dust mite in mite-sensitive asthmatic patients and each IgG subclass antibodies to house dust mite might have a different kinetics.

Identification of Tyrophagus putrescentiae allergens and evaluation of cross-reactivity with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

House dust mites are the most common cause of allergic sensitization in respiratory allergic patients in the world. Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP), which was followed by Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), has been reported as the third most common house mite in Korea. We previously reported that many respiratory allergic patients had become concomitantly sensitized to DP, DF and TP. The aims of this study were to identify the allergic components of TP and to evaluate the cross-reactivity between TP and DP. The allergenic components of TP and DP extracts were determined with SDS-PAGE and IgE immunoblotting analysis. The cross-reactivity as evaluated by ELISA inhibition and inhibitory immunoblotting experiments. According the SDS-PAGE, the protein components of the two extracts were somewhat different, although a few components displayed identical molecular weights. The 18 kD protein of TP was the most prevalent allergen in the sera of patients sensitized to TP and DP. Both of the maximum inhibition percentages of optic densities of TP-specific IgE in ELISA with TP and DP extract were 100%, respectively and the 50% inhibitory dose (ID50) of TP extract and DP extract were 0.01 micrograms/ml and 0.02 micrograms/ml, respectively. Maximum inhibition of optic densities of DP-specific IgE in ELISA with TP and DP extracts were 29% and 100%, respectively and the ID50 of DP extract was 0.007 micrograms/ml. On inhibitory immunoblotting of DP specific IgE, 5 micrograms/ml of TP extract completely inhibited 16 kD without inhibiting the other allergic component. Whereas, on inhibitory immunoblotting of TP-specific IgE, 5 micrograms/ml of DP extract completely inhibited all the IgE binding components of TP. These results suggested that the major allergen of TP may be the 18 kD component and we also concluded that TP allergens have a strong cross-reactivity with DP extracts, but that DP allergens only have partial cross-reactivity with TP extracts.

Eosinophil count and eosinophil cationic protein concentration of induced sputum in the diagnosis and assessment of airway inflammation in bronchial asthma

Measurement of eosinophil percentages and ECP concentration in induced sputum may be useful in the diagnosis and assessment of the variability of airway inflammation in bronchial asthma (BA). To evaluate the usefulness of sputum eosinophil counts and ECP concentrations in the diagnosis of BA, we measured these parameters in 68 patients with respiratory complaints. In addition, we followed-up 14 BA patients with variable airflow limitation for 45.4 +/- 10.4 days. The BA group (n = 41) showed a higher percentage of sputum eosinophilia (24.5 +/- 7.6 vs. 2.2 +/- 2.9%, p < 0.001) and a higher level of sputum ECP (198.2 vs. 90.6 micrograms/L, p < 0.05) than those in the nonasthmatic group (NBA, n = 27). The sensitivity and specificity of sputum eosinophilia (> or = 5%) for the diagnosis of BA were 85.4% and 92.6%, respectively, which were better than the sensitivity (68.3%) and specificity (55.5%) of the increased level of sputum ECP (> or = 100 micrograms/L). Patients with moderate-to-severe persistent BA had a higher percentage of sputum eosinophil (n = 23, 34.6 +/- 10.6%) than those of mild persistent BA (n = 18, 10.7 +/- 5.2%, p < 0.01), but we could not find significant difference in ECP levels between mild persistent and moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. The percentages of sputum eosinophilia showed a moderate correlation with ECP (r = 0.4358, p < 0.01) and with the peak expiratory flow rate (PFR, r = -0.4746, p < 0.01) but sputum ECP did not correlate with PFR. In 14 BA patients who were followed, there was a relationship between changes of PFR and the percentage of sputum eosinophil (r = -0.7238, p < 0.01), but the change of PFR did not correlate with the change of sputum ECP levels. These results suggest that the sputum eosinophil count and sputum ECP level could be helpful in the diagnosis of BA, but that sputum ECP is not satisfactory for the assessment of variability of airway eosinophilic inflammation during the initial anti-inflammatory management of BA.

Environmental occurrence and potential toxicity of planar, mono-, and di-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls in the biota

Four non-ortho-, eight mono-ortho-, and two di-ortho-chlorinated congeners have been determined in fresh water and salt water mussels, fish, snapping turtles, mallard, seals, and in human milk and adipose tissue. The planar PCB congeners are separated from the remainder of PCBs by activated carbon chromatography or HPLC on porous graphitic carbon followed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. PCB toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) recommended by WHO [1] for 3 non-ortho, 8 mono-ortho, and 2 di-ortho PCBs and a TEF for congener 81 suggested by Harris et al. [2] were used for calculation of the contribution to dioxin-like toxicity to each life form. In all the biota examined, PCB congener IUPAC number 126 was the major contributor to PCB toxic equivalents. Congeners IUPAC number 118, 114, 105, 156, 157, 77, 81, and 170 also contributed significantly to PCB toxic equivalents. The ability to separate out planar PCBs from the majority of PCBs has allowed the use of TCDD toxicity equivalence to compare the relative dioxin-like potency of PCB residues in various species from different locations.

Kinetics and products of the TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorobiphenyl in water

The light-induced degradation of 2-chlorobiphenyl (2-CB) under simulated solar irradiation has been investigated in aqueous solutions containing TiO2 suspensions as photocatalysts. The apparent quantum yield for an initial 2-CB concentration C0 = 3.8 micrograms/mL at the natural pH was ca. 0.005 The oxidation kinetics of 2-CB follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model at natural pH. The primary degradation of 2-CB follows a pseudo-first-order kinetics. Several reaction intermediates were identified using GC/FTIR/MS and ion chromatography. The products at the initial stage of the reaction were seven isomers of 2-chlorobiphenyl-ol and biphenyl-2-ol. These intermediates underwent further photocatalytic oxidation via aldehydes, ketones, and acids finally into CO2 and HCl. The formation and fate of some of these compounds under irradiation were also investigated. A reaction scheme involving hydroxyl radicals has been proposed.

Seasonal variation of skin reactivity and specific IgE antibody to house dust mite

BACKGROUND

House dust mite is an important cause of bronchial asthma worldwide. While the allergen is present all year-round, a seasonal variation of house dust mite allergen levels has been found. There have been few reports, however, on seasonal variation of specific immune response to house dust mite.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the changes in skin reactivity and specific IgE antibody to house dust mite associated with seasonal variation of house dust mite allergen levels in houses of mite-sensitive asthmatic patients.

METHODS

In 14 mite-sensitive asthmatic patients, house dust mite allergen (Der f 1) contents in bedding were measured monthly. Skin reactivity on prick test and specific IgE antibody to house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae), were determined every 3 months from july to December.

RESULTS

The concentration of Der f 1 in dust from bedding reached maximum levels in August and September, and significantly decreased in November and December compared with August and September (P < .05). Skin reactivity (a ratio of mean wheal diameter of allergen to histamine) to D. farinae decreased significantly in December compared with September (P < .05). Serum levels of total IgE and specific IgE antibody to D. farinae decreased significantly in December compared with September (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that seasonal changes in natural exposure to house dust mite allergen might lead to concurrent changes in skin reactivity and specific IgE antibody to house dust mite in mite-sensitive asthmatic patients.

High-resolution computed tomography in patients with bronchial asthma: correlation with clinical features, pulmonary functions and bronchial hyperresponsiveness

The high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) studies for bronchial asthma (BA) have revealed abnormal radiologic findings such as bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, emphysema and mosaic pattern of lung attenuation. But the clinical significance of these findings are not yet clarified. In this study, we quantified the bronchial wall thickness and evaluated HRCT features in 57 BA subjects (338 bronchi) who had precipitating factors of irreversible airway remodeling, 19 COPD subjects (70 bronchi) and 10 healthy subjects (23 bronchi). Then we correlated HRCT findings with the clinical features, pulmonary functions and methacholine PC20 (PC20M) and studied their clinical significance. The bronchial wall for BA was about 1.48 mm thicker than that for COPD and about 2.34 mm thicker than for healthy controls (p < 0.0001, respectively). But the individual mean ratio of bronchial wall thickness to luminal diameter (BWT/LD) in asthmatics did not correlate with the clinical features, lung functions and PC20M. Abnormal HRCT findings, such as bronchiectasis (17.5%), emphysema (5.3%) and mosaic pattern of lung attenuation (17.5%) were found in BA. These findings were more common in BA with moderate to severe airflow limitation (FEV1 < 80%, p < 0.05) and patients with these changes had a more prolonged history of asthma (p < 0.05). PC20M was higher in BA with these abnormal changes (p < 0.001) but these patients' FEV1 (p < 0.05), FEF25-75 (p < 0.05) and specific airway conductance (p < 0.05) were lower than those having BA without such findings. In this study we showed that the bronchial wall was more significantly thickened in BA but that it did not correlate well with the clinical features, lung functions and PC20M. Additionally, patients having BA with abnormal airway and air space HRCT findings had a prolonged history of asthmatic symptoms, loss of lung functions and decreased bronchial hyperresponsiveness. These results suggested the possibility that HRCT can be used for the differentiation of BA from COPD or healthy controls. Furthermore, patients having BA with abnormal HRCT changes demonstrate poor lung function and less hyperreactive bronchi than those without. We concluded that HRCT may be useful for the prognosis and treatment of bronchial asthma cases who have the precipitating factors of irreversible airway remodelling.

Factors influencing immediate responses to intradermal allergen administration in patients with respiratory allergy

BACKGROUND

Immediate skin reactions to allergens are influenced by several factors, such as the amount of administered allergen, the level of specific IgE, releasability of mast cells and hyperresponsiveness of the target organ.

METHODS

For the evaluation of factors influencing immediate skin response to intradermal allergen administration, we measured the wheal size 15 min after intradermal injection of 0.01-0.02 ml of the following agents: whole-body extract of Dermatophagoides farinae, 1,000 allergy units/ml; histamine, 0.1 mg/ml, and codeine sulfate, 0.09% in saline, and determined total IgE level, specific IgE and IgG subclass antibodies to D. farinae in 53 patients with respiratory allergy.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis for factors influencing wheal size after intradermal injection of D. farinae, specific IgE antibody level to D. farinae and wheal size after intradermal administration of histamine showed statistically significant results (R2 = 0.42739, p = 0.0000; R2 = 0.50243, p = 0.0185, respectively). Multiple regression analysis for factors influencing wheal size after intradermal administration in the group with high levels of specific IgE to D. farinae (RAST class 3 or more) showed that wheal size after intradermal administration of codeine was the only factor exerting a statistically significant influence (p = 0.0119).

CONCLUSION

Based on the above results, we can state that immediate responses to intradermal allergen administration were influenced by the level of specific IgE and hyperresponsiveness of the target organ to histamine, but that the immediate skin allergic responses in the presence of high levels of specific IgE were partially but significantly influenced by the releasability of skin mast cells.

Fauna and geographical distribution of house dust mites in Korea

During the period of 1933-1994, house dusts were collected from 65 homes at 10 different localities by operating electric vacuum cleaners. House dust mites were isolated from 10 g dust by applying the modified wet sieving method. Total 7,257 mites were collected and 23 species were identified. Among them. Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) was predominant (65.3% of the total), followed by D. pteronyssinus (DP) (20.6%) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP) (6.5%). Rhizoglyphus robini. Sancassania phyllophagianus, Cheyletus traussarti and Scheloribates latipes were the first findings from Korea. DF was predominant in Seoul (66.8%). Kwangju (63.6%), inland of Pusan (79.6%), Inchon (96.5%). Taejon (83.9%), Chonju (87.15) and Chongju (95.2%), whereas DP was predominant in Yongkwang-ub (72.5%) and Yongdo (island) of Pusan (64.9%), and TP in Chunchon (38.2%). The localities where DP and TP were predominant showed higher relative humidity in air (> 73% RH). Among 62 study homes, DF, DP and TP were found in 24.6% of the homes, co-habitat of two species in 48.1% and one species in 27.3%. DF was predominant in 63.5% of the homes studied. DP in 29.6% and TP in 6.9%. In 10 g of the house dust, less than 99 mites were found in 49 homes (70.0%), 100-499 mites in 11 homes (15.7%). 500-999 mites in 3 homes (4.3%) and more than 1,000 mites in 2 homes (2.9%). No mite was found in 5 homes (7.1%). In order to evaluate environmental factors affecting the population density of house dust mites, house type, age of house construction, size of the house, number of the family and frequency of the cleaning were compared with the number of mites, and none of the above factors were statistically correlated with the mite density.

Isolation and characterization of Drosophila presenilin homolog

Presenilin-1 (PS1) and presenilin-2 (PS2) are associated with a majority of early onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Sequence analysis of PS1/2 has revealed integral transmembrane proteins which are highly homologous to the protein coded by sel-12, a Caenorhabditis elegans gene involved in the lin-12/Notch signaling pathway. The normal function of PS1/2, as well as the pathogenesis caused by mutations of these genes in FAD, are unknown however. We have identified a Drosophila presenilin homolog (DPS) and mapped the chromosomal location of this gene. DPS shows 53% amino acid identity to PS1/2 and 45% to the sel-12 product. Strong amino acid conservations appear at the position associated with FAD. In embryonic stages, DPS is expressed primarily in the CNS.

Photocatalytic degradation of PCBs in TiO2 aqueous suspensions

A generator-column technique was used to prepare aqueous solutions of PCBs. The degradation of 2-chlorobiphenyl, Aroclor 1248, Aroclor mixture (1221, 1016, 1254, and 1260) and St. Lawrence River water by simulated sunlight or sunlight has been investigated in the presence of aqueous suspensions of TiO2. The effect of TiO2 concentration and pH on the degradation rate of PCBs have been studied. The reaction rate followed apparent first-order kinetics and increased with increasing TiO2 concentration. The half-life of the degradation process for 2-chlorobiphenyl is 20 minutes at pH 10 and 9 minutes at pH 3 in the presence of 25 mg/L of TiO2. Less chlorinated PCBs decomposed faster than higher chlorinated ones. The rate constants and half-lives of individual PCBs in the commercial PCB mixture and St. Lawrence River water were also measured.

Occupational asthma due to deer dander

BACKGROUND

The literature on allergy to deer is limited. The allergenic component remains to be identified.

METHODS

We report a case of occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by deer dander. A 44-year-old male farmer had raised three red deer on his farm for 2 years, prior to occurrence of asthmatic symptoms. Dander extract was prepared from the patient's deer.

RESULTS

Skin-prick test elicited positive reactions to dander extracts from goat, sheep, camel, and cow as well as to deer dander extract. Bronchoprovocation test with deer dander extract elicited an early asthmatic response. Serum-specific IgE antibody to the deer dander extract was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis showed five IgE binding components (110, 72, 59, 45, and 21 kilodalton) within the deer dander extract.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that deer dander can induce occupational asthma through an IgE-mediated mechanism in a farmer raising deer.

Molecular characterization of neurally expressing genes in the para sodium channel gene cluster of drosophila

To elucidate the mechanisms regulating expression of para, which encodes the major class of sodium channels in the Drosophila nervous system, we have tried to locate upstream cis-acting regulatory elements by mapping the transcriptional start site and analyzing the region immediately upstream of para in region 14D of the polytene chromosomes. From these studies, we have discovered that the region contains a cluster of neurally expressing genes. Here we report the molecular characterization of the genomic organization of the 14D region and the genes within this region, which are: calnexin (Cnx), actin related protein 14D (Arp 14D), calcineurin A 14D (CnnA14D), and chromosome associated protein (Cap). The tight clustering of these genes, their neuronal expression patterns, and their potential functions related to expression, modulation, or regulation of sodium channels raise the possibility that these genes represent a functionally related group sharing some coordinate regulatory mechanism.

Generator column determination of aqueous solubilities for non-ortho and mono-ortho substituted polychlorinated biphenyls

Aqueous solubilities of four non-ortho and eight mono-ortho substituted PCBs were determined using a generator-column technique followed by subsequent off-line GC/ECD analysis of the aqueous solutions. The method is based on pumping water through a column containing glass beads coated with the congener being studied and has been used to measure solubilities at room temperature. The method circumvents many of the experimental difficulties encountered with the traditional shake-flask system. Aqueous solubility of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl determined by this procedure is compared with data obtained from the shake-flask method and the computational method. The precision of replicate measurements is better than +/- 6.5%. Aqueous solubilities determined for 12 congeners ranged from 6.07 x 10(-11) to 4.47 x 10(-9) mol/L and generally decreased with molecular weight and increased with degree of ortho-chlorine substitution within a molecular-weight class.

Structural modeling of differential diagnosis, treatment, and results for allergic rhinitis

This paper analyzed the relationship among the differential diagnosis, treatment, and results for allergic rhinitis using the covariance structural model. The data were collected from 274 patients with suspected allergic rhinitis who visited the Otorlaryngology Department of the Paik Hospital during 1991-1993. After each patient's characteristics was categorized and combined into several common factors, covariance structure analysis was performed to analyze the structural relationships among the differential diagnosis, treatment, and results of treatment using the significant factors obtained from discriminant analysis. The significant characteristics influenced the diagnosis were the results of skin test from mite/animal, and from mugworts, the results from laboratory tests, rhinorrhea and sneezing, and nasal polyps. The significant characteristics that influenced the method of treatment were: nasal polyps, headache/general symptom, family history/medication, and septal deviation. Headache/general symptom was the only significantly influencing factor for the treatment results.

Effects of autologous sera on immediate and late skin reaction to the house dust mite in atopic individuals

To evaluate the in vivo effect of autologous serum including antibodies to house dust mite in atopic individuals, we observed the immediate (15 mins) and late (6 hours) skin reactions (ISR, LSR) on intradermal (ID) test of serially diluted Dermatophagoides farinae antigens (DFa, Allergopharma, Germany) mixed with autologous sera (DFa-S) and diluent alone (DFa-D). We tested 34 DFa-skin reactive atopic individuals including 12 asthmatics (BA), 8 asthmatics on immunotherapy with DFa (IT), and 14 healthy atopic controls (AC). We observed complete inhibition of ISR in the lowest allergen dose of DFa-S in 7 (58.3%) of 12 BA, 3 (37.5%) of 8 IT, and 2 (14.3%) of 14 AC. In BA, the inhibition of ISR was more frequent than AC (p < 0.05). We observed larger late reactions in half of LSR positive cases on ID test by DFa-S than by DFa-D (> or = 1.5 X size; accentuation of LSR). Accentuation of LSR were shown more frequently by DFa mixed with larger amount of serum (25% in 1:1 mix; 80% in 1:3 mix, p < 0.05). But there were no differences of DFa-specific IgE and IgG subclass antibodies regardless of the inhibition of ISR or the accentuation of LSR. In conclusion, some autologous sera from DFa-sensitive individuals showed the inhibition of ISR and the accentuation of LSR on DFa-ID test.