Changing pattern of sensitization in Croatia to aeroallergens in adult population referring to allergy clinic during a period of 15 years

Published data indicate that during the last decades there is a possible change in the pattern of sensitization to different aeroallergens in adult population with atopy. The aim of this investigation was based on the hypothesis that during last 15 years there has been a change in the structure of prevalence of sensitization to different aeroallergens in adult population of Zagreb and its surroundings with atopy. Medical records from outpatient allergy clinic were screened for the period 1991-2004. We included 794 patients during years 1991-1994, 814 patients during years 1995-1999, and 969 patients during years 2000-2004. Following data were analyzed: age, gender, education level, residence, referral diagnosis, dominant symptoms, results of skin-prick test (SPT), total and specific serum immunoglobulin E. As risk factors for allergic sensitization we determined the decade of birth (p < 0.0001), male gender (p < 0.008), level of education (p < 0.0001), and place of residence (p < 0.05). Proportion of sensitized individuals to pollen significantly increased from the period 1991-1994 towards 2000-2004 (p < 0.001 for the trend) with a significant increase in the proportion of sensitized individuals to weed pollen (p = 0.002 for the trend) while the proportion of sensitized to other two groups of pollen (grasses and trees) was not significantly different. A significant increase in the proportion of sensitized individuals was determined for sensitization to ragweed pollen (p = 0.004 for the trend), and to mugwort (p = 0.005 for the trend). Despite all its limitations primarily based on the selection bias the results of this study are conclusive about the significant change in the proportion of sensitization to different aeroallergens and different pollen groups and individual pollen species during the investigated 15-year time interval.     

Subspecies-specific distribution of intervening sequences in the Bacillus subtilis prophage ribonucleotide reductase genes

A collection of 212 gram-positive bacilli isolated from natural habitats was screened for the presence of intervening sequences (introns and intein-coding sequences) in the SPbeta prophage-related ribonucleotide reductase genes bnrdE and bnrdF. Three novel configurations were identified on the basis of the presence of (i) intervening sequences in bnrdE and bnrdF, and (ii) an ORF in the bnrdE-bnrdF spacer. Analysis of the cell wall genetic determinants as well as of the incorporation of radio-labelled glycerol into cell wall allowed newly and previously identified B. subtilis strains with different configurations of bnrdE/bnrdF intervening sequences to be assigned to one of two subspecies. Strains apparently belonging to the subsp. subtilis contain three intervening sequences many of which are associated with the putative homing endonuclease activity. Strains of the subsp. spizizenii contain only one or two ORF-less group I introns. Introns occupying bnrdF are confined to the subspecies subtilis.     

Antibody profile of pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome and pregnancy outcome after treatment with low dose aspirin and low-weight-molecular heparin

The aim of the research was to show our diagnostic and therapeutic experience with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in pregnant women. 36 pregnant women suspect on APS were included in the study: 32 with primary antiphospholipd syndrome (PAPS) and 4 with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (SAPS). All pregnant women received low-molecular-weight-heparin (LMWH) and low dose aspirin (LDA) therapy. Control group represented 26 women with SAPS and previous bad reproductive anamnesis. Average pregnancy lasted 37.06 +/- 0.707 weeks. LMWH and LDA therapy was successful in 97.22%. Lupus anticoagulant (LA) was found to be more frequent in PAPS group (71.87%). Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) were found to be more frequent in SAPS (26.66%). For three patients (3.37%), PAPS was diagnosed due to a fact that they had positive antibeta2-glycoproteinl (antibeta-GP1). To make APS diagnosis, it is of great importance to search for all antiphospholipid antibodies. LMWH and low dose of acetylsalicylic acid should be the first choice therapy.     

Fulminant meningococcal sepsis in a young child--a case report

We are presenting a case of isolated fulminant meningococcal sepsis with two and a half year old child. Initial symptoms were obscure and common to many medical conditions, but also previously described as symptoms of meningococcal sepsis. Unrecognizing the seriousness of the condition child died at home, within few hours after examination and discharge from the hospital. Autopsy and microbiological findings unquestionably proved that the child died from septic shock caused by fulminant meningococcal sepsis.     

Molecular complexity of Paramecium symbiont lambda deoxyribonucleic acid: evidence for the presence of a multicopy genome

DNA was isolated from highly purified symbiont lambda particles of Paramecium aurelia. Renaturation kinetic data revealed a molecular size of 0.71 × 10⁹ daltons. Analytical complexity estimated from chemical data was 7.5 × 10⁹ daltons. These values correspond to about ten copies of the genome per lambda particle. The relationship of symbiont lambda particles to bacteria and cellular organelles, i.e. chloroplasts, mitochondria and kinetosomes, is discussed.     

(+)-(S)-alapyridaine--a general taste enhancer?

N-(1-Carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxymethyl-pyridinium-3-ol inner salt (alapyridaine), recently identified in heated sugar/amino acid mixtures as well as in beef bouillon, has been shown to exhibit general taste-enhancing activities, although tasteless on its own. Differing from other taste enhancers reported so far, racemic (R/S)-alapyridaine and, to an even greater extent (+)-(S)-alapyridaine, the physiologically active enantiomer, are able to enhance more than one basic taste quality. The threshold concentrations for the sweet taste of glucose and sucrose, for the umami taste of monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) and guanosine-5'-monophosphate (GMP), as well as the salty taste of NaCl, were significantly decreased when alapyridaine was present. In contrast, perception of the bitter tastes of caffeine and L-phenylalanine, as well as of sour-tasting citric acid, was unaffected. Furthermore, alapyridaine was shown to intensify known taste synergies such as, for example, the enhancing effect of L-arginine on the salty taste of NaCl, as well as that of GMP on the umami taste of MSG. The activity of (+)-(S)-alapyridaine could be observed not only in solutions of single taste compounds, but also in more complex tastant mixtures; for example, the umami, sweet and salty taste of a solution containing MSG, sucrose, NaCl and caffeine was significantly modulated, thus indicating that alapyridaine is a general taste enhancer.