Crab meat is a valuable source of proteins and functional lipids and it is widely consumed worldwide. However, the prevalence of crab allergy has increased over the past few years. In order to understand crab allergy better, it is necessary to identify crab allergens. The aim of the present study was to compare the IgEbinding proteins of raw and cooked extracts of mud crab (Scylla serrata). Raw and cooked extracts of the mud crab were prepared. Protein profiles and IgE reactivity patterns were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by immunoblotting using sera from 21 skin prick test (SPT) positive patients. In SDS-PAGE, 20 protein bands (12 to 250 kDa) were observed in the raw extract while the cooked extract demonstrated fewer bands. Protein bands between 40 to 250 kDa were sensitive to heat denaturation and no longer observed in the cooked extract. In immunoblotting experiments, raw and cooked extracts demonstrated 11 and 4 IgE-binding proteins, respectively, with molecular weights of between 23 and 250 kDa. A heat-resistant 36 kDa protein, corresponding to crab tropomyosin was identified as the major allergen of both extracts. In addition, a 41 kDa heat-sensitive protein believed to be arginine kinase was shown to be a major allergen of the raw extract. Other minor allergens were also observed at various molecular weights.
Arginine Kinase

No abstract available.
Arginine* ; Humans* ; Semen*

No abstract available.
Arginine* ; Humans* ; Semen*

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of arginine in the rates of sputum conversion in patients with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis.

METHODS: Studies from PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane were reviewed and appropriate studies were included. Randomized controlled trials comparing arginine with placebo in adult patients with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A meta-analysis of the rate of sputum conversion at 8 weeks, was conducted. Post hoc analyses of sputum conversion at 4 weeks and cough reduction at 4 and 8 weeks were done.

RESULTS: Three articles included in this study had a pooled population of 452 participants. This meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the sputum conversion at 4 and 8 weeks, with a relative risk of 0.96 (95% CI 0.77-1.20) and 1.07 (95% CI 0.96-1.19), respectively. However, the cough was significantly reduced at 4 and 8 weeks, with subtotal relative risks of 0.91 (95% CI 0.82-1.00) and 0.43 (95% CI 0.22-0.81), and total relative risk for cough reduction of 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.93).

CONCLUSION: While arginine may not significantly reduce sputum conversion rates, it may be used as an adjunct to decrease cough in patients with tuberculosis.

No abstract available.
Arginine Vasopressin* ; Arginine* ; Central Nervous System Diseases* ; Child* ; Humans

No abstract available.
Arginine Vasopressin* ; Arginine* ; Central Nervous System Diseases* ; Child* ; Humans

BACKGROUND: The selection of identification (ID) system of enterococci depends mainly on the accuracy of ID system, cost of operation and convenience of testing. Commercial ID kits are easy to use but too expensive. The aim of the study was to develop a simple system for the identification of species of enterococci which are frequently isolated from clinical specimens. METHODS: Eight conventional biochemical tests selected for the simple ID method were hemolysis pattern, NaCl-esculin hydrolysis, tellurite tolerance, arginine dihydrolase, acid from arabinose, raffinose and methyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, and pigment production. Ninety one consecutive strains of enterococci from clinical specimens isolated during the period of April 1988 were tested by the simple ID method, and API rapid ID 32 STREP. RESULTS: Simple ID method with 15 ID codes was established to identify 13 species of enterococci. Among the 91 isolates tested, 88 (96.7%) were identified to the species level of enterococci by simple ID method. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified conventional ID method is simple, reliable and economical. Further modification may improve the accuracy of the enterococcal species identification system.
Arabinose ; Arginine ; Hemolysis ; Hydrolysis ; Raffinose

Arginine Vasopressin ; Humans ; Motion Sickness

No abstract available.
Child* ; Deamino Arginine Vasopressin* ; Humans ; Osmolar Concentration*

PURPOSE: It is well known that nocturia is a bothersome symptom that affects the quality of life (QoL). However, it is not known how much of a decrease in nocturnal frequency is needed to improve the QoL. We determined the minimal change in nocturnal frequency affecting the QoL of patients with nocturia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 87 patients with BPH and nocturia were treated with alpha-blocker and desmopressin for 8 weeks. Considering that the minimal clinically important change (MCIC) is different according to the baseline value, we divided the patients into two groups (group I, II). Group I had mild to moderate nocturia with voiding <4 times per night, and Group II had severe nocturia with voiding > or =4 times per night. Voiding diaries and King's Health Questionnaires (KHQs) were evaluated before and after treatment. To determine the minimal change in nocturia affecting the QoL, statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-test and ANOVA test with the change in KHQ score according to decreased numbers of nocturnal frequency. RESULTS: Groups I and II had 35 and 52 patients, respectively. The minimal decrease in nocturnal frequency associated with a statistically significant decrease in sleep/energy domain scores was 1 time in Group I and 2 times in Group II. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that decreases in nocturia of at least 1 time in patients with mild to moderate nocturia (<4 times/night) and of 2 times in patients with severe nocturia (> or =4 times/night) are needed to improve the QoL.
Deamino Arginine Vasopressin ; Humans ; Nocturia ; Quality of Life