A Small-Scale Setup for Algal Toxicity Testing of Nanomaterials and Other Difficult Substances.

Ecotoxicity data is a requirement for pre- and post-market registration of chemicals by European and international regulations (e.g., REACH).

A novel synthesis and detection method for cap-associated adenosine modifications in mouse mRNA.

A method is described for the detection of certain nucleotide modifications adjacent to the 5' 7-methyl guanosine cap of mRNAs from individual genes. The method quantitatively measures the relative abundance of 2'-O-methyl and N(6),2'-O-dimethyladenosine, two of the most common modifications. In order to identify and quantitatify the amounts of N(6),2'-O-dimethyladenosine, a novel method for the synthesis of modified adenosine phosphoramidites was developed.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the IL18 gene are associated with atopic eczema.

Background: Human IL-18 is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a role in atopic diseases, such as atopic eczema (AE), by enhancing IL-4 and IL-13 production and stimulating the synthesis of IgE.

Objective: To evaluate associations of polymorphisms in the IL18 gene on chromosome 11q22 with AE, we performed genotyping for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL18 gene in 225 patients with AE and 175 healthy control volunteers.

Methods: Genotyping was performed by means of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Polymorphisms in the IL 18 gene are associated with specific sensitization to common allergens and allergic rhinitis.

Background: Atopy has been linked to chromosome 11q22, a region that harbors the IL18 gene. IL-18 enhances IL-4/IL-13 production and induces IgE production that is directly associated with the pathogenesis of atopic disorders.

Objective: We sought to investigate whether genetic abnormalities in the regulatory regions of the IL18 gene predispose, in part, to susceptibility to atopy.

Dichotomic nature of atopic dermatitis reflected by combined analysis of monocyte immunophenotyping and single nucleotide polymorphisms of the interleukin-4/interleukin-13 receptor gene: the dichotomy of extrinsic and intrinsic atopic dermatitis.

Patients with atopic dermatitis display substantial immunologic abnormalities, among which elevated total IgE is considered as a hallmark; however, a subgroup of atopic dermatitis patients exhibits normal IgE levels, but mechanisms contributing to the so-called "intrinsic" or "nonallergic" form of atopic dermatitis are obscure. In order to unravel similarities and differences of both atopic dermatitis subtypes, the phenotype of monocytes, total serum IgE levels, and serum levels of cytokines regulating the IgE production from nonatopic individuals and patients with allergic rhinitis, and extrinsic and intrinsic atopic dermatitis were measured. Concomitantly, genomic DNA probes of all subjects were analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms of candidate genes of structures involved in the regulation of the IgE synthesis, such as interleukin-4 and the interleukin-4R/interleukin-13R.

Distinct signal transduction processes by IL-4 and IL-13 and influences from the Q551R variant of the human IL-4 receptor alpha chain.

Background: Although IL-4 and IL-13 share the IL-13 receptor, IL-13 exhibits unique functions. To elicit the cellular basis of these differences, signal transduction processes have been compared. Additionally, the role of the IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Ralpha) variant Q551R was investigated.

The variant Arg110Gln of human IL-13 is associated with an immunologically hyper-reactive form of onchocerciasis (sowda).

Onchocerca volvulus infection usually results in a predominantly immunopermissive reaction called generalized onchocerciasis and characterized by high microfilarial burden and immunological tolerance to the worms. Rarely, however, infection leads to the sowda form of the disease displaying low microfilarial numbers, i.e.