Ara h 2-specific IgE epitope-like peptides inhibit the binding of IgE to Ara h 2 and suppress lgE-dependent effector cell activation.

Background: Clinical and experimental analyses indicate a pathognomonic role for allergen IgE crosslinking through epitope-paratope interactions as a major initial step in the cascade leading to effector cell activation and clinical manifestations of lgE-mediated food allergies. We aimed to undertake the initial development and assessment of Ara h 2-specific IgE epitope-like peptides that can bind to allergen-specific IgE paratopes and suppress effector cell activation.

Methods: We performed biopanning, screening, IgE binding, selection and mapping of peptides.

The Variants in the 3' Untranslated Region of the Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Gene as Modulators of Treatment Outcome in Children with Asthma.

Purpose: The maintaining of asthma control is difficult due to high variability in response to therapy among patients. Since matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is implicated in inflammation and remodeling of asthmatic airways, it could be associated with adequate response to asthma therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether variants in 3' end of the MMP9 gene are associated with clinical phenotype and responsiveness to treatment in children with asthma.

The relevance of basophil allergen sensitivity testing to distinguish between severe and mild peanut-allergic children.

Background: Peanut sensitization is common in children. However, it is difficult to assess which children will react mildly and which severely. This study evaluated the relevance of basophil allergen sensitivity testing to distinguish the severity of peanut allergy in children.

Asthma treatment outcome in children is associated with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) polymorphisms.

Background: Asthma is a common chronic disease characterized by airway inflammation and structural remodeling. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major regulator of angiogenesis, is elevated in asthma patients. VEGF contributes to airway responsiveness and remodeling.

A colloid cyst of the third ventricle -- the cause of episodic headache and sudden unexpected death in an adolescent girl.

An 18-year-old girl was found dead in her bed. The autopsy revealed a colloid cyst of the third ventricle. The cyst obstructed the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to prominent internal hydrocephalus with consecutive brain edema and compression of the caudal medulla at the foramen magnum.