Systemic and local eosinophil inflammation during the birch pollen season in allergic patients with predominant rhinitis or asthma

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate inflammation during the birch pollen season in patients with rhinitis or asthma.

Methods

Subjects with birch pollen asthma (n = 7) or rhinitis (n = 9) and controls (n = 5) were studied before and during pollen seasons. Eosinophils (Eos), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and human neutrophil lipocalin were analysed.

Results

Allergic asthmatics had a larger decline in FEV1 after inhaling hypertonic saline than patients with rhinitis (median) (-7.0 vs.-0.4%, p = 0.02). The asthmatics had a lower sesonal PEFR than the rhinitis group. The seasonal increase in B-Eos was higher among patients with asthma (+0.17 × 109/L) and rhinitis (+0.27 × 109/L) than among controls (+0.01 × 109/L, p = 0.01). Allergic asthmatics and patients with rhinitis had a larger increase in sputum ECP (+2180 and +310 μg/L) than the controls (-146 μg/L, p = 0.02). No significant differences in inflammatory parameters were found between the two groups of allergic patients.

Conclusion

Patients with allergic asthma and rhinitis have the same degree of eosinophil inflammation. Despite this, only the asthmatic group experienced an impairment in lung function during the pollen season.     

Minor pollinosis fromCryptomeria japonica in Varese,northern Italy. Aerobiological monitoring and main clinical features

In the last 2 years we have conducted an aerobiological monitoring program ofCryptomeria japonica, a plant belonging to the family of Taxodiaceae that sometimes causes pollinosis in the period from February to April. Throughout 1994, we checked the incidence of its sensitization and the clinical effects in 85 subjects with correlated seasonal symptoms, who gave a positive skin prick test (SPT) for Betulaceae and/or Corylaceae. Twenty-five patients (29.4%; 19 M; 6 F; mean age, 38.8 years) all with oculorhinitis, were SPT positive to an allergenic extract ofCryptomeria. RAST confirmed this positivity in 44% of the cases. No patients showed monosensitization forCryptomeria to either SPT or RAST. Two subjects gave a positive result on specific nasal provocation. RAST inhibition showed no cross-reaction betweenCryptomeria and birch pollen. During the pollen season each patient made a list, scoring symptoms and specifying any drugs used, so we could correlate these elements with aerobiological observations. The pollen concentration probably exceeded the allergizing threshold forCryptomeria on 8 days during 3 months of recording. The intensity and duration of symptoms seemed to be mainly influenced by sensitization to Betulaceae and Corylaceae. It is thus possible that a combination of minor pollinosis may produce seasonal symptoms in allergic patients.     

Regulation of the High Affinity IgE Receptor (FcεRI) in Human Neutrophils: Role of Seasonal Allergen Exposure and Th-2 Cytokines

The high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, plays a key role in the immunological pathways involved in allergic asthma. Previously we have demonstrated that human neutrophils isolated from allergic asthmatics express a functional FcεRI, and therefore it was of importance to examine the factors regulating its expression. In this study, we found that neutrophils from allergic asthmatics showed increased expression of FcεRI-α chain surface protein, total protein and mRNA compared with those from allergic non asthmatics and healthy donors (p<0.001). Interestingly, in neutrophils isolated from allergic asthmatics, FcεRI-α chain surface protein and mRNA expression were significantly greater during the pollen season than outside the pollen season (n = 9, P = 0.001), an effect which was not observed either in the allergic non asthmatic group or the healthy donors (p>0.05). Allergen exposure did not affect other surface markers of neutrophils such as CD16/FcγRIII or IL-17R. In contrast to stimulation with IgE, neutrophils incubated with TH2 cytokines IL-9, GM-CSF, and IL-4, showed enhanced FcεRI-α chain surface expression. In conclusion, these results suggest that enhanced FcεRI expression in human neutrophils from allergic asthmatics during the pollen season can make them more susceptible to the biological effects of IgE, providing a possible new mechanism by which neutrophils contribute to allergic asthma.     

Self-incompatibility in the nitrogen-fixing tree,Acacia retinodes: quantitative cytology of pollen tube growth

Summary A 10×10 diallel of crosses involving trees in two natural populations of A. retinodes (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) showed a high level of self-incompatibility, with ISI (Index of Self-Incompatibility) of 0.08. In both self- and cross pollinations, pollen tubes grew through the style to the ovules within 11 h. Tube growth rate is approximately similar in both types of mating: 3.3 to 4.5 m/min for the first 6 h, and 1.2 to 2.0 m/min for the succeeding 5 h. Three potential explanations for self incompatibility are proposed: (1) an S-gene controlled system in which pollen tubes are arrested in the nucellus of the ovule; (2) sperm: egg interactions at fertilization and (3) action of post-zygotic lethal genes.     

Minor pollinosis fromCryptomeria japonica in Varese,northern Italy. Aerobiological monitoring and main clinical features

In the last 2 years, we have conducted an aerobiological monitoring program ofCryptomeria japonica, a plant belonging to the family of Taxodiaceae that sometimes causes pollinosis in the period from February to April. Throughout 1994, we checked the incidence of its sensitization and the clinical effects in 85 subjects with correlated seasonal symptoms, who gave a positive skin prick test (SPT) for Betulaceae and/or Corylaceae. Twenty-five patients (29.4%; 19 M; 6 F; mean age, 38.8 years) all with oculorhinitis, were SPT positive to an allergenic extract ofCryptomeria. RAST confirmed this positivity in 44% of the cases. No patients showed monosensitization forCryptomeria to either SPT or RAST. Two subjects gave a positive result on specific nasal provocation. RAST inhibition showed no cross-reaction betweenCryptomeria and birch pollen. During the pollen season each patient made a list, scoring symptoms and specifying any drugs used, so we could correlate these elements with aerobiological observations. The pollen concentration probably exceeded the allergizing threshold forCryptomeria on 8 days during 3 months of recording. The intensity and duration of symptoms seemed to be mainly influenced by sensitization to Betulaceae and Corylaceae. It is thus possible that a combination of ‘minor’ pollinosis may produce seasonal symptoms in allergic patients.     

Longueur du chromosome Y,intelligence et comportement dans une population de médico-légaux

Summary The Y/F ratio was established in 128 mentally disordered offenders in a maximum security hospital. The 50 Y/F 0.90 subjects were compared with the 78 Y/F<0.90 subjects as regards intelligence and behaviour. With the exception of the highest frequency of intelligence quotients lower than 70 in the criminal patients Y/F 0.90, no statistical correlation exists to support the theory of a relation between a long Y chromosome and the type of psychiatric (psychopathy, psychosis) or criminality diagnosis.

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To whom offprint requests should be sent     

Structure,composition and species diversity in an altitude-substrate matrix of rain forest tree communities on Mount Kinabalu,Borneo

We studied forest structure, composition and tree species diversity of eight plots in an environmental matrix of four altitudes (700, 1700, 2700 and 3100 m) and two types of geological substrates (ultrabasic and non-ultrabasic rocks) on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo. On both substrate series, forest stature, mean leaf area and tree species diversity (both 4.8 cm and 10 cm diameter at breast height [dbh]) decreased with altitude. The two forests on the different substrate series were similar at 700 m in structure, generic and familial composition and tree species diversity, but became dissimilar with increasing altitude. The decline in stature with altitude was steeper on the ultrabasic substrates than on the non-ultrabasic substrates, and tree species diversity was generally lower on ultrabasic substrates than on non-ultrabasic substrates at 1700 m. The forests on non-ultrabasic substrates at higher altitudes and those on ultrabasic substrates at the lower altitudes were similar in dbh versus tree height allometry, mean leaf area, and generic and familial composition at 1700 m. These contrasting patterns in forest structure and composition between the two substrate series suggested that altitudinal change was compressed on the ultrabasic substrates compared to the non-ultrabasic substrates. Tree species diversity was correlated with maximum tree height and estimated aboveground biomass, but was not with basal area, among the eight study sites. We suggest that forests with higher tree species diversity are characterized by greater biomass allocation to height growth relative to trunk diameter growth under more productive environment than forests with lower tree species diversity.     

Increasing precision in randomised field experiments: barnacle microtopography as a predictor of Littorina abundance

We investigated whether measurements of barnacle microtopography could be used as covariates to increase precision in randomised field experiments with intertidal Littorina populations. We used image analysis to quantify the microtopography of the barnacles within 100 cm2 quadrats in July 1994 using as variables: number of barnacles, number of dead empty barnacles, mean distance to nearest neighbouring barnacle, total area covered by barnacles, and number of pockets of different size-classes [extra-small (< 0.15 cm2), small (0.15 and < 0.30 cm2), medium ( 0.30 and < 0.45 cm2), large ( 0.45 and < 0.60 cm2), and extra-large (0.60 cm2)] at least 75% surrounded by barnacles. We then used these variables to predict the abundance of Littorina spp. in the same quadrat. Two variables: the number of extra-small pockets and the number of small pockets accounted for 50% of the variation in total littorinid snail abundance among quadrats for January 1995 and for 47% of the variation for August 1994 but for only 16% of the variation for June 1994. However the single variable, the number of barnacles, accounted for 29–36% of the variation in snail abundance on these dates and can be measured without special equipment. The best combination of covariates was the number of extra-small pockets alone. The number of extra-small pockets between barnacles may be influencing the snail abundance by providing a refuge from wave shock and heat stress/desiccation. We suggest that the availability of these refuges among the barnacles could act as a density-dependent regulator of the total population size of a particular species of Littorina.     

In vitro plant regeneration from leaves and internode sections of sweet cherry cultivars (Prunus avium L.)

Regeneration of adventitious shoots from leaves and, for the first time, from internode sections were compared and optimized for five economically important sweet cherry cultivars, i.e. Schneiders, Sweetheart, Starking Hardy Giant, Kordia and Regina (Prunus avium L.). The influence of basal media, carbon source, combination and dosage of phytohormones, ethylene inhibitor such as silver thiosulfate and a 16 h:8 h light:dark photoperiod versus complete darkness were evaluated. Both, DKW/WPM (1:1) and Quoirin/Lepoivre (QL) basal media stimulated organogenesis more than QL/WPM (1:1), Chee and Pool (CP), Murashige Skoog (MS), Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW) or woody plant (WPM) media did. An induction phase in darkness resulted in lower or zero regeneration rates. The best regeneration efficiencies were generally obtained with thidiazuron in combination with indole-3-butyric-acid. The addition of silver thiosulfate resulted in a similar or reduced regeneration efficiency. Significant genotypic variability in adventitious bud formation was evident for both explant sources, leaf and internode section. Adventitious shoots were obtained from 11% of leaf explants and 50% of internode sections indicating that shoot regeneration from internodes was significantly more efficient than from leaves.     

Influence of sex, age and season on the feeding habits of the flatfish Solea senegalensis

Synopsis The Senegal sole Solea senegalensis is a commercially valuable fish and it is beginning to be cultured, in an extensive way, in fish farms in southern European countries. Little is known about its feeding habits, unlike other Solea species such as the common sole Solea solea. This paper studies the feeding habits of a wild population of Senegal sole. Differences according to sex, age and season were statistically analyzed. A total of 376 fish, aged between two and six years old, were studied over a single year. Twenty eight different families of prey were identified, belonging, in order of abundance, to crustaceans, polychaetes and molluscs. The Senegal sole trophic profile (preys items with a Simpson's dominance index 2) was: Glyceridae, Nephtydidae, Onuphidae, Apseudidae, Ampeliscidae and Upogebiidae. Feeding habits of Senegal sole were significantly influenced by sex, age and season, with crustaceans being the prey most affected.This paper is dedicated to the memory of Daniel Ray Ogilvie. who died 7 January 1995.     

A metabolomic,geographic, and seasonal analysis of the contribution of pollen-derived adenosine to allergic sensitization

Background

Studies on ragweed and birch pollen extracts suggested that the adenosine content is an important factor in allergic sensitization. However, exposure levels from other pollens and considerations of geographic and seasonal factors have not been evaluated.

Objective

This study compared the metabolite profile of pollen species important for allergic disease, specifically measured the adenosine content, and evaluated exposure to pollen-derived adenosine.

Methods

An NMR metabolomics approach was used to measure metabolite concentrations in 26 pollen extracts. Pollen count data was analyzed from five cities to model exposure.

Results

A principal component analysis of the various metabolites identified by NMR showed that pollen extracts could be differentiated primarily by sugar content: glucose, fructose, sucrose, and myo-inositol. In extracts of 10 mg of pollen/ml, the adenosine was highest for grasses (45 µM) followed by trees (23 µM) and weeds (19 µM). Pollen count data showed that tree pollen was typically 5–10 times the amount of other pollens. At the daily peaks of tree, grass, and weed season the pollen-derived adenosine exposure per day is likely to be only 1.1, 0.11, and 0.12 µg, respectively. Seasonal models of pollen exposure and respiration suggest that it would be a rare event limited to tree pollen season for concentrations of pollen-derived adenosine to approach physiological levels.

Conclusion

Sugar content and other metabolites may be useful in classifying pollens. Unless other factors create localized exposures that are very different from these models, pollen-derived adenosine is unlikely to be a major factor in allergic sensitization.

     

Up-regulation of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in allergic rhinitis

Background

Toll-like receptors enable the host to recognize a large number of pathogen-associated molecular patterns such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide, viral RNA, CpG-containing DNA and flagellin. Toll-like receptors have also been shown to play a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. The role of Toll-like receptors as a primary part of our microbe defense system has been shown in several studies, but their possible function as mediators in allergy and asthma remains to be established. The present study was designed to examine the expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in the nasal mucosa of patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis, focusing on changes induced by exposure to pollen.

Methods

27 healthy controls and 42 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis volunteered for the study. Nasal biopsies were obtained before and during pollen season as well as before and after allergen challenge. The seasonal material was used for mRNA quantification of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 with real-time polymerase chain reaction, whereas specimens achieved in conjunction with allergen challenge were used for immunohistochemical localization and quantification of corresponding proteins.

Results

mRNA and protein representing Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 could be demonstrated in all specimens. An increase in protein expression for all three receptors could be seen following allergen challenge, whereas a significant increase of mRNA only could be obtained for Toll-like receptor 3 during pollen season.

Conclusion

The up-regulation of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in the nasal mucosa of patients with symptomatic allergic rhinitis supports the idea of a role for Toll-like receptors in allergic airway inflammation.     

Genetics of α-amylases from rye endosperm

Summary Fifteen inbred lines of rye, F₁ and F₂ progenies from crosses between lines were studied using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Conventional genetic analysis of -amylase zymograms showed that the 19 bands detected in the endosperm of germinating caryopses were controlled by three linked structural loci and one independent modifying locus, which influenced the electrophoretic mobility of isozymes. Two codominant alleles were found at the -Amy1, -Amy2 structural loci and the M--Amy modifying locus while the -Amy3 locus had three alleles. Double-banded expression of the -amylase alleles was probably due to the simultaneous presence of modified and unmodified forms of isozymes on the zymogram.This work was supported by Polish Academy of Sciences under project MR-II/7 and was also a part of the author's PhD Thesis     

Seven members of the (1→3)-β-glucanase gene family in barley (Hordeum vulgare) are clustered on the long arm of chromosome 3 (3HL)

Members of the (13)--glucan glucanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.39) gene family have been mapped on the barley genome using three doubled haploid populations and seven wheat-barley addition lines. Specific probes or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were generated for the seven barley (13)--glucanase genes for which cDNA or genomic clones are currently available. The seven genes are all located on the long arm of chromosome 3 (3HL), and genes encoding isoenzymes GI, GII, GIII, GIV, GV and GVII (ABG2) are clustered in a region less than 20 cM in length. The region is flanked by the RFLP marker MWG2099 on the proximal side and the Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) resistance gene ym4 at the distal end. The gene encoding isoenzyme GVI lies approximately 50 cM outside this cluster, towards the centromere. With the exception of the gene encoding isoenzyme GIV, all of the (13)--glucanase genes are represented by single copies on the barley genome. The probe for the isoenzyme GIV gene hybridized with four DNA bands during Southern blot analysis, only one of which could be incorporated into the consensus linkage map.     

Concentration/response effect of 2,2′, 4,4′, 5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl on cell-cell communication in vitro: assessment by fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (“FRAP”)

Inhibition of gap junction-mediated cell-cell communication might be a mechanism for several types of cellular dysfunctions, including tumor promotion. Although many different assays have been designed to measure gap junction-mediated intercellular communication, we applied a new technique, termed Fluorescence Redistribution After Photobleaching (FRAP), to assess the ability of a known tumor promoter, 2,2, 4,4, 5,5-hexabromobiphenyl (245-HBB), to inhibit cell-cell communication in a concentration-dependent manner. WB-F344 (rat epithelial) cells were plated at low density, exposed to noncytotoxic concentrations of 1, 5, or 20 µg 245-HBB/ml medium, and stained with 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate. Single cells in pairs or clusters of touching cells in each exposure group were examined with FRAP. The results revealed an inverse correlation between the degree offluorescence redistribution in photobleached cells and the concentration of 245-HBB. Therefore, FRAP appears to be a sensitive and rapid technique for determining complete or partial inhibition of chemically induced intercellular communication in vitro. These results also provide further evidence for the ability of 245-HBB to inhibit gap junction-mediated cell-cell communication in a concentration-dependent manner.Abbreviations 6-CFDA 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate - FRAP fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching - 245-HBB 2,2, 4,4, 5,5-hexabromobiphenyl Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station journal article No. 12531.     

Seasonal distribution of airborne pollen in Manila,Philippines, and the effect of meteorological factors to its daily concentrations

Pollen-related allergic diseases are a growing health problem. Thus, information on prevalence of airborne pollen may serve as guide for clinicians to accurately manage allergic diseases. In this study, an aeropalynological survey was conducted from November 2013 to October 2014 in Manila, Philippines, to determine the seasonal distribution of the most prevalent airborne pollen and correlate the influence of meteorological factors on their daily concentrations. A volumetric pollen trap was placed on a rooftop, 21 m above ground level. A total of 5677 pollen grains from 18 pollen types were identified, of which Urticaceae, Cannabaceae, Poaceae and Moraceae were the most prevalent. Other pollen types observed that represented 1 % of the total pollen concentration, in descending order, were Terminalia catappa, Myrtaceae, Muntingia calabura, Verbenaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cyperaceae, Caricaceae and Mimosa sp. Of the total airborne pollen, 87 % were obtained during the dry season (November–May). Pollen concentrations peaked (55 %) during the summer months (March–May), indicating a positive correlation (p < 0.01) between pollen concentration and temperature (maximum and mean). Alternatively, only 13 % of the pollen concentrations were obtained during the wet season (June–October). It was observed that pollen concentrations were negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with rainfall and humidity. As the pollen collection was done for one sampling year, only an approximation of the daily concentration of the pollen types was identified and correlated with meteorological factors. Further data collection is required to generate an accurate pollen calendar for use in allergy studies.     

Preparation of (R)-3-hydroxy-3-alkylbutanolides by biocatalytic hydration of 3-alkyl-2-butenolides using Rhodococcus rhodochrous

Biocatalytic hydration of 3-methyl- or 3-ethyl-2-butenolide with resting cells of Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC 17895 gave the corresponding (R)-3-hydroxy-3-alkylbutanolide in moderate yield and with 95% e.e. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

Lymphocyte responses to food antigens in food sensitive patients with allergic tension-fatigue syndrome

Scores of radio allergosorbent test (BAST) for cow's milk or buckwheat flour and proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to bovine serum albumin and-lactoglobulin or buckwheat flour were measured in cow's milk or buckwheat flour sensitive patients with allergic tension-fatigue syndrome. In all 3 cow's milk sensitive patients with allergic tension-fatigue syndrome, RAST scores for cow's milk were negative or slightly positive, but PBMCs well responded to bovine serum albumin and-lactoglobulin, but not to ovalbumin. In a buckwheat flour sensitive patient with allergic tension-fatigue syndrome, RAST scores for buckwheat flour were negative, but PBMCs well responded to buckwheat flour, but not to ovalbumin, bovine serum albumin and-lactoglobulin. Conversely, in cow's milk or buckwheat flour sensitive patients with immediate allergic symptoms, RAST scores for offending foods were positive although PBMCs did not respond to offending food antigens. These results suggest that proliferative responses of PBMCs to food antigens are very useful for detection of offending foods in allergic tension-fatigue syndrome.     

Detection of heavy-ion-induced DNA double-strand breaks using static-field gel electrophoresis

Radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were measured in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) using an experimental protocol involving static-field gel electrophoresis following exposure to various accelerated ions. Dose-effect curves were set up, and relative biological efficiencies (RBEs) for DSB induction were determined for different radiation qualities. RBEs around 1 were obtained for low energy deuterons (6–7 keV/µm), while for high energy oxygen ions (20keV/µm) an RBE value slightly greater than 1 was determined. Low energetic oxygen ions (LET=250 keV/µm) were found to show RBEs substantially below unity, and for higher LET particles (31 y-250 keVµm) RBEs for DSB induction were generally found to be smaller than 1. The data presented here are in line with the generally accepted view that not induced DSBs, but rather misrepaired or unrepaired DNA lesions are related to cellular inactivation.     

Seasonal development of loblolly pine lateral roots in response to stand density and fertilization

In 1989, two levels each of stand density and fertilization treatments were factorially established in a 9-year-old loblolly pine plantation on a P-deficient Gulf Coastal Plain site in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, USA. In 1995, a second thinning was conducted on the previously thinned plots and fertilizer was re-applied to the previously fertilized plots. The morphology of new long lateral roots was evaluated at 2-week intervals in five Plexiglas rhizotrons per plot of two replications. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonal initiation of six morphological categories of long lateral roots ( 2.5 cm in length) in response to stand density and fertilization. Lateral root development exhibited a seasonal pattern with the initiation of branched lateral roots predominantly occurring in spring and summer. The initiation of non-branched lateral roots occurred throughout the year regardless of season. Stand density did not affect lateral root morphological development. However, fertilization stimulated the initiation of branched lateral roots that were greater than 1 mm in diameter.