Seasonal variation in food allergy to apple

The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of a seasonal variation in reactivity to apples in 27 birch pollen allergic patients. Before and during the birch pollen season 1998, the patients were subjected to double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs) with grated fresh Golden Delicious apple followed by an open food challenge with whole fresh apple. The clinical reactions elicited during the challenges were evaluated both by the patients and the investigators. Moreover, the skin reactivity and the in vitro reactivity to apple were evaluated by skin prick test (SPT), leukocyte histamine release (HR), measurement of specific IgE, and immunoblotting experiments. The sensitivity of the DBPCFC, when compared with the result of the open challenge, was 0.74 (14/19) before the season and 0.80 (16/20) during the season. None of the patients reacted to the blinded challenge without a subsequent reaction to the open challenge. One placebo reaction was registered both before and in season, but not in the same patient. The patient scores of the first positive challenges, and the maximal scores of each combined blinded and open challenge session, were significantly increased during the pollen season (P<0.05). The scores of the open challenge were significantly higher than the scores of the DBPCFC both before the season and during the in-season challenges (P<0.05). Specific IgE against Golden Delicious increased during season (P<0.05), while neither SPT, HR, nor immunoblotting experiments could confirm an increase in reactivity. In conclusion, the results of the oral challenge tests indicated an increase in clinical reactivity to apples during the birch pollen season in birch pollen allergic individuals.     

Albumin — vitamin D-binding protein haplotypes in Asian-Pacific populations

Summary We have determined the various haplotypic combinations between alleles as well as restriction fragment length polymorphisms of two linked genetic markers, albumin and vitamin D-binding protein or group-specific component, in a number of Asian-Pacific populations. Using the partial maximum likelihood method, we constructed a phylogenetic network from the haplotype frequencies to assess relationships among the populations sampled. No systematic linkage disequilibrium was detected between most of the combinations, suggesting a lack of operation of any selection pressure at the two loci. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the known interrelationships among various populations in the Asian-Pacific region. The Australian aborigines clustered closely with the non-Austronesian-speaking highlanders from Papua New Guinea, as expected. Similarly, the Austronesian-speaking Polynesians, Micronesians, and the Southeast Asians branched off together as a separate group. The position of the Austronesian-speaking Tolais from New Britain with respect to other populations from the Southwest Pacific was anomalous. The Tolais revealed a strong affinity with the Australian aborigines, which is inexplicable. The populations from China formed a tight cluster with other populations from the Asian-Pacific region. Genetic interrelationships of these populations with the white Australians were remote, which is in accordance with the known affinities of various human racial groups.     

Algal Carotenoids 51. Secondary carotenoids 2.Haematococcus pluvialis aplanospores as a source of (3S, 3′S)-astaxanthin esters

Aplanospores ofHaematococcus pluvialis MUR 145 contained 0.7% carotenoids (dry wt. basis) consisting of β,β-carotene (5% of total carotenoid), echinenone (4%), canthaxanthin (4%), (3S,3′S)-astaxanthin diester (34%), (3S,3′S)-astaxanthin monoester (46%), (3S,3′S)-astaxanthin (1%) and (3R,3′R,6′R)-lutein (6%). The astaxanthin esters were examined by TLC and HPLC and VIS,¹H NMR and mass spectra recorded. Their chirality was determined by the camphanate method (Vecchi & Müller, 1979) after anaerobic hydrolysis. The tough cell wall of the aplanospores required enzymatic treatment prior to pigment extraction. The potential use of this microalga as a feed ingredient in aquaculture is discussed briefly.     

HLA and autoimmunity in North Indian type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic multiplex families

The HLA haplotype segregation and autoantibody spectrum in 7 type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic multiplex families of North Indian origin were determined. Of the total of 17 diabetic sibs, 7 shared both haplotypes and 3 shared one haplotype with the proband. No HLA-non-identical sibs were observed. This distribution of haplotypes was non-random (P approximately equal to 0.005). The mode of inheritance was compatible with an autosomal recessive model, while a dominant model was unlikely. Pancreatic islet-cell antibodies were found in 23.5% of affected sibs, but in no healthy family member. A high incidence of other autoantibodies (parietal-cell and thyroglobulin/thyroid microsomal antibodies) was detected in both the diabetic patients (26.3%), and in healthy first-degree relatives (22.2%). These findings emphasize the role of HLA-linked genes and autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of type I diabetes in North India.     

Quantitation of antibody uptake on A group erythrocytes using immunoautoradiography and monoclonal IgM anti-A

The number of antibody molecules on individual erythrocytes was counted in A1, A2, A3 B and A group individuals using immunoautoradiography (IAR) and monoclonal IgM anti-A1. Quantitation was also done for A group pregnant women. The number of antibody molecules on different red cells of an individual varied widely. Gross variations were also noted in cells of different individuals from one and the same group. The mean values of the uptake of the number of antibody molecules showed the following range A1 greater than A2 greater than Ax greater than A3B. When compared to the average for total A1 adults, red cells of pregnant women and newborn infants showed a 10.7% and 19.7% reduction respectively, in antibody uptake. The mean number of antibody molecules per A1 adult red cells was 5.6 +/- 3 X 10(4), while A2 had 0.85 +/- 0.35 X 10(4) molecules, thus showing a significant quantitative variation.     

Extremely high frequencies of alpha-globin gene deletion in Madang and on Kar Kar Island, Papua New Guinea.

Extremely high frequencies of the deletion form of alpha(+)-thalassemia (-alpha/), as studied by the DNA mapping technique, were found in the population of Madang, a coastal province in the north of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and in the population of Kar Kar, an island situated near Madang. Ninety-seven percent of the population tested from Madang and 89% of that from Kar Kar Island were either alpha(+)-thalassemia heterozygotes or homozygotes. By contrast, no examples of the deletion form were detected in the Eastern Highlands of PNG. The haplotype frequencies of alpha(+)-thalassemia (-alpha/) in Madang and Kar Kar Island were found to be 81.33% and 66.67%, respectively. A more detailed analysis of the gene deletion revealed that in both populations 96% were of the 4.2 kilobase (kb) type and 4% were of the 3.7-kb type. Thus, this group is the only example in which the 4.2-kb deletion is predominant over 3.7-kb defect. The presence in high frequencies of alpha(+)-thalassemia in the coastal area of Madang and on the neighboring island, where malaria has long been holoendemic or hyperendemic, and its virtual absence from the nonmalarious highlands of PNG suggest the role of malaria as the selective factor in maintaining alpha(+)-thalassemia. If this selective pressure is still operating, and since alpha(+)-thalassemia has no apparent homozygous disadvantage, the abnormal haplotype (-alpha/) will be in the process of fixation in this population.