Genetic diversity, endemism and phylogeny of lampreys within the genus Lampetra sensu stricto (Petromyzontiformes: Petromyzontidae) in western North America.

Phylogenetic structure of four Lampetra species from the Pacific drainage of North America (western brook lamprey Lampetra richardsoni, Pacific brook lamprey Lampetra pacifica, river lamprey Lampetra ayresii and Kern brook lamprey Lampetra hubbsi) and unidentified Lampetra specimens (referred to as Lampetra sp.) from 36 locations was estimated using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian inferences did not correspond with any taxonomic scheme proposed to date. Rather, although L. richardsoni (from Alaska to California) and L. ayresii (from British Columbia to California) together constituted a well-supported clade distinct from several genetically divergent Lampetra populations in Oregon and California, these two species were not reciprocally monophyletic. The genetically divergent populations included L. pacifica (from the Columbia River basin) and L. hubbsi (from the Kern River basin) and four Lampetra sp. populations in Oregon (Siuslaw River and Fourmile Creek) and California (Kelsey and Mark West Creeks). These four Lampetra sp. populations showed genetic divergence between 2.3 and 5.7% from any known species (and up to 8.0% from each other), and may represent morphologically cryptic and thus previously undescribed species. A fifth population (from Paynes Creek, California) may represent a range extension of L. hubbsi into the Upper Sacramento River.

Comparative study of cloprednol versus placebo in asthma.

This double-blind parallel trial evaluated the efficacy of cloprednol, a new synthetic glucocorticoid, in 40 patients with asthma. Patients kept daily records of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and cough. Analysis of these records showed cloprednol to be statistically significantly better than placebo for the relief of these symptoms (p values ranged from less than 0.01 to less than 0.0001). Weekly physician evaluations of asthma severity, symptoms since last visit and number of asthma attacks also showed a significant drug effect in favor of cloprednol. These subjective findings were confirmed by objective pulmonary function tests (FEV1.0, FVC and PEFR). There was a statistically significant difference favoring cloprednol for all the pulmonary function measurements. Previous studies have suggested that at equipotent anti-inflammatory doses cloprednol is less suppressive of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Although plasma cortisol levels were not measured in this trial, none of the patients manifested clinically important side effects which required termination of their participation in the study.

Pulmonary cavitation, allergic aspergillosis, asthma and bronchocentric granulomatosis.

Pulmonary cavitation is a rare complication of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with chronic asthma. Such patients frequently manifest mucoid impaction of a bronchus, "central" saccular bronchiectasis and bronchocentric granulomatosis, a specific microscopic pathologic entity. Early recognition of this syndrome in asthmatic patients and vigorous treatment with steroids may obviate surgery.

Studies on the deterioration of antigen E in extracts of Ambrosia elatior.

Five per cent (w/v) extracts of defatted Ambrosia elatior pollen were prepared in bicarbonate-buffered saline (Coca's extract) and Coca's extract with 50% glycerol (Gly-Coca's extract). Sterile extracts were stored in untreated glassware and glassware coated with silicone. Stock extracts were diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and stored at 5 +/- 3 degrees C. Extracts 1:20, 1:40, and 1:400 were assayed at approximately 6-wk intervals for antigen E. Quantitative determinations were made by modified double diffusion in agarose gels using known standards of antigen E for comparison. Results from the first year of this 3-yr study show no significant reduction in 1:20 Gly-Coca's extracts and a highly significant reduction of antigen E in 1:20 Coca's extracts. Further analysis of variance indicates significant reduction in all 1:40 and 1:400 extracts. Differences in the initial extracting solvents did not significantly affect these more dilute extracts. No significant differences were observed in the untreated and silicone-coated glassware. In terms of per cent antigen E reduction, 1:20 Gly-Coca's showed negligible reduction and Coco's at 1:20 declined nearly 50% in antigen E content. Extracts stored at 1:40 retained only 40% of the original antigen E content, while diluted extracts stored at 1:400 retained only 35% of the initial antigen E after 1 yr of storage at 5 +/- 3 degrees C.

Allpyral: An appraisal.

In Allpyral the alum which has been added to the highly alkaline-pyrididium extract of non-defatted pollen absorbs only 25% of the extracted nitrogenous material, the larger quantity having been discarded with the supernanant. Allpyral contains a relatively small amount of antigenic material compared with conventional aqueous or glycerol preparations. Chemical studies show Allpyral to be a product resulting from an unrealized concept and a faulty method of preparation involving injudicious use of alum.

Approaches to asthma management.

Allergic asthma is caused by antigen reaction with IgE fixed to mast cells of the bronchi. The reaction causes release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis and histamine, which cause bronchial constriction. Prophylactic treatment includes avoidance of antigens, desensitization and use of cromolyn sodium. The latter appears to impede release of chemical mediators by the mast cell. Although of no value during an acute attack, this agent reduces attacks and reduces the need for other drugs in patients with severe perennial asthma.