Relation between IgG antibodies to foods and IgE antibodies to milk, egg, cat, dog and/or mite in a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Because IgG antibodies to foods can be detected before IgE antibodies to inhalants, increased levels of IgG antibodies to foods might be used as a predictor of IgE-mediated allergy in initially nonatopic children. OBJECTIVE: To examine the cross-sectional relation between IgG to foods (i.e. mixture of wheat and rice, mixture of soybean and peanut, egg white, cow's milk, meat, orange and potato) and specific IgE to cat, dog, mite, milk and egg white in 1-year-old children. METHODS: All atopic children (n = 120; 58 with and 62 without eczema) and a random sample of the nonatopic children (n = 144) of the Bokaal study were tested on their IgG response to foods. The IgG results of the food assays were dichotomized high or low using the 66th centile as a cut-off value. RESULTS: Atopic children more often had high IgG levels to foods than nonatopic children. IgG to egg white (OR = 7.50) and mixture of wheat and rice (OR = 4.79) were most strongly associated with positive specific IgE. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis egg white, mixture of wheat and rice, and orange were selected (OR = 3.76, OR = 2.43, and OR = 2.11, respectively). In children without eczema higher levels of IgG to foods were still significantly associated with atopy, which was most prominent for egg white, orange and cow's milk. CONCLUSION: An increased IgG antibody level to foods, especially to egg white, orange, and mixture of wheat and rice, indicates an increased risk of having IgE to cat, dog, mite, egg and/or milk allergens, even in the noneczematous group. Therefore, in another prospective study we are currently investigating the usefulness of IgG in early identification, i.e. before IgE antibodies can be detected, of children with an increased risk of developing allergic diseases in the future.     

Peroxyl radical scavenging capability of fish sauces measured by the chemiluminescence method

Oxygen-related free radicals have been suggested as a cause of aging and various diseases, for example, various cancers and rheumatoid arthritis. A radical scavenger as an antioxidant has been sought in foods. Fish sauces are traditional Asian fermented seasonings. Using the luminol chemiluminescence method, the peroxyl radical scavenging capability of fish sauces was examined. From the IC50 values, many fish sauces have been shown to have a strong scavenging capability as well as soy sauces. A scavenging mechanism is also proposed.     

Suppression of allergy development by habitual intake of fermented milk foods, evidence from an epidemiological study]

BACKGROUND: The interest in anti-allergic immunoregulation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been growing over the last few decades. However, little is known about the effect of habitually intake of fermented milk on allergy development. METHODS: An epidemiological study was carried out on the first-year junior high school students in Wakayama Prefecture. Analyses were performed to investigate the relationships among eating habits of fermented milk or fermented soybean foods and the presence of atopic diseases. Serum levels of total IgE values, specific IgE to house dust mite and Japanese cedar pollen in these subjects were evaluated to clarify atopic status. Analyses were performed on the data of 134 subjects. RESULTS: Serum total IgE levels were found to be significantly lower in those subjects habitually eating yogurt and/or fermented milk drinking, in comparison with those who do not habitually eat such fermented milk foods. Subjects with habitual intake of these fermented milk foods were significantly lower in having various allergy diseases compared with those without such an eating habit. However, no difference was found on the total IgE titers and having allergy diseases between subjects with or without habitual intake of Natto, a fermented soybean food. CONCLUSION: These findings supported the idea that intestinal bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria involve in regulation of allergy development. Our results indicated the need of further scale-up epidemiological study to verify the present finding.     

Fine as North Dakota wine: sensory expectations and the intake of companion foods

Taste expectations can influence taste evaluations. It is not known, however, whether the environmental cues that influence taste expectations — such as suggestible names and brand labels — can have a referred impact on the intake volume of companion foods. Adult diners who ordered a prix-fixe restaurant meal were given a complimentary glass of wine that had been relabeled to induce either favorable (“new from California”) or unfavorable (“new from North Dakota”) taste expectations. An analysis of plate waste indicated that those who believed they had been drinking California wine ate 12% more of their meal than those who instead believed they drank North Dakota wine. In combination with a sensory-based lab study, these results show that environmental cues — such as label-induced sensory expectations — can have a far-reaching impact on the food intake of companion foods.     

Cabbage and fermented vegetables: From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT₁R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT₁R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.     

Preliminary studies of a new stochastic human death function involving small integers

We propose a new mathematical function for the analyses of age-related human deaths due to single causes. Like the earlier Gompertz and power law functions, it is a two parameter function. Unlike them, one of the parameters is an integer in the range of 5–13. The function is the integral gamma distribution raised to a combinatoric power (GDCP). The function has a deep relation to the power law, and this explains the past successes of the power law. The GDCP function generates highly accurate distributions for ages at death due to specific diseases, and also the means and variances for the distributions. It is possible now to assign unambiguously an integer to each cause of death. In model systems, the integers are the number of “events” necessary to commit the organism to death. Different diseases with the same integer have the same age distribution at death. The major remaining problem is the relative sizes of the populations dying of each single cause. The solution to this must be model derived. The analysis of 24 single causes of death for males and females in the U.S.A., white population over the years 1968–1978 show: (1) the integer is eight for almost all digestive organ carcinomas in both males and females; (2) cancers at other sites have various values for ; and (3) for vascular diseases females have integers higher by one or two than males. If the combinatoric power is multiplied by a constant (11) then the second number in the function, τ, the time constant, which is different for each disease, takes on an approximately constant value, which we call the “characteristic age” of the species. Thus, with one number, the “characteristic age” and the nine integers, we can predict, using the GDCP function, the relevant distributions of deaths due to all the different diseases.     

HLA-DQA2 (DX alpha) polymorphism and insulin dependent diabetes

A certain HLA-DQA2 locus TaqI fragment, DX“U”, has been reported to be associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Reports of various studies in this vein have ranged from stating that the association of DQA2“U” with IDDM exists even among subjects positive for HLA-DR3 and -DR4 to stating that the association of DQA2“U” with diabetes can be attributed to linkage disequilibrium between with DQA2“U” and some component(s) on the affected haplotypes. Using a synthetic 97-base probe corresponding to a portion of an intron of DQA2, in a Southern blot analysis of IDDM and control subjects from Wisconsin, we were able to confirm the association of DQA2“U” with diabetes. However, among DR3 subjects there was no significant association between DQA2“U” and diabetes (p = 0.26). Although there was a (nonsignificant) association of IDDM with DQA2“U” among DR4-positive subjects (p = 0.14), this can be completely attributed to linkage disequilibrium between DQA2“U” DQw8. We also sequenced most of the second exon (corresponding to the 1 domain of the DQA2 glycoprotein) from five individuals that were homozygous for either DQA2“U” or DQA2“L.” The only polymorphisms observed were a “silent” mutation at position 36 and one example of a difference that would result in a change of amino acid at position 41.     

Therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Purpose

Allergic rhinitis is clinically defined as a disorder of the nose induced by IgE mediated inflammation after allergen exposure of the nasal mucosa. Many reports have stated that Panax ginseng and fermented red ginseng have anti-inflammatory effects, especially against Th2-type inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis.

Methods

In this 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 59 patients with persistent perennial allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving fermented red ginseng tablets (experimental group) and those receiving placebo (control group). The primary efficacy variable was the total nasal symptom score (TNSS; rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion). Secondary efficacy variables were the Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQoL) score and skin reactivity to inhalant allergens, as determined by the skin prick test.

Results

There was no significant difference in the TNSS score and TNSS duration score between the experimental and placebo groups in weeks 1, 2, 3, or 4. For nasal congestion, fermented red ginseng was significantly effective (P<0.005), while placebo caused no change. The activity and emotion of RQoL improved markedly secondary to treatment with fermented red ginseng (P<0.05), while placebo caused no change. Additionally, fermented red ginseng reduced skin reactivity to sensitized perennial allergens (P<0.05). Fermented red ginseng was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Fermented red ginseng improved nasal congestion symptoms and RQoL in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.     

Prevalence and factors associated with anterior open bite in 2 to 5 year old children in Benin city,Nigeria

Background

Anterior open bite is said to exist when there is an actual vertical gap between the upper and lower incisors with the teeth in centric occlusion. This could occur in the anterior or posterior region, and may be attributed to the supra eruption of the posterior teeth or the infra eruption of the anterior teeth and it is common in both adults and children.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of anterior open bite (AOB) in 2 to 5 -year -old children and the aetiological factors responsible for it.

Methods

The study group comprised 1031 children (429 boys and 602 girls) between the ages of 2 to 5-years, who were examined for the presence of AOB and the relationship with various oral habits.

Results

AOB was present in 29 (2.8%) of the subjects. Sucking habits were observed in 267 (25.9%) children. Only 29(10.9%) of the children with sucking habits had an AOB which was asymmetric in 20 (7.5%) and symmetric in 9 (3.4%). The asymmetric AOB was significantly higher in children with thumb sucking habits than in finger suckers (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between frequency, duration of sucking habits and AOB. The 4-year olds showed a significant difference in the number of children with AOB (P<0.05). Sucking habits of 1–2 hours and duration of 24 to 60 months exhibited the highest prevalence of an AOB in 13 (44.8%) and 17 (58.6%)children respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of AOB in this study is 2.8%. Thumb sucking is the most important aetiological factor in the formation of an AOB in 2 to 5-year-old children.     

The "oil well analogy" as a comprehensive interpretation of factors leading to muscle injury and wasting

Muscle abnormalities involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or the changes leading to muscle wasting and cachexia in neoplastic patients have a remarkable clinical impact, but their study is complex and findings are sometimes paradoxical. In this review, the main factors influencing muscle wasting and muscle abnormalities found in chronic diseases such as COPD are regarded in the light of a comprehensive approach. All this changes work in a complex, multifactorial manner, and experimental or observational approaches must take this fact into consideration. Two concepts that may be helpful in this regard are the “muscle compartment theory,” by which different muscle groups, individual muscles, or muscle areas may react differently to a variety of stimuli and pathogenic factors, and the “oil well analogy,” which reflects the complexity and variability of the energy resource depletion mechanisms in cells and tissues, leading to structural remodeling and functional adaptation or impairment.     

HLA class I nucleotide sequences, 1992

The HLA class I sequences included in this compilation are taken from articles listed in the literature: “Nomenclature for Factors of the HLA System, 1991” [1], “Nomenclature for Factors of the HLA System, 1990” [2], and “Nomenclature for Factors of the HLA System, 1989” [3]. Because of the increased number of sequences, we have only included sequences for exons 2–4 in this compilation. Where discrepancies have arisen between reported sequences, the original authors have been contracted where possible, and necessary amendments to published sequences have been incorporated into this alignment. Future sequencing may identify errors in this list, and we would welcome any evidence that helps to maintain the accuracy of this compilation. In the sequence alignments, identify between nucleotides is indicated by a hyphen (-). An unavailable sequence is indicated by a period (.). Gaps in the sequence are inserted to maintain the alignment between different alleles showing variation in amino acid number.     

Antibody response to the C-terminal peptide sequence in beef myoglobin

The nature of the surface determinants on the beef myoglobin molecule which direct the distinctive antibody response of sheep, have been further defined. Antisera raised to beef myoglobin in sheep, rabbits and mice have been compared for their ability to recognize the synthetic C-terminal beef myoglobin peptide (140–153), which contains four of the six amino acid substititutions between sheep and beef myoglobins. The antibodies raised in rabbits, directed to the entire surface of beef myoglobin, contain only a minor population directed to the C-terminal sequence: in mice, even fewer antibodies are specific for this sequence. In sheep, however, antibodies to beef myoglobin appear to be directed almost exclusively to topographic domains which include the (140–153) sequence. This specificity is most apparent in “early” antisera in which all antibodies display equal avidity for “native” beef myoglobin and the peptide; further immunization produces antibodies which recognize a larger overlapping set of domains and only 20% of these antibodies have effective avidity for the (140–153) peptide. The antibodies to beef myoglobin raised in sheep comprise two discrete populations. One (“common”) population is directed to regions of similarity between the beef and sheep myoglobin molecules, in which the region represented by the C-terminal peptide of beef myoglobin is less important in defining the antibody-binding site and/or affinity, while still being directly involved in the topographic determinant. The other (“non-common”) appears to be directed almost exclusively to the C-terminal sequence (140–153) of beef myoglobin. The findings are discussed in relation to our previous findings on the effect of the host species on the nature of the antibody response and in relation to views on the possibility of direct vs indirect effects of evolutionary amino acid substitution on immuno-cross-reactivity among homologous proteins.     

Effects of dietary enzymolysis products of wheat gluten on the growth performance,serum biochemical,immune, and antioxidant status of broilers

This study is aimed at determining the effects of dietary enzymolysis products of wheat gluten on the growth performance, organ weights, serum and intestinal antioxidant indices, serum biochemical indicators, and immunoglobulins of broiler chickens. The treatments consisted of a basal control diet, 2% of wheat gluten, and 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of enzymolysis products of wheat gluten. The inclusion of up to 4% of enzymolysis products of wheat gluten improved body weight and average daily gain. At 21 days, serum superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) had increased in the 2% of wheat gluten treatment (P?P?Abbreviations: ADG: average daily gain; ADFI: average daily feed intake; AKP: alkaline phosphatase; BUN: blood urea nitrogen; BW: body weight; F/G: feed efficiency; GSH-Px: glutathione peroxidase; MDA: malondialdehyde; T-AOC: total antioxidant capacity; T-SOD: superoxide dismutase; CAT: catalase     

Computer analysis of atrial pressure tracings in children

Photokymographic records of atrial pressure tracings obtained during cardiac catheterization were analyzed manually to derive a computer algorithm relating the time of occurrence of the various atrial pressure parameters to heart rate. Application of this algorithm was made to atrial and venous pressure tracings. Accurate recognition and measurement of “a”, “x”, “v” and “y” waves and mean pressures was achieved by digital computer. The data also suggest that this method may also be successfully applied to the analysis of pulmonary venous and pulmonary arterial wedge pressures.     

Yin and Yang: complement activation and regulation in Alzheimer's disease

The spectrum of inflammatory diseases is nowadays considered to include diverse diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Current evidence suggests that syndromes such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have important inflammatory and immune components and may be amenable to treatment by anti-inflammatory and immunotherapeutic approaches. Compelling evidence has been reported that complement activation occurs in the brain with Alzheimer’s disease, and that this contributes to the development of a local inflammatory state that is correlated with cognitive dysfunction. The complement system is a critical element of the innate immune system recognizing and killing, or targeting for destruction, otherwise pathogenic organisms. In addition to triggering the generation of a membranolytic complex, complement proteins interact with cell surface receptors to promote a local inflammatory response that contributes to the protection and healing of the host. Complement activation causes inflammation and cell damage, yet it is an essential component in trying to eliminate cell debris and potentially toxic protein aggregates. It is the balance of these seemingly competing events—the “Yin” and the “Yang”—that influences the ultimate state of neuronal function. Knowledge of the unique molecular interactions that occur in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, the functional consequences of those interactions, and the proportional contribution of each element to this disorder, should facilitate the design of effective therapeutic strategies for this disease.     

Standardization of Elisa for the Detection of Anti-Cardiolipin Antibodies - Effect of Non-Specific IgG Binding

Various frequencies of anti-cardiolipin antibodies reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune and infectious diseases necessitates the need for standardization of the immunoassay. We report here the usefulness of “no-antigen” control for each serum in determining the actual value of the anti-phospholipid antibodies. This non-specific “no-antigen” binding was quite variable from serum to serum and in general was higher in the patient population than in healthy individuals which served as controls. This non-specific binding may be associated with the increased IgG content of the sera as shown by the linear association of the absorbance of the back-ground readings to increases in IgG concentration (correlation coefficient 0.98).     

Studies on the Antioxidant Properties of Tualang Honey of Malaysia

Honey has been used since ancient times for its nutritional as well as curative properties. Tualang honey is collected from wild honey bees'' hives on Tualang trees found in the Malaysian rain forest. It has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases, where its therapeutic value has partly been related to its antioxidant properties. This study therefore assessed the colour intensity, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and antiradical activity of gamma irradiated Tualang Honey. The colour intensity at ABS_45O was 489.5 ± 1.7 mAU, total phenolic content was 251.7±7.9 mg _{gallic acid} /Kg honey, total antioxidant activity by FRAP assay was 322.1±9.7 (µM Fe(II)) and the antiradical activity by DPPH assay was 41.30 ± 0.78 (% inhibition). The data confirms that the antioxidant properties of gamma irradiated Tualang honey are similar to other types of honeys reported in the literature.     

Role of arginine metabolism in immunity and immunopathology

A heterogeneous set of cells that are commonly grouped as “myeloid cells”, interacts in a complex landscape of physiological and pathological situations. In this review we attempt to trace a profile of the “myeloid connection” through different normal and pathological states, by analyzing common metabolic pathways of the amino acid l-arginine. Myeloid cells exert various, often divergent, actions on the immune response through mechanisms that exploit mediators of this peculiar metabolic pathway, ranging from l-arginine itself to its downstream metabolites, like nitric oxide and polyamines. Various pathological situations, including neoplastic and autoimmune diseases, as well as injury repair and infections are discussed here, showing how l-arginine metabolism is able to play a dual role, both as an active protector and a possible threat to the organism.