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TOWSON, MD ­ The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Maryland Chapter (AAFA-MD), has awarded a grant to Bruce Bochner, M.D. and a grant to Kathleen Barnes, Ph.D. to further the research and study of the immune diseases of asthma and allergies. Dr. Bochner is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Dr. Barnes is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center. “The instances of the chronic diseases of asthma and allergies are increasing at a rapid rate,” says Philip Norman, M.D., AAFA-MD chairman of the board. “Since asthma is the number one reason children are seen in hospital emergency rooms and the number one reason for school absences, while allergies affect one in five Americans, it is important that we learn more about these diseases, how to mange them and ultimately, how to cure them. To this end, providing the funds for research grants is a major role of AAFA-MD, ” he adds. Dr. Bochner was granted $6900 for equipment to support research that will be used by both the faculty and post doctorate fellows. Specifically, the funds are for an FP2-UM1 Film Printer turbo IIE, MAC/MAC software driver and Postscript driver. The computer hardware and software will generate lecture slides for educational presentations of medical research to physicians, medical students and scientists. “The purchase of this equipment is quite timely. We will be able to use it immediately this March for the next annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) to share our most recent research findings with our associates,” says Dr. Bochner. The grant awarded to Dr. Barnes was in the amount of $10,616 and was given for a genetic study of the major genes associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis along with minor genetic factors and environmental factors. Specifically, the funds will cover the costs involved with Dr. Barnes’ proposed “Genetic Studies of Asthma and Atopy on Tangier Island”. Tangier Island, located in the Chesapeake Bay, has a population of 650 residents consisting of a founder population of 12 generations. The study expects to produce three outcomes: to evaluate the linkage to asthma and allergic rhinitis in a homogeneous, isolated population; to fine map and identify asthma and susceptibility genes; and to determine the effects of common environmental influences in relationship to genetic susceptibility. “Little is known about the genetics of asthma or allergic rhinitis per se, or of the complex interrelationships between responsible genetic and environmental factors. Understanding the genetic mechanisms and the role of the environment should lead to improved preventive measures and new therapeutic approaches,” explains Dr. Barnes. The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, Maryland Chapter is dedicated to fighting the diseases of asthma and allergies. |
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