Structural Similarities, in Relation with the Cross-Reactivity, of Hymenoptera Allergenic Dipeptidyl Peptidases IV-An Overall Comparison Including a New Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Sequence from .

(1) Background: Dipeptidyl Peptidases IV (DPPIVs), present in many organisms, are minor components in the venoms of Hymenoptera, where they have been identified as cross-reactive allergenic molecules. Considering that the structure of homologous DPPIVs is well characterized, we aimed to explain which regions have higher similarity among these proteins and present a comparison among them, including a new DPPIV sequence. Moreover, two cases of sensitization to DPPIVs in wasp- and honeybee-sensitized patients are presented.

Gross Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System of Sugar Gliders ().

We dissected carcasses of eight mature females, both parous and non-parous specimens, to study the macroscopic anatomy of the female reproductive system in the sugar glider. The genital system includes double organs, namely the right and left ones, which are completely separated. It includes two ovaries, two oviducts, two and a vaginal complex.

Evaluating a unique enhanced recovery protocol in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: A single center experience.

Introduction: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been associated with a reduction in opioid consumption and a hastening in recovery in abdominal surgery. However, their impact on laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to evaluate opioid consumption and other relevant outcome measures before and after implementation of a unique LDN ERAS protocol.

Advances in Animal Anatomy.

This Special Issue was the result of reviewing Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings of the bear foot and the horse trunk (among others) [...

Validation of an ELISA method for quantification of the major Timothy grass pollen allergen Phl p 5a (BSP090).

Progress towards standardisation of allergen products has been made in recent years. Nevertheless, no standardised test method to quantify the allergen content of grass pollen allergen products is available at present. One aim of the BSP090 project was to validate a quantitative assay for a major Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) pollen allergen, Phl p 5.

Pain Medicine Fellowship Video Interviews: A COVID-19 Trend or Here to Stay?

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a shift to a video format for pain medicine fellowship interviews for the 2021-2022 academic year, which represented a major change in the fellowship interview paradigm.

Objectives: Our aim was to assess the experience of a video-only format in place of in-person interviews for Pain Medicine fellowship program directors and applicants after the 2020 fellowship interview season to determine the feasibility for continuation beyond COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Study Design: Survey via Qualtrics.

Biotic threats for 23 major non-native tree species in Europe.

For non-native tree species with an origin outside of Europe a detailed compilation of enemy species including the severity of their attack is lacking up to now. We collected information on native and non-native species attacking non-native trees, i.e.

Standardisation of allergen products: 4. Validation of a candidate European Pharmacopoeia standard method for quantification of major grass pollen allergen Phl p 5.

Background: The aim of the BSP090 project is the establishment of European Pharmacopoeia Chemical Reference Substances (CRSs) in combination with corresponding standard ELISA methods for quantification of major allergens in allergen products. Here, we present data of a Phl p 5-specific sandwich ELISA that proved suitable for the quantification of Phl p 5, one of the major Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) pollen allergens.

Methods: A Phl p 5-specific ELISA system was assessed with respect to accuracy, precision, inter-assay (within laboratory) and inter-laboratory variations, in a ring trial including 14 laboratories in Europe and the USA.

The Cat Mandible (II): Manipulation of the Jaw, with a New Prosthesis Proposal, to Avoid Iatrogenic Complications.

The cat mandible is relatively small, and its manipulation implies the use of fixing methods and different repair techniques according to its small size to keep its biomechanical functionality intact. Attempts to fix dislocations of the temporomandibular joint should be primarily performed by non-invasive techniques (repositioning the bones and immobilisation), although when this is not possible, a surgical method should be used. Regarding mandibular fractures, these are usually concurrent with other traumatic injuries that, if serious, should be treated first.

The Cat Mandible (I): Anatomical Basis to Avoid Iatrogenic Damage in Veterinary Clinical Practice.

Cats are one of our favourite pets in the home. They differ considerably from dogs but are usually treated clinically as small dogs, despite some anatomical and physiological dissimilarities. Their mandible is small and has some peculiarities relative to the dentition (only three incisors, a prominent canine, two premolars and one molar); a conical and horizontally oriented condyle, and a protudent angular process in its ventrocaudal part.

Effect of thyroxin on cell morphology and hormone secretion of pituitary grafts in rats.

Introduction: Growth hormone and prolactin secretion is affected by thyroid hormones. To see if this influence is subsidiary to the hyptothalamus, we investigated the effects of thyroxin (T4) on hormone secretion and histology of sellar pituitaries and pituitary grafts detached from the hypothalamus (autografted or allografted under the kidney capsule).

Materials And Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: control, thyroidectomised, pituitary autografted, pituitary allografted, and four additional groups that were injected with T4 for two weeks, starting four weeks after surgery.

Purification and molecular characterization of phospholipase, antigen 5 and hyaluronidases from the venom of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina).

The aim of this study was to purify potential allergenic components of Vespa velutina venom, the yellow legged Asian Hornet, and perform a preliminary characterization of the purified proteins. Starting from the whole venom of V.velutina, several chromatographic steps allowed to purify the phospholipase (named Vesp v 1), as well as the antigen 5 (Vesp v 5, the only allergenic component described as such so far).

Phenotypes of Chronic Hepatitis B in Children From a Large North American Cohort.

Objective: The aim of the study was to define chronic HBV phenotypes in a large, cohort of United States and Canadian children utilizing recently published population-based upper limit of normal alanine aminotransferase levels (ULN ALT), compared with local laboratory ULN; identify relationships with host and viral factors.

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been characterized by phases or phenotypes, possibly associated with prognosis and indications for therapy.

Methods: Baseline enrollment data of children in the Hepatitis B Research Network were examined.

Leonardo da Vinci's Animal Anatomy: Bear and Horse Drawings Revisited.

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influencing personalities of his time, the perfect representation of the ideal Renaissance man, an expert painter, engineer and anatomist. Regarding Leonardo's anatomical drawings, apart from human anatomy, he also depicted some animal species. This comparative study focused only on two species: Bears and horses.

Association Between Severe Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Flares and Hepatitis B e Antigen Seroconversion and HBV DNA Decrease in Untreated Patients With Chronic HBV Infection.

Background & Aims: The incidence and outcomes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares during the natural history of chronic HBV infection has not been determined in a large, racially heterogeneous group of patients in North America.

Methods: We collected data from the Hepatitis B Research Network-an observational cohort study of untreated adults with chronic HBV infection enrolled at 21 sites in the United States and Canada. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from 1587 participants (49.

False-Positive Results of Serological Tests for Allergy in Alcoholic Patients.

Background And Objective: Alcohol consumption is associated with enhanced TH2 immune responses. Objective: To investigate the frequency of false-positive results in serological tests for allergy in alcoholic patients.

Methods: A total of 138 alcoholic patients consecutively admitted to hospital underwent a panel of allergy tests that included serum total IgE, a multiallergen IgE test (UniCAP Phadiatop), and skin prick tests to relevant aeroallergens in the area, which were considered the standard reference for atopy.

Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome, Alanine Aminotransferase Levels, and Liver Disease Severity in a Multiethnic North American Cohort With Chronic Hepatitis B.

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is prevalent and is associated with adverse outcomes of liver disease. We evaluated the prevalence of MS and its influence on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and fibrosis, as estimated by the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), in a large, multiethnic North American cohort with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

Research Design And Methods: Adults with chronic HBV from 21 centers within the U.

Saturated salt solution: a further step to a formaldehyde-free embalming method for veterinary gross anatomy.

In the field of veterinary anatomy, most of the specimens used in practical sessions are perfused with fixatives. Thus, they can be used for a longer time reducing the number of animals for educational purposes. Formalin is the most commonly used fixative, consisting of a 37% formaldehyde solution.

Determination of hepatitis B phenotype using biochemical and serological markers.

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of categorization of chronic hepatitis B viral infection into stages or phases based upon measures of disease activity and viral load, assuming these phenotypes will be useful for prognostication and determining the need for antiviral therapy. We assessed the phenotype of hepatitis B of 1,390 adult participants enrolled in the Hepatitis B Research Network Cohort Study, using a computer algorithm. Only 4% were immune tolerant, while 35% had chronic hepatitis B (18% e antigen positive and 17% e antigen negative) while 23% were inactive carriers.

Masting behaviour in a Mediterranean pine tree alters seed predator selection on reproductive output.

Context-dependency in species interactions is widespread and can produce concomitant patterns of context-dependent selection. Masting (synchronous production of large seed crops at irregular intervals by a plant population) has been shown to reduce seed predation through satiation (reduction in rates of seed predation with increasing seed cone output) and thus represents an important source of context-dependency in plant-animal interactions. However, the evolutionary consequences of such dynamics are not well understood.