Elusive Structural, Functional, and Immunological Features of Act d 5, the Green Kiwifruit Kiwellin.

Kiwellin (Act d 5) is an allergenic protein contained in kiwifruit pulp in high amounts. The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional structure of the natural molecule from green kiwifruit and its possible function. Kiwellin was crystallized, and its structure, including post-translational modifications, was elucidated.

Structural features, IgE binding and preliminary clinical findings of the 7kDa Lipid Transfer Protein from tomato seeds.

Allergic reactions caused by 9kDa Lipid Transfer Proteins (9k-LTP), such as Pru p 3, have been widely investigated, whereas a possible contribution of components of 7kDa LTP (7k-LTP) sub-family in triggering allergic symptoms has been overlooked so far. With the aim to investigate the contribution of 7k-LTPs to the food allergies, we have identified, isolated and characterised a tomato seed 7k-LTP (Sola l 7k-LTP). The protein was purified by chromatographic separations, identified by direct protein sequencing and mass spectrometry and a molecular model was built.

A sonographic lesion index for Crohn's disease helps monitor changes in transmural bowel damage during therapy.

Background & Aims: Therapeutic antibodies against tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNF) are effective in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Mucosal healing is a surrogate marker of efficacy, but little is known about the effects of anti-TNF agents on structural damage in the intestine. Small-intestine contrast ultrasonography (SICUS) is a valuable tool for assessing CD lesions.

Estimates of cocaine use in Milan.

A comparative analysis of three different estimation methods of cocaine use in Milan, Italy, is carried out, including an analysis of the size and trends of the underlying reference population. The three cocaine use estimates are derived from wastewater analysis, a "street" survey and one-source capture-recapture analysis of administrative sanctions for drug possession. All three data sources span several years during the decade 2000-2010.

Detection of IgG and IgE reactivity to BP180 using the ISAC® microarray system.

Background: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune skin disease in which patient autoantibodies react with BP180 and BP230 proteins. In addition to IgG, IgE has been shown to play a role in the disease.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of detecting IgE and IgG against the immunodominant BP180 NC16A domain (BP180) using a microarray system.