Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0155339 (Brown)
 12,436 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The procoagulant was isolated from the venom of four clinically significant species of brown snake; Pseudonaja affinis, P. inframacula, P. nuchalis, and P. textilis. HPLC elution profiles and PAGE showed a high degree of homology between the procoagulants from the four species. Antiserum from the CSL Ltd (Brown Snake Antivenom) produced a single band against all four procoagulants. The specific activity of the procoagulant varied between species, while inhibitory studies indicated that the procoagulants were serine proteases with a sialic acid component which also contributes to the coagulant action.
 ...
PMID:Comparative study on the procoagulant from the venom of Australian brown snakes (Elapidae; Pseudonaja spp.). 805

Australia has a diverse and rich venomous fauna, both terrestrial and marine, including some of the most venomous species in each class. Antivenom is the principal therapy for the majority of medically significant envenomings and is currently supplied through a single source, CSL, Melbourne. Cases of envenoming reported to Australian poisons information centers (PICs) are dominated by spiderbite and insect stings, respectively accounting for 53.7% and 39.3% of all bite/sting calls. Marine animal bites/stings/poisonings account for only 4% of PIC calls in this category, while snakebites account for a mere 3% (still at least 400 calls/yr). Because most PIC calls are from the public, not doctors/hospitals, snakebite in particular is under-represented. The author has recently reviewed antivenom usage in Australia. Snakebite affects between 1,000 to 3,000 people per year, with an average annual mortality of about 2 cases. Brown snakes (genus Pseudonaja) cause the majority of deaths (and bites), with tiger snakes (genus Notechis) and taipans (genus Oxyuranus) accounting for nearly all other fatalities. Up to 500 cases require snake antivenoms each year, the majority of cases coming from rural areas of Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, these being the most populated states. The wide availability of snake venom detection kits has allowed specific antivenom to be used more often, rather than polyvalent antivenom, but the latter is still used in nearly 30% of cases, suggesting underutilization of venom detection. The issue of premedication prior to antivenom remains unresolved. Antivenom usage and complication data for 1995 and 1996 will be presented. Red back spider antivenom is the most commonly used antivenom, with reports of usage being greater than for all other antivenoms combined. It is reported as being therapeutically efficacious in 94% of cases, with a single ampoule being used in 76% of cases, 2 ampoules in 18% of cases, and 3 or more ampoules in 6% of cases. Clinical experience suggests only 20% of red back spider bites require antivenom therapy. It is likely that between 5-10,000 bites occur annually.
 ...
PMID:Envenoming and antivenom use in Australia. 979 62

The risks associated with IgE-mediated food allergy highlight the need for methods to screen for potential food allergens. Clinical and immunological tests are available for the diagnosis of food allergy to known food allergens, but this does not extend to the evaluation, or prediction of allergenicity in novel foods. This category, includes foods produced using novel processes genetically modified (GM) foods, and foods that might be used as alternatives to traditional foods. Through the collation and analysis of the protein sequences of known allergens and their epitopes, it is possible to identify related groups which correlate with observed clinical cross-reactivities. 3-D modelling extends the use of sequence data and can be used to display eptiopes on the surface of a molecule. Experimental models support sequence analysis and 3-D modelling. Observed cross-reactivities can be examined by Western blots prepared from native 2-D gels of a whole food preparation (e.g. hazelnut, peanut), and common proteins identified. IgEs to novel proteins can be raised in Brown Norway rat (a high IgE responder strain) and the proteins tested in simulated digest to determine epitope stability. Using the CSL serum bank, epitope binding can be examined through the ability of an allergen to cross-link the high affinity IgE receptor and thereby release mediators using in vitro cell-based models. This range of methods, in combination with data mining, provides a variety of screening options for testing the potential of a novel food to be allergenic, which does not involve prior exposure to the consumer.
 ...
PMID:Food allergy--towards predictive testing for novel foods. 1176 Nov 21

Expired antivenoms may be useful in countries where snake envenoming is common and supplies are limited. This study examined the activity of expired Australasian antivenoms. Expired CSL snake antivenoms, including taipan, brown snake and polyvalent antivenoms, were used. The most current antivenom was used as the reference to compare expired antivenoms. Binding activity was assessed by enzyme immunoassay. Neutralisation of venom clotting effects was assessed by a modified clotting test using changes in optical density. Neutralisation of the in vitro neurotoxic effects of taipan venom was determined using a chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation. All antivenom batches remained active, with gradual deterioration in activity and binding over time. All batches of taipan antivenom at concentrations equivalent to the administration of one vial (including one 15 years expired) prevented clotting by taipan venom. Brown snake antivenoms also prevented clotting, except two that were 10 years old. All expired taipan/polyvalent antivenom prevented in vitro neurotoxicity at concentrations consistent with antivenom treatment. Freeze-thawing the antivenom or leaving it at room temperature for 3 days caused only small decreases in activity. CSL antivenoms are more robust than indicated on their label and maintain useful activity long past their nominated expiry dates.
 ...
PMID:An examination of the activity of expired and mistreated commercial Australian antivenoms. 1914 67