Consensus paper on postural dysfunction: recommendations for prevention, diagnosis and therapy

Good fundamentals of posture and balance are essential for the efficient performance of both simple daily tasks and more complex movement patterns. In particular, postural balance is the ability to keep the body in equilibrium and to regain balance after the shift of body segments: postural control mechanisms of integration of the visual, vestibular and foot afferential channels contribute to this. This document provides recommendations based on scientific evidence, clinical practice, and consensus between experts concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of postural dysfunction at the three stages of life as the developmental age, adult age, and old age > 65 years and follows the "National Guidelines on Classification and Measuring of Posture and its Dysfunctions" per the Italian Ministry of Health (December 2017). The paper answers four main questions: i) "Which measures can be adopted to prevent postural dysfunctions?" ii) "What can we do in order to make a correct diagnosis of postural dysfunction?" iii) "What are the correct treatment programs for postural dysfunctions?" iv) Which professional competencies and experiences are useful for preventing, diagnosing and treating postural dysfunctions? By the Consensus of the Experts and the scientific evidence, emerge that the approach to postural dysfunctions requires a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary team. Furthermore, rehabilitation treatment interventions must be specific to the age groups that have been indicated, to consider the integration of the main systems and subsystems of postural control that change with age.

Massive infection of Cystidicoloides ephemeridarum in brown trout Salmo trutta with skeletal deformities

We investigated the cause of skeletal deformities found in brown trout from the Aspromonte mountain area in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Toxicological, histopathological and parasitological analyses were carried out on 14 fish with evident macro-morphological alterations from 2 different locations in the same river, and 4 control fish without morphological alterations from a different river (far from the first river but still within the area under study). Histopathological and radiological observations confirmed severe skeletal deformities in the specimens investigated. Parasitological examinations highlighted the presence of the nematode Cystidicoloides ephemeridarum, found only within the gastrointestinal tract of specimens showing deformities. Moreover, a direct correlation between parasite number and fish size was found. Given the low heavy metal levels and the presence of a massive parasitosis in teleosts showing deformities, we postulate a correlation between skeletal deformities and nematode infestation: the parasites caused a serious vitamin and mineral deficiency in the fish, which led to a dysplastic vertebral column. The low calcium levels found in malformed specimens compared with negative controls effectively confirm this hypothesis.

Gestational weight gain as an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are rising worldwide. This study retrospectively evaluated the role of excessive gestational weight gain (eGWG) in women with GDM and different pre-pregnancy body mass indices (BMIs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Optimal glycaemic control was defined as achieving glucose target thresholds in more than 80% of measurements. 283 women with GDM were categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese based on WHO's classification scheme. eGWG was defined as >18.0 kilograms for women who were underweight, >15.8 kilograms for those who were normal weight, >11.3 kilograms for those who were overweight and >9.0 kilograms for those who were obese. For the analysis, women were divided into two groups: normal and excessive GWG. The main outcomes measured were incidences of large/small for gestational age (LGA/SGA), macrosomia, preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders and caesarean sections (CS).

RESULTS

Excessive GWG was associated with higher birth weight and percentile (p<0.001), and with a higher prevalence of LGA (p<0.001), macrosomia (p=0.002) and hypertensive disorders (p=0.036). No statistical differences were found for the week of delivery, or prevalence of CS and SGA. The multivariate analysis highlighted both pre-pregnant BMI and eGWG as independent risk factors for LGA and macrosomia. Women with a pre-pregnant BMI of at least 25 and eGWG have a 5.43-fold greater risk of developing LGA (p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

When combined with an inadequate pre-pregnant BMI, eGWG acts as a "synergic risk factor" for a poor outcome. When obesity or GDM occur, an optimal GWG can guarantee a better pregnancy outcome.

Diagnostic relevance of IgE sensitization profiles to eight recombinant Phleum pratense molecules

BACKGROUND

Grass pollen-related seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SARg) is clinically heterogeneous in severity, comorbidities, and response to treatment. The component-resolved diagnostics disclosed also a high heterogeneity at molecular level. Our study aimed at analyzing the characteristics of the IgE sensitization to Phleum pratense molecules and investigating the diagnostic relevance of such molecules in childhood.

METHODS

We examined 1120 children (age 4-18 years) with SARg. Standardized questionnaires on atopy were acquired through informatics platform (AllergyCARD™). Skin prick tests were performed with pollen extracts. Serum IgE to airborne allergens and eight P. pratense molecules (rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 4, rPhl p 5b, rPhl p 6, rPhl p 7, rPhl p 11, rPhl p 12) were tested by ImmunoCAP FEIA.

RESULTS

The analysis of IgE responses against eight P. pratense molecules showed 87 profiles. According to the number of molecules recognized by IgE, the more complex profiles were characterized by higher serum total IgE, higher grass-specific serum IgE, and higher number and degree of sensitization to pollens. The most frequent IgE sensitization profile was the monomolecular Phl p 1. Sensitization to Phl p 7 was a reliable biomarker of asthma, whereas Phl p 12 of oral allergy syndrome. Sensitization to Phl p 7 was associated with a higher severity of SARg, and complex profiles were associated with longer disease duration.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large pediatric population, the complexity of IgE sensitization profiles against P. pratense molecules is related to high atopic features although useless for predicting the clinical severity. The detection of serum IgE to Phl p 1, Phl p 7, and Phl p 12 can be used as clinical biomarkers of SARg and comorbidities. Further studies in different areas are required to test the impact of different IgE molecular profiles on AIT response.

Endotypes of pollen-food syndrome in children with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: a molecular classification

BACKGROUND

Pollen-food syndrome (PFS) is heterogeneous with regard to triggers, severity, natural history, comorbidities, and response to treatment. Our study aimed to classify different endotypes of PFS based on IgE sensitization to panallergens.

METHODS

We examined 1271 Italian children (age 4-18 years) with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR). Foods triggering PFS were acquired by questionnaire. Skin prick tests were performed with commercial pollen extracts. IgE to panallergens Phl p 12 (profilin), Bet v 1 (PR-10), and Pru p 3 (nsLTP) were tested by ImmunoCAP FEIA. An unsupervised hierarchical agglomerative clustering method was applied within PFS population.

RESULTS

PFS was observed in 300/1271 children (24%). Cluster analysis identified five PFS endotypes linked to panallergen IgE sensitization: (i) cosensitization to ≥2 panallergens ('multi-panallergen PFS'); (ii-iv) sensitization to either profilin, or nsLTP, or PR-10 ('mono-panallergen PFS'); (v) no sensitization to panallergens ('no-panallergen PFS'). These endotypes showed peculiar characteristics: (i) 'multi-panallergen PFS': severe disease with frequent allergic comorbidities and multiple offending foods; (ii) 'profilin PFS': oral allergy syndrome (OAS) triggered by Cucurbitaceae; (iii) 'LTP PFS': living in Southern Italy, OAS triggered by hazelnut and peanut; (iv) 'PR-10 PFS': OAS triggered by Rosaceae; and (v) 'no-panallergen PFS': mild disease and OAS triggered by kiwifruit.

CONCLUSIONS

In a Mediterranean country characterized by multiple pollen exposures, PFS is a complex and frequent complication of childhood SAR, with five distinct endotypes marked by peculiar profiles of IgE sensitization to panallergens. Prospective studies in cohorts of patients with PFS are now required to test whether this novel classification may be useful for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the clinical practice.

Ultrasound measurement of reproductive organs in juvenile European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax

In this study, ultrasonographic examination was performed thrice, 15 days apart, on juvenile European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax, from 330 to 360 days of age, to assess the size and the morphology of male and female. Results have proved this method as a suitable and non-invasive procedure to assess sexual differentiation.

A rare case of deradelphus cephalo-thoracoomphalopagus in lamb

Male cross-breed lamb conjoined twins were sent for examination. The twins came from a farm located in the outskirts of Palermo. The twins were spontaneously delivered and found dead by the farmer. X-ray examination and necropsy were performed. The deformity was identified as deradelphus cephalo-thoracoomphalopagus. This condition has never been reported in veterinary literature. Our case reports of male conjoined twins characterized by two separated hearts with their own pericardial sacs and two separated livers. These findings represent a rare condition in conjoined twinning.

Use of laparoscopy for the evaluation of the reproductive status of tench (Tinca tinca)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of laparoscopy for the assessment of the reproductive tract and stage of gonadal development of the tench (Tinca tinca). Laparoscopy was carried out from February to March 2009, on 30 anesthetized tenchs, 15 males and 15 females, of approximately 250 g bodyweight and 30 cm length, using a 1.9-mm rigid cystoscope. Male and female gonads, attached to the swim bladder, were visualized. Testes were orange with a striped appearance. Mature ovaries were cluster-shaped and whitish. Histological samples were collected, from the reproductive organs of both the sexes, with a forceps and showed the presence of gametes at different stages of maturity. The application of this minimally invasive diagnostic imaging technique could clinically be used as a powerful tool to evaluate the gender and to establish the reproductive status of tench and other fish.

A case of unilateral pelvic limb adactyly in a puppy dog

A case of unilateral hindlimb adactyly is described in a 3-month-old female Pointer dog. Clinical and radiographic findings are described. Adactyly or transverse hemimelia is a rare condition in most animal species. In dogs, this condition has been reported only three times as a deformity of the forelimb. To the authors' knowledge, the congenital pelvic limb deformity described here is the first case documented in a dog.

Evidence for a putative flavonoid translocator similar to mammalian bilitranslocase in grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.) during ripening

During maturation, Vitis vinifera berries accumulate a large amount of several anthocyanins in the epidermal tissue, whereas their precursors and intermediates are ubiquitously synthesized within the fruit. Up to date, several mechanisms of flavonoid transport at subcellular level have been hypothesized, but it is not possible to identify a general model applicable in every plant tissue and organ. Recently, a putative anthocyanin carrier, homologue to mammalian bilitranslocase (BTL) (TC 2.A.65.1.1), was found in Dianthus caryophyllus petal microsomes. In the present paper, an immunohistochemical and immunochemical analysis, using an antibody raised against a BTL epitope, evidences the expression and function of such a transporter in V. vinifera berries (cv. Merlot). Specific localisations of the putative carrier within berry tissues together with expression changes during different developmental stages are shown. Water stress induces an increase in protein expression in both skin and pulp samples. A bromosulfalein (BSP) uptake activity, inhibitable by the BTL antibody, is detected in berry mesocarp microsomes, with K (m) = 2.39 microM BSP and V (max) = 0.29 micromol BSP min(-1) mg(-1) protein. This BSP uptake is also competitively inhibited by quercetin (K (i) = 4 microM). A putative role for this carrier is discussed in relation to the membrane transport of secondary metabolites.

Incomplete caudal duplication in a puppy: gross and radiological observations

Caudal duplication is a rare type of conjoined twinning. The aim of this case report is to describe a case of caudal duplication in a male crossbreed puppy. The puppy was macroscopically and radiographically examined after death. External features included a supernumerary limb projecting from the perineum, complete lack of tail, anal atresia, double penis and absence of scrotal sacs. Internal examination showed anomalies involving the intestine and the urinary system. At x-ray examination, the supernumerary limb showed features similar to that of the normal right hindlimb but showed absence of fibula and tibia and presence of three metatarsi and phalanges. The authors discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of this condition, infrequently reported in veterinary practice, pointing out the importance of embryonic duplications commonly associated with dystocia.

Allogeneic stem cell transplant from HLA-identical sibling for chronic granulomatous disease and review of the literature

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by an abnormal function of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in the phagocytic cells, which results in an increased susceptibility to severe bacterial and fungal infections. We report on a 12-year-old boy with X-linked CGD who was successfully treated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling following a conditioning regimen consisting of busulphan (BU, 16 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (CY, 200 mg/kg). At >2 years from transplant, the boy is in excellent clinical and hematological condition with full chimerism. Our patient is the 24th case of CGD transplanted from an HLA-identical sibling. A review of the literature revealed that 20 of 24 CGD patients are alive and disease free 1-7 years after transplant. Most of these patients were conditioned with the BUCY combination, which should be considered the recommended regimen.

Cyclosporin A induces the opening of a potassium-selective channel in higher plant mitochondria

The immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporin A (CsA), induces the generation of a transmembrane electrical potential difference (deltapsi) in deenergized plant mitochondria incubated in sucrose-based media. Build up of deltapsi is prevented by external monovalent cations in the order K+ > Rb+ = Li+ > Na+, or by the protonophore carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, which also collapses the deltapsi generated by CsA. Entry of K+ into mitochondria can be monitored as swelling by incubating the organelles in a medium containing KCl to maintain constant osmolarity. This swelling is inhibited by ATP and stimulated by CsA or valinomycin. In addition, in mitochondria energized by succinate, KCl causes a dissipation of deltapsi, with sigmoidal kinetics, which is favored by CsA. Therefore, plant mitochondria appear to possess a K+ selective, voltage-dependent channel, which is opened by CsA, regulated by the redox state, and inhibited by nucleotides. The hypothetical roles of this new K+ATP channel are discussed in relation to its potential involvement in mitochondrial volume regulation, thermogenesis, apoptosis, and/or prevention of reactive oxygen species formation in plants.

The role of mild uncoupling and non-coupled respiration in the regulation of hydrogen peroxide generation by plant mitochondria

The roles of mild uncoupling caused by free fatty acids (mediated by plant uncoupling mitochondrial protein (PUMP) and ATP/ADP carrier (AAC)) and non-coupled respiration (alternative oxidase (AO)) on H(2)O(2) formation by plant mitochondria were examined. Both laurate and oleate prevent H(2)O(2) formation dependent on the oxidation of succinate. Conversely, these free fatty acids (FFA) only slightly affect that dependent on malate plus glutamate oxidation. Carboxyatractylate (CAtr), an inhibitor of AAC, completely inhibits oleate- or laurate-stimulated oxygen consumption linked to succinate oxidation, while GDP, an inhibitor of PUMP, caused only a 30% inhibition. In agreement, CAtr completely restores the oleate-inhibited H(2)O(2) formation, while GDP induces only a 30% restoration. Both oleate and laurate cause a mild uncoupling of the electrical potential (generated by succinate), which is then followed by a complete collapse with a sigmoidal kinetic. FFA also inhibit the succinate-dependent reverse electron transfer. Diamide, an inhibitor of AO, favors the malate plus glutamate-dependent H(2)O(2) formation, while pyruvate (a stimulator of AO) inhibits it. These results show that the succinate-dependent H(2)O(2) formation occurs at the level of Complex I by a reverse electron transport. This generation appears to be prevented by mild uncoupling mediated by FFA. The anionic form of FFA appears to be shuttled by AAC rather than PUMP. The malate plus glutamate-dependent H(2)O(2) formation is, conversely, mainly prevented by non-coupled respiration (AO).

Lipoxygenase activity on the plasmalemma of sunflower protoplasts and its modulation

A lipoxygenase (EC 1.13.11.12) activity on the plasmalemma of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) protoplasts and its possible modulation by regulatory molecules were investigated. The activity was followed as both linolenic acid-dependent conjugated diene formation and oxygen uptake. Protoplasts exhibited a lipoxygenase activity inhibited by propyl gallate, salicylhydroxamic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene, and stimulated by the addition of CaCl2, H2O2 and ATP. The stimulation by CaCl2 and H2O2 was evident up to 1.5 mM and 5 nM, respectively. Higher concentrations of H2O2 caused a lower extent of stimulation and then became inhibitory. The stimulatory effect of CaCl2 was prevented by chelators (EGTA or EDTA), a Ca2+ channel blocker (gadolinium oxide) or a Ca2+ ionophore (A23187). Negligible lipoxygenase was released from protoplasts after 6 h incubation in 3.6 mM MES-Tris (pH 5.6), 0.5 M glycine betaine and 1 mM CaCl2, whereas mechanical disruption of cell integrity, liberating soluble lipoxygenase, strongly increased such an activity. However, microsomal membranes obtained from hypocotyls still retained a part of this activity which was also recovered in a highly purified plasma membrane preparation.

Isolation of the catalytic subunit of a membrane-bound H(+)-pyrophosphatase from pea stem mitochondria

The catalytic subunit of a membrane-bound pyrophosphatase was purified by electroendosmotic preparative electrophoresis from etiolated pea stem mitochondria. The enzyme was identified as a single peak relatively pure, because only a very limited number of polypeptides were detectable by SDS/PAGE of the active fractions. The pyrophosphatase was associated to a band with a molecular mass of 35 kDa, showing a specific activity of 0.7 mumol Pi . mg-1 protein . min-1 (37 degrees C, pH 8.0) and an apparent Km value of 200 microM. The hydrolytic activity required Mg2+, was inhibited by imidodiphosphate (HNO6P2Na4), Ca2+, F- and was stimulated by phospholipids. Cardiolipin, phophatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine had the maximal activating effect. The isolated protein is very similar to the catalytic subunit of pyrophosphatases isolated from rat liver (beta-subunit) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria.

Lipoxygenase activity associated to isolated soybean plasma membranes

Highly purified soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) plasma membranes exhibit a lipoxygenase activity with a pH optimum in the acidic (5.5-6.0) range and with a Km value of 200 microM for both linolenic and linoleic acids. This activity is inhibited by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) and propyl gallate, stimulated by CaCl2 up to 0.25 mM, H2O2 (5 to 10 nM range) and by some nucleotide triphosphates (125 to 1000 nM range) in the following order ATP > GTP = UTP > CTP. The enzyme is not released by treatment of the membranes with 0.05% Brij 58 and its activity is approx. 65% inhibited by the impermeant p-chloromercuryphenyl-sulfonate only in 0.01% Triton X-100-treated membrane vesicles. These results indicate that soybean cells have an acid lipoxygenase, associated to the plasmalemma, with the catalytic site on the cytoplasmic surface. It may be distinguished from the soluble counterpart, because the latter is not stimulated by nucleotide triphosphates. The plasma membrane vesicles also show a lipoxygenase, active in the alkaline (9.0-9.5) range, inhibited by NDGA, SHAM and propyl gallate, stimulated by H2O2, but with a lower Km value (60 microM) and less sensitive to calcium stimulation than the acidic one. The possible involvement of acid lipoxygenase in senescence and in the response of plant cells to wounding and pathogen infection is discussed.

ATP/ADP antiporter is involved in uncoupling of plant mitochondria induced by low concentrations of palmitate

Carboxyatractyloside partially restored the transmembrane electrical potential difference (delta psi) dissipated by low concentrations of palmitate in pea stem mitochondria. This effect was more marked when mitochondria from sunflower were assayed. It is suggested that the ATP/ADP translocator is involved in the free fatty acid-induced uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in plant mitochondria, only when its level is sufficiently high and the concentration of the fatty acid is low to collapse only partially the delta psi.

ATP/ADP antiporter is involved in uncoupling of plant mitochondria induced by low concentrations of palmitate

Carboxyatractyloside partially restored the transmembrane electrical potential difference (delta psi) dissipated by low concentrations of palmitate in pea stem mitochondria. This effect was more marked when mitochondria from sunflower were assayed. It is suggested that the ATP/ADP translocator is involved in the free fatty acid-induced uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in plant mitochondria, only when its level is sufficiently high and the concentration of the fatty acid is low to collapse only partially delta psi.

Relationship between cotinine levels, household and personal smoking habit and season in 9-14 year old children

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of salivary cotinine levels with individual and household smoking habits and with the season in a sample (n = 146) of Italian schoolchildren aged 9-14 yrs. Active smoking and environmental tobacco smoke were measured by means of a confidential standardized interview with each participating child and by a self-reported questionnaire administered to the parents. Saliva samples were obtained twice: during winter from all children and during spring from a randomly selected subgroup. "Active smokers" were significantly more likely to be males and to live with smoking family members. Frequency of detectable cotinine both in "nonsmokers" and "active smokers" was significantly correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked by household members. However, for any level of smoking by parents detectable cotinine was more likely to be found in "active smokers" than in "nonsmokers". In "nonsmokers", the proportion of subjects with detectable cotinine decreased significantly in spring compared to winter, a finding not observed in "active smokers". In conclusion, we have demonstrated that passive smoking produces most effect in winter, and is linked to the amount and style of the parents' smoking, mainly related to smoking in presence of children. Conversely, salivary cotinine detected in spring appears to be derived mainly from active smoking.

[Role of digestive endoscopy in the diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasis. Presentation of 2 cases]

This article describes two new cases of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: the first one refers to a 10-years-old girl, who failed to thrive, while the second one was discovered in a 19-months-old female infant, who presented with anasarca. In both cases gastroduodenal endoscopy allow us to put the diagnosis, revealing the presence of the typical duodenal lesions, due to dilatation of the lymphatic vessels and loss of the lymph. The typical endoscopic features found in both cases are here described; at the same time, the major role of the intestinal biopsy via endoscopic route is outlined, since this is the only method which allow to perform targeted biopsies.

Generation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide at the surface of plant cells

In addition to well-known cell wall peroxidases, there is now evidence for the presence of this enzyme at the plasma membrane of the plant cells (surface peroxidase). Both are able to catalyze, through a chain of reactions involving the superoxide anion, the oxidation of NADH to generate hydrogen peroxide. The latter is oxidized by other wall-bound peroxidases to convert cinnamoyl alcohols into radical forms, which, then polymerize to generate lignin. However, there are other enzymes at the surface of plasma membranes capable of generating hydrogen peroxide (cell wall polyamine oxidase), superoxide anion (plasma membrane Turbo reductase), or both (plasma membrane flavoprotein?). These enzymes utilize NAD(P)H as a substrate. The Turbo reductase and the flavoprotein catalyze the univalent reduction of Fe3+ and then of O2 to produce Fe2+ and O2-., respectively. The superoxide anion, in the acidic environment of the cell wall, may then dismutate to H2O2. These superoxide anion- and hydrogen peroxide-generating systems are discussed in relation to their possible involvement in physiological and pathological processes in the apoplast of plant cells.

NAD(P)H oxidation elicits anion superoxide formation in radish plasmalemma vesicles

Radish plasmalemma-enriched fractions show an NAD(P)H-ferricyanide or NAD(P)H-cytochrome c oxidoreductase activity which is not influenced by pH in the 4.5-7.5 range. In addition, at pH 4.5-5.0, NAD(P)H elicits an oxygen consumption (NAD(P)H oxidation) inhibited by catalase or superoxide dismutase (SOD), added either before or after NAD(P)H addition. Ferrous ions stimulate NAD(P)H oxidation, which is again inhibited by SOD and catalase. Hydrogen peroxide does not stimulate NADH oxidation, while it does stimulate Fe2+-induced NADH oxidation. NADH oxidation is unaffected by salicylhydroxamic acid and Mn2+, is stimulated by ferulic acid, and inhibited by KCN, EDTA and ascorbic acid. Moreover, NADH induces the conversion of epinephrine to adrenochrome, indicating that anion superoxide is formed during its oxidation. These results provide evidence that radish plasma membranes contain an NAD(P)H-ferricyanide or cytochrome c oxidoreductase and an NAD(P)H oxidase, active only at pH 4.5-5.0, able to induce the formation of anion superoxide, that is then converted to hydrogen peroxide. Ferrous ions, sparking a Fenton reaction, would stimulate NAD(P)H oxidation.

A genetic basis for heterogeneity of asthma syndrome in pediatric ages: adenosine deaminase phenotypes

Wheezing in children is characterized by at least two major syndromes: "wheezing associated with respiratory infections" and "atopic asthma." The distinction between these two forms is not easy as similarities exist between them. The purpose of this study was to try to differentiate between them. We determined the phenotype of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in 291 children ages 1 mo to 15 yr who had been affected by attacks of wheezing recently requiring clinical attention. The results demonstrated that the frequency of 2-1 ADA phenotype was significantly reduced in wheezers compared to control subjects. Among wheezers, the 2-1 ADA phenotype was normally represented under 5 yr of age but was particularly rare among asthmatic children 5 to 15 yr old. Thus ADA phenotypes may represent a genetic basis for some of the heterogeneity of the asthma syndromes in children.

Effect of zearalenone (F-2) on pea stem, maize root, and rat liver mitochondria

At 5 and 10 μg ml(-1) concentration, zearalenone (F-2), a mycotoxin produced by a number of species of the genus Fusarium, causes an inhibition of the oxidative phosphorylation of isolated plant mitochondria, while at 20 and 40 μg ml(-1) it causes uncoupling. However, when the mitochondria are pre-incubated for 20 min with F-2, the uncoupling appears to be the prevailing effect. F-2 is also able to inhibit the mitochondrial ATPase activity (Mg(2+)-dependent). Conversely, F-2 (40 μg ml(-1)) does not alter the ATP level of maize roots and only slightly affects the ATPase activity of pea stem and maize root microsomal fractions. In addition, F-2 (10-40 μg ml(-1)) inhibits ATP synthesis catalyzed by rat liver mitochondria. It is suggested that the phytotoxicity of F-2, also known for its ability to collapse the transmembrane electric potential of maize roots, may be mainly linked to its ability to increase the proton permeability of the cell, similar to the common uncouplers.

The role of IgE in childhood asthma

The influence of age and sex has been in 208 asthmatic children on the basis of the following parameters: total serum IgE concentration (RIST), serum concentration of specific IgE antibodies (RAST), and positive prick tests against Dermatophagoides Pleronissynus, grasses, and Alternaria Tenuis. The results indicate that all these parameters are significantly influenced by age. Arithmetic values for RIST show a significant difference between the sexes which is obscured by logarithmic calculation. The data strongly suggest that IgE antibodies cannot be considered the main mechanism by which asthma is produced in small children.

Lipid peroxidation induced by cercosporin as a possible determinant of its toxicity

The photodynamic action of cercosporin was assayed in various kinds of natural and artificial membranes. Cerosporin induces lipoperoxidation of liposomes, rat liver and pea internode mitochondria and microsomes, estimated both as malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and O2 consumption. Cercosporin-induced lipoperoxidation is inhibited by either singlet oxygen quenchers, free radical trapping agents or EDTA. Superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals (.OH) are not involved in the activity of cercosporin. In addition cercosporin, by chelating iron, lowers the lipoperoxidation induced by such a metal. Therefore cercosporin stimulates, through singlet oxygen production, the hydroperoxide formation but, at the same time, it inhibits the continuation of the iron-mediated free radical chain. The present results suggest that cellular lipid peroxidation has a certain relevance to toxic activity of cercosporin.

Effect of Curvularia lunata phytotoxin on membrane permeability of corn roots

Corn roots exposed to the Curvularia lunata phytotoxin show a decreased ability to absorb and to retain rubidium, sulphate, and leucine compared with control roots. The phytotoxin also decreased the amount of the amino acid incorporation into protein, whereas respiration was only slightly affected. The effect on active transport was more pronounced and rapid than loss of ions and inhibition of protein synthesis. The data suggest that the phytotoxin causes a general plasma membrane derangement similar to that caused by other phytotoxins, which results in a depression of the active transport, reflected in an inhibition of precursors of proteins and in a loss of ions. The toxin is to be regarded as a specific membrane poison.