Basophils priming in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Introduction: Basophils are one of the main target cells in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). If cells present higher susceptibility to production and degranulation of pro-inflammatory factors, priming may be associated with severity of symptoms and therapy ineffectiveness.

Aim: To evaluate the spontaneous state of increase in basophil activity and their priming profile in patients with CSU.

Can the in-hospital mortality rate in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarctions be lowered any further?

Background: A myocardial infarction is a specific clinical condition characterized by a relatively high acute mortality rate. Earlier reperfusion results in a smaller infarct size and a lower mortality rate.

Objectives: To assess the in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) regarding patients' characteristics, and the mechanisms behind the deterioration in hemodynamic and clinical status, in order to assess the possibility of preventing this type of death.

Genome-wide analysis of gene expression after one year of venom immunotherapy.

Background Insect venom immunotherapy (VIT) is used to protect patients against Hymenoptera insects' venom allergy (HVA), which can result in severe systemic or even life-threatening conditions. Molecular mechanisms triggered by VIT remain largely unknown. Objective To compare genome-wide gene expression of patients with severe HVA prior to VIT and 12 months after.

Limited Long-Term Impact of Insect Venom Immunotherapy on the Micro-RNA Landscape in Whole Blood.

Objective: To perform a genome-wide characterization of changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression during the course of venom immunotherapy (VIT).

Methods: miRNA was isolated from the whole-blood of 13 allergic patients and 14 controls, who experienced no allergic reaction upon stings by honeybees and wasps. We analyzed 2549 miRNAs from the whole blood of these patients prior to VIT and 12 months after the start of VIT.