Differential effects of acute cardiovascular exercise on explicit and implicit motor memory: The moderating effects of fitness level

A single bout of cardiovascular exercise (CE) performed after practice can facilitate the consolidation of motor memory. However, the effect is variable and may be modulated by different factors such as the motor task's or participant's characteristics and level of awareness during encoding (implicit vs explicit learning). This study examines the effects of acute CE on the consolidation of motor sequences learned explicitly and implicitly, exploring the potential moderating effect of fitness level and awareness. Fifty-six healthy adults (24.1 ± 3.3 years, 32 female) were recruited. After practicing with either the implicit or explicit variant of the Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT), participants either performed a bout of 16 min of vigorous CE or rested for the same amount of time. Consolidation was quantified as the change in SRTT performance from the end of practice to a 24 h retention test. Fitness level (V̇O2peak) was determined through a graded exercise test. Awareness (implicit vs explicit learning) was operationalized using a free recall test conducted immediately after retention. Our primary analysis indicated that CE had no statistically significant effects on consolidation, regardless of the SRTT's variant utilized during practice. However, an exploratory analysis, classifying participants based on the level of awareness gained during motor practice, showed that CE negatively influenced consolidation in unfit participants who explicitly acquired the motor sequence. Our findings indicate that fitness level and awareness in sequence acquisition can modulate the interaction between CE and motor memory consolidation. These factors should be taken into account when assessing the effects of CE on motor memory.

EURADOS 2016 INTERCOMPARISON EXERCISE OF EYE LENS DOSEMETERS

In the context of a new annual eye lens dose limit for occupational exposure equal to 20 mSv, European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) organized an intercomparison dedicated to eye lens dosemeters, including photon and beta radiations. The objective was to complete the first intercomparison recently organized by EURADOS for photons and to update the overview of eye lens dosemeters available in Europe. The dosemeters provided by the 22 participants coming from 12 countries were all composed of thermoluminescent detectors. The dosemeters were irradiated with photon and beta fields defined in relevant standards. The results, provided by participants in terms of Hp(3), were compared to the reference delivered doses. Results are globally satisfactory for photons since 90% of the data are in accordance to the ISO 14146 standard requirements. The respective values for betas stress the fact that dosemeters designed for Hp(0.07) are not suitable to monitor the eye lens dose in case of betas.

Recombinant Fusion Protein Joining E Protein Domain III of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and HSP70 of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as an Antigen for the TI-Complexes

Domain III (DIII) of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) protein E contains epitopes, which induce antibodies capable of neutralizing the virus. To enhance the immunogenicity of this protein, which has a low molecular weight, the aim of the present work was to express, isolate, and characterize a chimeric protein based on the fusion of the bacterial chaperone HSP70 of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and EIII (DIII + stem) as a prospective antigen for an adjuvanted delivery system, the tubular immunostimulating complex (TI-complex). The chimeric construction was obtained using pET-40b(+) vector by ligating the respective genes. The resulting plasmid was transformed into DE3 cells for the heterologous expression of the chimeric protein, which was purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). ELISA, differential scanning calorimetry, intrinsic fluorescence, and computational analysis were applied for the characterization of the immunogenicity and conformation of the chimeric protein. Mice immunization showed that the chimeric protein induced twice the number of anti-EIII antibodies in comparison with EIII alone. In turn, the incorporation of the HSP70/EIII chimeric protein in the TI-complex resulted in a twofold increase in its immunogenicity. The formation of this vaccine construction was accompanied by significant conformational changes in the chimeric protein. Using HSP70 in the content of the chimeric protein represents an efficient means for presenting the main antigenic domain of the TBEV envelope protein to the immune system, whereas the incorporation of this chimeric protein into the TI-complex further contributes to the development of a stronger immune response against the TBEV infection.

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO PERFORM THE ISOTROPY TEST FOR EXTREMITY DOSEMETERS

The requirements for determining extremity dosemeter performance have evolved over the past decade. In 2010, the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) adopted a national protocol with performance requirements based on ISO 12794. Because of the lack of symmetry of ISO 4037-3 calibration phantoms, the isotropy test set up in the sagittal plane presented several challenges both for individual monitoring services and for calibration labs. This article proposes and validates a practical approach to reduce the number of irradiations. Results show that wrist and ring dosemeters in this study meet the ISO 12794 requirements for the isotropy test. However, additional studies would be needed to verify the newer IEC 62387 Standard.

FIRST EURADOS INTERCOMPARISON EXERCISE OF EYE LENS DOSEMETERS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

In the context of the decrease in the eye lens dose limit for occupational exposure to 20 mSv per year stated by the recent revision of the European Basic Safety Standards Directive 2013/59/EURATOM, the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has organised in 2014, for the first time, an intercomparison exercise for eye lens dosemeters. The main objective was to assess the capabilities of the passive eye lens dosemeters currently in use in Europe for occupational monitoring in medical fields. A total of 20 European individual monitoring services from 15 different countries have participated. The dosemeters provided by the participants were all composed of thermoluminescent detectors, of various types and designs. The irradiations were carried out with several photon fields chosen to cover the energy and angle ranges encountered in medical workplace. Participants were asked to report the doses in terms of Hp(3) using their routine protocol. The results provided by each participant were compared with the reference delivered doses. All the results were anonymously analysed. Results are globally satisfactory since, among the 20 participants, 17 were able to provide 90 % of their response in accordance with the ISO 14146 standard requirements.

European Society of Endodontology position statement: the use of CBCT in endodontics

This Position Statement represents a consensus of an expert committee convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) on the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The statement is based on the current scientific evidence, and provides the clinician with evidence-based criteria on when to use CBCT in Endodontics. Given the dynamic and changing nature of research, development of new devices and clinical practice relating to CBCT, this Position Statement will be updated within 3 years, or before that time should new evidence become available.

Antibacterial activity of the emerging Fusarium mycotoxins enniatins A, A₁, A₂, B, B₁, and B₄ on probiotic microorganisms

Enniatins (ENs) are secondary metabolites produced by several Fusarium strains, chemically characterized as N-methylated cyclohexadepsipeptides. These compounds are known to act as antifungal and antibacterial agents, but they also possess anti-insect and phytotoxic properties. In this study, the antimicrobial effect of pure fractions of the bioactive compounds ENs A, A₁, A₂, B, B₁, and B₄ was tested towards nine probiotic microrganisms, twenty-two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and nine Bacillus subtilis strains. Antimicrobial analyses were carried out the disc-diffusion method using ENs concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 20,000 ng. Plates were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C before reading the diameter of the inhibition spots. ENs A, A₁, A₂, B, B₁ and B₄, were active against several microorganisms with inhibition halos ranging from 3 to 12 mm in diameter. The most active mycotoxin was the EN A₁, which reduced the microbial growth of 8 strains at the dose of 20,000 ng, with inhibition spots sized between 8 and 12 mm. ENs B and B₄ showed no antimicrobial activity towards the microorganisms tested at doses up to 20,000 ng per disc.

Evaluation of Dentaport ZX and Raypex 6 electronic apex locators: an in vivo study

INTRODUCTION

Raypex 6 is an electronic apex locator (EAL) that has not yet been tested in vivo. The purpose of this in vivo study was to compare the accuracy of two EALs: the Dentaport ZX and the Raypex 6.

METHODS

The study involved 36 straight single-rooted teeth. A 10-K file was advanced until the EAL detected the major foramen. The file was fixed in a replaceable pattern of light-cured composite. The apical part of each canal was trimmed to expose the file tip. The distances from the file tips to the major foramen were measured.

RESULTS

Wilcoxon's signed Rank test found no significant differences between the Dentaport ZX and Raypex 6 in terms of their abilities to detect the major foramen (P = .52) The Dentaport ZX was accurate 82.35% of the time to ± 0.5 mm and 97.05% of the time to ± 1 mm, whereas the Raypex 6 was accurate 88.22% of the time to ± 0.5 mm and 100% of the time to ± 1 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant differences were observed between the performance of the Dentaport ZX and Raypex 6 EALs under the in vivo clinical conditions used in this study.

Composite vs Ceramic Computer-aided Design/Computer-assisted Manufacturing Crowns in Endodontically Treated Teeth: Analysis of Marginal Adaptation

Objectives

To compare the marginal adaptation between ceramic and composite CEREC crowns in endodontically treated teeth restored with endocrowns or with a short or a long post.

Methodology

Forty-eight intact maxillary incisors were used. After endodontic treatment, the crowns were sectioned 2 mm coronally to the cemento-enamel junction, which provided a ferrule of 2 mm. The prepared teeth were divided randomly into six groups (n=8). Group 1 was restored with a large fiberglass post, composite core, and ceramic full-coverage computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD-CAM) crown. Group 2 was restored with a short fiberglass post, composite core, and ceramic full-coverage CAD-CAM crown. Group 3 was restored with a large fiberglass post, composite core, and composite full-coverage CAD-CAM crown (LPCpr). Group 4 was restored with a short fiberglass post, composite core, and composite full-coverage CAD-CAM crown (SPCpr). Groups 5 and 6 were restored with ceramic and composite CEREC machined endocrowns, respectively (EndoCer and EndoCpr). The restored teeth were loaded thermomechanically in a computer-controlled chewing machine. Impressions of each restoration were made in a polyvinylsiloxane material before and after loading. Gold-coated epoxy replicas were prepared for scanning electron microscopy examination at 200× magnification.

Results

Loading had a statistically significant effect (p<0.05) on the percentage of “continuous margin” in all groups. The LPCpr, SPCpr, and EndoCpr groups showed the highest percentage of continuous margin initially and after loading. The effect of the different post lengths on marginal adaptation was not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion

CAD-CAM crowns fabricated from millable composite resin blocks (Paradigm MZ100) offer a superior option to all-ceramic crowns (IPS Empress CAD).

Reduction of the enniatins A, A₁, B, B₁ by an in vitro degradation employing different strains of probiotic bacteria: identification of degradation products by LC-MS-LIT

The degradation of the Fusarium mycotoxins ENs by 9 bacterial strains characteristic of the gastrointestinal tract like Bb. longum, Bb. bifidum, Bb. breve, Bb. adolescentes, Lb. rhamnosus, Lb. casei-casei, S. termofilus, Lb. ruminis, Lb. casei and twenty two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied. The fermentations were carried out in the liquid medium of De Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) under anaerobic conditions for Bifidobacteria Streptococcus and Lactobacillus, and in Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) for Saccharomyces strains, during 48 h. The degradation of the bioactive compounds ENs was also studied in a food system composed by wheat flour naturally contaminated by ENs through fermentation by a strain of Fusarium tricinctum. The determination of the ENs in the fermentation mediums was performed using the technique of the liquid chromatography coupled to the mass spectrometry detector in tandem (LC-MS/MS), whereas the identification of the degradation products produced by microbial fermentation was carried out using the technique of the LC coupled to the linear ion trap (LIT). All the bacteria analyzed in this study showed a significant ENs reduction in vitro during the fermentation processes, with degradation data ranging from 5 to the 99%. In the food system, the ENs degradation data evidenced ranged from 1.3 to 49.2%. Also three ENs degradation products were identified.

In vivo evaluation of the iPex and Root ZX electronic apex locators using various irrigants

AIM

To evaluate in vivo the performance of the iPex and Root ZX electronic apex locators (EALs) in the presence of several irrigant solutions: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX).

METHODOLOGY

Thirty-two single-rooted human teeth that were scheduled for extraction were selected. Teeth with metallic restorations, fractures, root resorption, pulp necrosis or open apices were not included The working length (WL) was determined electronically for the root canals with the iPex and Root ZX EALs in the presence of two different irrigant solutions, 2.5% NaOCl and 2% CHX. After the teeth had been extracted, a size 10 K-file was used to determine the reference working length (RWL), which was established at 0.5 mm short of the major foramen. In each case, the RWL was subtracted from the electronic measurements. Positive values indicated electronic measurements that exceeded the RWL (long measurements), whereas negative values indicated measurements that were short of the RWL. The values obtained with the different irrigants and EALs were compared using the paired t-test. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The accuracy of the iPex nor Root ZX EAL was not affected by 2.5% NaOCl or 2% CHX (P > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed between the readings of the iPex and Root ZX, irrespective of whether 2.5% NaOCl or 2% CHX was used as the irrigant (P < 0.05). The iPex was less accurate than the Root ZX in determining the RWL.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of neither the iPex nor Root ZX EAL was affected by the irrigant used. However, the iPex was less accurate than the Root ZX in determining the RWL both for 2.5% NaOCl and for 2% CHX.

The effects of six electronic apex locators on pacemaker function: an in vitro study

AIM

To assess the effects of six electronic apex locators (EALs) on pacemaker function in vitro.

METHODOLOGY

Six EALs (Mini Apex Locator®, Dentaport ZX®, Novapex®, Raypex5®, Root ZX mini®, and Justy II®) were tested for electromagnetic interference (EMI) with one pacemaker (Saint Jude Medical). The pacemaker, with a single electrode, was immersed in a saline solution bath adjusted to 400-800 hms to simulate the electrical resistance of the human body and to register the activity by the system. The pacemaker was tested with each of the EALs to analyse the presence of EMI with the EAL switched on, the EAL switched off and during EAL operation. Each series of tests began with a 15-second baseline recording (R0) and continued until all the recording conditions had been covered. The conditions were as follows: R1: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the tip of the electrode; R2: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the generator; R3: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the sensing arc; and R4: recording with the lead of the EAL 15 cm from the sensing arc. If any of the EALs produced interference, its characteristics were categorized.

RESULTS

When the lead of the EAL was <2 cm from the tip of the electrode, the majority of the EALs tested produced only background noise. Only one (the Mini Apex Locator) resulted in EMI that was detected as false heart activity. When the EAL was <2 cm from the generator, just one EAL detected background noise (the Mini Apex Locator). When the EAL was <2 cm from the sensing arc or 15 cm from the sensing arc, the recordings were not affected by any of the EALs. There were no significant differences amongst the EALs analysed with respect to the production of EMI.

CONCLUSIONS

EMI occurred when the EALs were placed close to the tip of the electrode and occasionally when close to the pacemaker; however, no EMI was detected when the EALs were placed near to or 15 cm from the sensing arc in this laboratory experimental model.

Head circumference growth function as a marker of neurological impairment in a cohort of microcephalic infants and children

Our aim was to investigate the correlations between head circumference (HC) growth and neurological impairment in microcephalic patients.HC charts of 3,269 patients from a tertiary pediatric neurology section were reviewed and 136 microcephalic participants were selected. Standardized HC Minimum, HC Drop, and HC Catch-up variables were defined. Children with evidence of significant learning disability and/or significant cerebral palsy were classified within the neurologically impaired group and the rest of participants within the normal group.Using discriminant analysis, we found that HC Minimum and HC Drop were relevant markers of neurological impairment. A positive HC Catch-up was significantly linked to a better outcome although this variable did not add significant information to HC Minimum and HC Drop. A Fisher linear discrimination cutoff function (C-function) was obtained as C = HC Minimum + HC Drop with a cutoff level of C = -4.28 standard deviations (SD).In our cohort, the addition of the lowest HC z-score to the preceding HC z-score drop was below -4.28 SD in 6 out of 10 neurologically impaired patients , whereas in the normal group, the result was over -4.28 SD in 9 out of 10 participants.

Postural Control Is Impaired in People with COPD: An Observational Study

PURPOSE

We investigated deficits in postural control and fall risk in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHOD

Twenty people with moderate to severe COPD (mean age 72.3 years, standard deviation [SD] 6.7 years) with a mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) of 46.7% (SD 13%) and 20 people (mean age 68.2 years, SD 8.1) who served as a comparison group were tested for postural control using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT). A score of zero in any trial of the SOT was registered as a fall. On the basis of the SOT results, participants were categorized as frequent fallers (two or more falls) or as fallers (one fall). To explore the potential influence of muscle weakness on postural control, knee extensors concentric muscle torque was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer. Physical activity level was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly.

RESULTS

People with COPD showed a 10.8% lower score on the SOT (p=0.016) and experienced more falls (40) than the comparison group (12). The proportion of frequent fallers and fallers during the SOT was greater (p=0.021) in the COPD group (four of 10) than in the comparison group (two of seven). People with COPD showed deficits in knee extensors muscle strength (p=0.01) and a modest trend toward reduced physical activity level. However, neither of these factors explained the deficits in postural control observed in the COPD group.

CONCLUSIONS

People with COPD show deficits in postural control and increased risk of falls as measured by the SOT. The deficits in postural control appear to be independent of muscle weakness and level of physical activity. Postural control interventions and fall risk strategies in the pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD are recommended.

Managing severe curvature of radix entomolaris: three-dimensional analysis with cone beam computed tomography

AIM

To present a case of a mandibular first molar with an additional distolingual root [radix entomolaris (RE)] and to discuss the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for its identification and management during root canal treatment.

SUMMARY

A 52-year-old Caucasian woman was referred for root canal treatment of the right mandibular first molar (tooth 46). After clinical and radiographic examination, a symptomatic irreversible pulpitis was diagnosed. Three periapical radiographs with different horizontal angulations revealed the presence of an additional distolingual root. This extra root, termed RE, has an incidence of <5% in the Caucasian population. A CBCT examination was also taken, which revealed a severe root canal curvature, especially in the middle third, of this supernumerary root. CBCT provided more accurate information in terms of RE inclination and root canal curvature before commencing root canal treatment. The conventional access opening was modified into a more trapezoidal cavity, and five root canals were found. All canals were instrumented with new nickel-titanium (NiTi) files to reduce the risk of fractured instruments. After preparation, the root canals were filled using thermoplastified techniques. The 1-year follow-up periapical radiographs and CBCT images revealed a continuous periodontal space with no signs of apical periodontitis.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

• Cone beam computed tomography imaging is useful in identifying the root canal system and the surrounding structures. • An accurate detection of supernumerary roots, such as RE, can avoid complications during and after root canal treatment. • The analysis of root canal curvature is important because instrument fracture has been linked to angle and radius of curvature. • The use of new instruments can reduce the incidence of instrument fracture.

Falls in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an observational cohort study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate incidence, risk factors and impact of falls on health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

METHODS

Patients completed these questionnaires at baseline and at 6-months: Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), Activities Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and a form to record demographic data, medications, co-morbidities, oxygen use, acute exacerbations, fall history and assistive device use. Physical activity was measured with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) only at baseline. Fall incidence was monitored through monthly fall diaries. Patients were categorized as non-fallers (0 falls) or fallers (≥ 1 falls).

RESULTS

Data from 101 patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 46.4 ± 21.6% predicted were analyzed. Thirty-two patients (31.7%) reported at least one fall during the 6-months. Fall incidence rate was 0.1 (95% CI: 0.06-0.14) falls per person-month. Fallers tended to be older (p = 0.04), female (p = 0.04) and oxygen dependent (p = 0.02), have a history of previous falls (p < 0.001), more co-morbidities (p = 0.007) and take more medications (p = 0.001). Previous falls (OR = 7.36; 95% CI: 2.39-22.69) and diagnosis of coronary heart disease (OR = 7.07; 95% CI: 2.14-23.36) were the most important predictors of falls. The Dyspnea Domain of the CRQ declined significantly more (p = 0.02) in the fallers group at 6-months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with COPD have a high susceptibility to falls, which is associated with a worsening of dyspnea perception as related to HRQoL. Fall prevention programs in COPD are recommended.

Association study of the serotoninergic system in migraine in the Spanish population

In order to evaluate the contribution of 19 serotonin-related genes to the susceptibility to migraine in a Spanish population we performed a case-control association study of 122 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), selected according to genetic coverage parameters, in 528 migraine patients -308 with migraine without aura (MO) and 220 with migraine with aura (MA)- and 528 sex-matched migraine-free controls. The single-marker analysis identified nominal associations with the migraine phenotype or with the MO or MA subtypes. The multiple-marker analysis revealed risk haplotypes in three genes that remained significantly associated with migraine after correction by permutations. Two-marker risk haplotypes were identified in the HTR2B (rs16827801T-rs10194776G) and MAOA (rs3027400G-rs2072743C) genes conferring susceptibility to MO, and a four-marker haplotype in DDC was specific of MA (rs2329340A-rs11974297C-rs2044859T-rs11761683G). The present study supports the involvement of HTR2B and MAOA genes in the genetic predisposition to MO, while DDC might confer susceptibility to MA. These results suggest a differential involvement of serotonin-related genes in the genetic background of MO and MA.

The effects of eccentric versus concentric resistance training on muscle strength and mass in healthy adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review was to determine if eccentric exercise is superior to concentric exercise in stimulating gains in muscle strength and mass. Meta-analyses were performed for comparisons between eccentric and concentric training as means to improve muscle strength and mass. In order to determine the importance of different parameters of training, subgroup analyses of intensity of exercise, velocity of movement and mode of contraction were also performed. Twenty randomised controlled trials studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses showed that when eccentric exercise was performed at higher intensities compared with concentric training, total strength and eccentric strength increased more significantly. However, compared with concentric training, strength gains after eccentric training appeared more specific in terms of velocity and mode of contraction. Eccentric training performed at high intensities was shown to be more effective in promoting increases in muscle mass measured as muscle girth. In addition, eccentric training also showed a trend towards increased muscle cross-sectional area measured with magnetic resonance imaging or computerised tomography. Subgroup analyses suggest that the superiority of eccentric training to increase muscle strength and mass appears to be related to the higher loads developed during eccentric contractions. The specialised neural pattern of eccentric actions possibly explains the high specificity of strength gains after eccentric training. Further research is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this specificity and its functional significance in terms of transferability of strength gains to more complex human movements.

Genetic Analysis of 27 Spanish Patients with Hemiplegic Migraine, Basilar-Type Migraine and Childhood Periodic Syndromes

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a rare type of migraine with aura. Mutations in three genes have been described in FHM patients: CACNA1A (FHM1), ATP1A2 (FHM2) and SCN1A (FHM3). We screened 27 Spanish patients with hemiplegic migraine (HM), basilar-type migraine or childhood periodic syndromes (CPS) for mutations in these three genes. Two novel CACNA1A variants, p.Val581Met and p.Tyr1245Cys, and a previously annotated change, p.Cys1534Ser, were identified in individuals with HM, although they have not yet been proven to be pathogenic. Interestingly, p.Tyr1245Cys was detected in a patient displaying a changing, age-specific phenotype that began as benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy, evolving into benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood and later becoming HM. This is the first instance of a specific non-synonymous base change being described in a subject affected with CPS. The fact that the molecular screen identified non-synonymous changes in< 15± of our HM patients further stresses the genetic heterogeneity underlying the presumably monogenic forms of migraine.

Allergen sensitization in children with asthma and rhinitis: marked variations related to age and microgeographical factors

BACKGROUND

Each region should know which its predominant allergens are. However, in addition to the differences that exist between different geographical areas, variations within the same area should be determined.

OBJECTIVES

To review the predominant allergens in the paediatric population suffering from asthma or rhinitis in our region and analyse the internal variations and associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, descriptive study reviewing all the patients having a diagnosis of asthma or rhinitis in the paediatric allergy units of three hospitals in a coastal region in the south-east of Spain between 2001 and 2006.

RESULTS

Data on 3066 patients, 2202 (72 %) of whom were atopic, were collected. Atopy was present in 63 % of asthmatics, 90 % of those with rhinitis and 95 % of those with both asthma and rhinitis. The percentage of atopic patients increased with age. Egg was the main allergen in the first 3 years of life, followed by milk. Aeroallergen sensitization started in the second year of life and increased rapidly in subsequent years. The main aeroallergens in our region, in descending order, were: olive, mites, Salsola, Alternaria, cat, dog and grasses. With the five main aeroallergens, 98 % of atopic patients between 6 and 14 years of age, and 94 % of those between 3 and 5 years of age are detected. In children under the age of three it is necessary to combine food and aeroallergens in order to detect most of the atopic patients. Sensitization to Alternaria occurred at an early age but stabilized before that caused by other aeroallergens. Sensitization to mites was very high along the coastline (83 %) but at only 5-30 km inland it decreased by half. On the other hand, sensitization to pollen and Alternaria increased sharply as we move away from the coast.

CONCLUSIONS

We have described the main allergens in children with asthma and rhinitis in a Mediterranean region in Spain, and have found marked differences depending on age and proximity to the coast. The local importance of Salsola, the early sensitization to Alternaria, and the surprisingly short reach of the influence of the coast in favouring sensitization to mites and protecting from sensitization to pollens and Alternaria are noteworthy.

High-throughput and sensitive screening by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of diuretics and other doping agents

The reliability of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC- MS/MS) for high throughput screening in anti-doping control has been tested. A method to screen for the presence of diuretics and other doping agents in urine has been optimised and validated. The extraction procedure consisted of an alkaline extraction (pH 9.5) with ethyl acetate and salting-out effect (sodium chloride). The extracts were analysed by UPLC-MS/MS. Analysis of 34 forbidden drugs and metabolites was achieved in a total run time of 5 min, using a C18 column (100 mm x 2.1 mm i.d., 1.7 microm particle size) and a mobile phase containing deionised water and acetonitrile with formic acid, with gradient elution at a flow-rate of 0.6 mL min(-1). Identification of the compounds was performed by multiple reaction monitoring, using electrospray ionisation in positive- or negative-ion mode. Precursor and product ions were studied for each compound and cone voltage and collision energy were optimised. Due to the different chemical structure of the compounds under study, extraction recoveries varied from less than 10% to 100% depending on the analyte. The limits of detection ranged from 50 ng mL(-1) to 200 ng mL(-1), and all the compounds comply with the requirements of quality established by the World Anti-doping Agency. Intra-assay precision was evaluated at two concentrations for each compound and, in most cases, a relative standard deviation of the signal ratio lower than 20% was obtained. The method has demonstrated to be reliable when analysing routine samples and the short analysis time resulting from a simple sample preparation and a rapid instrumental analysis allow a fast turn-around time and makes it of great interest for routine anti-doping control purposes.

Selective muscle fiber loss and molecular compensation in mitochondrial myopathy due to TK2 deficiency

A 12-year-old patient with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome due to TK2 gene mutations has been evaluated serially over the last 10 years. We observed progressive muscle atrophy with selective loss of type 2 muscle fibers and, despite severe depletion of mtDNA, normal activities of respiratory chain (RC) complexes and levels of COX II mitochondrial protein in the remaining muscle fibers. These results indicate that compensatory mechanisms account for the slow progression of the disease. Identification of factors that ameliorate mtDNA depletion may reveal new therapeutic targets for these devastating disorders.

uPA deficiency exacerbates muscular dystrophy in MDX mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal and incurable muscle degenerative disorder. We identify a function of the protease urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in mdx mice, a mouse model of DMD. The expression of uPA is induced in mdx dystrophic muscle, and the genetic loss of uPA in mdx mice exacerbated muscle dystrophy and reduced muscular function. Bone marrow (BM) transplantation experiments revealed a critical function for BM-derived uPA in mdx muscle repair via three mechanisms: (1) by promoting the infiltration of BM-derived inflammatory cells; (2) by preventing the excessive deposition of fibrin; and (3) by promoting myoblast migration. Interestingly, genetic loss of the uPA receptor in mdx mice did not exacerbate muscular dystrophy in mdx mice, suggesting that uPA exerts its effects independently of its receptor. These findings underscore the importance of uPA in muscular dystrophy.

Prediction of radionuclide aging in soils from the Chernobyl and Mediterranean areas

The aging of soil-pollutant interaction, which may lead to an increase in pollutant fixation, is the main driving force in the natural attenuation of contaminated soils. Here a test was evaluated to predict the aging of radiostrontium and radiocesium in soils from the Chernobyl and Mediterranean areas. After contamination, soils were maintained at various temperatures for up to 12 mo, with or without drying-wetting (DW) cycles. Changes in the quantity of radionuclide reversibly sorbed over time were monitored using an extraction test (1 mol L(-1) NH(4)Cl; 10 mL g(-1); 16 h). The fixed fraction could not be predicted from soil properties controlling the sorption step. Aging was not as relevant for Sr as for Cs. The time elapsed since contamination was the main factor responsible for the slight (up to 1.3-fold) decreases in Sr extraction yields. The additional effect of DW cycles was negligible. Instead, all factors accelerated Cs aging due to the enhancement of Cs trapping by clay interlayer collapse, with up to 20-fold increases in Cs fixation. The DW cycles also caused secondary effects on the Cs-specific sorption pool, which were beneficial or detrimental depending on the soil type. Extraction yields from laboratory aged samples agreed with those from field samples taken a few years after the Chernobyl accident. These results confirm the prediction capacity of the laboratory test and its usefulness in risk assessment exercises and in the design of intervention actions, particularly because neither fixation nor aging were related to the soil properties, such as clay content.