A deep learning approach to the automatic detection of alignment errors in cryo-electron tomographic reconstructions.

Electron tomography is an imaging technique that allows for the elucidation of three-dimensional structural information of biological specimens in a very general context, including cellular in situ observations. The approach starts by collecting a set of images at different projection directions by tilting the specimen stage inside the microscope. Therefore, a crucial preliminary step is to precisely define the acquisition geometry by aligning all the tilt images to a common reference. Errors introduced in this step will lead to the appearance of artifacts in the tomographic reconstruction, rendering them unsuitable for the sample study. Focusing on fiducial-based acquisition strategies, this work proposes a deep-learning algorithm to detect misalignment artifacts in tomographic reconstructions by analyzing the characteristics of these fiducial markers in the tomogram. In addition, we propose an algorithm designed to detect fiducial markers in the tomogram with which to feed the classification algorithm in case the alignment algorithm does not provide the location of the markers. This open-source software is available as part of the Xmipp software package inside of the Scipion framework, and also through the command-line in the standalone version of Xmipp.

ScipionTomo: Towards cryo-electron tomography software integration, reproducibility, and validation.

Image processing in cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) is currently at a similar state as Single Particle Analysis (SPA) in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) was a few years ago. Its data processing workflows are far from being well defined and the user experience is still not smooth. Moreover, file formats of different software packages and their associated metadata are not standardized, mainly since different packages are developed by different groups, focusing on different steps of the data processing pipeline. The Scipion framework, originally developed for SPA (de la Rosa-Trevín et al., 2016), has a generic python workflow engine that gives it the versatility to be extended to other fields, as demonstrated for model building (Martínez et al., 2020). In this article, we provide an extension of Scipion based on a set of tomography plugins (referred to as ScipionTomo hereafter), with a similar purpose: to allow users to be focused on the data processing and analysis instead of having to deal with multiple software installation issues and the inconvenience of switching from one to another, converting metadata files, managing possible incompatibilities, scripting (writing a simple program in a language that the computer must convert to machine language each time the program is run), etcetera. Additionally, having all the software available in an integrated platform allows comparing the results of different algorithms trying to solve the same problem. In this way, the commonalities and differences between estimated parameters shed light on which results can be more trusted than others. ScipionTomo is developed by a collaborative multidisciplinary team composed of Scipion team engineers, structural biologists, and in some cases, the developers whose software packages have been integrated. It is open to anyone in the field willing to contribute to this project. The result is a framework extension that combines the acquired knowledge of Scipion developers in close collaboration with third-party developers, and the on-demand design of functionalities requested by beta testers applying this solution to actual biological problems.

Genomic Epidemiology of Salmonella enterica Circulating in Surface Waters Used in Agriculture and Aquaculture in Central Mexico.

Salmonella enterica can survive in surface waters (SuWa), and the role of nonhost environments in its transmission has acquired increasing relevance. In this study, we conducted comparative genomic analyses of 172 S. enterica isolates collected from SuWa across 3 months in six states of central Mexico during 2019. S. enterica transmission dynamics were assessed using 87 experimental and 112 public isolates from Mexico collected during 2002 through 2019. We also studied genetic relatedness between SuWa isolates and human clinical strains collected in North America during 2005 through 2020. Among experimental isolates, we identified 41 S. enterica serovars and 56 multilocus sequence types (STs). Predominant serovars were Senftenberg (n = 13), Meleagridis, Agona, and Newport (n = 12 each), Give (n = 10), Anatum (n = 8), Adelaide (n = 7), and Infantis, Mbandaka, Ohio, and Typhimurium (n = 6 each). We observed a high genetic diversity in the sample under study, as well as clonal dissemination of strains across distant regions. Some of these strains are epidemiologically important (ST14, ST45, ST118, ST132, ST198, and ST213) and were genotypically close to those involved in clinical cases in North America. Transmission network analysis suggests that SuWa are a relevant source of S. enterica (0.7 source/hub ratio) and contribute to its dissemination as isolates from varied sources and clinical cases have SuWa isolates as common ancestors. Overall, the study shows that SuWa act as reservoirs of various S. enterica serovars of public health significance. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in SuWa contamination by S. enterica, as well as to develop interventions to contain its dissemination in food production settings. IMPORTANCE Surface waters are heavily used in food production worldwide. Several human pathogens can survive in these waters for long periods and disseminate to food production environments, contaminating our food supply. One of these pathogens is Salmonella enterica, a leading cause of foodborne infections, hospitalizations, and deaths in many countries. This research demonstrates the role of surface waters as a vehicle for the transmission of Salmonella along food production chains. It also shows that some strains circulating in surface waters are very similar to those implicated in human infections and harbor genes that confer resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing a risk to public health. This study contributes to expand our current knowledge on the ecology and epidemiology of Salmonella in surface waters.

Plastic energy allocation toward life-history functions in a consumer-resource interaction : Analyzing the temporal patterns of the consumer-resource dynamics.

Various environmental alterations resulting from the current global change compromise the persistence of species in their habitual environment. To cope with the obvious risk of extinction, plastic responses provide organisms with rapid acclimatization to new environments. The premise of plastic rescue has been theoretically studied from mathematical models in both deterministic and stochastic environments, focusing on analyzing the persistence and stability of the populations. Here, we evaluate this premise in the framework of a consumer-resource interaction considering the energy investment towards reproduction vs. maintenance as a plastic trait according to positive/negative variation of the available resource. A basic consumer-resource mathematical model is formulated based on the principle of biomass conversion that incorporates the energy allocation toward vital functions of the life-cycle of consumer individuals. Our mathematical approach is based on the impulsive differential equations at fixed moments considering two impulsive effects associated with the instants at which consumers obtain environmental information and when energy allocation strategy change occurs. From a preliminary analysis of the non-plastic temporal dynamics, namely when the energy allocation is constant over time and without experiencing changes concerning the variation of resources, both the persistence and stability of the consumer-resource dynamic are dependent on the energy allocation strategies belonging to a set termed stability range. We found that the plastic energy allocation can promote a stable dynamical pattern in the consumer-resource interaction depending on both the magnitude of the energy allocation change and the time lag between environmental sensibility instants and when the expression of the plastic trait occurs.

Developing a Training Web Application for Improving the COVID-19 Diagnostic Accuracy on Chest X-ray.

In December 2019, a new coronavirus known as 2019-nCoV emerged in Wuhan, China. The virus has spread globally and the infection was declared pandemic in March 2020. Although most cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are mild, some of them rapidly develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. In the clinical management, chest X-rays (CXR) are essential, but the evaluation of COVID-19 CXR could be a challenge. In this context, we developed COVID-19 TRAINING, a free Web application for training on the evaluation of COVID-19 CXR. The application included 196 CXR belonging to three categories: non-pathological, pathological compatible with COVID-19, and pathological non-compatible with COVID-19. On the training screen, images were shown to the users and they chose a diagnosis among those three possibilities. At any time, users could finish the training session and be evaluated through the estimation of their diagnostic accuracy values: sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and global accuracy. Images were hand-labeled by four thoracic radiologists. Average values for sensitivity, specificity, and global accuracy were .72, .64, and .68. Users who achieved better sensitivity registered less specificity (p < .0001) and those with higher specificity decreased their sensitivity (p < .0001). Users who sent more answers achieved better accuracy (p = .0002). The application COVID-19 TRAINING provides a revolutionary tool to learn the necessary skills to evaluate COVID-19 on CXR. Diagnosis training applications could provide a new original manner of evaluation for medical professionals based on their diagnostic accuracy values, and an efficient method to collect valuable data for research purposes.

Arthritis in adults, socioeconomic factors, and the moderating role of childhood maltreatment: cross-sectional data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

These data present associations between socioeconomic status (SES), different types of childhood maltreatment (CM) history and family dysfunction, and arthritis in men and women across a wide age range. Arthritis was less likely among those with higher SES, regardless of CM history. INTRODUCTION: CM has been associated with increased risk of adult-onset arthritis; however, little is known about whether socioeconomic status moderates arthritis risk in those with CM history. We investigated arthritis across education, income, and race/ethnicity and whether CM moderated associations between SES and arthritis. METHODS: Data were drawn from Wave 2 (2004-2005) of the nationally representative (USA) National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, n = 34,563; aged ≥ 20 years). Self-reported CM history included physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV). We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to determine relationships between SES, CM, and arthritis. Interaction terms were used to test if CM moderated relationships between SES and arthritis. RESULTS: Arthritis prevalence was 21.1% (n = 3093) among men and 30.1% (n = 6167) among women. In unadjusted analyses, women (p ≤ 0.001) and older age (both sexes, p ≤ 0.01) were associated with increased odds of arthritis. All CM types were associated with increased odds of arthritis, except exposure to IPV among women. In sex-stratified, age-adjusted analyses, lower education and income, family dysfunction, being Hispanic or Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and ≥ 1 physical comorbidity were associated with increased odds of arthritis among those with and without CM: trends were similar for both sexes. In age-adjusted two-way interaction terms, CM did not moderate associations between SES and arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Although CM was associated with arthritis, associations between SES and arthritis were not amplified. Arthritis was less likely among those with higher SES, regardless of CM history.

Accuracy of the Diagnosis of Allergic Reactions in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Suspicion of an acute allergic reaction is a common reason for attending the emergency department (ED). However, there are few comparisons between the initial diagnosis of suspected allergic reaction made in the ED with the definitive diagnosis made subsequently in the allergy department (AD). Objective: To compare details of the initial diagnosis made in the ED relating to allergy with the final diagnosis made in the AD. METHODS: Patients attending the ED of 2 hospitals with suspected allergic reactions were prospectively enrolled based on key words. A certified allergy specialist reviewed the ED records of these patients and, if these were suggestive of an allergic reaction, the patients were scheduled for further evaluation at the allergy clinic. RESULTS: In total, 2000 patients were enrolled between April 2013 and October 2015. Of these, 1333 passed the initial assessment and underwent further evaluation. Of the 1333 patients, 528 underwent an allergological study, and 206 were confirmed as being allergic. With respect to drug allergy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most common triggers, followed by ß-lactams; in food allergy, plant-based foods were the most common. Only 16.4% of patients confirmed as having anaphylaxis in the AD were initially diagnosed with the condition in the ED. CONCLUSION: Of the 528 patients who finally underwent the full allergological study, fewer than half were confirmed as allergic. Moreover, anaphylaxis appears to be underdiagnosed in the ED. Better communication between the ED and the AD is necessary to improve the diagnosis and management of these patients.

A Multicentre and stratified study of the attitude of medical students towards organ donation in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Medical students represent a new generation of medical thought, and if they have a favourable attitude towards organ donation this will greatly encourage its promotion. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the attitude of medical students in Spanish universities towards the donation of their own organs and to determine the factors affecting this attitude. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Type of study: A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicentre, and observational study in Spain. STUDY POPULATION: Students studying a degree in medicine enrolled in Spain (n = 34,000). SAMPLE SIZE: A sample of 9598 students (confidence of 99% and precision of ±1%), stratified by geographical area and academic year. Instrument of measurement: A validated questionnaire of attitude towards organ donation and transplantation (PCID-DTO RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 95.7% (n = 9.275). 80% were in favour of donation, 2% against and 18% were undecided. The following main variables were related to a favourable attitude: being of the female sex (Odds Ratio = 1.739); being in the sixth year of the degree (OR = 2.506); knowing a donor (OR = 1.346); having spoken about the subject with one's family (OR = 2.132) and friends (OR = 1.333); having a family circle that is in favour, more specifically, having a father (OR = 1.841), mother (OR = 2.538) or partner in favour (OR = 2.192); being a blood donor (OR = 2.824); acceptance of the mutilation of the body if it were necessary (OR = 2.958); and being an atheist or an agnostic (OR = 1.766). CONCLUSIONS: Spanish medical students generally have a favourable attitude towards organ donation, although 20% are not in favour.

Functional screening of Alzheimer risk loci identifies PTK2B as an in vivo modulator and early marker of Tau pathology.

A recent genome-wide association meta-analysis for Alzheimer's disease (AD) identified 19 risk loci (in addition to APOE) in which the functional genes are unknown. Using Drosophila, we screened 296 constructs targeting orthologs of 54 candidate risk genes within these loci for their ability to modify Tau neurotoxicity by quantifying the size of >6000 eyes. Besides Drosophila Amph (ortholog of BIN1), which we previously implicated in Tau pathology, we identified p130CAS (CASS4), Eph (EPHA1), Fak (PTK2B) and Rab3-GEF (MADD) as Tau toxicity modulators. Of these, the focal adhesion kinase Fak behaved as a strong Tau toxicity suppressor in both the eye and an independent focal adhesion-related wing blister assay. Accordingly, the human Tau and PTK2B proteins biochemically interacted in vitro and PTK2B co-localized with hyperphosphorylated and oligomeric Tau in progressive pathological stages in the brains of AD patients and transgenic Tau mice. These data indicate that PTK2B acts as an early marker and in vivo modulator of Tau toxicity.

The pathogenesis of microcephaly resulting from congenital infections: why is my baby's head so small?

The emergence of Zika-virus-associated congenital microcephaly has engendered renewed interest in the pathogenesis of microcephaly induced by infectious agents. Three of the original "TORCH" agents are associated with an appreciable incidence of congenital microcephaly: cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, and Toxoplasma gondii. The pathology of congenital microcephaly is characterized by neurotropic infectious agents that involve the fetal nervous system, leading to brain destruction with calcifications, microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss, and ophthalmologic abnormalities. The inflammatory reaction induced by these four agents has an important role in pathogenesis. The potential role of "strain differences" in pathogenesis of microcephaly by these four pathogens is examined. Specific epidemiologic factors, such as first and early second trimester maternal infection, and the manifestations of congenital infection in the infant, shed some light on the pathogenesis. Immune aspects of normal pregnancy and their role in congenital infections is examined. In this review, we integrate all these findings to create a unified hypothesis of the pathogenesis of congenital microcephaly induced by these infectious agents.

A randomised controlled trial of a program based on the theory of planned behavior to promote fruit and vegetable intake among schoolchildren: PROFRUVE study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The PROFRUVE study is a controlled intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which follows those behavioral theories that have proved to be the most effective at changing infant fruit and vegetable (FV) intake pattern. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program in increasing FV consumption in schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 and based on TPB. METHODS: Eligible classrooms within schools from Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country, Spain) will be randomly assigned to the intervention (classrooms n = 4; children n = 86) or control (classrooms n = 4; children n = 86) group. The intervention group will receive 14 sessions of 60 min during an academic year (October to June). These sessions, designed by a multidisciplinary team, are based on TPB and are directed at modifying determinants of behavior (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention of consumption), and intake of FV itself. Both the process and the evolution of consumption and determinants of behavior will be evaluated (before, during, shortly after and a year after) using validated surveys, 7 day food records, 24 h reminders and questionnaires. DISCUSSION: This study will provide a valid and useful tool to achieve changes in the consumption of FV at school level. A negative result will be helpful in redefining new strategies in the framework of changing habits in the consumption of FV. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT03400891 . Data registered: 17/01/2018.

Identification and characterization of two variants of the Hfq-sRNA-chaperone in the fish pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis.

Small RNA and chaperone proteins form synergistic duos that play pivotal roles in controlling gene expression in bacteria. This is the case for Hfq, a highly pleiotropic pretranslational modulator of general protein expression, which responds to harsh environmental conditions and influences fitness and virulence in a wide range of pathogenic Enterobacteria. Given this relevancy, we evaluated the presence and potential role of Hfq in the fish pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis, a Gram-negative bacterium that threatens the sustainability of Chilean salmon production. Using bioinformatics tools were identified and characterized two variants of Hfq, which share the consensus RNA-binding domains and the active sites described functional Hfq other bacteria. Additionally, we demonstrated that hfq-1 and hfq-2 were transcriptionally active when growing in cell-free media and in infected susceptible fish cell line. Expression of both genes differed under different growth conditions and under stress, suggesting that their roles might be independent and different, depending on the bacterial physiological status. In conclusion, we demonstrate the existence of two different and functional ORF coding for the hfq marker in marine bacteria and a preliminary analysis indicating that these two novel proteins might have relevant roles in the biology and pathogenic potential of P. salmonis.

Do Spanish Medical Students Understand the Concept of Brain Death?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of understanding of the brain death concept among medical students in universities in Spain. METHODS: This cross-sectional sociological, interdisciplinary, and multicenter study was performed on 9598 medical students in Spain. The sample was stratified by geographical area and academic year. A previously validated self-reported measure of brain death knowledge (questionnaire Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante sobre la Donación y Transplante de Organos) was completed anonymously by students. RESULTS: Respondents completed 9275 surveys for a completion rate of 95.7%. Of those, 67% (n = 6190) of the respondents understood the brain death concept. Of the rest, 28% (n = 2652) did not know what it meant, and the remaining 5% (n = 433) believed that it did not mean that the patient was dead. The variables related to a correct understanding of the concept were: (1) being older ( P < .001), (2) studying at a public university ( P < .001), (3) year of medical school ( P < .001), (4) studying at one of the universities in the south of Spain ( P = .003), (5) having discussed donation and transplantation with the family ( P < .001), (6) having spoken to friends about the matter ( P < .001), (7) a partner's favorable attitude toward donation and transplantation ( P < .001), and (8) religious beliefs ( P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Sixty-seven percent of medical students know the concept of brain death, and knowledge improved as they advanced in their degree.

Radiation characterisation and dosimetric measurements of a femtosecond pulsed laser ablation system.

This work describes the radiation characterisation and dosimetric measurements performed on the low-energy micromachining station of the femtosecond STELA (Santiago TErawatt LAser) at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). For this aim, ionisation chambers, solid state detectors, and radiochromic films were used. The results show the emission of pulsed x-ray produced by laser-accelerated electrons from the ablated material exhibiting both bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation. Although this radiation was produced unintentionally, a high superficial dose rate can be achieved. This radiation can be successfully stopped using small shielding to protect personnel from its effects. Based on the results of this work, the yearly dose equivalent after installing the shielding was negligible.

The clinical and immunological effects of Pru p 3 sublingual immunotherapy on peach and peanut allergy in patients with systemic reactions.

BACKGROUND: The peach non-specific lipid transfer protein, Pru p 3, is the primary sensitizer in fruits and responsible for severe reactions in the Mediterranean area. Peach allergy is frequently associated with other allergies such as peanut. Therefore, it is important to assess how specific immunotherapy to Pru p 3 could affect both peach and peanut tolerance. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate peach and peanut desensitization and immunological changes after 1 year of Pru p 3 sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in patients with systemic allergic reactions to peach and/or peanut. METHODS: Forty-eight peach allergic patients, 36 treated with SLIT and 12 non-treated, were monitored for 12 months. Treated patients were subclassified as peanut allergic (Group A), sensitized (Group B) or tolerant (Group C). SLIT effect was evaluated by skin prick test (SPT) reactivity and food challenge. Immunological changes were evaluated by monitoring sIgE and sIgG4 levels and basophil reactivity. RESULTS: After 1 year of SLIT, the weal area in SPT significantly decreased and a significant increase in peach threshold in treated patients was observed (P < 0.001). Patients in Group A showed a significant decrease in peanut SPT weal area and an increase in peanut threshold (P < 0.001). Immunological changes were observed in treated patients only, with a significant decrease in sIgE and a parallel increase in sIgG4, sIgG4/sIgE and basophil reactivity for both Pru p 3 and Ara h 9. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After 1 year, Pru p 3 SLIT induces both desensitization and immunological changes not only for peach but also for other food allergens relevant in the induction of severe reactions such as peanut.

Amoxicillin haptenates intracellular proteins that can be transported in exosomes to target cells.

BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions to ß-lactams are among the most frequent causes of drug allergy and constitute an important clinical problem. Drug covalent binding to endogenous proteins (haptenation) is thought to be required for activation of the immune system. Nevertheless, neither the nature nor the role of the drug protein targets involved in this process is fully understood. Here, we aim to identify novel intracellular targets for haptenation by amoxicillin (AX) and their cellular fate. METHODS: We have treated B lymphocytes with either AX or a biotinylated analog (AX-B). The identification of protein targets for haptenation by AX has been approached by mass spectrometry and immunoaffinity techniques. In addition, intercellular communication mediated by the delivery of vesicles loaded with AX-B-protein adducts has been explored by microscopy techniques. RESULTS: We have observed a complex pattern of AX-haptenated proteins. Several novel targets for haptenation by AX in B lymphocytes have been identified. AX-haptenated proteins were detected in cell lysates and extracellularly, either as soluble proteins or in lymphocyte-derived extracellular vesicles. Interestingly, exosomes from AX-B-treated cells showed a positive biotin signal in electron microscopy. Moreover, they were internalized by endothelial cells, thus supporting their involvement in intercellular transfer of haptenated proteins. CONCLUSIONS: These results represent the first identification of AX-mediated haptenation of intracellular proteins. Moreover, they show that exosomes can constitute a novel vehicle for haptenated proteins, and raise the hypothesis that they could provide antigens for activation of the immune system during the allergic response.

Anatomical study of the renal excretory system in pigs. A review of its characteristics as compared to its human counterpart.

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of the pyelocalyceal system in the pig as an experimental model, there is little information about this particular anatomical subject. We determined the morphological characteristics of the renal excretory system in pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated 130 pairs of kidneys of pigs destined to slaughter. The pyelocalyceal system was subjected to injection technique - corrosion by infusion of polyester resin (85% Palatal and 15% Styrene) and subsequent infusion in potassium hydroxide (KOH) for 10 days. The significance level used was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The renal excretory system is characterised by the presence of type A major cranial and caudal calyxes seen in 34.3% of the kidneys (type A1 in 30% and type A2 in 4.3%). type B calyxes, corresponding to minor calyxes draining directly into the renal pelvis, were present in 65.7% of the specimens (type B1 59.2%; type B2 6.5% of the cases). The number of minor calyxes in the collector system was 7.9 ± 2.27 with statistically significant differences in side (p = 0.0047). CONCLUSIONS: The morphometric characteristics of the kidneys in this study are slightly smaller than reported in humans. Similarly, the incidence of type A renal excretory system distribution is highest in humans and lowest in pigs. Due to its few morphological differences, the pig kidney is an excellent model for teaching- -learning processes, for research purposes, and for training of urologic applications.

Medical students faced with related and unrelated living kidney donation: a stratified and multicentre study in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The attitude of medical students towards living kidney donation (LKD) is of great interest given that they will become promoters of this technique in the near future. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the attitude of Spanish medical students towards related and unrelated LKD and to determine the factors affecting this attitude. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Type of study: A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicentre, and observational study. STUDY POPULATION: Medical students enrolled in Spain (n = 34.000). SAMPLE SIZE: A sample of 9598 students (99 % confidence and precision of ±1 %), stratified by geographical area and academic year. Measurement instrument: A validated questionnaire (PCID-DVR RIOS) was administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: There was a completion rate of 95.7 % (n = 9275); 93 % (n = 8630) were in favour of related LKD, and 30 % (n = 2784) were in favour of unrelated LKD. The following factors were associated with this attitude: (1) age (p = 0.008); (2) sex (p < 0.001); (3) year of university degree (p < 0.001); (4) a belief that a transplant might be necessary in the future (p < 0.001); (5) attitude towards deceased organ donation (p < 0.001); (6) a willingness to accept a kidney from a living donor (p < 0.001); (7) attitude towards living liver donation (p < 0.001); (8) a partner's attitude towards donation (p < 0.001); (9) having spoken about the subject with one's family (p < 0.001), or friends (p < 0.001); (10) pro-social behaviour (p < 0.001); (11) the respondent's religious attitude (p < 0.001); and (12) fear of possible mutilation of the body after donation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of medical students towards LKD is very favourable when it is the related kind of donation, and it is associated with factors of general knowledge about organ donation and transplantation and social interaction and religion.

Niche modelling of the Chilean recluse spider Loxosceles laeta and araneophagic spitting spider Scytodes globula and risk for loxoscelism in Chile.

In Chile, all necrotic arachnidism is attributed to the Chilean recluse spider Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet) (Araneae: Sicariidae). It is predated by the spitting spider Scytodes globula (Nicolet) (Araneae: Scytodidae). The biology of each of these species is not well known and it is important to clarify their distributions. The aims of this study are to elucidate the variables involved in the niches of both species based on environmental and human footprint variables, and to construct geographic maps that will be useful in estimating potential distributions and in defining a map of estimated risk for loxoscelism in Chile. Loxosceles laeta was found to be associated with high temperatures and low rates of precipitation, whereas although S. globula was also associated with high temperatures, its distribution was associated with a higher level of precipitation. The main variable associated with the distribution of L. laeta was the human footprint (48.6%), which suggests that this is a highly invasive species. Similarly to other species, the distribution of L. laeta reaches its southern limit at the Los Lagos region in Chile, which coincides with high levels of precipitation and low temperatures. The potential distribution of L. laeta in Chile corresponds to the distribution of cases of loxoscelism.

Is Microarray Analysis Really Useful and Sufficient to Diagnose Nut Allergy in the Mediterranean Area?

BACKGROUND: Component-based diagnosis on multiplex platforms is widely used in food allergy but its clinical performance has not been evaluated in nut allergy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of a commercial protein microarray in the determination of specific IgE (sIgE) in peanut, hazelnut, and walnut allergy. METHODS: sIgE was measured in 36 peanut-allergic, 36 hazelnut-allergic, and 44 walnut-allergic patients by ISAC 112, and subsequently, sIgE against available components was determined by ImmunoCAP in patients with negative ISAC results. ImmunoCAP was also used to measure sIgE to Ara h 9, Cora 8, and Jug r 3 in a subgroup of lipid transfer protein (LTP)-sensitized nut-allergic patients (positive skin prick test to LTP-enriched extract). sIgE levels by ImmunoCAP were compared with ISAC ranges. RESULTS: Most peanut-, hazelnut-, and walnut-allergic patients were sensitized to the corresponding nut LTP (Ara h 9, 66.7%; Cor a 8, 80.5%; Jug r 3, 84% respectively). However, ISAC did not detect sIgE in 33.3% of peanut-allergic patients, 13.9% of hazelnut-allergic patients, or 13.6% of walnut-allergic patients. sIgE determination by ImmunoCAP detected sensitization to Ara h 9, Cor a 8, and Jug r 3 in, respectively, 61.5% of peanut-allergic patients, 60% of hazelnut-allergic patients, and 88.3% of walnut-allergic patients with negative ISAC results. In the subgroup of peach LTP-sensitized patients, Ara h 9 sIgE was detected in more cases by ImmunoCAP than by ISAC (94.4% vs 72.2%, P < .05). Similar rates of Cora 8 and Jug r 3 sensitization were detected by both techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic performance of ISAC was adequate for hazelnut and walnut allergy but not for peanut allergy. sIgE sensitivity against Ara h 9 in ISAC needs to be improved.