• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.248-252
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• 2011

Soy protein based formula (SPF) has been developed for infants who are at a high risk for atopic dermatitis (AD) and cow's milk protein allergy (CMA). We performed this study to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of SPF compared to conventional hydrolyzed cow's milk formula (hCMF) in the feeding of infants with AD and CMA. 38 infants (12 to 24 months of age) diagnosed with CMA and AD were randomized to receive either SPF or hCMF for 12 weeks. Follow-up was conducted at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Growth parameters of the infants were evaluated during each visit. Clinical evaluations, including AD severity scores, pruritus, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) (cow's milk protein and soy protein) levels of peripheral blood, were made at enrollment and week 12. Analysis was performed on the 32 infants (SPF: n=16, hCMF: n=16) who completed the 12-week intervention. Eczema area and severity index (EASI) scores, a measure of the severity of AD, and pruritus were significantly reduced after 12 weeks compared to enrollment in the both groups; however, the median changes for EASI scores and pruritus were not statistically different between the two groups. The growth parameters did not differ significantly between both groups at any assessed time point. This study suggests that SPF could be useful in decreasing the severity of AD without affecting infant growth status. Therefore SPF could provide an adequate and safe alternative to hCMF in treating infants with AD and CMA during the first 12 to 24 months of their life.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.97-105
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• 2012

$Schizandra$ $chinensis$ Baillon is a traditional folk medicine plant that is used to treat and prevent several inflammatory diseases and cancer in Korea, but the underlying mechanisms involved in its anti-allergic activity are not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate mechanisms of anti-allergic activity of a $Schizandra$ $chinensis$ Baillon water extract (SCWE) in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-antigen complex-stimulated RBL2H3 cells and to assess whether gastric and intestinal digestion affects the anti-allergic properties of SCWE. Oxidative stress is an important consequence of the allergic inflammatory response. The antioxidant activities of SCWE increased in a concentration-dependent manner. RBL-2H3 cells were sensitized with monoclonal anti-dinitrophenol (DNP) specific IgE, treated with SCWE, and challenged with the antigen DNP-human serum albumin. SCWE inhibited ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release and expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) mRNA and protein in IgE-antigen complex-stimulated RBL2H3 cells. We found that digested SCWE fully maintained its antioxidant activity and anti-allergic activity against the IgE-antigen complex-induced activation of RBL-2H3 cells. SCWE may be useful for preventing allergic diseases, such as asthma. Thus, SCWE could be used as a natural functional ingredient for allergic diseases in the food and/or pharmaceutical industries.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.9
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• pp.373-379
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• 2011

Purpose: 4-1BB (CD 137) is a costimulatory molecule expressed on activated T-cells. Repression by 4-1BB is thought to attenuate Th2-mediated allergic reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-1BB on allergic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model. Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Hu.4-1BB-Fc was administered 1 day before the first OVA sensitization or 1 day after the second OVA sensitization. Following antigen challenge, airway responsiveness to methacholine was assessed and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, OVA-specific IgE, $IgG_1$, and $IgG_{2a}$ levels in sera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung pathology was also evaluated. Results: In mice treated with Hu.4-1BB-Fc before the first OVA sensitization, there was a marked decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness, total cell count, and eosinophil count in the BAL fluid. In addition, Hu.4-1BB-Fc treatment decreased serum OVA-specific $IgG_1$ levels and increased serum $IgG_{2a}$ level significantly compared with the corresponding levels in mice sensitized to and challenged with OVA. Hu.4-1BB-Fc-treated mice also showed suppressed peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. In contrast, treatment with Hu.4-1BB-Fc 1 day after sensitization had no effect on airway hyperresponsiveness and showed less suppression of inflammation in lung tissue. Conclusion: Administration of Hu.4-1BB-Fc can attenuate airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. In addition, administration before sensitization may be more effective. These findings suggest that 4-1BB may be a useful therapeutic molecule against asthma.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.502-510
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• 1998

Stabilization of antibody, which is specific to Salmonella typhimurium antigens, present in dry states on membranes was accomplished, and its shelf-life, i.e., duration for maintaining minimum 90% of the initial activity, under optimal conditions was determined. To prepare two major components of an immuno-strip, the antibody was not only immobilized on nitrocellulose membrane surfaces but also placed within the pores of glass fiber membrane after conjugating it with old colloids as signal generator. Among potential stabilizers of the immuno-components, a disaccharide, trehalose, showed a significant protection effect of immunoglobulin structure from thermal energy. Optimal concentrations of trehalose for the respective component were significantly different (8-fold higher for the antibody-gold conjugate than for the immobilized antibody), which probably resulted from distinct densities and configurations of antibody present on the membranes. An additional requirement for the gold conjugate was freeze-drying of this substance such that the conjugate can be readily resolubilized upon contact with aqueous medium. By using the components prepared under optimal conditions, immuno-strips were constructed and exposed to thermal energy. Signals with less than 10% decrease in the intensity were maintained for approximately 21 days at 60$^{\circ}C$. Compared to previous reports, this result represented a 2-year shelf-life at room temperature. it was, however, two times longer if determined from thermal acceleration tests based on the theory of inactivation rate of protein. Such discrepancy between the two estimates could be mainly attributed to errors in accurately controlling temperatures and also to changes in the physical properties of membranes due to a high thermal energy.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.1093-1098
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• 2001

The gene coding for a Lepidoptera-specific insecticidal crystalline (or control) protein (ICP), recognized as cryIAc, from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-73, was cloned into the vector pBluscript ll SK-, and then transformed in Escherichia coli $DH5{\alpha}$. The clone was named EBtIAc and the chimeric phagemid, as pEBtIAc. Hyperexpression of CryIAc protoxin was observed in the extract of the culture of E. coli harboring pEBtIAc. Crystalline protoxin was purified by differential solubility. It was dissolved in alkaline pH, and exposed to trypsin to be activated. The molecular weights of the pro- and activated toxins on SDS-PAGE were estimated to be ca. 130 kDa and 60 kDa, respectively. The toxicity was tested by force-feeding larvae of gypsi moth (Lymantria diapar) with trypsinized protoxin. Using the batch of biologically active form of the toxin as an immunogen, anti-CryIAc antiserum was raised in a New Zealand white rabbit. Immunoglobulin G was fractionated from the seam by Protein-A sepharose affinity chromatography. Immunoreactivity of the antibody was examined by dot and Westerns blottings. It has been found that the anti- CryIAc antibody recognized the purified toxin at a level below a nanogram in terms of quantity. Using the antibody some of Bt-corns were able to be differentiated from tons of corn kernels which were imported from America as forage crops.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2014

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of year-round respiratory viral infection in children with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and the relationship between respiratory viral infection and allergen sensitization in exacerbating asthma. Methods: We investigated the sources for acute LRTIs in children admitted to our hospital from May 2010 to April 2011. The 6 most common respiratory viruses were isolated from nasopharyngeal aspirate using multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 309 children; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (AV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), influenza virus (IFV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), rhinovirus (RV). Atopic sensitization was defined if more than 1 serum specific Immunoglobulin E level measured using UniCAP (Pharmacia) was over 0.35 IU/mL. Results: RSV was the most common pathogen of bronchiolitis in hospitalized children through the year. RV or IFV infection was more prevalent in asthma exacerbations compared to other LRTIs. AV and hMPV were more likely to cause pneumonia. RV and IFV were associated with asthma exacerbations in children with atopic sensitization, but not in nonatopic children. Conclusion: RV and IFV are associated with hospitalization for asthma exacerbation in children with atopic sensitization.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.488-494
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• 2013

A food allergy is an adverse health effect arising from a specific immune response that occurs reproducibly upon exposure to a given food. In those with food allergies that are thought to cause aggravation of eczema, food avoidance is important. The objective of this study was to research the nutritional status of patients with food allergies. A total of 225 subjects diagnosed with atopic dermatitis underwent a skin prick test as well as measurement of serum immunoglobulin E. Food challenge tests were conducted using seven food items: milk, eggs, wheat, soybeans, beef, pork, and chicken. At post-food challenge visits to the test clinic, participants completed a three-day dietary record, which included two week days and one weekend day, in order to evaluate energy intake and diet quality during the challenge. We analyzed nutrient intake based on differential food allergens. Subjects with a food allergy to milk showed lower intake of Ca, Zn, and vitamin B2, and subjects with a food allergy to egg showed lower intake of vitamin A, B1, B2, niacin, and cholesterol. Subjects with a food allergy to wheat and soybean showed lower intake of Ca, P, Fe, K, Zn, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and niacin; and subjects with a food allergy to beef, pork, and chicken showed lower intake of Fe and higher intake of K, vitamin A, B2. Subjects with atopic dermatitis were lacking in several nutrients, including vitamin A and vitamin C. A greater number of food allergies showed an association with a greater number of nutrient intake deficiencies. Allergen avoidance is the basic treatment for atopic dermatitis. However, when the allergen is food, excessive restriction can lead to nutrition deficiency. Findings of this study suggest the necessity for enhanced nutritional education in order to provide substitute foods for patients with food allergies who practice food restriction.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.20.1-20.8
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• 2017

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of taurine for juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) at low water temperature ($16.4{\pm}0.36^{\circ}C$). Fish meal (FM)-based diet was used as the control diet. Four other experimental diets were prepared by adding taurine to FM-based diet at 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 1. 50% (T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively). Each experimental diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish (initial mean body weight, 19.5 g) for 10 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, growth performance and feed utilization, hematological parameters, non-specific immune responses, whole-body proximate composition, and liver mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were investigated. Feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced while protein efficiency ratio was significantly increased in taurine-supplemented groups. Hematocrit and hemoglobin were also significantly increased while plasma cholesterol levels were decreased in taurine-supplemented groups than those in the control group. Nitroblue-tetrazolium, myeloperoxidase and lysozyme activities, and plasma immunoglobulin level were significantly increased by taurine supplementation. These results suggest that dietary taurine supplementation is effective in improving growth performances, feed utilization, and innate immunity of olive flounder in low water temperature season.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.161-167
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• 1998

This experiment was carried out to develope the production of specific yolk antibody from laying hens immunized with antigens from Salmonella enteritidis. Antigenic protein isolated from the flagella of Salmonella enteritidis, determined by SDS-PAGE, was pure and has a molecular mass of approximately 54.6 kDa. It was observed that the antibody titers both in egg yolk and serum were performed at 2 weeks after immunization with flagella antigen to the laying hen. And the level was increased gradually to 6 weeks after immunization. At the time of 6 weeks, the antibody titer of yolk showed higher than that of serum. According to the results of specificity test(ELISA), the yolk antibody did not react with different bacterial strains(S. choleraesuis, ETEC Kl2:K99, K88,987P), but reacted only with S. enteritidis strain. The contents of immunoglobulin(IgY) in an egg yolk was 106mg approximately. By the isolation procedure of IgY from the egg yolk, 88.3 percent of IgY content was recovered in this study.

• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.686-697
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• 2018

Purpose: Several markers for eosinophilic inflammation have been proposed to predict response to asthma treatment. However, definitive criteria for treatment decisions have not yet been established. We investigate a potentially useful relatively non-invasive biomarker, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), to predict favorable responses to budesonide or montelukast, common treatment for children with asthma. Methods: Young children (1 to 6 years old) were enrolled in this randomized, parallel, 2-group, open-label trial. Criteria for eligibility included: 1) being symptomatic during the run-in period; and 2) having a serum EDN (sEDN) level ${\geq}53ng/mL$, with positive specific immunoglobulin E to house dust mite. Eligible patients were randomly placed into 2 groups: the BIS group received budesonide inhalation suspension (BIS) 0.5 mg once daily; the MONT group received montelukast 4 mg once daily. Ineligible patients were invited to receive montelukast 4 mg once daily (OBS group). Treatment period was 12 weeks. Results: Asthma control days increased significantly in the BIS and MONT groups (P < 0.000) over the 12-week study period. There was no significant change in sEDN in the BIS group but there was a significant decrease in the MONT group (P < 0.000). Patients in the OBS group with high EDN levels (> 53 ng/mL) showed a significant decrease due to MONT treatment (P = 0.023). Rescue medication usage significantly decreased in the BIS and MONT groups (P < 0.000). Conclusions: EDN is a useful relatively non-invasive biomarker for predicting responses to montelukast and budesonide treatment of preschool children with beta2-agonist responsive recurrent wheeze and multiple-trigger wheeze (Trial registry at UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000008335).