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Of these options, readers said the most appropriate source for funding clinical allergy-immunology subspecialty training was:

55%	Medical schools and their associated hospitals
41%	Federal government
5%	State government
0%	Managed care organizations

Study: Minorities willing to participate in research
Minorities participate in health research studies at the same rate as non-Hispanic whites when they are made aware of the study and meet the medical requirements, according to a report in PLoS Medicine, published by the Public Library of Science. The findings dispute the common belief that minorities are less willing to participate. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health identified and reviewed 20 studies that involved more than 70,000 patients over 20 years in a variety of types of research studies. Researchers found only small differences in the willingness of minorities to participate, but big differences in who was asked to participate. 

Vitamin D may help steroid-resistant patients
Vitamin D can improve responsiveness among patients who fail to respond to steroids, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The study’s results suggest that steroid treatment works, at least in part, by inducing the T-cells of the immune system to synthesize a secreted signaling molecule, IL-10, which inhibits the immune responses that cause allergic and asthmatic disease symptoms. T-cells from steroid-resistant patients did not produce IL-10 when cultured in vitro with the steroid, dexamethasone. But when vitamin D3 was added to the culture medium along with dexamethasone, this was reversed. Researchers gave patients with asthma, who were unresponsive to steroids, daily vitamin D3 supplements for seven days. Blood tests showed the patients' T-cells were more responsive to dexamethasone after they had taken the supplements.

FDA publishes food allergen labeling information
The Food and Drug Administration recently published information on its Web site for food manufacturers and consumers about the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), including a revision relating to the status of food allergen cross contact residues. The site includes questions and answers about food allergens in general and FALCPA specifically.   

Treating allergic rhinitis may be key to asthma control
Asthma management requires suitable treatment of allergic rhinitis, according to a study in Chest. Scientists at University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine in Brazil evaluated the effects of treatment with inhaled or topical nasal steroid beclomethasone dipropionate, given separately or in combination to 74 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and allergic rhinitis. Patients in all treatment groups showed significant improvements in lung function, as well as in emergency department visits, nighttime waking due to asthma, and asthma-related work absences.   

U.S. customs agents confiscate counterfeit Tamiflu
Customs agents near San Francisco recently intercepted more than 50 shipments of counterfeit Tamiflu, the antiviral drug being stockpiled in case of a bird flu pandemic—the first such seizure in the United States, according to authorities. The counterfeits included none of Tamiflu's active ingredients. Initial tests indicate some vitamin C in the capsules, according to an FDA spokesperson. So far, intercepted shipments were bound only for individuals who placed Internet orders. None were bound for doctors or hospitals.  

Take advantage of $100 ACAAI member discount for iHealth Services
As an ACAAI member, you have access to a practice Web site that has recently been upgraded with tools that can help you increase your practice revenue, improve patient satisfaction, reduce your liability and improve your practice marketing.

Beginning in 2006, ACAAI members will be able to continue utilizing iHealth Services for just $17 per month—a $100 annual savings because the College is a founding member of Medem. If you have 300 of your patients sign up for an iHealthRecord via your practice Web site in 2006 or perform at least one charged-for Online Consultation on average per week during the 2006 calendar year, your 2006 fees will be credited to your 2007 subscription.

By using Medem, Inc.’s iHealth Services you can create a practice Web site, have your patients complete a secure online personal health record—the iHealthRecord—communicate with them through Online Consultation and Secure Messaging tools to provide your patients with health education and adherence programs, including asthma and other allergic diseases. If you have any questions contact Medem’s Member Services at info@medem.com or 877-926-3336.

The AAAAI/ACAAI Certification/Maintenance
of Certification Board Review Course to be April 6-9
The 2006 AAAAI/ACAAI Certification/Maintenance of Certification Board Review Course is April 6-9 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel in Chicago. The intensive literature review course will give you the winning edge whether you are preparing for the ABAI exam, ABAI recertification, or simply strengthening your skills. The program and registration are online.

Developed by outstanding faculty members, this three and one-half day course covers the major concepts included in the written exam and includes a comprehensive syllabus. Participants will hear summaries and review questions on subjects of interest to allergist/immunologists. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants should be able to identify, evaluate and manage the current problems and issues in allergy/immunology in preparation for the ABAI examination.

ABAI Certification, Recertification Exams Oct. 9-13, 2006
Due to conflicts at the computer-based testing centers, the ABAI will administer both the Certification and Recertification Examinations the week of October 9-13, 2006. For more information, please contact the ABAI:

American Board of Allergy and Immunology
510 Walnut Street, Suite 1701
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3699
Tel 215-592-9466; Fax 215-592-9411
http://www.abai.org
abai@abai.org

Allergy Practice Tip: Get Smiles
Advice from The Patient-Centered Allergy Practice
Friendly employees beget happy patients. Consider hiring front-end staff based on personality as much as experience. And hard-working quick learners with good customer service skills are a must. For more advice, visit www.PatientCenteredAllergyPractice.com.

These tips are drawn The Patient-Centered Allergy Practice, a CME Series in Practice Management, supported through an educational grant from sanofi-aventis Group and endorsed by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Immunology Review Corner
Welcome to the Board Review Corner, prepared by Dr. Karla R. Davis, senior representative of ACAAI’s fellows-in-training (FITs) to the Board of Regents. The Board Review Corner is your chance to test your Board preparedness.

To refer to a previous Board Review Corner, click the “Archive” link in the left column.

Immunology Review Corner: Chapter 59, Part II of the 6th edition of Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice, edited by N. Franklin Adkinson, et al. Review questions were written by Drs. Thao Tran and Karla Davis.