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17. A multi‑suckling system combined with an enriched housing environment during the growing period promotes resilience to various challenges in pigs

Author

Parois, S.P.Y., Zande, Lisette van der, Knol, E.F., Kemp, Bas, Rodenburg, Bas, Bolhuis, J.E., Parois, S.P.Y., Zande, Lisette van der, Knol, E.F., Kemp, Bas, Rodenburg, Bas, and Bolhuis, J.E.

Abstract

Little is known about the impact of social and environmental enrichment on improving livestock resilience, i.e. the ability to quickly recover from perturbations. We evaluated the effect of an alternative housing system (AHS) on resilience of pigs, as compared to conventional housing (CONV). The AHS consisted of multi-litter housing during lactation, delayed weaning, extra space allowance and environmental enrichment at all times. We assessed recovery to a 2 h-transport challenge, an LPS injection, 2 h-heat stress and a biopsy wound in 96 pigs. Additionally, indicators of long-term “wear and tear” on the body were determined. AHS pigs had better physiological recoveries with quicker returns to baseline in the transport and LPS challenges, showed lower cortisol accumulation in hairs and lower variance in weight gain over the experimental period compared to conventionally-housed (CONV) pigs. They also had higher levels of natural antibodies binding KLH than CONV pigs. Their response to heat stress revealed a different strategy compared to CONV pigs. Taken together, AHS pigs appear to be more resilient and experience less chronic stress. Enhancing welfare by provision of social and environmental enrichment that better meets the behavioural needs of pigs seems to be a promising approach to improve their resilience.

Published
2022

18. Effects of a Multi-Suckling System Combined With Enriched Housing Post-Weaning on Response and Cognitive Resilience to Isolation

Author

Parois, S.P.Y., Zande, Lisette van der, Knol, E.F., Kemp, Bas, Rodenburg, Bas, Bolhuis, J.E., Parois, S.P.Y., Zande, Lisette van der, Knol, E.F., Kemp, Bas, Rodenburg, Bas, and Bolhuis, J.E.

Abstract

Improving welfare is still a critical issue in pig husbandry. Upgrades of the housing environment seem to be a promising solution to optimise resilience as a whole, and therefore improve animal welfare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an alternative housing system to enhance cognitive resilience and also to promote the pigs' welfare. A total of 96 piglets from two contrasted housing systems [alternative housing system (AHS) vs. conventional system (CONV)] was used. The major upgrades of the alternative system were multi-litter housing during lactation, delayed weaning, extra space allowance, and environmental enrichment from birth onwards. To estimate welfare, weight, and feed intake (as a general indicator of performances), the tear staining area (as a chronic stress indicator), behavioural postures, heart rate traits, and saliva cortisol concentration were measured over a 21 h-isolation. To assess cognitive resilience, the pigs were subjected to a maze with a social reward both before and after the isolation challenge and indicators of cognitive abilities were followed. The AHS pigs showed lower cortisol levels and tear staining area before the challenge, demonstrating overall better welfare due to the alternative housing conditions. During the challenge, AHS pigs had a lower heart rate, higher heart rate variability, and higher vagal activity than the CONV pigs, which might indicate a reduced sensitivity to the stressor. AHS pigs appeared to have a better long-term memory tested in a maze. Providing social and environmental enrichments, that fit the satisfaction of the essential needs of the pigs better, appears to be beneficial for pig welfare as a whole. Its effects on cognitive resilience still need to be proven.

Published
2022

21. Video-based Detection and Tracking with Improved Re-Identification Association for Pigs and Laying Hens in Farms

Author

Guo, Qinghua, Sun, Y., Min, Lan, van Putten, Arjen, Knol, E.F., Visser, Bram, Rodenburg, T., Bolhuis, Liesbeth, Bijma, P., de With, P.H.N., Guo, Qinghua, Sun, Y., Min, Lan, van Putten, Arjen, Knol, E.F., Visser, Bram, Rodenburg, T., Bolhuis, Liesbeth, Bijma, P., and de With, P.H.N.

Abstract

It is important to detect negative behavior of animals for breeding in order to improve their health and welfare. In this work, AI is employed to assist individual animal detection and tracking, which enables the future analysis of behavior for individual animals. The study involves animal groups of pigs and laying hens. First, two state-of-the-art deep learning-based Multi-Object Tracking (MOT) methods are investigated, namely Joint Detection and Embedding (JDE) and FairMOT. Both models detect and track individual animals automatically and continuously. Second, a weighted association algorithm is proposed, which is feasible for both MOT methods to optimize the object re-identification (re-ID), thereby improving the tracking performance. The proposed methods are evaluated on manually annotated datasets. The best tracking performance on pigs is obtained by FairMOT with the weighted association, resulting in an IDF1 of 90.3%, MOTA of 90.8%, MOTP of 83.7%, number of identity switches of 14, and an execution rate of 20.48 fps. For the laying hens, FairMOT with the weighted association also achieves the best tracking performance, with an IDF1 of 88.8%, MOTA of 86.8%, MOTP of 72.8%, number of identity switches of 2, and an execution rate of 21.01 fps. These results show a promising high accuracy and robustness for the individual animal tracking

Published
2022

22. On the use of SNPs of large effect to improve prediction accuracy in pigs

Author

Lopes, M.S., Derks, M., van Son, M., Gjuvsland, A.B., Sevillano, C.A., Grindflek, E., Knol, E.F., Lopes, M.S., Derks, M., van Son, M., Gjuvsland, A.B., Sevillano, C.A., Grindflek, E., and Knol, E.F.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a strategy for selecting SNPs that could receive higher weight than other SNPs in a GBLUP approach due to their expected association with important pig phenotypes. In addition, we aimed to investigate if such a strategy yields improved prediction accuracy compared to a traditional GBLUP approach. Four prediction accuracy scenarios were evaluated using three production traits in two pig populations. Our results show that adding extra weight to SNPs that are expected to be (close to) causal variants in the G matrix increases the prediction accuracy of genomic prediction. The advantage of weighted G matrix compared to a traditional one is not very large, but the added value is consistent.

Published
2022

23. Allele frequency differences at epistatic QTL explain different genetic trends in number of teats in two pig lines

Author

Sevillano, C.A., Harlizius, B., Derks, M.F.L., Lopes, M.S., van Son, M., Knol, E.F., Sevillano, C.A., Harlizius, B., Derks, M.F.L., Lopes, M.S., van Son, M., and Knol, E.F.

Abstract

Several QTL regions affecting number of teats have been detected in commercial pig lines. In this study we follow the indirect effects of index selection on different QTL regions for number of teats in two maternal lines in 40K animals with imputed 555K SNP. In total, 3 QTL regions overlap between the two populations. For a QTL on Sus scrofa chromosome 7 (SSC7), the underlying functional variation affecting number of thoracic vertebrae located in the vertnin gene has also been genotyped showing an allelic substitution effect of nearly 0.4 teats in both lines. However, allele frequencies show an opposite trend at the vertnin gene locus in the two lines. Moreover, epistatic effects between two QTL regions on SSC7 and SSC12 are investigated at the molecular and phenotypic level.

Published
2022

28. COVID-19 pandemic: Practical considerations on the organization of an allergy clinic—An EAACI/ARIA Position Paper

Author

Pfaar, O. Klimek, L. Jutel, M. Akdis, C.A. Bousquet, J. Breiteneder, H. Chinthrajah, S. Diamant, Z. Eiwegger, T. Fokkens, W.J. Fritsch, H.-W. Nadeau, K.C. O’Hehir, R.E. O’Mahony, L. Rief, W. Sampath, V. Schedlowski, M. Torres, M.J. Traidl-Hoffmann, C. Wang, D.Y. Zhang, L. Bonini, M. Brehler, R. Brough, H.A. Chivato, T. Del Giacco, S.R. Dramburg, S. Gawlik, R. Gelincik, A. Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K. Hox, V. Knol, E.F. Lauerma, A. Matricardi, P.M. Mortz, C.G. Ollert, M. Palomares, O. Riggioni, C. Schwarze, J. Skypala, I. Untersmayr, E. Walusiak-Skorupa, J. Ansotegui, I.J. Bachert, C. Bedbrook, A. Bosnic-Anticevich, S. Brussino, L. Canonica, G.W. Cardona, V. Carreiro-Martins, P. Cruz, A.A. Czarlewski, W. Fonseca, J.A. Gotua, M. Haahtela, T. Ivancevich, J.C. Kuna, P. Kvedariene, V. Larenas-Linnemann, D.E. Abdul Latiff, A.H. Mäkelä, M. Morais-Almeida, M. Mullol, J. Naclerio, R. Ohta, K. Okamoto, Y. Onorato, G.L. Papadopoulos, N.G. Patella, V. Regateiro, F.S. Samoliński, B. Suppli Ulrik, C. Toppila-Salmi, S. Valiulis, A. Ventura, M.-T. Yorgancioglu, A. Zuberbier, T. Agache, I.

Subjects
education
Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved into a pandemic infectious disease transmitted by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Allergists and other healthcare providers (HCPs) in the field of allergies and associated airway diseases are on the front line, taking care of patients potentially infected with SARS-CoV-2. Hence, strategies and practices to minimize risks of infection for both HCPs and treated patients have to be developed and followed by allergy clinics. Method: The scientific information on COVID-19 was analysed by a literature search in MEDLINE, PubMed, the National and International Guidelines from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the Cochrane Library, and the internet. Results: Based on the diagnostic and treatment standards developed by EAACI, on international information regarding COVID-19, on guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations, and on previous experience, a panel of experts including clinicians, psychologists, IT experts, and basic scientists along with EAACI and the “Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA)” initiative have developed recommendations for the optimal management of allergy clinics during the current COVID-19 pandemic. These recommendations are grouped into nine sections on different relevant aspects for the care of patients with allergies. Conclusions: This international Position Paper provides recommendations on operational plans and procedures to maintain high standards in the daily clinical care of allergic patients while ensuring the necessary safety measures in the current COVID-19 pandemic. © 2020 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Published
2021

30. Sow line differences in heat stress tolerance expressed in reproductive performance traits

Author

Bloemhof, S., van der Waaij, E.H., Merks, J.W.M., and Knol, E.F.

Subjects
Sows -- Physiological aspects, Sows -- Environmental aspects, Heat stress disorders -- Research, Swine breeds -- Physiological aspects, Zoology and wildlife conservation
Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate if there were differences in the relation between temperature and reproductive performance traits in 2 different sow lines, a Yorkshire line producing mainly in temperate climates and a Large White line producing mainly in warm climates, and 2) to determine the upper critical temperature (UCT) for the reproductive performance of these 2 lines. Sows are exposed to heat stress when temperature exceeds the UCT of the thermo-neutral zone. Data included 32,631 observations on reproductive performance from 11,935 sows on 20 farms in Spain, collected from 2003 to 2005. Sows belonged to 2 different purebred sow lines, named D (Yorkshire sow line, producing mainly in temperate climates) and I (Large White sow line, producing mainly in warm climates). Only first insemination records per parity were used and were combined with the maximum outside temperature at day of insemination. Upper critical temperatures were studied for 3 reproduction traits: farrowing rate (0 or 1), litter size (range from 1 to 25), and total number of piglets born per first insemination (combination of farrowing rate and litter size, range from 0 to 25). Data were corrected for fixed effects, which included parity, service sire, and an interaction between farm and year. Corrected data were used as observations in the models to study the effect of outside temperature on reproductive performance. Two models were compared for goodness of fit: a linear regression model and a plateau-linear model with the plateau representing the thermo-neutral zone and a linear decrease above that zone. Farrowing rate of I-line sows was not affected by temperature. For litter size and total number born per first insemination of I-line sows no UCT could be estimated. These traits were linearly affected by temperature. For all 3 reproduction traits of the D-line the best model was the plateau-linear model; the UCT for the D-line sows was estimated to be 19.2[degrees]C for farrowing rate, 21.7[degrees]C for litter size, and 19.6[degrees]C for total number born per first insemination. The decrease in reproductive performance of I-line sows with increasing outside temperature was less than in D-line sows. From this study it can be concluded that there are differences in heat stress tolerance between sow lines as measured by the differences in reproductive performance. These differences are an indication of genetic differences in heat stress tolerance in sow lines. Key words: heat stress, reproductive performance, sow, sow line, upper critical temperature

Published
2008

31. Genetic parameters and predicted selection results for maternal traits related to lactation efficiency in sows

Author

Bergsma, R., Kanis, E., Verstegen, M.W.A., and Knol, E.F.

Subjects
Body weight -- Genetic aspects, Animal breeding -- Research, Sows -- Physiological aspects, Sows -- Genetic aspects, Sows -- Energy use, Lactation -- Genetic aspects, Heredity -- Research, Zoology and wildlife conservation
Abstract

The increased productivity of sows increases the risk of a more pronounced negative energy balance during lactation. One possibility to prevent this is to increase the lactation efficiency (LE) genetically and thereby increase milk output for a given feed intake and mobilization of body tissue. The benefits of selection for LE depend on its heritability and the relationships with other traits of interest. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for LE, its underlying traits, and to predict the consequences of current selection strategies in dam lines. Data from 4 farms were available to estimate genetic parameters. Heritabilities were estimated by using a univariate repeatability model, and genetic correlations were estimated bivariately. Selection index theory was used to predict the genetic progress by 3 alternative breeding programs: 1) a breeding program that aimed at balanced progress in the total number of piglets born, piglet mortality, and percent prolonged interval from weaning to estrus; 2) extension of this breeding goal with LE; and 3) a breeding goal that included only one selection criterion, litter weight gain, to demonstrate the effect of indirect selection for milk production. The heritability for LE was low (0.12). Body fat mass (0.52) and BW (0.45) of sows at the beginning of lactation showed the greatest heritabilities. Protein mass at the beginning of lactation, protein loss, weight loss, and ad libitum feed intake during lactation showed moderate heritabilities (0.39, 0.21, 0.20, and 0.30, respectively). Low to moderate heritabilities were found for litter weight at birth, within-litter SD in the birth weight of piglets, litter weight gain, fat loss, and restricted feed intake during lactation (0.19, 0.09, 0.18, 0.05, and 0.14, respectively). Within-litter SD in the weaning weight of piglets showed no genetic variability. It was predicted that a breeding goal for dam lines with an emphasis on the total number of piglets born, piglet mortality, and percent prolonged interval from weaning to estrus would not dramatically change BW or body composition at the beginning of lactation, or mobilization of body tissue and feed intake during lactation. Inclusion of LE in the breeding goal will improve stayability, as defined by the first-litter survival of sows and LE itself, without negative consequences for other economically important traits. Nevertheless, it might be worthwhile to design a breeding goal in which LE increases and feed intake remains unchanged. Key words: energy balance, genetic parameter, lactating sow, maternal trait

Published
2008

32. The contribution of social effects to heritable variation in finishing traits of domestic pigs

Author

Bergsma, R., Kanis, E., Knol, E.F., and Bijma, P.

Subjects
Swine -- Genetic aspects, Genetic variation -- Evaluation, Heritability -- Evaluation, Population genetics -- Research, Biological sciences
Abstract

Social interactions among individuals are ubiquitous both in animals and in plants, and in natural as well as domestic populations. These interactions affect both the direction and the magnitude of responses to selection and are a key factor in evolutionary success of species and in the design of breeding schemes in agriculture. At present, however, very little is known of the contribution of social effects to heritable variance in trait values. Here we present estimates of the direct and social genetic variance in growth rate, feed intake, back fat thickness, and muscle depth in a population of 14,032 domestic pigs with known pedigree. Results show that social effects contribute the vast majority of heritable variance in growth rate and feed intake in this population. Total heritable variance expressed relative to phenotypic variance was 71% for growth rate and 70% for feed intake. These values clearly exceed the usual range of heritability for those traits. Back fat thickness and muscle depth showed no heritable variance due to social effects. Our results suggest that genetic improvement in agriculture can be substantially advanced by redirecting breeding schemes, so as to capture heritable variance due to social effects.

Published
2008

33. Intranasal corticosteroids in allergic rhinitis in COVID-19 infected patients: An ARIA-EAACI statement

Author

Bousquet, J. Akdis, C.A. Jutel, M. Bachert, C. Klimek, L. Agache, I. Ansotegui, I.J. Bedbrook, A. Bosnic-Anticevich, S. Canonica, G.W. Chivato, T. Cruz, A.A. Czarlewski, W. Del Giacco, S. Du, H. Fonseca, J.A. Gao, Y. Haahtela, T. Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K. Ivancevich, J.-C. Khaltaev, N. Knol, E.F. Kuna, P. Larenas-Linnemann, D. Mullol, J. Naclerio, R. Ohta, K. Okamoto, Y. O’Mahony, L. Onorato, G.L. Papadopoulos, N.G. Pfaar, O. Samolinski, B. Schwarze, J. Toppila-Salmi, S. Ventura, M.-T. Valiulis, A. Yorgancioglu, A. Zuberbier, T. Pawankar, R. Mubeccel, A. Mona, A.-A. Emilio, A.C. Hasan, A. Cristina, A.M. Zeinab, A. Mostafa, B.E. Sergio, B. Cristina, B. Eric, B. Bianca, B. Elisabeth, B. Larl-Christian, B. David, B. Leif, B. Attilio, B. Sergio, B. isabelle, B. Jacques, B. Louis-Philippe, B. Fulvio, B. Christopher, B. Roland, B. Carmen, B. Andrew, B. William, B. Fernan, C.-F. Davide, C. Silvia, C. Paulo, C. Walter, C. Vicky, C. Kai-Hakon, C. Warner, C. Thomas, C. Lorenzo, C. Alfonso, C.M. Niels, C. Ekaterine, C. George, C. Derek, C. Cemal, C. Giorgio, C. Ieva, C. Sousa Jaime, C.D. Maria del Carmen, C.D. André, C. Linda, C. Alvaro, C. Adnan, C. Ulf, D. Frédéric, D.B. Diana, D. Pascal, D. Philippe, D. Alain, D. Ratko, D. Maria, D.C.T. Dejan, D. Ruta, D. Stephen, D. Patrik, E. Yehia, E.-G. Regina, E. Bieren Julia, E.-V. Alessandro, F. Wytske, F. Mina, G. Luis, G.R.J. Bilun, G. Sonya, G. José, G. Maximiliano, G. Maia, G. Ineta, G. Marta, G. Antonieta, G.M. Adnan, H. Elham, H. Jonathan, H. Martin, H. Yunuen, H.V. Guido, I. Carla, I. Zhanat, I. Edgardo, J. Ewa, J. Erika, J.-J. Sebastian, J. Guy, J. Ki-Suck, J. Jocelyne, J. Igor, K. Omer, K. Fuat, K. Przemyslaw, K. Jussi, K. Jorg, K.-T. Gerard, K. Marek, K. Mikael, K. Violeta, K. Amir, L. Susanne, L. Lan, L. Marcus, L. Michael, L. Jing, L. Philip, L. Brian, L. Karin, L.C. Bassam, M. Mika, M. Hans-Jorgen, M. Gailen, M. Pedro, M. Mohammad, M. Juan-José, M. Cem, M. Erik, M. Eli, M. Hans, M. Jean-Pierre, M. Florin, M. Neven, M. Branislava, M. Yousser, M. Mathieu, M. Mario, M.-A. Ralph, M. Lars, M. Antonella, M. Tihomir, M. Alla, N. Leyla, N.-B. Kristof, N. Laurent, N. Robyn, O. Kimihiro, O. Brian, O. Luigi, P.P. Isabella, P.-S. Petr, P. Nilos, P. Sim, P.H. Ruby, P. Ana, P. Bernard, P. Constantinos, P. Davor, P. Wolfgang, P. Todor, P. Fabienne, P. Paul, P. Lars, P. Emmanuel, P. Claus, R. Stella, R.M. Janet, R. José Angelo, R. Graham, R. Nicolas, R. Antonino, R. Jose, R.-P. Nelson, R. Lanny, R. Philip, R. Dermot, R. Mario, S.-B. Joaquin, S.-D. Glenis, S. Elie, S. Nikolaos, S. Estelle, S. Juan-Carlos, S. Dirceu, S. Talant, S. Manuel, S.-M. Cristiana, S. Rafael, S. Timo, S. Charlotte, S.U. Carel, T. Peter-Valentin, T. Massimo, T. Ioana, T. Marilyn, U.P. Erkka, V. Eric, V.G. Marianne, V.H. Olivier, V. Petra, V. Martin, W. Dana, W. Yun, W.D. Susan, W. Magnus, W. Dennis, W. Barbara, Y. Arzu, Y. Osman, Y. Mario, Z. Mihaela, Z. the ARIA-MASK Study Group

Published
2020

34. Use of biologicals in allergic and type-2 inflammatory diseases during the current COVID-19 pandemic: Position paper of Ärzteverband Deutscher Allergologen (AeDA)A, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allergologie und Klinische Immunologie (DGAKI)B<

Author

Klimek, L., Pfaar, O., Worm, M., Eiwegger, T., Hagemann, J., Ollert, M., Untersmayr, E., Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K., Vultaggio, A., Agache, I., Bavbek, S., Bossios, A., Casper, I., Chan, S., Chatzipetrou, A., Vogelberg, C., Firinu, D., Kauppi, P., Kolios, A., Kothari, A., Matucci, A., Palomares, O., Szépfalusi, Z., Pohl, W., Hötzenecker, W., Rosenkranz, A.R., Bergmann, K.C., Bieber, T., Buhl, R., Buters, J., Darsow, U., Keil, T., Kleine-Tebbe, J., Lau, S., Maurer, M., Merk, H., Mösges, R., Saloga, J., Staubach, P., Jappe, U., Rabe, K.F., Rabe, U., Vogelmeier, C., Biedermann, T., Jung, K., Schlenter, W., Ring, J., Chaker, A., Wehrmann, W., Becker, S., Freudelsperger, L., Mülleneisen, N., Nemat, K., Czech, W., Wrede, H., Brehler, R., Fuchs, T., Tomazic, P.V., Aberer, W., Fink-Wagner, A.H., Horak, F., Wöhrl, S., Niederberger-Leppin, V., Pali-Schöll, I., Roller-Wirnsberger, R., Spranger, O., Akdis, M., Matricardi, P.M., Spertini, F., Khaltaev, N., Michel, J.P., Nicod, L., Schmid-Grendelmeier, P., Idzko, M., Hamelmann, E., Jakob, T., Werfel, T., Wagenmann, M., Taube, C., Jensen-Jarolim, E., Korn, S., Hentges, F., Schwarze, J., O Mahony, L., Knol, E.F., Del Giacco, S., Chivato Pérez, T., Bedbrook, A., Zuberbier, T., Akdis, C., and Jutel, M.

Subjects
Covid-19, Sars-cov-2, Benralizumab, Dupilumab, Mepolizumab, Omalizumab, Reslizumab, Telemedicine
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the treatment of patients with allergic and atopy-associated diseases has faced major challenges. Recommendations for "social distancing" and the fear of patients becoming infected during a visit to a medical facility have led to a drastic decrease in personal doctor-patient contacts. This affects both acute care and treatment of the chronically ill. The immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection is so far only insufficiently understood and could be altered in a favorable or unfavorable way by therapy with monoclonal antibodies. There is currently no evidence for an increased risk of a severe COVID-19 course in allergic patients. Many patients are under ongoing therapy with biologicals that inhibit type 2 immune responses via various mechanisms. There is uncertainty about possible immunological interactions and potential risks of these biologicals in the case of an infection with SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective literature search was carried out in PubMed, Livivo, and the internet to cover the past 10 years (May 2010 - April 2020). Additionally, the current German-language publications were analyzed. Based on these data, the present position paper provides recommendations for the biological treatment of patients with allergic and atopy-associated diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In order to maintain in-office consultation services, a safe treatment environment must be created that is adapted to the pandemic situation. To date, there is a lack of reliable study data on the care for patients with complex respiratory, atopic, and allergic diseases in times of an imminent infection risk from SARS-CoV-2. Type-2-dominant immune reactions, as they are frequently seen in allergic patients, could influence various phases of COVID-19, e.g., by slowing down the immune reactions. Theoretically, this could have an unfavorable effect in the early phase of a SARS-Cov-2 infection, but also a positive effect during a cytokine storm in the later phase of severe courses. However, since there is currently no evidence for this, all data from patients treated with a biological directed against type 2 immune reactions who develop COVID-19 should be collected in registries, and their disease courses documented in order to be able to provide experience-based instructions in the future. CONCLUSION: The use of biologicals for the treatment of bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and spontaneous urticaria should be continued as usual in patients without suspected infection or proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. If available, it is recommended to prefer a formulation for self-application and to offer telemedical monitoring. Treatment should aim at the best possible control of difficult-to-control allergic and atopic diseases using adequate rescue and add-on therapy and should avoid the need for systemic glucocorticosteroids. If SARS-CoV-2 infection is proven or reasonably suspected, the therapy should be determined by weighing the benefits and risks individually for the patient in question, and the patient should be involved in the decision-making. It should be kept in mind that the potential effects of biologicals on the immune response in COVID-19 are currently not known. Telemedical offers are particularly desirable for the acute consultation needs of suitable patients.

Published
2020

35. Use of biologicals in allergic and type 2 inflammatory diseases in the current COVID-19 pandemic [Anwendung von biologika bei allergischen und Typ-2-entzündlichen Erkrankungen in der aktuellen COVID-19-Pandemie]

Author

Klimek, L. Pfaar, O. Worm, M. Eiwegger, T. Hagemann, J. Ollert, M. Untersmayr, E. Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K. Vultaggio, A. Agache, I. Bavbek, S. Bossios, A. Casper, I. Chan, S. Chatzipetrou, A. Vogelberg, C. Firinu, D. Kauppi, P. Kolios, A. Kothari, A. Matucci, A. Palomares, O. Szépfalusi, Z. Pohl, W. Hötzenecker, W. Rosenkranz, A.R. Bergmann, K.-C. Bieber, T. Buhl, R. Buters, J. Darsow, U. Keil, T. Kleine-Tebbe, J. Lau, S. Maurer, M. Merk, H. Mösges, R. Saloga, J. Staubach, P. Jappe, U. Rabe, K.F. Rabe, U. Vogelmeier, C. Biedermann, T. Jung, K. Schlenter, W. Ring, J. Chaker, A. Wehrmann, W. Becker, S. Freudelsperger, L. Mülleneisen, N. Nemat, K. Czech, W. Wrede, H. Brehler, R. Fuchs, T. Tomazic, P.-V. Aberer, W. Fink-Wagner, A.-H. Horak, F. Wöhrl, S. Niederberger-Leppin, V. Pali-Schöll, I. Pohl, W. Roller-Wirnsberger, R. Spranger, O. Valenta, R. Akdis, M. Matricardi, P.M. Spertini, F. Khaltaev, N. Michel, J.-P. Nicod, L. Schmid-Grendelmeier, P. Idzko, M. Hamelmann, E. Jakob, T. Werfel, T. Wagenmann, M. Taube, C. Jensen-Jarolim, E. Korn, S. Hentges, F. Schwarze, J. O'Mahony, L. Knol, E.F. del Giacco, S. Chivato Pérez, T. Bousquet, J. Zuberbier, T. Akdis, C. Jutel, M. Positionspapier des arzteverbands Deutscher Allergologen (AeDA) der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Allergologie und klinische Immunologie (DGAKI) der Gesellschaft fur Padiatrische Allergologie und Umweltmedizin (GPA) der osterreichischen Gesellschaft fur Allergologie und Immunologie (oGAI) der Luxemburgischen Gesellschaft fur Allergologie und Immunologie (LGAI) der osterreichischen Gesellschaft fur Pneumologie (oGP) Kooperation mit der deutschen, osterreichischen, und schweizerischen ARIA-Gruppe der Europaischen Akademie fur Allergologie und Klinische Immunologie (EAACI)

Published
2020

36. Variance component analysis of quantitative trait loci for pork carcass composition and meat quality on SSC4 and SSC11

Author

van Wijk, H.J., Buschbell, H., Dibbits, B., Liefers, S.C., Harlizius, B., Heuven, H.C.M., Knol, E.F., Bovenhuis, H., and Groenen, M.A.M.

Subjects
Pork -- Research, Pork -- Genetic aspects, Quantitative trait loci -- Research, Meat -- Quality, Meat -- Research, Zoology and wildlife conservation
Abstract

In a previous study, QTL for carcass composition and meat quality were identified in a commercial finisher cross. The main objective of the current study was to confirm and fine map the QTL on SSC4 and SSC11 by genotyping an increased number of individuals and markers and to analyze the data using a combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis method. A modified version of the method excludes linkage disequilibrium information from the analysis, enabling the comparison of results based on linkage information only or results based on combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium information. Nine additional paternal half-sib families were genotyped for 18 markers, resulting in a total of 1,855 animals genotyped for 15 and 13 markers on SSC4 and SSC11, respectively. The QTL affecting meat color on SSC4 was confirmed, whereas the QTL affecting LM weight could not be confirmed. The combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis resulted in the identification of new significant effects for 14 traits on the 2 chromosomes. Heritabilities of the QTL effects ranged from 1.8 to 13.2%. The analysis contributed to a more accurate positioning of QTL and further characterized their phenotypic effect. However, results showed that even greater marker densities are required to take full advantage of linkage disequilibrium information and to identify haplotypes associated with favorable QTL alleles. Key words: meat quality, pig, quantitative trait loci, SSC4, SSC11, variance component

Published
2007

37. EASI p-EASI: Predicting disease severity in atopic dermatitis patients treated with dupilumab using a combination of serum biomarkers

Author

Bakker, D.S. (Daphne S.), Ariens, L.F.M. (Lieneke F. M.), Giovannone, B. (Barbara), Hijnen, D.-J. (Dirk-Jan), Delemarre, E.M. (Eveline M.), Knol, E.F. (Edward Frank), Nierkens, S. (Stefan), Bruin-Weller, M.S. (M.) de, Thijs, J.L. (Judith), Drylewicz, J. (Julia), Bakker, D.S. (Daphne S.), Ariens, L.F.M. (Lieneke F. M.), Giovannone, B. (Barbara), Hijnen, D.-J. (Dirk-Jan), Delemarre, E.M. (Eveline M.), Knol, E.F. (Edward Frank), Nierkens, S. (Stefan), Bruin-Weller, M.S. (M.) de, Thijs, J.L. (Judith), and Drylewicz, J. (Julia)

Published
2020
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38. Identification of quantitative trait loci for carcass composition and pork quality traits in a commercial finishing cross

Author

van Wijk, H.J., Dibbits, B., Baron, E.E., Brings, A.D., Harlizius, B., Groenen, M.A.M., Knol, E.F., and Bovenhuis, H.

Subjects
Pork -- Genetic aspects, Pork -- Physiological aspects, Quantitative trait loci -- Analysis, Meat -- Quality, Meat -- Research, Swine -- Carcasses, Swine -- Research, Zoology and wildlife conservation
Abstract

A QTL study for carcass composition and meat quality traits was conducted on finisher pigs of a cross between a synthetic Pietrain/Large White boar line and a commercial sow cross. The mapping population comprised 715 individuals evaluated for a total of 30 traits related to growth and fatness (4 traits), carcass composition (11 traits), and meat quality (15 traits). Offspring of 8 sires (n = 715) were used for linkage analysis and genotyped for 73 microsatellite markers covering 14 chromosomal regions representing approximately 50% of the pig genome. The regions examined were selected based on previous studies suggesting the presence of QTL affecting carcass composition or meat quality traits. Thirty-two QTL exceeding the 5% chromosome-wise significance level were identified. Among these, 5 QTL affecting 5 different traits were significant at the 1% chromosome-wise level. The greatest significance levels were found for a QTL affecting loin weight on SSC11 and a QTL with an effect on the Japanese color scale score of the loin on SSC4. About one-third of the identified QTL were in agreement with QTL previously reported. Results showed that QTL affecting carcass composition and meat quality traits segregated within commercial lines. Use of these results for marker-assisted selection offers opportunities for improving pork quality by within-line selection. Key words: carcass composition, meat quality, pig, quantitative trait loci

Published
2006

39. Genetic parameters for carcass composition and pork quality estimated in a commercial production chain

Author

van Wijk, H.J., Arts, D.J.G., Matthews, J.O., Webster, M., Ducro, B.J., and Knol, E.F.

Subjects
Swine -- Research, Genetic research, Zoology and wildlife conservation
Abstract

Breeding goals in pigs are subject to change and are directed much more toward retail carcass yield and meat quality because of the high economic value of these traits. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of growth, carcass, and meat quality traits. Carcass components included ham and loin weights as primal cuts, which were further dissected into boneless subprimal cuts. Meat quality traits included pH, drip loss, purge, firmness, and color and marbling of both ham and loin. Phenotypic measurements were collected on a commercial crossbred pig population (n = 1,855). Genetic parameters were estimated using REML procedures applied to a bivariate animal model. Heritability estimates for carcass traits varied from 0.29 to 0.51, with 0.39 and 0.51 for the boneless subprimals of ham and loin, respectively. Heritability estimates for meat quality traits ranged from 0.08 to 0.28, with low estimates for the water holding capacity traits and higher values for the color traits: Minolta [b.sup.*](0.14), [L.sup.*] (0.15), [a.sup.*] (0.24), and Japanese color scale (0.25). Heritability estimates diffeted for marbling of ham (0.14) and loin (0.31). Neither backfat nor ADG was correlated with loin depth ([r.sub.g] = 0.0), and their mutual genetic correlation was 0.27. Loin primal was moderately correlated with ham primal ([r.sub.g] = 0.31) and more strongly correlated with boneless ham ([r.sub.g] = 0.58). Backfat was negatively correlated with (sub)primal cut values. Average daily gain was unfavorably correlated with subprimals and with most meat quality characteristics measured. Genetic correlations among the color measurements and water-holding capacity traits were high (average [r.sub.g] = 0.70), except for Minolta [a.sup.*] (average [r.sub.g] = 0.17). The estimated genetic parameters indicate that meat quality and valuable cut yields can be improved by genetic selection. The estimated genetic parameters make it possible to predict the response to selection on performance, carcass, and meat quality traits and to design an effective breeding strategy fitting pricing systems based on retail carcass and quality characteristics. Key Words: Carcass Composition, Genetic Parameters, Heritability, Meat Quality, Pig

Published
2005

40. Stillbirth in the pig in relation to genetic merit for farrowing survival

Author

Leenhouwers, J.I., Wissink, P., van der Lende, T., Paridaans, H., and Knol, E.F.

Subjects
Swine -- Genetic aspects, Animal breeding -- Research, Zoology and wildlife conservation
Abstract

The objectives of this study were to analyze the incidence of different categories of stillborn piglets in relation to genetic merit for farrowing survival of sows and litters and to analyze relationships of total number of piglets born per litter, average BW of the litter, and within-litter variation in BW with genetic merit for farrowing survival of sows and litters. Records of 336 purebred litters, produced by 307 first- to eighth-parity sows, were collected on a nucleus farm in Brouennes, France. Breeding values for farrowing survival were estimated for sows (EBVfs_maternal) and litters (EBVfs_direct) using a large data set from which information obtained in the current study was excluded. For each litter, BW, number of stillborn piglets (classified as nonfresh stillborn, prepartum stillborn, intrapartum stillborn, and postpartum stillborn), and number of live-born piglets were recorded. Birth weights of stillborn piglets were lower than BW of live-born piglets (P < 0.0001), except for prepartum stillbirths. The total number of stillborn piglets per litter and the number of stillborn piglets in each category decreased with increasing EBVfs_maternal (P < 0.01). An increase in EBVfs_direct was also associated with a decrease in the total number of stillborn piglets per litter (P < 0.01). This decrease was due to a decrease in the number of nonfresh, prepartum, and postpartum stillborn piglets but not to a decrease in the number of intrapartum stillborn piglets. Probabilities of stillbirth in relation to EBVfs maternal were higher than probabilities of stillbirth in relation to EBVfs direct. Total number of piglets born decreased with increasing EBVfs direct (P = 0.0003), but was not related to EBVfs maternal. Average BW of the litter (P < 0.0001) and within-litter variation in BW (P = 0.05) decreased with increasing EBVfs_maternal but were not related to EBVfs_direct. Selection for the maternal genetic component of farrowing survival seems a better strategy than selection for the direct genetic component. Selection for the maternal genetic component of farrowing survival reduces stillbirth in all categories and does not affect litter size. Key Words: Animal Breeding, Breeding Value, Pigs, Stillbirths

Published
2003

42. Fetal development in the pig in relation to genetic merit for piglet survival

Author

Leenhouwers, J.I., Knol, E.F., de Groot, P.N., Vos, H., and van der Lende, T.

Subjects
Swine -- Genetic aspects, Zoology and wildlife conservation
Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate if litters with different genetic merit for piglet survival differ in late fetal development. In total, 507 fetuses from 46 litters were delivered by Caesarean section at, on average, d 111 of gestation. All litters had known estimated breeding values for piglet survival (EBVps). The obtained range of EBVps of the litters was continuous, and the difference between litters with the lowest and highest EBVps was 16.4%. Analysis of relationships between fetal characteristics and EBVps was performed with litter averages, using linear regression analysis with inclusion of EBVps as a covariate. An increase in EBVps of the litter was associated with decreases in average placental weight (P = 0.01) and within-litter variation in placental weight (P = 0.02), and an increase in average placental efficiency (P = 0.08). Average fetal length decreased with increasing EBVps (P = 0.04), but weights of liver (P = 0.02), adrenals (P = 0.0001), and small intestine (P = 0.01) showed relative increases with increasing EBVps. Average serum cortisol concentrations increased with increasing EBVps (P = 0.0001), but the other blood characteristics (hematocrit, glucose, fructose, albumin, estradiol-17[beta]) were not related to EBVps. Glycogen concentrations in liver (P = 0.07) and longissimus dorsi muscle (P = 0.04) and total liver glycogen content (P = 0.05) increased with increasing EBVps, whereas heart glycogen concentration decreased with increasing EBVps (P = 0.005). The percentage of carcass fat increased with increasing EBVps (P = 0.05). Relationships of relative liver weight, relative small intestinal weight, and liver and muscle glycogen levels with EBVps were absent after adjustment for differences in cortisol levels between litters. The observed differences in fetal development in relation to EBVps suggest a higher degree of physiological maturity in litters with high EBVps. Differences in fetal cortisol most likely accounted for most of these maturational differences. The results imply that selection for improved piglet survival will lead to slightly smaller piglets that nevertheless have an improved ability to cope with hazards during birth or within the first days of life. Key Words: Animal Breeding, Breeding Value, Fetal Development, Perinatal Mortality, Pigs, Placenta

Published
2002

44. Defining resilient pigs after a Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) challenge using activity and feeding data from accelerometers

Author

Van Der Zande, L.E., Dunkelberger, J.R., Rodenburg, Bas, Mathur, P.K., Cairns, W.J., Keyes, M.C., Eggert, J.M., Little, E.A., Dee, S.A., and Knol, E.F.

Subjects
Pig, Resilience, animal diseases, WIAS, virus diseases, Adaptation Physiology, Fokkerij en Genomica, Behaviour, Animal Breeding and Genomics, Adaptatiefysiologie, Accelerometers, PRRS, RMSE
Abstract

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an infectious viral disease in pigs. PRRS causes reproductive failure in sows and respiratory infections in growing pigs. To improve pig health and minimise economic losses, resilient pigs are preferred within the herd. Resilient pigs still become infected, yet are able to recover following infection, showing less variation in activity and feeding. In this study, 232 commercial crossbred pigs were equipped with individual accelerometer ear tags to monitor the number of active, feeding, and hyperactive events per individual per hour. At eight weeks of age, pigs were inoculated with PRRS virus 1-7-4. Data from accelerometers were collected 23 days prior to challenge and 42 days post-infection (dpi). Expected levels of activity, feeding, and hyperactivity were estimated by regressing behavioural traits on observed datapoints prior to challenge. This regression line was extended to 42 dpi. Then, deviations from the regression line were quantified as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for each individual during the following time periods: pre-challenge, 0-13 dpi, and 13-42 dpi. All traits decreased and RMSE increased post-challenge. These results are consistant with clinical signs of PRRS, including lethargy and loss of appetite. In addition, association of these traits with survival was also investigated. RMSE prior to PRRS-infection was not predictive of survival after infection. However, RMSE of feeding and activity during the peak challenge period (0-13 dpi) was predictive of survival, where pigs with less deviation in behaviour were more resilient to the PRRS challenge.

Published
2019

45. Biomarkers and clinical characteristics of autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria: Results of the PURIST Study

Author

Schoepke, N. Asero, R. Ellrich, A. Ferrer, M. Gimenez-Arnau, A. E. H. Grattan, C. Jakob, T. Konstantinou, G.N. Raap, U. Skov, P.S. Staubach, P. Kromminga, A. Zhang, K. Bindslev-Jensen, C. Daschner, A. Kinaciyan, T. Knol, E.F. Makris, M. Marrouche, N. Schmid-Grendelmeier, P. Sussman, G. Toubi, E. Church, M.K. Maurer, M.

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria (aiCSU) is an important subtype of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in which functional IgG autoantibodies to IgE or its high-affinity receptor (FcεRI) induces mast cell degranulation and subsequent symptom development. However, it has not been tightly characterized. This study aimed to better define the clinical and immunological features and to explore potential biomarkers of aiCSU. Methods: This was a multinational, multicenter study of 182 CSU patients. The clinical features studied included: urticaria activity and impact (UAS7 and quality of life); autologous serum skin test (ASST); IgG anti-FcεRI and IgG anti-IgE; IgG-anti-thyroperoxidase (IgG anti-TPO); total serum IgE; and basophil reactivity (BASO) using the basophil activation test (BAT) and basophil histamine release assay (BHRA). Results: Of the 182 patients, 107 (59%) were ASST+, 46 (25%) were BASO+, and 105 (58%) were IgG anti-FcεRI+/IgE+. Fifteen patients (8%) fulfilled all three criteria of aiCSU. aiCSU patients appeared more severe (UAS7 21 vs 9 P

Published
2019

46. Management of cow’s milk allergy from an immunological perspective: What are the options?

Author

Knol, E.F. (Edward Frank), Jong, N.W. (Nicolette) de, Ulfman, L.H. (Laurien), Tiemessen, M.M. (Machteld), Knol, E.F. (Edward Frank), Jong, N.W. (Nicolette) de, Ulfman, L.H. (Laurien), and Tiemessen, M.M. (Machteld)

Abstract

The immunological mechanism underlying Immunoglobuline E (IgE)-mediated cow’s milk allergy has been subject to investigations for many years. Identification of the key immune cells (mast cells, B cells) and molecules (IgE) in the allergic process has led to the understanding that avoidance of IgE-crosslinking epitopes is effective in the reduction of allergic symptoms but it cannot be envisioned as a treatment. For the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy, it is thought that the induction of a sustained state of immunological tolerance is needed. In this review, we will discuss various approaches aimed at achieving immunological tolerance and their success. Furthermore, we will speculate on the involved immunological mechanism.

Published
2019
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48. Operational measures of efficiency: make them measureable on large scale

Author

Gilbert, Hélène, Knol, E.F., Génétique Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage (GenPhySE ), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), Institut National Polytechnique (Toulouse) (Toulouse INP), Université de Toulouse (UT)-Université de Toulouse (UT)-Institut National Polytechnique (Toulouse) (Toulouse INP), Université de Toulouse (UT)-Université de Toulouse (UT)-École nationale supérieure agronomique de Toulouse (ENSAT), Université de Toulouse (UT)-Université de Toulouse (UT), Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V., Schoenaker, Partenaires INRAE, H2020 Gentore, European Project: 633531,H2020,H2020-SFS-2014-2,Feed-a-Gene(2015), École nationale supérieure agronomique de Toulouse [ENSAT]-Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées-Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées-Institut National Polytechnique (Toulouse) (Toulouse INP), Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées-Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, ProdInra, Migration, and Adapting the feed, the animal and the feeding techniques to improve the efficiency and sustainability of monogastric livestock production systems - Feed-a-Gene - - H20202015-03-01 - 2020-02-29 - 633531 - VALID

Subjects
pig, [SDV.OT]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Other [q-bio.OT], [SDV.OT] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Other [q-bio.OT], feed efficiency, large scale, measure
Abstract

International audience; Finisher pigs tend to be 3-way crossbreds kept in pens of 8-15 in Europe and 20-30 in the Americas, with many exceptions. In theory it is possible to feed finisher pigs individually, but costs and management requirements of automatic feeding systems, and availability of easy to handle decision making software limit their use on commercial farms. Management unit is, therefore, the pen, even though there is still a lot of variation among individual animals (among others, mendelian sampling). In addition, there is phenotypic variation, since piglets differ in birth weight (which is a maternal trait), in colostrum intake and in establishment of gut microbiome coming from their (foster) dam, and later depend on their pen mates influence (activity, hierarchy) and farm ambient conditions. Measuring feed efficiency, and predicting it to feed animals according to requirements given a certain environmental condition, thus remains a challenge, but yet animal sorting options are being put into practice to optimize feeding on a pen level. Alternatives to individual electronic feeder measurements are also tested to produce individual measurements, including on-farm identification of drivers of the biological basis of feed efficiency (genomic and bio-markers) and measurements of components of feed efficiency (body composition, activity, gut microbiome composition). Feed efficiency is (still) mainly energy efficiency, and it has been the main driver of selection until now. However, energy requirements are now most often properly covered, protein efficiency is coming up and other efficiencies (vitamins, minerals) are being explored that might become of interest. In addition, by feeding animals high quality easy to digest feed, feed efficiency is essentially metabolic efficiency, but the increasing diversity of feed resources, including industry byproducts with higher dietary fibre contents, questions the opportunity to now focus on the genetic variability of digestive efficiency.

Published
2018

49. 2S protein Ara h 7.0201 has unique epitopes compared to other Ara h 7 isoforms and is comparable to 2S proteins Ara h 2 and 6 in basophil degranulation capacity

Author

Hayen, S.M., Ehlers, A.M., den Hartog Jager, C.F., Garssen, J., Knol, E.F., Knulst, A.C., Suer, W., Willemsen, L.E.M., Otten, H.G., Afd Pharmacology, Pharmacology, Afd Pharmacology, and Pharmacology

Subjects
Models, Molecular, 0301 basic medicine, double blind procedure, Protein Conformation, Fibrinogen receptor, HLA DR antigen, Basophil, Immunoglobulin E, Cell Degranulation, Epitope, law.invention, immunoglobulin E, Epitopes, basophil, 0302 clinical medicine, law, Protein Isoforms, Immunology and Allergy, heterocyclic compounds, receptor type tyrosine protein phosphatase C, Allergens and epitopes, Non-U.S. Gov't, comparative study, peanut extract, epitope, clinical article, biology, predictive value, Chemistry, adult, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, article, food and beverages, peanut allergy, Middle Aged, Basophils, unclassified drug, trypsin, medicine.anatomical_structure, CD123 antigen, female, priority journal, allergenicity, ara h 7 isoform, sequence alignment, Recombinant DNA, isoprotein, lipids (amino acids, peptides, and proteins), blood sampling, diagnostic accuracy, IgE, immunoblotting, 2S Albumins, Plant, amino acid substitution, cross linking, Immunology, Research Support, Basophil degranulation, Structure-Activity Relationship, 03 medical and health sciences, male, fibrinogen receptor, Food allergy, medicine, Journal Article, Humans, Peanut Hypersensitivity, controlled study, Amino Acid Sequence, human, albumin, hydrophobicity, food allergy, carboxy terminal sequence, nonhuman, basophil degranulation, human cell, pepsin A, prediction, sequence homology, Antigens, Plant, biochemical phenomena, metabolism, and nutrition, Molecular biology, carbohydrates (lipids), Basophil activation, 030104 developmental biology, allergens and epitopes, 030228 respiratory system, basophil activation test, biology.protein, ara h 6 isoform, Blood sampling
Abstract

Background: Screening for specific IgE against 2S albumin proteins Ara h 2 and 6 has good positive predictive value in diagnosing peanut allergy. From the third 2S member Ara h 7, 3 isoforms have been identified. Their allergenicity has not been elucidated. Objective: This study investigated the allergenicity of Ara h 7 isoforms compared to Ara h 2 and 6. Methods: Sensitization of 15 DBPCFC-confirmed peanut-allergic patients to recombinant Ara h 2.0201, Ara h 6.01 and isoforms of recombinant Ara h 7 was determined by IgE immunoblotting strips. A basophil activation test (BAT) was performed in 9 patients to determine IgE-cross-linking capacities of the allergens. Sensitivity to the allergens was tested in 5 patients who were sensitized to at least 1 Ara h 7 isoform, by a concentration range in the BAT. 3D prediction models and sequence alignments were used to visualize differences between isoforms and to predict allergenic epitope regions. Results: Sensitization to Ara h 7.0201 was most frequent (80%) and showed to be equally potent as Ara h 2.0201 and 6.01 in inducing basophil degranulation. Sensitization to Ara h 7.0201 together with Ara h 2.0201 and/or 6.01 was observed, indicating the presence of unique epitopes compared to the other 2 isoforms. Differences between the 3 Ara h 7 isoforms were observed in C-terminal cysteine residues, pepsin and trypsin cleavage sites and 3 single amino acid substitutions. Conclusion & clinical relevance: The majority of peanut-allergic patients are sensitized to isoform Ara h 7.0201, which is functionally as active as Ara h 2.0201 and 6.01. Unique epitopes are most likely located in the C-terminus or an allergenic loop region which is a known allergenic epitope region for Ara h 2.0201 and 6.01. Due to its unique epitopes and allergenicity, it is an interesting candidate to improve the diagnostic accuracy for peanut allergy.

Published
2018

50. EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy: Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Author

Roberts, G. Pfaar, O. Akdis, C.A. Ansotegui, I.J. Durham, S.R. Gerth van Wijk, R. Halken, S. Larenas-Linnemann, D. Pawankar, R. Pitsios, C. Sheikh, A. Worm, M. Arasi, S. Calderon, M.A. Cingi, C. Dhami, S. Fauquert, J.L. Hamelmann, E. Hellings, P. Jacobsen, L. Knol, E.F. Lin, S.Y. Maggina, P. Mösges, R. Oude Elberink, J.N.G. Pajno, G.B. Pastorello, E.A. Penagos, M. Rotiroti, G. Schmidt-Weber, C.B. Timmermans, F. Tsilochristou, O. Varga, E.-M. Wilkinson, J.N. Williams, A. Zhang, L. Agache, I. Angier, E. Fernandez-Rivas, M. Jutel, M. Lau, S. van Ree, R. Ryan, D. Sturm, G.J. Muraro, A.

Abstract

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) is an allergic disorder of the nose and eyes affecting about a fifth of the general population. Symptoms of AR can be controlled with allergen avoidance measures and pharmacotherapy. However, many patients continue to have ongoing symptoms and an impaired quality of life; pharmacotherapy may also induce some side-effects. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) represents the only currently available treatment that targets the underlying pathophysiology, and it may have a disease-modifying effect. Either the subcutaneous (SCIT) or sublingual (SLIT) routes may be used. This Guideline has been prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology's (EAACI) Taskforce on AIT for AR and is part of the EAACI presidential project “EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy.” It aims to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations and has been informed by a formal systematic review and meta-analysis. Its generation has followed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) approach. The process included involvement of the full range of stakeholders. In general, broad evidence for the clinical efficacy of AIT for AR exists but a product-specific evaluation of evidence is recommended. In general, SCIT and SLIT are recommended for both seasonal and perennial AR for its short-term benefit. The strongest evidence for long-term benefit is documented for grass AIT (especially for the grass tablets) where long-term benefit is seen. To achieve long-term efficacy, it is recommended that a minimum of 3 years of therapy is used. Many gaps in the evidence base exist, particularly around long-term benefit and use in children. © 2017 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Published
2018

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