Enacting Treaty Rights through Restoring Shoshone Ancestral Foods on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Despite great loss in gathering and consumption of traditional foods among Indigenous communities, there is great hope for reclaiming and preserving knowledge. The Restoring Shoshone Ancestral Food Gathering (RSAFG) is a community group leading grassroots efforts on the Wind River reservation to reclaim Shoshone ancestral foods and promote food sovereignty. The story of the RSAFG promotes equitable, decolonized, and community empowered methods of reclaiming Indigenous foods by sharing three of RSAFG's acts of decolonization: 1) enacting treaty rights through gathering traditional plants, 2) demanding equitable partnerships in community-based research, and 3) sharing the story through radical authorship via layered narratives. A pesar de la gran pérdida en la recolección y el consumo de alimentos tradicionales entre las comunidades indígenas, existe una gran esperanza para recuperar y preservar el conocimiento. El Restoring Shoshone Ancestral Food Gathering (RSAFG) es un grupo comunitario que lidera los esfuerzos de base en la reserva wind river para recuperar los alimentos ancestrales shoshone y promover la soberanía alimentaria. La historia de la RSAFG promueve métodos equitativos, descolonizados y empoderados por la comunidad para recuperar los alimentos indígenas al compartir tres de los actos de descolonización de RSAFG: 1) promulgar los derechos de los tratados mediante la recolección de plantas tradicionales, 2) exigir asociaciones equitativas en la investigación basada en la comunidad, y 3) compartir la historia a través de la autoría radical a través de narrativas en capas.

Hybrid grammar-based approach to nonlinear dynamical system identification from biological time series.

We introduce a grammar-based hybrid approach to reverse engineering nonlinear ordinary differential equation models from observed time series. This hybrid approach combines a genetic algorithm to search the space of model architectures with a Kalman filter to estimate the model parameters. Domain-specific knowledge is used in a context-free grammar to restrict the search space for the functional form of the target model. We find that the hybrid approach outperforms a pure evolutionary algorithm method, and we observe features in the evolution of the dynamical models that correspond with the emergence of favorable model components. We apply the hybrid method to both artificially generated time series and experimentally observed protein levels from subjects who received the smallpox vaccine. From the observed data, we infer a cytokine protein interaction network for an individual's response to the smallpox vaccine.

Community knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections in a rural district of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections in district Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: A needs assessment study employing a community based survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions was conducted in all seven sub-districts of the district. This paper is based on the results of the key informant interviews and the focus group discussions. Thirty interviews and six group discussions were held with members of the community and with the health care providers. RESULTS: There was little awareness regarding causes and prevention of sexually transmitted infections in the community. The situation was slightly better among health care providers. While health care providers believed that the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is high, the community did not consider themselves at risk. The community believed that these diseases are a problem among a sub-population of male adolescents, especially those who have homosexual relations. However, due to social norms, they rarely discussed such health problems with other family members or elders. Adolescents with any sexual health problems visit hakims and quacks. The community was aware about aetiology and some of the risk factors associated with AIDS and hepatitis, most probably due to the recent public health campaigns against both diseases. CONCLUSION: Considering the suspected high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and the relative lack of knowledge, it is imperative that a public health intervention be initiated. This must include educating not only the community but also the health workers. The governments' initiative to train community workers in reproductive health is a step in the right direction (JPMA 52:21, 2002).

Partial purification of pemphigus-related epidermal antigens.

Epidermal antigens partially purified by either isoelectric focusing (the pH 5.2 peak) or concanavalin A (Con A) affinity chromatography react with Con A in tube precipitation reactions. Bands of identity between crude skin antigens, the Con A affinity antigens eluted with alpha-methyl glucoside and the pH 5.2 peak are formed in Ouchterlony gel with rabbit antisera (Rab) to the pH 5.2 antigen. Absorption of Rab or pemphigus antibodies (Pab) with A+ erythrocytes does not affect complement fixation reactions of Rab with the skin antigen nor abolish the ability of Pab to interact with the intercellular cement. The pH 5.2 epidermal antigens react weakly with Pab in tube precipitation reactions and only weakly, if at all, to inhibit Pab reactions in the region of the intercellular cement. High concentrations of Con A inhibit the Pab, peroxidase-anti-IgG tissue reaction whereas the converse inhibition does not occur. Simultaneous use of both Pab and Con A-perodixase reactions at Con A concentrations which do not inhibit Pab, causes enhanced tissue peroxidase reactions in the region of the intercellular cement. These preliminary data indicate that the Pab and Con A-reacting sites are localized on different molecules or antigenic determinants in the intercellular cement. They exclude the possibility that A-blood substances are involved in either site.

Simultaneous measurement of six cytokines in a single sample of human tears using microparticle-based flow cytometry: allergics vs. non-allergics.

Tears play an essential role in maintaining corneal and conjunctival integrity by providing a tightly regulated, optimal extracellular environment critical to its numerous functions, which include anti-microbial defense, wound healing and inflammatory responses such as allergies. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines have been reported in tears from various ocular disease states. Characterization of tear cytokines has been limited by the small volume (microliter amounts) attainable. This limitation was addressed with the newly developed Becton Dickinson Cytometric Bead Array (CBA), which combines the principles of the "sandwich" immunoassay with the capability of flow cytometry for simultaneous measurement of the characteristics of multiple particles. This technique allows determination of six human cytokine (IFNgamma, TNFalpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) concentrations simultaneously in a single tear sample. Tears were collected from the inferior fornix of non-allergic (n=7) and allergic (n=9) donors. Each tear sample or cytokine standard was incubated with a mixture of capture Ab-bead reagent and detector Ab-phycoerythrin (PE) reagent, and analyzed using flow cytometry. All six cytokines were detectable in both non-allergic and allergic tears. Tears from allergic donors contained significantly less IL-10 (p=0.035), and had significant increases in the ratios of TNFalpha/IFNgamma, IL-5/IFNgamma and IL-5/IL-10 (p=0.0008, 0.0124 and 0.011, respectively). The small volume required (5-10 microl/test) by the Cytometric Bead Array allows measurement of all six cytokines from a single collection of tears. This decreases collection time, minimizing the confounding effect of stimulation on cytokine concentration in tears, as well as allowing calculation of cytokine ratios.

Penetrating the conjunctival barrier. The role of molecular weight.

Dinitrophenyl (DNP) derivatives of various molecular weights were tested for their ability to elicit ocular anaphylaxis after topical application to the eye of immunized animals. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were immunized by intraperitoneal injection of DNP-Ascaris suum extracts and alum and were then skin-tested with DNP-bovine serum albumin on day 13 post-immunization to assess their sensitivity to the DNP hapten. On day 14, animals were challenged topically with DNP derivatives in one eye; PBS was applied to the contralateral, control eye. Animals were evaluated clinically, and ocular tissues were processed for histologic evaluation. The compounds used for topical ocular challenge included the DNP derivative of egg albumin (MW 43,500 D), soybean trypsin inhibitor (MW 20,080 D), insulin (MW 5733 D), B-chain insulin (MW 3496 D), and lysine (MW 478 D). Only di-DNP-lysine elicited clinical signs of redness, edema, and tearing and histologic evidence of mast cell degranulation. None of the other compounds, tested in solutions of either equal numbers of milligram per milliliter or equimolar concentrations, elicited ocular anaphylaxis after topical application. A compound of low molecular weight, less than 3496, is needed to elicit ocular anaphylaxis when applied topically.

Isolation of human conjunctival mast cells and epithelial cells: tumor necrosis factor-alpha from mast cells affects intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression on epithelial cells.

PURPOSE: To isolate and purify mast cells and epithelial cells from human cadaveric donor conjunctival tissue and to characterize interactions between these cell types in vitro. METHODS: Monodispersed cell suspensions obtained by enzymatic digestion of conjunctival tissue were applied to a single-density Percoll gradient. Epithelial cells obtained from the top layer of the gradient were cultured to confluence. Mast cells obtained from the pellet were equilibrated in culture medium and further purified using a two-step Percoll gradient. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), RNA from the purified mast cell preparation was probed for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) message. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of intracellular immunostained mast cells was used to detect the TNF alpha protein. An examination for intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on epithelial cells was performed after 24-hour incubations with either recombinant TNF alpha supernatants from calcium ionophore A23187 (CaI)-stimulated mast cells or appropriate controls using FACS analysis. RESULTS: Highly purified human conjunctival mast cells and epithelial cells (each > 95%) were obtained from human cadaveric donor tissue. RT-PCR analysis of purified mast cell RNA revealed the expression of TNF alpha mRNA. An evaluation of mast cells for intracellular protein demonstrated positive staining for tryptase and TNF alpha. ICAM-1 was found on purified epithelial cells, and incubation of epithelial cell monolayers with supernatants from Cal-stimulated mast cells resulted in upregulation of this receptor. This upregulation was blocked by incubation with TNF alpha-neutralizing antibody. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides the methods for isolating and purifying mast cells and epithelial cells from human donor tissue and the opportunity for studying mechanisms of conjunctival inflammation by evaluating the interactions between these cells.

A hapten model of topically-induced ocular anaphylaxis in the rat.

A hapten (DNP) model of topically induced ocular anaphylaxis has been developed. Rats immunized with DNP-Ascaris were skin-tested with DNP-bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) and Evans blue and challenged topically with varying amounts of di-DNP-lysine. The degree of clinical conjunctival edema was assessed, and eye tissues were evaluated histologically. Clinical conjunctival edema and histologic mast cell degranulation increased with higher concentration of di-DNP-lysine. In general, rats with positive skin tests showed more clinical conjunctival edema and more mast cell degranulation than those with negative skin tests. Three other groups of rats with positive skin tests to the DNP-BSA were injected intravenously with 125I-BSA and challenged topically with di-DNP-lysine. Retention of 125I-BSA in ocular adnexa and in globes was higher in di-DNP-lysine- than in PBS-challenged eyes. The hapten model simulates the ocular component of human hay fever in that ocular anaphylaxis is induced in immunized rats by topical challenge with antigen alone.

Mechanisms of antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers in ocular allergic inflammation.

Mast cells play a central role in allergic reactions and inflammation. Successful anti-allergic therapies have typically targeted mast cell mediators, particularly histamine. Antihistaminic compounds interact with the various histamine receptors found on many cells, whereas other compounds such as disodium cromoglycate, are referred to as mast cell stabilizers, as they inhibit degranulation. Some of the most successful compounds developed recently are dual-action, in that they have both anti-histaminic and mast cell stabilizing activities. Recent trends in pharmaceutical intervention, however, have been focused on the secondary effects of mast cell mediators on epithelial cell adhesion molecule expression and mediator release in the process of allergic inflammation. Since, the ocular mucosa is highly exposed to environmental allergens it is commonly involved in allergic reactions and, as such, has been a useful and accessible model in which to test new therapies in vivo. These ocular allergen provocation studies permit analysis of ocular surface cells and evaluation of tear film mediators. Furthermore, techniques to purify conjunctival mast cells have facilitated the study of the effects of mast cell stabilizing compounds on other mast cell mediators, such as cytokines, and the direct effects of mast cell mediators on epithelial cells in vitro. This review will discuss current understanding of how anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers work, particularly in the context of molecular mechanisms of ocular allergic inflammation.

Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder initially seen as iris mass and uveitis.

Primary ocular posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder is rare. Epstein-Barr virus is implicated as the cause as a result of systemic immunosuppression after transplant surgery. We studied a patient who developed ocular posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder after orthotopic liver transplantation. Slitlamp and light microscopic photographs confirmed the diagnosis.

Human conjunctival mast cells: expression of Fc epsilonRI, c-kit, ICAM-1, and IgE.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the expression and regulation of conjunctival mast cell surface receptors important in allergic inflammation. METHODS: Mast cells were isolated from human conjunctival tissues of cadavers. Mast cell surface markers were identified using flow cytometry with antibodies to IgE, Fc epsilonRI, c-kit, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). We evaluated the effect of 24-hour tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin 4 (IL-4) incubation on the expression of mast cell c-kit, ICAM-1, and surface-bound IgE. RESULTS: Staining of mast cells (c-kit and/or tryptase positive) yielded positive results for all of the variables measured. The intensity of mast cell c-kit staining increased with TNF-alpha incubation, but decreased below that of unstimulated mast cells when incubated with IL-4. Anti-ICAM-1 and anti-IgE staining were increased over that of unstimulated cells when incubated with TNF-alpha or IL-4. CONCLUSIONS: In this model, TNF-alpha up-regulates mast cell surface receptors and cell-bound IgE. Interleukin 4 up-regulates mast cell ICAM-1 and cell-bound IgE, but down-regulates c-kit. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Conjunctival mast cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of atopic ocular disease. Characterization of the expression and regulation of mast cell surface receptors is important to the development of potential novel treatments for ocular inflammation.

A prospective randomized trial of oral acyclovir after penetrating keratoplasty for herpes simplex keratitis.

Corneal graft survival in 13 patients (14 eyes) receiving oral acyclovir after penetrating keratoplasty for herpes simplex keratitis was compared with that in nine patients (nine eyes) who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for herpes simplex keratitis without postoperative acyclovir. Mean age, duration of disease, and time of follow-up did not differ in the two groups. There were no recurrences of herpes simplex keratitis in any patient receiving acyclovir during a mean follow-up of 16.5 months compared with a 44% (four of nine) recurrence rate in patients without acyclovir during a mean follow-up of 20.6 months (p < 0.01). Graft failure occurred in 14% (2 of 14) of acyclovir treatment eyes compared with 56% (five of nine) without acyclovir. Long-term prophylactic oral acyclovir significantly decreased the recurrence of herpes simplex keratitis and reduced corneal graft failure in patients who had a history of recurrent herpes simplex keratitis and who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty.

Attenuation of rat conjunctival response by repeated hapten applications.

Attenuation of the rat conjunctival response by repeated topical challenge with dinitrophenyl (DNP) hapten was demonstrated in our study. Adult rats were immunized by intraperitoneal injections of dinitrophenylated Ascaris suum extract (DNP-Asc) and alum. Serum levels of anti-DNP homocytotropic antibody were determined by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats prepared with antibody 48 hours earlier. In other animals, topical challenge was performed by applying N,N'-di-2,4-DNP-L-lysine (di-DNP-lysine) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to one eye; PBS alone was applied to the fellow eye. The degree of conjunctival reaction was assessed clinically, and ocular tissues were processed for histological evaluation. The intensity of the conjunctival reaction and extent of mast cell degranulation were significantly greater after one challenge with di-DNP-lysine than after multiple challenges. In the multiple-challenge group, the contralateral eye remained responsive to a single challenge with di-DNP-lysine. These results may have implications for therapeutic interventions in ocular anaphylaxis.

Late-phase reaction in topically induced ocular anaphylaxis in the rat.

A cellular late-phase reaction is described in a rat model of topically induced ocular anaphylaxis. Rats were immunized with dinitrophenylated Ascaris suum extract and alum and were tested for active cutaneous anaphylaxis on day 13. Rats with a strong skin test response were selected for ocular challenge with di-DNP-lysine. Macroscopic observation and histologic evaluation were performed at 1, 6, and 24 h. In rats showing a moderate macroscopic ocular response at 1 h, mast cell degranulation was significantly increased at 1 h; no significant increase in eosinophils, neutrophils or lymphocytes was found in the conjunctive of these animals. In rats showing a marked macroscopic ocular response at 1 h, mast cell degranulation was significantly increased at 1 and 6 h; the number of eosinophils was significantly increased at 1 and 6 h, and of neutrophils at 6 h only. At 24 h, neutrophil and eosinophil numbers returned to baseline levels. There was no macroscopic evidence of a late-phase response in either group of animals. Our results suggest that, in keeping with earlier observations in human skin, a strong early response to antigen is required for the development of a late-phase ocular response in the rat.

Late-phase reaction and tear fluid cytology in the rat ocular anaphylaxis.

Tear fluid cytology is described for the early and late phases of ocular anaphylaxis in actively immunized Sprague-Dawley rats. Tears were collected from both eyes of the rats before challenge and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, and 48 h after topical challenge with di-DNP-lysine in one eye and PBS in the fellow eye. Results showed a statistically significant increase in the Aggregate Cell Rating, which represents the aggregate scores in neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and atypical epithelial cell levels, in antigen-treated vs control eyes. This report is the first to use a cytologic study of tear film to detect the late phase of ocular anaphylaxis in the rat. Cytology of the tear film could be applied to the study of allergic conjunctivitis in both animals and humans.

Atopic ocular disease.

Atopy arises from a complex interplay between immunogenetic controls and complex environmental allergens. Family studies of atopic patients indicate a polygenic control of IgE production overlayed with exposure to certain ubiquitous environmental antigens. Ultrapurified antigen studies in families indicate that HLA-D immune response genes, notably HLA-DR/Dw2, are implicated in some atopic responses. IgE-binding factors and gene regulation of proteins controlling glycosylation of them also influence the serum levels of IgE, as do the levels of at least two cytokines, IL-4 and gamma interferon.

Interstitial keratitis as presenting ophthalmic sign of sarcoidosis in a child.

Interstitial keratitis is a rarely occurring sign in sarcoidosis. We report a case of childhood sarcoidosis with initial ocular presentation as interstitial keratitis. Erythema nodosum preceded the ocular findings by 4 years and arthritis developed 1 year after ocular findings developed. Although no history of intraocular inflammation was present, there was evidence of inactive chorioretinitis and vitritis found at initial presentation. Systemic steroids were used to treat the patient's skin lesions and topical steroids to treat his corneal inflammation. He developed posterior uveitis and optic nerve edema both of which were responsive to oral steroids. Two years after the presentation of his ocular findings, the onset of pulmonary symptoms and resultant transbronchial biopsy confirmed his diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Health needs of clients as reported by medical practitioners from two districts of Sindh.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the major health and reproductive health problems for which people consult local medical practitioners. METHODOLOGY: Forty-one practitioners completed a self-administered questionnaire. A startified purposive sample of practitioners was selected by asking the community members from various towns and rural areas to identify practitioners who have most busy practices and are perceived as providing quality care. RESULTS: Nine of the forty-one practitioners were females. Twenty-two were consulted mainly by women and another seventeen by an equal number of women and men. Practitioners pointed to malnutrition, malaria, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract problems as being the most common ailments. They identified menstrual problems, malnutrition among pregnant women, burning micturition and vaginal discharge as the most common reproductive health problems of their clients. Only 16 medical practitioners said that they diagnosed someone in the last one-month as suffering from sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSION: The survey helped in developing an understanding of health issues from provider perspective. Findings indicate a concordance between what has been revealed by previous population based studies in similar situations and to what health problems practitioners pointed as common. While a comprehensive needs-assessment requires surveys and qualitative interviews with communities, consultations with relatively fewer medical practitioners could also provide a quick and fair approximation of priority health problems in the area.

Community knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections in a rural district of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections in district Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: A needs assessment study employing a community based survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions was conducted in all seven sub-districts of the district. This paper is based on the results of the key informant interviews and the focus group discussions. Thirty interviews and six group discussions were held with members of the community and with the health care providers. RESULTS: There was little awareness regarding causes and prevention of sexually transmitted infections in the community. The situation was slightly better among health care providers. While health care providers believed that the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is high, the community did not consider themselves at risk. The community believed that these diseases are a problem among a sub-population of male adolescents, especially those who have homosexual relations. However, due to social norms, they rarely discussed such health problems with other family members or elders. Adolescents with any sexual health problems visit hakims and quacks. The community was aware about aetiology and some of the risk factors associated with AIDS and hepatitis, most probably due to the recent public health campaigns against both diseases. CONCLUSION: Considering the suspected high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and the relative lack of knowledge, it is imperative that a public health intervention be initiated. This must include educating not only the community but also the health workers. The governments' initiative to train community workers in reproductive health is a step in the right direction.

Utility of participatory rural appraisal for health needs assessment and planning.

BACKGROUND: While poverty and lack of life opportunities are root causes of a high burden of disease and infant and maternal mortality, inadequate health care contributes heavily. Often those who are left without care are those who need it most. Existing health services are managed without taking into account acceptance and need perspectives. This further reduces the effectiveness of and equity in health care. In order to guide the planning of reproductive health services by a national NGO, health needs were assessed in a district in Sindh using a combination of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and qualitative and quantitative research methods. PRA is considered as a better framework to assess, analyse and develop programs with communities. OBJECTIVE: The objective of PRA was to initiate community involvement and to understand the needs of health care from a community perspective. METHODOLOGY: PRA was conducted with groups of men and women from three rural areas in a district of Sindh, Pakistan using a life cycle framework. The community members identified various stages of their life with the associated health issues. RESULTS: This research was empowering to community members as it facilitated community involvement. The respondents took charge of the process of identification of health needs at PRA sessions. PRA helped identify health problems considered prevalent and important by the community. More importantly, it helped potential service providers and the community to initiate community involvement in planning. CONCLUSION: PRA is not only an effective tool for assessment and analysis of health issues but also a vehicle to promote community involvement. Additionally, participatory methods contribute to understand the context of quantitative data generated for planning purposes.