Api m 6 and Api m 10 as Major Allergens in Patients With Honeybee Venom Allergy.

BACKGROUND: Component-resolved diagnosis plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of honeybee venom allergy (HVA). Our aim was to study whether any of the allergens not included in the usual diagnostic platforms are relevant in our population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The allergenic sensitization profile of Spanish patients who experienced a systemic reaction after a honeybee sting and were diagnosed with HVA was studied by immunoblotting based on raw autochthonous Apis mellifera venom characterized using SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry and a commercial assay (ImmunoCAP). RESULTS: Allergens in the International Union of Immunological Societies database were detected in the raw A mellifera venom extract used, except Api m 12. Sera from 51 patients with a median (IQR) age of 46.2 years (35.6-54.6) were analyzed. ImmunoCAP revealed Api m 1 and Api m 10 to be major allergens (88.2% and 74.5%, respectively). Moreover, Api m 6 (85.4%) was detected by immunoblotting. CONCLUSION: Api m 1, Api m 6, and Api m 10 are major A mellifera venom allergens in our population.

Clinical, molecular, and pharmacological aspects of FMR1 related disorders. / Aspectos clínicos, moleculares y farmacológicos en los trastornos asociados a gen 1 del retraso mental del X frágil.

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, is associated with a broad spectrum of disorders across different generations of a single family. This study reviews the clinical manifestations of fragile X-associated disorders as well as the spectrum of mutations of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1) and the neurobiology of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), and also provides an overview of the potential therapeutic targets and genetic counselling. DEVELOPMENT: This disorder is caused by expansion of the CGG repeat (>200 repeats) in the 5 prime untranslated region of FMR1, resulting in a deficit or absence of FMRP. FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the translation of several genes that are important in synaptic plasticity and dendritic maturation. It is believed that CGG repeat expansions in the premutation range (55 to 200 repeats) elicit an increase in mRNA levels of FMR1, which may cause neuronal toxicity. These changes manifest clinically as developmental problems such as autism and learning disabilities as well as neurodegenerative diseases including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). CONCLUSIONS: Advances in identifying the molecular basis of fragile X syndrome may help us understand the causes of neuropsychiatric disorders, and they will probably contribute to development of new and specific treatments.

Distribution of Silica-Coated Silver/Gold Nanostars in Soft- and Hardwood Applying SERS-Based Imaging.

Nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous suspension have just begun to be exploited for the preservative treatment of wood. However, at present, there is very little information available on the distribution of NPs in wood after impregnation, due to associated analytical challenges. In this study, we present the detection of model NPs in softwood and hardwood by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). SERS is a highly sensitive analytical method requiring no fluorescent labeling. The NP distribution after impregnation is evaluated with one representative species of the two wood types. To show the feasibility of the method, we prepared SERS-active Au/Ag nanostars coated with silica to act as a model NP system. We show herein that NPs can be imaged in very low quantities in both wood types without any matrix interactions. The presence of the NPs in the wood was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The fast detection of NPs in a complex matrix, without complicated sample preparation, marks a huge step forward in the development and application of nanotechnology for wood preservation and the quest to optimize the properties of one of the world's most important raw materials.

Genomic variability of Pantoea ananatis in maize white spot lesions assessed by AFLP markers.

Measures to control maize white spot (MWS) caused by Pantoea ananatis are preferentially based on resistant cultivars. A lack of knowledge on the genetic variability of pathogens could interfere with the development and utilization of controlling strategies in this pathosystem. The main goals of this study were to investigate the genetic variability of 90 P. ananatis isolates from three different eco-geographical regions of Brazil by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and to determine the presence of a universal P. ananatis plasmid in isolates from tropical Brazil. Analysis of genetic similarity by AFLP allowed us to categorize the 90 isolates into two groups. However, no correlation between the collecting sites and genetic groupings was observed. The polymorphism percentage found in P. ananatis ranged between 24.64 and 92.46%, and genetic diversity was calculated to be 0.07-0.09. The analysis of molecular variance showed that 99.18% of genetic variability was within the populations, providing evidence that evolutionary forces were acting on these populations. All P. ananatis isolates showed the P. ananatis universal plasmid (280 or 352 kb). This is the first report on the presence of a universal P. ananatis plasmid from MWS lesions in the tropical area.

Development and Validation of the Brief Math Anxiety Scale (BMAS) in University Students.

BACKGROUND: This study developed the Brief Math Anxiety Scale (BMAS), a brief version of the Shortened Math Anxiety Rating Scale (sMARS), maintaining its original three-factor structure, by applying item response theory. METHOD: The sMARS was administered to 1,349 undergraduates, along with other questionnaires to measure their math ability, trait and test anxieties, and attitudes toward mathematics. RESULTS: Results showed that the original scale could be reduced to nine items (three for each subscale). We provided evidence of good psychometric properties: strong internal consistency, adequate 7-week test-retest reliability, and good convergent/discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the BMAS provides valid interpretations and reliable scores for assessing math anxiety in university students, and is especially useful in situations with time constraints where the longer form is impractical.

The Spatial-Numerical Association of Response Codes (SNARC) effect in highly math-anxious individuals: An ERP study.

The Spatial-Numerical Association of Response Codes (SNARC) effect was examined in highly (HMA) and low math-anxious (LMA) individuals performing a number comparison in an ERP study. The SNARC effect consists of faster latencies when the response side is congruent with number location in the mental number line (MNL). Despite the stronger SNARC effect in the HMA group, their responses in incongruent trials were slower than in congruent trials only for the largest numerical magnitudes. Moreover, HMAs showed a less positive centroparietal P3b component in incongruent trials than in congruent ones, but only for the largest magnitudes. Since the SNARC effect arises during response selection and P3b positivity decreases with the difficulty of decision, this result suggests that HMA individuals might find it more difficult than LMAs to control the conflict between the automatically activated location of numbers in the MNL and the response side, especially in more cognitively demanding trials.

Api m 6 and Api m 10 as Major Allergens in Patients With Honeybee Venom Allergy

Background: Component-resolved diagnosis plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of honeybee venom allergy (HVA). Our aimwas to study whether any of the allergens not included in the usual diagnostic platforms are relevant in our population.Patients and Methods: The allergenic sensitization profile of Spanish patients who experienced a systemic reaction after a honeybee stingand were diagnosed with HVA was studied by immunoblotting based on raw autochthonous Apis mellifera venom characterized usingSDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry and a commercial assay (ImmunoCAP).Results: Allergens in the International Union of Immunological Societies database were detected in the raw A mellifera venom extract used,except Api m 12. Sera from 51 patients with a median (IQR) age of 46.2 years (35.6-54.6) were analyzed. ImmunoCAP revealed Api m 1and Api m 10 to be major allergens (88.2% and 74.5%, respectively). Moreover, Api m 6 (85.4%) was detected by immunoblotting.Conclusion: Api m 1, Api m 6, and Api m 10 are major A mellifera venom allergens in our population (AU)

Antecedentes: El diagnóstico molecular puede ser una herramienta valiosa en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la alergia al veneno deabeja. Este estudio investiga si alguno de los alérgenos no incluidos en las plataformas diagnósticas habituales son relevantes en nuestrapoblación.Pacientes y métodos: Estudiamos mediante immunoblotting el perfil de sensibilización alergénica en pacientes españoles diagnosticadosde alergia al veneno de abeja. Los resultados se compararon con los obtenidos usando un ensayo comercial (ImmunoCAP). El venenocrudo de Apis mellifera autóctona se obtuvo y caracterizó mediante SDS-PAGE y espectrometría de masas.Resultados: Los alérgenos descritos en la base de datos International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) fueron detectados enel extracto crudo de veneno de A. mellifera utilizado. Se analizaron sueros de 51 pacientes con una edad media de 46,2 años (rangointercuartil 35,6–54,6). Api m 1 y Api m 10 fueron detectados como alérgenos mayoritarios (88,2% y 74,5%, respectivamente) usandoImmunoCAP. Además, se encontró Api m 6 (85,4%) mediante immunoblotting.Conclusión: Nuestra población reconoce Api m 1, Api m 6 y Api m 10 como alérgenos mayoritarios del veneno de A. mellifera (AU)

Effects of dynamic rotation on event-related brain potentials.

Event-related potentials were recorded during a mental rotation task. Subjects were shown pairs of letter-like shapes and were asked to make a parity judgment. The shape on the left was always in its canonical position and the shape on the right could either be in its canonical position or be a mirror image. Two variables were manipulated for the shape on the right. First, it could appear at different orientations (50 degrees , 100 degrees or 150 degrees ); second, it could be presented in a stationary position, in a dynamic congruent direction (the shape slowly rotating toward its normal upright position) or in a dynamic incongruent direction (the shape slowly rotating in the opposite direction to its normal upright position). Orientation- and direction-dependent modulations of a negative slow wave were found. For orientation, the typical amplitude effect over parietal sites was found, the amplitude becoming more negative as the rotational angle increased. For direction, the amplitude of the negative slow wave was larger for stationary and dynamic incongruent trials than for dynamic congruent trials at 100 degrees and 150 degrees . This result suggests that presentation of a stimulus in a dynamic congruent direction facilitates the mental rotation process. At 50 degrees , differences between dynamic incongruent trials and both stationary and dynamic congruent trials were found, suggesting that the incongruent movement elicits an obstructing effect over the mental rotation process. In summary, the present experiment provides new evidence in support of the idea that the amplitude modulation over the parietal cortex is a psychophysiological marker of the mental rotation process.

Ogilvie Syndrome and Chilaiditi Syndrome: a Strange Association.

Chilaiditi syndrome is a strange disease which includes the existence of Chilaiditi sign and other abdominal symptoms. Chilaiditi sign refers the interposition of the colon between the liver and diaphragm that could be misinterpreted to be a pneumoperitoneum. We present a 46-year-old male patient who was admitted in the hospital with constipation and abdominal oppressive pain located in the epigastric area. He showed signs of peritoneal irritation, no bowel sounds, hernias, or organ enlargements. Laboratory analysis only revealed CPK elevation (462 U/L). Abdominal and chest radiographs showed an image which suggested a pneumoperitoneum. The patient underwent emergency surgical treatment, under diagnosis of viscera perforation. At laparotomy, an interposition of the transverse colon between the liver and diaphragm were visualized, although no perforations were present. Psychiatric treatment was held until this moment due to the high risk of schizophrenia outbreak. During the next 48 h, intestinal transit was restored and he was discharged on postoperative day 40, diagnosed with Ogilvie syndrome secondary to psychotropics. The relationship between Ogilvie syndrome and psychiatric treatments is known, but the association between Ogilvie and Chilaiditi syndrome is very strange. Nevertheless, it could be misinterpreted like a pneumoperitoneum and led to the performance of emergency surgery.

Clomipramine test: serum level determination in three groups of psychiatric patients.

Concentrations of clomipramine, a specific and potent serotonin uptake inhibitor, are measured in 67 psychiatric patients and 12 normal volunteers. The psychiatric patients are grouped according to the DSM III R criteria namely; pathological gamblers, obsessive compulsives and sufferers of panic disorders. Before and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after an intravenous infusion of the drug (12.5 mg in 10 min), serum samples are collected to evaluate the concentrations of cortisol, prolactine and growth hormone. Simultaneously the clomipramine concentration of these samples is determined and these results only are reported in this communication. Very different drug concentrations are observed in individual patients receiving the same amount of drug, indicating a substantial inter-individual variability of drug metabolism. No statistical differences (Newman-Keules test) between the clomipramine concentrations from the patients of the three psychiatric groups and the normal group are observed. Neither are statistical correlations observed when clomipramine concentrations from all individuals (n = 79) are related with the age, sex or consumer behaviour (cigarette smoking, alcohol and coffee intakes) of the patients.

Mathematical anxiety effects on simple arithmetic processing efficiency: an event-related potential study.

This study uses event-related brain potentials to investigate the difficulties that high math anxious individuals face when processing dramatically incorrect solutions to simple arithmetical problems. To this end, thirteen high math-anxious (HMA) and thirteen low math-anxious (LMA) individuals were presented with simple addition problems in a verification task. The proposed solution could be correct, incorrect but very close to the correct one (small-split), or dramatically incorrect (large-split). The two groups did not differ in mathematical ability or trait anxiety. We reproduced previous results for flawed scores suggesting HMA difficulties in processing large-split solutions. Moreover, large-split solutions elicited a late positive component (P600/P3b) which was more enhanced and delayed in the HMA group. Our study proposes that the pattern of flawed scores found by previous studies (and that we replicate) has to do with HMA individuals'difficulties in inhibiting an extended processing of irrelevant information (large-split solutions).

[Epidemiology of drug poisoning in the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital during a year]. / Epidemiología de las intoxicaciones medicamentosas durante un año en el Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been an increase of drugs poisoning cases seen in the Emergency Department. This study has aimed to evaluate the characteristics of these cases in the Ramón and Cajal Hospital in Madrid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive analysis about the drug poisonings diagnosed in 2004 was performed, using a retrospective search in the database of the electronic clinical records. The studied variables were gender, age, intention, drugs, admission into the hospital and relapse. RESULTS: There were 566 drug poisoning (47%) with a cumulative incidence of 0.1%, in which women (62.3%) were found to predominate, and the average patient age was 42.46+/-19.97 years (range 14-100 years). In 64.31% of the cases (566), only one kind of drug was used, benzodiazepine being the most common. This appeared at least once in 62% of the cases. Furthermore, 83% were cases of voluntary poisoning. Of the involuntary poisonings, digoxin was the most common drug with a frequency of 58.4%. A total of 28.6% of the cases were admitted into hospital, while the total number of patients who suffered a relapse in this period was 10%. DISCUSSION: Voluntary drug intoxications are caused mostly by psychoactive drugs, likely due to a high prevalence of underlying psychiatric disease in these patients. However, unintentional intoxications are mainly found in patients under chronic treatment with drugs such as digoxin and antiepileptics. More studies should be carried out to analyze which kind of preventive actions could reduce or avoid the high number of relapses.

Can a single measurement of carbamazepine suffice for therapeutic monitoring?

Using fluorescence polarization immunoassay, we measured the peak and trough concentrations of total and free carbamazepine in serum and saliva from 33 epileptic children. We found that, except for patients who show side effects, measurement of trough values in a single sample, collected after an overnight fast and before the morning dose, sufficiently estimates clinical response. Moreover, total carbamazepine is as informative as free carbamazepine.

Rapid gas-chromatographic microdetermination of soluphylline in serum.

A nitrogen-specific gas-chromatographic method is described for the quantitative analysis of soluphylline without the need for derivatization or evaporation of solvent, and using only 50 microliters of serum. The analysis is performed isothermally on a silicone stationary phase, 2% SP 2250 DA (Supelco). After a single neutral extraction with ethyl acetate containing the internal standard (beta-hydroxypropyl theophylline), an aliquot of the organic solvent is injected directly into the gas chromatograph. The detector sensitivity (least measurable amount) for soluphylline was 1 ng.