Clinical and Immunological Characterization of Perilla Seed Allergy in Children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perilla seeds are known to cause immediate allergic reactions. However, reports on perilla seed allergy are limited to a few case reports worldwide, and there is currently no diagnostic test for this allergy. Our objective was to analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics of perilla seed allergy and to identify allergens for the development of diagnostic methods. METHODS: Twenty-one children with clinical perilla seed allergy were enrolled from 2 tertiary hospitals between September 2016 and June 2019. Using perilla seed extract, we developed a skin prick test (SPT) and an IgE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis of perilla seed allergy. IgE immunoblotting was performed to identify putative allergenic components, and amino acid composition analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: The median age of children with perilla seed allergy was 3 years; the proportion of children with anaphylaxis was 28.6%. SPT was performed with perilla seed in 15 of 21 children, all of whom tested positive. On ELISA, 85.7% of children tested positive for perilla seed-specific IgE. Proteins with molecular weights of 50, 31-35, and 14-16 kDa bound to the sera of >50% of children with perilla seed allergy. LC-MS/MS analysis of these 3 protein fractions showed 8 putative proteins, including perilla oleosin (Accession No. 9963891), to be allergens. CONCLUSIONS: This study documented the clinical characteristics and immunological profiles of 21 children with perilla seed allergy. Our results suggest that oleosin is one of the major allergens in perilla seeds.

Effects of vitamin E and selenium administration on transportation stress in pregnant dairy heifers.

We investigated the effects of road transportation and administration of the vitamin E and selenium (ESe) on circulating cortisol, haptoglobin, blood metabolites, oxidative biomarkers, white blood cell profiles, and behaviors in pregnant dairy heifers. Forty pregnant Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments: no transportation and no ESe administration, no transportation and ESe administration, transportation and no administration, and transportation and ESe administration. The ESe (70 IU/kg dry matter feed of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate and 0.3 mg/kg dry matter feed of sodium selenite) was orally delivered once a day from 7 d before transportation to 3 d after transportation. The heifers were transported in trucks designed for cattle transportation. Blood was collected 1 h before transportation, immediately after transportation (IAT), and at 6, 24, and 48 h after transportation. Behaviors were recorded using a video camera for 2 consecutive days after transportation. Transported/non-ESe-administered heifers had greater cortisol at IAT, haptoglobin at 6 and 24 h after transportation, total oxidative status at 6 h after transportation, and nonesterified fatty acid levels, white blood cell numbers, and neutrophil percentages at IAT and 6 h after transportation in the blood than nontransported heifers. Transported/non-ESe-administered heifers had lower total antioxidative status levels at 48 h after transportation and lymphocyte percentages at IAT and 6 h after transportation than nontransported heifers. Lying time was shorter in transported heifers than nontransported/non-ESe-administered heifers. Transported/ESe-administered heifers had lower cortisol, total oxidative status, nonesterified fatty acid levels at IAT, and haptoglobin concentrations at 6 and 24 h after transportation than transported/non-ESe-administered heifers. Transported/ESe-administered heifers had greater total antioxidative status levels at 48 h after transportation than transported/non-ESe-administered heifers. No ESe administration effects were observed for white blood cell number and neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages and lying time. In conclusion, road transportation caused temporary oxidative stress. Administrating ESe partially alleviated the stress, suggesting that ESe administration could be a viable strategy to reduce stress in transported pregnant heifers, providing a novel role of vitamin E and selenium for improving animal welfare.

Increased risk of chronic otitis media in chronic rhinosinusitis patients: a longitudinal follow-up study using a national health screening cohort.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and chronic otitis media (COM) share pathophysiological mechanisms such as bacterial infection, biofilm, and persistence of the obstruction state of ventilation routes. However, only a few studies have investigated the relationship between these two diseases nationwide and in the general population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the incidence of COM in patients with CRS differed from that of a matched control from the national health screening cohort. METHODS: Data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Samples were collected from 2002 to 2015. Participants who were treated ≥ ≥ ≥2 times and underwent head and neck computed tomography evaluation were selected. A 1:4 matched CRS group (n=8,057) and a control group (n=32,228) were selected. The control group included participants who were never treated with the ICD-10 code J32 from 2002 to 2015. The CRS group included CRS patients with/without nasal polyps. RESULTS: The incidence of COM was significantly higher in the CRS group than in the control group. In a subgroup analysis, the incidence of COM in all age groups and in men and women was significantly higher in the CRS group than in the control group. More, CRS increased the risk of COM. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association was observed between CRS and COM. This indicates that CRS patients have a high risk of developing COM.

Liquid crystal filter based tunable transmitter for 25Gps wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical network fronthaul.

A novel tunable transmitter structure based on liquid crystal filter, to the best of our knowledge, is presented. The structure is designed for application to 5G fronthaul and supports 25 Gbps dense wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transmission and tunable range of 35 nm. The design takes into account easy change of operation band over coarse WDM grid. Prototype samples are developed to test feasibility of the design.

A systemic lupus erythematosus patient with thunderclap headache: reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.

Headaches are common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is important to identify the exact cause of headaches in SLE to avoid unnecessary steroid or immunosuppressive therapy like in neuropsychiatric SLE. A 35-year-old woman with SLE suddenly developed severe headache. Magnetic resonance angiography showed multifocal segmental narrowing of cerebral arteries, suggestive of central nervous system vasculitis. However, lack of abnormal enhancement in vessel wall imaging indicated reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) rather than central nervous system vasculitis. The patient was treated with oral nimodipine and she recovered over a period of two months. Following magnetic resonance angiography on day 90 was normal. Herein we report a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in an SLE patient with literature review.

Different functional genes of upper airway microbiome associated with natural course of childhood asthma.

BACKGROUND: Microbial colonization of the airway plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma; however, the effect of the upper airway microbiome on childhood asthma is not fully understood. We analyzed the metagenome of airway microbiome to understand the associated role of upper airway microbiome with the natural course of childhood asthma. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children with asthma, those in asthma remission, and control groups. High-throughput sequencing was used to examine the structure and functional dynamics of the airway microbiome with respect to asthma phenotypes. RESULTS: The composition of microbiota differed among healthy control, asthma, and remission groups. The relative abundance of Streptococcus was negatively associated with FEV1% predicted (P = .023) and that of Staphylococcus was negatively associated with methacholine PC20 (P = .013). Genes related to arachidonic acid metabolites, lysine residues, and glycosaminoglycans in the microbiome could be associated with airway inflammation. In particular, genes related to synthesis of anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) were not detected from the airway microbiome in the asthma group. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that alterations in the composition and function of the upper airway microbiome could be related with the natural course of asthma in children.

Risk of malignancy according to sub-classification of the atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) category in the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology.

OBJECTIVE: According to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) is a heterogeneous category that includes cases with architectural and/or nuclear atypia insufficient to warrant classification as malignant neoplasms. The ambiguous and descriptive characteristics of the AUS/FLUS category mean that the impact of the present guidelines on repeat fine needle aspiration (FNA) is unclear. The present study reclassified AUS/FLUS cases into four sub-categories and then correlated them with histological or cytological follow-up data to clarify the risk of malignancy. METHODS: Ninety-four cases of AUS/FLUS with available follow-up data were reviewed and assigned to one of four sub-categories: (i) AUS-N (nuclear atypia); (ii) AUS-A (architectural atypia); (iii) AUS-O (predominant oncocytic changes); and (iv) AUS-N/A (both nuclear and architectural atypia). The four sub-categories were correlated with subsequent histological or cytological follow-up data, including core needle biopsy, resection, or repeat FNA. RESULTS: Malignancy was identified in 34 of 94 cases (36.2%). The upper limit estimate for malignancy was 43.6%, and the lower limit estimate was speculated as 9.8%. The malignancy rate was highest in cases within the AUS-N sub-category (65.8%, range 16.6%-78.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that cases in the AUS/FLUS category have a higher risk of malignancy than previously thought. Because of the heterogeneous nature of the AUS/FLUS category, further sub-classification might be more effective in achieving appropriate risk stratification and better clinical management.

The 100 Most-Cited Articles Focused on Ultrasound Imaging: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Purpose The number of citations that an article has received reflects its impact on a particular research area. The aim of this study was to identify the 100 most-cited articles focused on ultrasound (US) imaging and to analyze the characteristics of these articles. Methods We determined the 100 most-cited articles on US imaging via the Web of Science database, using the search term. The following parameters were used to analyze the characteristics of the 100 most-cited articles: publication year, journal, journal impact factor, number of citations and annual citations, authors, department, institution, country, type of article, and topic. Results The number of citations for the 100 most-cited articles ranged from 1849 to 341 (median: 442.0) and the number of annual citations ranged from 108.0 to 8.1 (median: 22.1). The majority of articles were published in 1990 - 1999 (39 %), published in radiology journals (20 %), originated in the United States (45 %), were clinical observation studies (67 %), and dealt with the vessels (35 %). The Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California and the Research Institute of Public Health at the University of Kuopio (n = 4 each) were the leading institutions and Salonen JT and Salonen R (n = 4 each) were the most prolific authors. Conclusion Our study presents a detailed list and analysis of the 100 most-cited US articles, which provides a unique insight into the historical development in this field.

Risk factors for recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing modified radical neck dissection.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the impact of lymph node-related factors on the risk of and site of recurrence in patients who had papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis in the lateral compartment (classified as pN1b). METHODS: Patients underwent total thyroidectomy with unilateral modified radical neck dissection for classical papillary thyroid carcinoma. Risk factors for recurrence were evaluated according to the pattern of recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 324 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up was 63 (range 14-181) months. Recurrence was detected in 47 patients (14·5 per cent). In the multivariable analysis, a maximum diameter of metastatic lymph nodes larger than 2·0 cm (hazard ratio (HR) 1·15, 95 per cent c.i. 1·06 to 1·25; P = 0·033) and a central compartment metastatic lymph node ratio of more than 0·42 (HR 3·35, 1·65 to 6·79; P < 0·001) were identified as independent risk factors for locoregional recurrence. Age 45 years or older (HR 5·69, 1·24 to 26·12; P = 0·025) and extranodal extension of metastasis (HR 12·71, 1·64 to 98·25; P = 0·015) were risk factors for distant metastasis. In subgroup analysis of locoregional recurrence, several lymph node-related factors affected the risk of recurrence according to the specific site of metastasis. CONCLUSION: Lymph node-related factors are of importance for the risk of recurrence in patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma classified as pN1b.

Atopic dermatitis phenotype with early onset and high serum IL-13 is linked to the new development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in school children.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by a heterogeneous clinical spectrum, and some forms of AD are associated with the initial steps of allergic march. The aims of this study were to determine AD phenotypes in school-age children and investigate their associations with the allergic march in each cluster. METHODS: We included 242 children (6-8 years) with current AD from the Children's HEalth and Environmental Research study, a 4-year prospective follow-up study with 2-year survey intervals. Latent class analysis was used. Serum IL-13 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels at the time of enrollment were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: We identified four current AD phenotypes in children, characterized as 'early onset with low atopy' (26.4% of the sample; group 1), 'early onset with high atopy and high eosinophil percentages' (48.3%; group 2), 'late onset with low atopy' (9.9%; group 3), and 'late onset with high atopy and normal eosinophils' (15.3%; group 4). Although groups 2 and 4 demonstrated high atopic burden, children in group 2 showed the persistence of AD and eosinophilia associated with a high prevalence of new cases of bronchial hyper-responsiveness and asthma symptoms during follow-up. The serum IL-13 level was significantly increased in the early-onset AD groups, but there was no significant difference in the serum TSLP levels across all four groups. CONCLUSION: An allergic march-associated AD phenotype exists that is characterized by early onset of AD with its persistence, increased serum IL-13 levels, high atopy, and a persistently increased blood eosinophil percentage.

Influence of arm position on catheter placement during real-time ultrasound-guided right infraclavicular proximal axillary venous catheterization.

BACKGROUND: Real-time ultrasound-guided infraclavicular proximal axillary venous catheterization is used in many clinical situations and provides the advantages of catheter stabilization, a reduced risk of catheter-related infection, and comfort for the patient without limitation of movement. However, unintended catheter tip dislocation and accidental arterial puncture occur occasionally. This study was designed to investigate the influence of arm position on catheter placement and complications. METHODS: Patients were randomized to either the neutral group (n=240) or the abduction group (n=241). In the neutral group, patients were positioned with the head and shoulders placed in an anatomically neutral position and the arms kept by the side during catheterization. In the abduction group, the right upper arm was abducted at 90° from the trunk during catheterization. After real-time ultrasound-guided catheterization was carried out in the right infraclavicular proximal axillary vein, misplacement of the catheter and all complications were evaluated with ultrasound and chest radiography. RESULTS: The success rate of complete catheterization before evaluating the placement of the catheter was high in both groups (97.1 vs 98.8%, P=not significant). The incidence of accidental arterial puncture was not different (1.7 vs 0%, P=not significant). The incidence of misplacement of the catheter was higher in the neutral group than in the abduction group (3.9 vs 0.4%, P=0.01). There were no complications, such as haemothorax, pneumothorax, or injury to the brachial plexus and phrenic nerve, in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Upper arm abduction may minimize the risk of misplacement of the catheter during real-time ultrasound-guided infraclavicular proximal axillary venous catheterization. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of Korea: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp. Identifier: KCT0001417.

[Forensic Analysis of 20 Dead Cases Related to Heroin Abuse].

OBJECTIVES: To perform retrospective analysis on 20 dead cases related to heroin abuse, and to provide references for the forensic assessment of correlative cases. METHODS: Among 20 dead cases related to heroin abuse, general situation, using method of drug, cause of death and result of forensic examination were analyzed by statistical analysis for summarizing the cause of death and pathologic changes. RESULTS: The dead were mostly young adults, with more male than female. The results of histopathological examinations showed non-specific pathological changes. There were four leading causes of death, including acute poisoning of heroin abuse or leakage （13 cases, 65%）, concurrent diseases caused by heroin abuse （3 cases, 15%）, inspiratory asphyxia caused by taking heroin （2 cases, 10%）, and heroin withdrawal syndrome （2 cases, 10%）. CONCLUSIONS: The forensic identification on dead related to heroin abuse must base on the comprehensive autopsy, and combine with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of heroin and its metabolites in death and the case information, as well as the scene investigation.

Rate and associated factors of solifenacin add-on after tamsulosin monotherapy in men with voiding and storage lower urinary tract symptoms.

AIM: To explore the rate of add-on therapy with solifenacin in men with voiding and storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after tamsulosin monotherapy and to explore predictive factors for starting solifenacin add-on therapy. METHODS: Men aged ≥ 45 years with IPSS ≥ 12 and symptoms of OAB (OAB-V8 ≥ 8, micturition ≥ 8/24 h, urgency ≥ 2/24 h) were enrolled to receive tamsulosin 0.2 mg once daily. After 4 weeks, men with residual symptoms of OAB and reported 'dissatisfied' or 'a little satisfied' were received solifenacin 5 mg in combination with tamsulosin monotherapy. Subjects completed an IPSS, a Quality of life (QoL) index, OAB V8, and an International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ)-Male LUTS, and patient perception of bladder condition (PPBC) at baseline and week 4. RESULTS: Of a total of 305 patients, 254 patients completed 4 weeks of tamsulosin treatment. For 176 patients, solifenacin was added (69.3%). Significant predictive factors of solifenacin add-on therapy included long LUTS duration, high IPSS, number of micturitions per 24 h, more urgency episodes, high urgency severity score in a voiding diary and high OAB V8 score. Based on multivariable analysis, potential predictive factors of solifenacin add-on therapy included long LUTS duration (OR = 1.008, 95% CI: 1.001-1.014), high serum PSA (OR = 1.543, 95% CI: 1.136-2.095) and small prostate size (OR = 0.970, 95% CI: 0.947-0.994) (p < 0.05). IPSS, daytime micturitions and urgency episodes, OAB V8 scores, ICIQ and PPBC were improved after tamsulosin monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Two thirds of men with voiding and storage LUTS needed to add anticholinergics after 4 weeks of tamsulosin monotherapy. Patients with longer lasting symptoms and storage symptoms with small prostate volume may require the anticholinergic add-on.

Feasibility of using auto Mod-MPI system, a novel technique for automated measurement of fetal modified myocardial performance index.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reproducibility of measurement of the fetal left modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) determined using a novel automated system. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 116 ultrasound examinations from 110 normal singleton pregnancies at 12 + 1 to 37 + 1 weeks' gestation. Two experienced operators each measured the left Mod-MPI twice manually and twice automatically using the Auto Mod-MPI system. Intra- and interoperator reproducibility were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the manual and automated measurements obtained by the more experienced operator were compared using Bland-Altman plots and ICCs. RESULTS: Both operators successfully measured the left Mod-MPI in all cases using the Auto Mod-MPI system. For both operators, intraoperator reproducibility was higher when performing automated measurements (ICC = 0.967 and 0.962 for Operators 1 and 2, respectively) than when performing manual measurements (ICC = 0.857 and 0.856 for Operators 1 and 2, respectively). Interoperator agreement was also better for automated than for manual measurements (ICC = 0.930 vs 0.723, respectively). There was good agreement between the automated and manual values measured by the more experienced operator. CONCLUSIONS: The Auto Mod-MPI system is a reliable technique for measuring fetal left Mod-MPI and demonstrates excellent reproducibility.

Short-term changes of intraocular pressure after cervical interlaminar epidural injection: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical epidural injection (CEI) is widely performed on patients with intervertebral disc herniation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the short-term effects of CEI on non-invasive intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in subjects with normal eyes. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 15 patients who were undergoing CEI at the C5/6 level with an interlaminar approach in the left lateral decubitus position. IOP was measured in both eyes by a rebound tonometer (Icare-PRO, Icare Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finland). A total volume of 14 ml (4 ml non-ionic contrast, a mixture of 0.2% lidocaine 1 ml and normal saline 4 ml for irrigation and a mixture of normal saline 4.5 ml with non-particulate betamethasone 2 mg) was injected with 1.0 ml s(-1). IOP was measured 5 min after the lateral decubitus position (T0, baseline), immediately after CEI (T1), and 1 min intervals for 5 min (T2-T6). RESULTS: The values of left and right baseline IOP (T0) were 18.9 (2.0) and 15.6 (2.6) mm Hg, respectively. IOP of left and right eyes at T1 [26.6 (4.2) and 21.2 (2.5) mm Hg, respectively] and T2 [26.2 (4.5) and 21.0 (2.8) mm Hg, respectively] were significantly higher compared with T0. These values immediately decreased at T3 and returned to baseline levels within 5 min after CEI. CONCLUSIONS: CEI resulted in an elevation of IOP of both eyes. However, the effects were transient only lasting a few minutes.

High-resolution impedance manometry facilitates assessment of pharyngeal residue and oropharyngeal dysphagic mechanisms.

The utility of high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) for evaluating oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) has been investigated. These approaches are limited because of the sophisticated methodology. A method of transforming HRIM into a simple and useful diagnostic tool for evaluating OPD is needed. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and HRIM were performed by independent blinded examiners in 26 consecutive healthy volunteers (12 men; median age, 56.5 years) and 10 OPD patients (five men; median age, 59.5 years). Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation parameters were measured using a standard HRIM protocol. Peristalsis and bolus transit of the pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment were assessed using an HRIM-modified protocol in which the catheter was pulled back 10 cm. PE bolus transits were evaluated with an impedance contour pattern (linear vs. stasis) method. A significant difference was observed between the manometric measures of healthy volunteers and OPD patients for only the duration of pharyngeal contraction (0.49 ± 0.19 vs. 0.76 ± 0.33 s, P = 0.04). The percentage agreement and kappa value for detecting pharyngeal residue between the VFSS and the impedance analysis were 100% and 1.00, respectively. HRIM allowed for comprehensive assessment of abnormal pharyngeal components that caused pharyngeal residue on VFSS in two patients; reduced base of the tongue versus weak pharyngeal contraction in one, and reduced relaxation of the UES versus reduced laryngeal elevation in the remaining patient. Our findings demonstrated that HRIM using a simple methodology (i.e., pull-back of the catheter) detected pharyngeal residue through a simple analysis of the impedance contour pattern (linear vs. stasis). Furthermore, HRIM facilitated a comprehensive assessment of OPD mechanisms and recognition of subtle abnormalities not yet visible to the naked eye on VFSS.

Association study of polymorphisms between the Radixin gene and rheumatoid arthritis in a Korean population.

Radixin (RDX) is part of the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) protein family. It functions as a membrane-cytoskeletal linker in actin-rich cell surface structures and is thought to be essential for cortical cytoskeleton organization, cell motility, adhesion, and proliferation. An increase in phosphorylated ERM in fibroblast-like synoviocytes contributes to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial hyperplasia. We examined the genetic association between the RDX gene and RA in a Korean population. To identify the relationship between RDX gene polymorphisms and RA, we genotyped 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs11213326 and rs12575162) of RDX using a direct sequencing method in 296 RA patients and 493 control subjects. In this study, the 2 SNPs showed no association with RA disease susceptibility. However, further analysis based on clinical information of the RA patient group showed that the SNPs were associated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in RA patients. These data suggest an association between RDX polymorphisms and the clinical features of RA patients, particularly the ESR.

Air pollution interacts with past episodes of bronchiolitis in the development of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to ambient air pollution and bronchiolitis are risk factors for asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of air pollution on the development of asthma in children with past episodes of bronchiolitis. METHODS: A prospective 2-year follow-up survey consisting of parental responses to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, and allergy evaluations were conducted in 1743 children with a mean age of 6.8 years. Recent 5-year exposure to air pollution was estimated using a geographic information system. RESULTS: Higher exposure to ozone was associated with airway hyper-responsiveness (PC20  ≤ 16 mg/ml) at enrollment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.60, 95% CI [confidence interval] = 1.13-2.27) and with new episodes of wheezing during the 2-year period (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 0.96-3.83). Past episodes of bronchiolitis were associated with both current wheezing and physician-diagnosed asthma. When the two factors were combined, the prevalence of bronchial hyper-reactivity (OR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.41-6.24) and new wheezing (OR = 4.17, 95% CI = 0.89-19.66) as well as current wheezing and physician-diagnosed asthma was even greater (P for trend <0.05 for all). In children with both risk factors, lung function was significantly decreased, with atopic children being particularly vulnerable. CONCLUSION: In children, the interaction between air pollution and past episodes of bronchiolitis resulted in a greater prevalence of asthma and pointed to an association with bronchial hyper-reactivity and decreased lung function. These results suggest mechanisms underlying the development of asthma.

Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on asthma with an adoptive transfer of dendritic cells in mice.

AIM: This study was designed to investigate whether the protective effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lcr35) on allergic asthma are associated with the adoptive transfer of dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), using a mouse experimental model of asthma. METHODS AND RESULTS: BALB/c mice were orally administered Lcr35 or intravenously treated with in vivo Lcr35-treated DCs daily and were then sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) in accordance with a model of asthma protocol. Both the oral application of Lcr35 and intravenous administration of Lcr35-treated DCs suppressed all aspects of the asthmatic response, including bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), total cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, the production of OVA-specificimmunoglobulin E (IgE), and pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation. The mechanism of action of Lcr35 is related to Tregs, which suppress the Th2 response in the respiratory organs, and this is mediated by DCs in the mouse model of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that the mechanism underlying the effects of Lcr35 on asthma involves the adoptive transfer of DCs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This finding broadens the possibility that Lcr35 has potential as an alternative therapeutic approach to the treatment of human asthma.

Effects of genomic estimated breeding value and dietary energy to protein ratio on growth performance, carcass trait, and lipogenic gene expression in Hanwoo steer.

"Genome-based precision feeding" is a concept that involves the application of customised diets to different genetic groups of cattle. We investigated the effects of the genomic estimated breeding value (gEBV) and dietary energy to protein ratio (DEP) on growth performance, carcass traits, and lipogenic gene expression in Hanwoo (Korean cattle) steers. Forty-four Hanwoo steers (BW = 636 kg, age = 26.9 months) were genotyped using the Illumina Bovine 50 K BeadChip. The gEBV was calculated using genomic best linear unbiased prediction. Animals were separated into high gEBV of marbling score or low-gMS groups based on the upper and lower 50% groupings of the reference population, respectively. Animals were assigned to one of four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: high gMS/high DEP (0.084 MJ/g), high gMS/low DEP (0.079 MJ/g), low gMS/high DEP, and low gMS/low DEP. Steers were fed concentrate with a high or low DEP for 31 weeks. The BW tended to be higher (0.05 < P < 0.1) in the high-gMS groups compared to the low-gMS groups at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 20 weeks. The average daily gain (ADG) tended to be lower (P = 0.08) in the high-gMS group than in the low-gMS group. Final BW and measured carcass weight (CW) were positively correlated with the gEBV of carcass weight (gCW). The DEP did not affect ADG. Neither the gMS nor the DEP affected the MS and beef quality grade. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the longissimus thoracis (LT) tended to be higher (P = 0.08) in the high-gMS groups than in the low-gMS groups. The mRNA levels of lipogenic acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid binding protein 4 genes in the LT were higher (P < 0.05) in the high-gMS group than in the low-gMS group. Overall, the IMF content tended to be affected by the gMS, and the genetic potential (i.e., gMS) was associated with the functional activity of lipogenic gene expression. The gCW was associated with the measured BW and CW. The results demonstrated that the gMS and the gCW may be used as early prediction indexes for meat quality and growth potential of beef cattle.