PURPOSE: The opacity of zirconia is an esthetic disadvantage that hinders achieving natural and shade-matched restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the translucency of non-colored and colored framework zirconia and monolithic zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The three groups tested were: non-colored framework zirconia, colored framework zirconia with the A3 shade according to Vita Classic Scale, and monolithic zirconia (n=5). The specimens were fabricated in the dimensions of 15×12×0.5 mm. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the contrast ratio, which is indicative of translucency. Three measurements were made to obtain the contrast ratios of the materials over a white background (L*w) and a black background (L*b). The data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests. One specimen from each group was chosen for scanning electron microscope analysis. The determined areas of the SEM images were divided by the number of grains in order to calculate the mean grain size. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed among all groups (P<.05). Non-colored zirconia had the highest translucency with a contrast ratio of 0.75, while monolithic zirconia had the lowest translucency with a contrast ratio of 0.8. The mean grain sizes of the non-colored, colored, and monolithic zirconia were 233, 256, and 361 nm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The translucency of the zirconia was affected by the coloring procedure and the grain size. Although monolithic zirconia may not be the best esthetic material for the anterior region, it may serve as an alternative in the posterior region for the bilayered zirconia restorations.
Cereals

Grain-induced asthma is a frequent occupational allergic disease mainly caused by inhalation of cereal flour or powder. The main professions affected are bakers, confectioners, pastry factory workers, millers, farmers, and cereal handlers. This disorder is usually due to an IgE-mediated allergic response to inhalation of cereal flour proteins. The major causative allergens of grain-related asthma are proteins derived from wheat, rye and barley flour, although baking additives, such as fungal alpha-amylase are also important. This review deals with the current diagnosis and treatment of grain-induced asthma, emphasizing the role of cereal allergens as molecular tools to enhance diagnosis and management of this disorder. Asthma-like symptoms caused by endotoxin exposure among grain workers are beyond the scope of this review. Progress is being made in the characterization of grain and bakery allergens, particularly cereal-derived allergens, as well as in the standardization of allergy tests. Salt-soluble proteins (albumins plus globulins), particularly members of the alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitor family, thioredoxins, peroxidase, lipid transfer protein and other soluble enzymes show the strongest IgE reactivities in wheat flour. In addition, prolamins (not extractable by salt solutions) have also been claimed as potential allergens. However, the large variability of IgE-binding patterns of cereal proteins among patients with grain-induced asthma, together with the great differences in the concentrations of potential allergens observed in commercial cereal extracts used for diagnosis, highlight the necessity to standardize and improve the diagnostic tools. Removal from exposure to the offending agents is the cornerstone of the management of grain-induced asthma. The availability of purified allergens should be very helpful for a more refined diagnosis, and new immunomodulatory treatments, including allergen immunotherapy and biological drugs, should aid in the management of patients with this disorder.
Allergens ; alpha-Amylases ; Asthma ; Candy ; Carrier Proteins ; Cereals ; Desensitization, Immunologic ; Flour ; Hordeum ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Inhalation ; Peroxidase ; Prolamins ; Proteins ; Secale cereale ; Thioredoxins ; Triticum

Grain-induced asthma is a frequent occupational allergic disease mainly caused by inhalation of cereal flour or powder. The main professions affected are bakers, confectioners, pastry factory workers, millers, farmers, and cereal handlers. This disorder is usually due to an IgE-mediated allergic response to inhalation of cereal flour proteins. The major causative allergens of grain-related asthma are proteins derived from wheat, rye and barley flour, although baking additives, such as fungal alpha-amylase are also important. This review deals with the current diagnosis and treatment of grain-induced asthma, emphasizing the role of cereal allergens as molecular tools to enhance diagnosis and management of this disorder. Asthma-like symptoms caused by endotoxin exposure among grain workers are beyond the scope of this review. Progress is being made in the characterization of grain and bakery allergens, particularly cereal-derived allergens, as well as in the standardization of allergy tests. Salt-soluble proteins (albumins plus globulins), particularly members of the alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitor family, thioredoxins, peroxidase, lipid transfer protein and other soluble enzymes show the strongest IgE reactivities in wheat flour. In addition, prolamins (not extractable by salt solutions) have also been claimed as potential allergens. However, the large variability of IgE-binding patterns of cereal proteins among patients with grain-induced asthma, together with the great differences in the concentrations of potential allergens observed in commercial cereal extracts used for diagnosis, highlight the necessity to standardize and improve the diagnostic tools. Removal from exposure to the offending agents is the cornerstone of the management of grain-induced asthma. The availability of purified allergens should be very helpful for a more refined diagnosis, and new immunomodulatory treatments, including allergen immunotherapy and biological drugs, should aid in the management of patients with this disorder.
Allergens ; alpha-Amylases ; Asthma ; Candy ; Carrier Proteins ; Cereals ; Desensitization, Immunologic ; Flour ; Hordeum ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Inhalation ; Peroxidase ; Prolamins ; Proteins ; Secale cereale ; Thioredoxins ; Triticum

A rare case of laminitis was recorded in an adult camel that was kept in confinement without giving any exercise and fed daily with considerable quantity of pearl millet grains (Pennisetum typhoideus) for more than five months.
Animal Feed/adverse effects ; Animals ; *Camels ; Cereals ; Dietary Fiber/deficiency ; Foot Diseases/etiology/pathology/surgery/*veterinary ; Lameness, Animal/*etiology/pathology/surgery ; Male

Energy-microelement rich nutritional powder producted at the Institute of Nutrition with local nutritional resources was used in some commune of Dong Hy District, Thai Nguyen Province and evaluated by scientists of the Institute. This preparation was accepted by mothers and children with its taste, color, odor and consistence. 93% of users had got good manifestations within 6 days eating continuously of the powder prossessed high nutritional value, safety and hygienic quality. 50g of powder had suppied 180- 200 kcalo, 30-35% vitamine and mineral need.
Cereals ; Food ; Child ; Nutrition Therapy

A high prevalence of work-related symptoms in relation to grain dust exposure has been reported in grain dust workers, but the role of the specific IgG antibody is unknown. To study the possible role of specific IgG (sIgG) and specific IgG4 (sIgG4) in the development of work-related symptoms, sIgG and sIgG4 subclass antibodies against grain dust antigens were determined by ELISA in sera from 43 workers and 27 non-exposed controls. They were compared with results of specific IgE antibodies, exposure intensity and the presence of respiratory symptoms. SIgG and sIgG4 antibodies were detectable in almost all sera of exposed workers, and the prevalence were significantly higher than those of controls (p<0.05). Higher sIgG4 was noted in workers with specific IgE (p<0.05). The correlation between sIgG and exposure duration was significant (p<0.05). There was no association between the prevalence of sIgG and sIgG4 and the presence of respiratory symptoms, or work stations. In conclusion, these results suggest that the existence of sIgG and sIgG4 might represent a response to grain dust exposure and may unlikely play a role in the etiology of respiratory symptoms.
Allergens/immunology* ; Cereals/immunology* ; Human ; IgG/immunology* ; Inhalation Exposure ; Male ; Occupational Diseases/immunology ; Occupational Exposure*

Bronchial Asthma could be developed by occupational origin. 4-16% of bronchial asthmas are known to be related to occupational exposure. However, occupational asthma has not been reported from the periodic occupational health examination, but reported through case report from clinicians. The authors analysed hospital records to find out work-related bronchial asthma and their occupational characteristics at a university hospital in Jnchon. All records which were confirmed as bronchial asthma in adult by an allergist from June, 1996 to May, 1998 were selected. Through record reviewing, any suspected work related asthma was selected and the interview was done by phone or at the out-patient clinic. The possible cases were confirmed by additional tests including specific bronchial provocation test. Sixteen(3. 9%) out of 411 bronchial asthma were confirmed as work-related asthma. Eight cases out of 16 worked at furniture industry, three worked at dye manufacturing and two worked at musical instrument manufacturing industry. Others worked at farm and machinary industry. The confirmed asthmogen were toluene diisocyante(8), reactive dye(3), and grain dust(1). None of the cases was detected as work-related asthma in the periodic health examination. Twelve out of sixteen occupational asthma patients discontinued their work. The results suggested that many patients with occupational asthma were not reported and the periodic health examination was not an effective system for detecting the workrelated asthma. Thus, setting up the surveillance system involving allergist or pulmonologist would be important to detect and prevent occupational asthma.
Adult ; Asthma* ; Asthma, Occupational ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Cereals ; Hospital Records ; Humans ; Incheon* ; Interior Design and Furnishings ; Music ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health ; Outpatients ; Toluene

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Storage mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP) and Acarus siro (AS), known as the major causative allergens to people who deal with stored foods and grains, may occur more frequently in house dust than expected. During the recent 6 months, positive reactions to TP and AS were observed as frequently as those to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) in patients with allergic rhinitis in Pusan. The purpose of this study was to identify allergenic components within TP and AS, and evaluate the cross reactivity with DP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using extracts of DP, TP and AS, prepared after dialysis and lyophilization, allergenic components were identified using SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Cross reactivity among them were evaluated by inhibition tests using pharmacia CAP system. RESULTS: The protein components of DP, TP and AS, showed different patterns in SDS-PAGE. Molecular weight of major IgE binding components of TP were 17 kD, 25 kD and 67 kD, and those of AS were 18 kD, 19 kD, 25 kD and 27 kD. TP- or AS-specific IgE was partially inhibited by DP extract; however, DP-specific IgE was not significantly inhibited either by TP or AS extract. Significant inhibition were noted between TP and AS. CONCLUSION: TP and AS may share common allergens with DP. However, sensitization to TP or AS was also suspected in some cases. The percentage of Acaridae family in Pusan was 12% of total mites. Therefore, storage mites should be considered as causative allergens and included in allergy test battery.
Acaridae ; Allergens ; Blotting, Western ; Busan ; Cereals ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Dialysis ; Dust ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Freeze Drying ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Mites* ; Molecular Weight ; Pyroglyphidae ; Rhinitis*

This study was carried out to manifest risk factors related grain dust induced asthma, especially allergic and immunologic factors. Six grain workers first diagnosed as grain dust induced asthma by specific antigen bronchial asthma challenge test (cases) and 37 grain workers showed negative finding (controls) in the same firm were selected. Questionnaire survey for respiratory symptoms, interview, physical examination, PFT, methacholine bronchial hyperresponsiveness, specific challenge tests and skin prick test for four grains (grain, corn, rye and seed dust) were conducted. To evaluate the role of specific antibodies to grain dust, we detected serum specific IgE and IgG antibodies by ELISA in 43 employees. The results were summarized as follows : 1. Compared with the group having no respiratory symptoms, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with respiratory symptoms was 3.04 (95% CI 0.32-28.80). 2. Compared with the group having no ventilatory impairment, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with ventilatory impairment was 0.54 (95% CI 0.06-5.21). 3. Compared with the group showed negative skin test for general respirable antigen, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with atopy was 8.02 (95% CI 0.42-153.25). 4. Compared with the group showed negative finding on specific allergic skin test, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with positive finding was 5.88 (95% CI 0.63-55.38). 5. In immunologic test, compared with the group not increased total IgE(<160 IU/ml), odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with increased group (> or = 160 IU/ml) was 4.78 (95% CI 0.50-44.57). 6. Compared with the group showed negative finding on specific IgE antibody, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with positive finding was 2.63 (95% CI 0.43-16.16). 7. Compared with the group showed normal finding on nonspecific (methacholine) bronchial hyperresponsiveness, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with positive finding was 76.82(95% CI 3.37 - 1566.34). Statistically significant odds ratio were fecund for specific skin test with grain, total IgE and nonspecific (methacholine) bronchial hyperreponsiveness.
Antibodies ; Asthma ; Asthma, Occupational* ; Cereals* ; Dust ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunologic Factors ; Immunologic Tests ; Methacholine Chloride ; Odds Ratio ; Physical Examination ; Questionnaires ; Risk Factors* ; Secale cereale ; Skin ; Skin Tests ; Zea mays

This study was carried out to manifest risk factors related grain dust induced asthma, especially allergic and immunologic factors. Six grain workers first diagnosed as grain dust induced asthma by specific antigen bronchial asthma challenge test (cases) and 37 grain workers showed negative finding (controls) in the same firm were selected. Questionnaire survey for respiratory symptoms, interview, physical examination, PFT, methacholine bronchial hyperresponsiveness, specific challenge tests and skin prick test for four grains (grain, corn, rye and seed dust) were conducted. To evaluate the role of specific antibodies to grain dust, we detected serum specific IgE and IgG antibodies by ELISA in 43 employees. The results were summarized as follows : 1. Compared with the group having no respiratory symptoms, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with respiratory symptoms was 3.04 (95% CI 0.32-28.80). 2. Compared with the group having no ventilatory impairment, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with ventilatory impairment was 0.54 (95% CI 0.06-5.21). 3. Compared with the group showed negative skin test for general respirable antigen, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with atopy was 8.02 (95% CI 0.42-153.25). 4. Compared with the group showed negative finding on specific allergic skin test, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with positive finding was 5.88 (95% CI 0.63-55.38). 5. In immunologic test, compared with the group not increased total IgE(<160 IU/ml), odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with increased group (> or = 160 IU/ml) was 4.78 (95% CI 0.50-44.57). 6. Compared with the group showed negative finding on specific IgE antibody, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with positive finding was 2.63 (95% CI 0.43-16.16). 7. Compared with the group showed normal finding on nonspecific (methacholine) bronchial hyperresponsiveness, odds ratio of grain dust induced asthma with positive finding was 76.82(95% CI 3.37 - 1566.34). Statistically significant odds ratio were fecund for specific skin test with grain, total IgE and nonspecific (methacholine) bronchial hyperreponsiveness.
Antibodies ; Asthma ; Asthma, Occupational* ; Cereals* ; Dust ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunologic Factors ; Immunologic Tests ; Methacholine Chloride ; Odds Ratio ; Physical Examination ; Questionnaires ; Risk Factors* ; Secale cereale ; Skin ; Skin Tests ; Zea mays