Manipulating grain processing method and roughage level to improve feed efficiency in feedlot cattle.

The effects of feeding finishing diets containing whole corn with no roughage on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers were evaluated in 6 trials conducted at commercial research facilities (Bos Technica Research Services Inc., Salina, KS) in the Southern Plains of the United States. One hundred and two feedlot pens containing 6,895 steers were represented.

Comparison of different immunochemical methods for the detection and quantification of hazelnut proteins in food products.

Hazelnuts are widely used in the food industry owing to their nutritive value and taste. The amount of hazelnut present in a recipe is usually considered as a mark of quality. On the other hand, contamination of foods that normally do not contain hazelnuts is a threat for patients with a hazelnut allergy.

[Immunology in medical practice. V. Constitutional eczema].

Constitutional eczema (late atopic dermatitis) is a frequent condition: some 30% of the skin diseases seen by the GP involve constitutional eczema. A number of links with (external) factors have meanwhile been established. Patients with constitutional eczema often suffer from food allergy (over 60% of the children with the eczema) and many are allergic to airborne allergens (especially housedust mite allergen).

Clinical improvement after unusual avoidance measures in the home of an atopic dermatitis patient.

A 27-year-old female office clerk with widespread atopic dermatitis (AD) since infancy appeared to be highly sensitized and exposed to molds, storage mites, and chicken feathers and moderately sensitized to house-dust mites and grass and birch pollens. Hardly any textiles were present in her home; that is, only 28 m2, which is less than 25% of the Dutch national average. The causal relationship between eczema and molds plus storage mites in this case of AD was strengthened by the positive effect of an unusual, multidisciplinary home-sanitation program involving cleaning of mineral surfaces and ventilation improvement.

IgE antibodies to Pityrosporum ovale in atopic dermatitis.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to assess serum IgE antibodies directed against Pityrosporum ovale in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), atopic patients with allergic respiratory disease (ARD: rhinitis or asthma) but without eczema, and in healthy controls. IgE binding to P. ovale extract was demonstrated in 49% (35/72) of AD patients.