Knowledge of measures to safeguard harvested rainwater quality in rural domestic households

Given the possibility of waterborne diseases caused by inappropriate rainwater harvesting systems, a survey was conducted in Uganda to assess existing knowledge of both physical and non-physical measures that safeguard harvested rainwater. Households who had received rainwater tanks were assessed on issues related to harvested rainwater quality. The study shows that 84% of respondents were aware of various sources of rainwater contamination, but only 5% were aware that they needed to adjust use of rainwater, depending on whether they cleaned the tank or not. Most of the respondents were not aware that gutter cleaning was necessary to improve water quality. Indeed, as the water from the collection surface is channelled through gutters, a number of measures need to be taken to control the entry of contaminations and subsequent growth of pathogens in the tank, e.g. first flush diverts, installation of filters, chemical use and mesh cleaning. The majority, however, did not take adequate care of the gutters and this impacts on health and social livelihood. Overall, the findings emphasize the need to provide more information to households when installing water harvesting tanks to ensure that the harvested rainwater is of high quality.

Panallergens and their impact on the allergic patient

The panallergen concept encompasses families of related proteins, which are involved in general vital processes and thus, widely distributed throughout nature. Plant panallergens share highly conserved sequence regions, structure, and function. They are responsible for many IgE cross-reactions even between unrelated pollen and plant food allergen sources. Although usually considered as minor allergens, sensitization to panallergens might be problematic as it bears the risk of developing multiple sensitizations. Clinical manifestations seem to be tightly connected with geographical and exposure factors. Future population- and disease-based screenings should provide new insights on panallergens and their contribution to disease manifestations. Such information requires molecule-based diagnostics and will be valuable for developing patient-tailored prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. In this article, we focus on profilins, non-specific lipid transfer proteins, polcalcins, and Bet v 1-related proteins and discuss possible consequences of panallergen sensitization for the allergic patient. Based on their pattern of IgE cross-reactivity, which is reflected by their distribution in the plant kingdom, we propose a novel classification of panallergens into ubiquitously spread "real panallergens" (e.g. profilins) and widespread "eurallergens" (e.g. polcalcins). "Stenallergens" display more limited distribution and cross-reactivity patterns, and "monallergens" are restricted to a single allergen source.

[Sleep disorders in schizophrenia]

Difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep as well as circadian rhythm disorders are very common in schizophrenia. Sleeping disorders occur as early signs of the first manifestation of illness as well as early signs of relapse. They bear a relation to positive symptoms and disorganisation of thought. Polysomnographic investigations with schizophrenic patients typically demonstrate a prolonged sleep-onset latency and a decrease in sleep efficiency and slow wave sleep. In particular, distortions of deep sleep can affect neocortical plasticity and cognition negatively. The considerable sleeping disorders are often not sufficiently taken into account in clinical routine. Particularly older antipsychotic medication like Haloperidol can affect the circadian and sleep-wake rhythms negatively. Therefore, pathophysiological changes of sleep within the scope of schizophrenic disorders and their potential implications are discussed in this outline. Regarding therapy, psychoeducative approaches are discussed as well as the administration of antipsychotic medication in accordance with the recommendations of sleep medicine professionals.

The influence of recombinant production on the immunologic behavior of birch pollen isoallergens

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions towards the birch major pollen allergen Bet v 1 are among the most common causes of spring pollinosis in the temperate climate zone of the Northern hemisphere. Natural Bet v 1 is composed of a complex mixture of different isoforms. Detailed analysis of recombinant Bet v 1 isoforms revealed striking differences in immunologic as well as allergenic properties of the molecules, leading to a classification of Bet v 1 isoforms into high, medium, and low IgE binding proteins. Especially low IgE binding Bet v 1 isoforms have been described as ideal candidates for desensitizing allergic patients with allergen specific immunotherapy (SIT). Since diagnosis and therapy of allergic diseases are highly dependent on recombinant proteins, continuous improvement of protein production is an absolute necessity.

METHODOLOGY

Therefore, two different methods for recombinant production of a low IgE binding Bet v 1 isoform were applied; one based on published protocols, the other by implementing latest innovations in protein production. Both batches of Bet v 1.0401 were extensively characterized by an array of physicochemical as well as immunological methods to compare protein primary structure, purity, quantity, folding, aggregation state, thermal stability, and antibody binding capacity.

CONCLUSION

The experiments demonstrated that IgE antibody binding properties of recombinant isoallergens can be significantly influenced by the production method directly affecting possible clinical applications of the molecules.

Development of recombinant allergens for diagnosis and therapy

Allergic disease represents an increasing problem in industrialized countries. However, allergy diagnosis and specific immunotherapy, the only curative approach towards the treatment of IgE-mediated disorders, are still performed like in their very beginnings more than a century ago. The use of allergen extracts of undefined contents bears the risk of anaphylactic side effects and sensitization to new allergens during immunotherapy. This review focuses on production, physicochemical, and immunological requirements, as well as on the multiple advantages of recombinant allergens and hypoallergens in comparison to conventional allergen extracts used in allergy diagnosis and therapy. Recombinant allergens offer the perspective of molecule-based allergy diagnosis and consequently safe and patient-tailored immunotherapy.

Identification of B-cell epitopes of Bet v 1 involved in cross-reactivity with food allergens

BACKGROUND

The pollen-food syndrome (PFS) is an association of food allergies to fruits, nuts, and vegetables in patients with pollen allergy. Mal d 1, the major apple allergen, is one of the most commonly associated food allergens for birch pollen-allergic patients suffering from PFS. Although the reactions are due to cross-reactive IgE antibodies originally raised against pollen Bet v 1, not every Bet v 1-allergic patient develops clinical reactions towards apple.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We speculate that distinct IgE epitopes are responsible for the clinical manifestation of PFS. To test this hypothesis we grafted five Mal d 1 stretches onto Bet v 1. The grafted regions were 7- or 8-amino acids long encompassing amino acids residues previously shown to be crucial for IgE recognition of Bet v 1.

METHODS

A Bet v 1-Mal d 1 chimeric protein designated BMC was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. IgE reactivity of BMC was tested with patients' sera originating from (i) Bet v 1-allergic patients displaying no clinical symptoms upon ingestion of apples; and (ii) Bet v 1-allergic patients displaying allergic symptoms upon ingestion of apples and other Bet v 1-related foods.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Compared to birch pollen-allergic individuals, patients suffering from PFS showed significantly higher IgE reactivity with BMC (chimeric protein). The results suggest that the Mal d 1 regions grafted onto the Bet v 1 sequence comprise important IgE epitopes recognized by Bet v 1-allergic patients suffering from allergy to apples.

Immunologic characterization of isoforms of Car b 1 and Que a 1, the major hornbeam and oak pollen allergens

BACKGROUND

Birch pollen allergy is one of the most common causes of spring pollinosis often associated with hypersensitivity reactions to pollen of other Fagales species. Yet, only the major disease eliciting allergens of alder and hazel have been fully characterized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform cloning, expression and immunologic characterization of the Bet v 1 homologues from oak (Que a 1) and hornbeam (Car b 1).

METHODS

The isoform pattern of Car b 1 and Que a 1 was analyzed by proteomics using 2D gel electrophoresis and LC ESI-QTOF MS. Isoallergens showing high IgE-binding were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. IgE-binding activity of the recombinant proteins was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and basophil mediator release assays using serum samples from patients mainly exposed either to oak and hornbeam or to birch pollen. Cross-reactivity of the allergens was further investigated at the T-cell level.

RESULTS

Dominant isoforms of Car b 1 and Que a 1, identified by mass spectrometry, showed different IgE-binding properties when testing Fagales pollen-allergic patients living in birch-free areas as compared to birch-sensitized individuals.

CONCLUSION

Tree pollen-allergic patients who are primarily exposed to Fagales pollen other than birch reacted stronger with rCar b 1 and rQue a 1 than with rBet v 1, as determined by inhibition ELISA and basophil mediator release assays. Thus, rCar b 1 and rQue a 1 allergens should be considered for improving molecule-based diagnosis and therapy of tree pollen allergies manifesting in birch-free areas.

Energy spectrum of cosmic-ray electrons at TeV energies

The very large collection area of ground-based gamma-ray telescopes gives them a substantial advantage over balloon or satellite based instruments in the detection of very-high-energy (>600 GeV) cosmic-ray electrons. Here we present the electron spectrum derived from data taken with the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. In this measurement, the first of this type, we are able to extend the measurement of the electron spectrum beyond the range accessible to direct measurements. We find evidence for a substantial steepening in the energy spectrum above 600 GeV compared to lower energies.

Limits on an energy dependence of the speed of light from a flare of the active galaxy PKS 2155-304

In the past few decades, several models have predicted an energy dependence of the speed of light in the context of quantum gravity. For cosmological sources such as active galaxies, this minuscule effect can add up to measurable photon-energy dependent time lags. In this Letter a search for such time lags during the High Energy Stereoscopic System observations of the exceptional very high energy flare of the active galaxy PKS 2155-304 on 28 July 2006 is presented. Since no significant time lag is found, lower limits on the energy scale of speed of light modifications are derived.

Management of emergencies in adults with congenital cardiac disease

The aim of the study was to assess the quantity and nature of emergencies affecting adults with congenital cardiac disease (CCD) and evaluate infrastructural requirements for adequate management. There is an increasing number of adults with CCD requiring specialized complex care. This multicenter study evaluated all emergency admissions to 1 of 5 centers for adults with CCD within 1 year. Within 1 year, there were 1,033 admissions of adults with CCD, and 201 (160 patients; age 16 to 71 years) were emergencies. Underlying cardiac anomalies were univentricular heart (22%), complete transposition (14%), tetralogy of Fallot (21%), and others (43%). Seventy percent of patients had undergone previous cardiac surgery. The main reason for acute admission was cardiovascular (arrhythmia, heart failure, syncope, aortic dissection, and endocarditis). Diagnostic procedures most often assigned were echocardiography (n = 223), chest x-ray (n = 95), Holter electrocardiography (n = 85), cardiac catheterization/electrophysiologic study (n = 39), and others (n = 143). Forty-six patients underwent surgery (cardiovascular n = 41, general n = 5) or electrophysiologic treatment (n = 41). One hundred twenty-six of 201 emergencies (63%) required cooperation with another specialized department: surgery (n = 46), internal medicine (n = 42), neurology (n = 12), ophthalmology (n = 6), otorhinolaryngology (n = 5), gynecology (n = 5), psychiatry (n = 4), radiology (n = 3), dermatology (n = 2), and orthopedics (n = 2). In conclusion, physicians and consultants attending adult patients with CCD need a high degree of specialized experience concerning the cardiac anomaly to manage emergencies properly. Furthermore, a wide range of noncardiac diagnostic and therapeutic procedures must be available. Data support the demand for a multidisciplinary approach in specialized centers for adequate care of adults with CCD.

A transcriptome analysis of isoamyl alcohol-induced filamentation in yeast reveals a novel role for Gre2p as isovaleraldehyde reductase

A transcriptome analysis was performed of Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergoing isoamyl alcohol-induced filament formation. In the crucial first 5 h of this process, only four mRNA species displayed strong and statistically significant increases in their levels of more than 10-fold. Two of these (YEL071w/DLD3 and YOL151w/GRE2) appear to play important roles in filamentation. The biochemical activities ascribed to these two genes (d-lactate dehydrogenase and methylglyoxal reductase, respectively) displayed similarly timed increases to those of their respective mRNAs. Mutants carrying dld3 mutations displayed reduced filamentation in 0.5% isoamyl alcohol and needed a higher concentration of isoamyl alcohol to effect more complete filament formation. Hence, DLD3 seems to be required for a full response to isoamyl alcohol, but is not absolutely essential for it. Mutants carrying gre2 mutations were derepressed for filament formation and formed large, invasive filaments even in the absence of isoamyl alcohol. These results indicate a previously unsuspected and novel role for the GRE2 gene product as a suppressor of filamentation by virtue of encoding isovaleraldehyde reductase activity.

Fast Variability of Tera–Electron Volt γ Rays from the Radio Galaxy M87

The detection of fast variations of the tera-electron volt (TeV) (10(12) eV) gamma-ray flux, on time scales of days, from the nearby radio galaxy M87 is reported. These variations are about 10 times as fast as those observed in any other wave band and imply a very compact emission region with a dimension similar to the Schwarzschild radius of the central black hole. We thus can exclude several other sites and processes of the gamma-ray production. The observations confirm that TeV gamma rays are emitted by extragalactic sources other than blazars, where jets are not relativistically beamed toward the observer.

HESS observations of the galactic center region and their possible dark matter interpretation

The detection of gamma rays from the source HESS J1745-290 in the Galactic Center (GC) region with the High Energy Spectroscopic System (HESS) array of Cherenkov telescopes in 2004 is presented. After subtraction of the diffuse gamma-ray emission from the GC ridge, the source is compatible with a point source with spatial extent less than 1.2;{'}(stat) (95% C.L.). The measured energy spectrum above 160 GeV is compatible with a power law with photon index of 2.25+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.10(syst) and no significant flux variation is detected. It is finally found that the bulk of the very high energy emission must have non-dark-matter origin.