Precursors of Reading Performance and Double- and Triple-Deficit Risks in Spanish.

Early literacy skills serve as the best precursors of reading success and risk indicators of the double deficit and triple deficit hypotheses according to the spelling consistency of languages. Our study analyzes the predictive value of phonological awareness, naming speed, and orthographic skills for early reading in Spanish. Participants included 362 Spanish children aged 4 to 5 years. We used data analysis to examine the relationships between these precursors and fluency through a structural equation model and investigated the risk indicators of poor reading performance according to the double deficit and triple deficit hypotheses using binary logistic analysis. Our research delimits a model for the Spanish language that emphasizes the predictive value of phonological awareness, letter-naming fluency, and knowledge of graphemes in early reading. Letter-naming fluency is the best precursor to early reading experiences, and poor early reading performance in children is explained by deficits in phonological awareness, naming speed, and visual orientation. Our findings confirm the risk indicators of the triple deficit hypothesis in the early learning of reading in Spanish.

Factors affecting rotation of occiput posterior position during the first stage of labor.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal occiput posterior (OP) positions account for 15 to 20% of cephalic presentations and are associated with poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes than occiput anterior (OA) positions. The aim of this study was to identify maternal, neonatal and obstetric factors associated with rotation from OP to OA position during the first stage of labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (EVADELA) included 285 laboring women with ruptured membranes and a term fetus in OP position. After excluding women with cesarean deliveries before full dilatation, we compared two groups according to fetal head position at the end of the first stage of labor: those with and without rotation from OP to OA position. Factors associated with rotation were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses using multilevel logistic regression models. RESULTS: The rate of anterior rotation during the first stage was 49.1%. Rotation of the fetal head was negatively associated with excessive gestational weight gain (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.80), macrosomia (aOR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14-0.90), direct OP position (aOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09-0.65), and prelabor rupture of membranes (aOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19-0.86). Oxytocin administration was the only factor positively associated with fetal head rotation (aOR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.20-3.91). DISCUSSION: Oxytocin administration may affect rotation of OP positions during the first stage of labor. Further studies should be performed to assess the risks and benefits of its utilization for managing labor with a fetus in OP position.

[Comparison of two bedside tests performed on cervicovaginal fluid to diagnose premature rupture of membranes]. / Analyse comparative de deux tests diagnostiques de rupture prématurée des membranes dans les sécrétions cervico-vaginales.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of two rapid tests for the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) based on the detection of the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and placental α-microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) in cervicovaginal secretions. METHODS: A case-control prospective study. Pregnant women between 24 and 41(6/7) weeks' of gestation, consulting for profuse amniotic fluid loss (group 1) or for other reasons without any rupture of membrane (group 2) were included in the study. Successively, AmniSure(®) test (PAMG-1) without speculum, and then Actim™Prom test (IGFBP-1) during speculum examination were performed during the same visit. RESULTS: Eighty subjects (40 in each group) were included between 25(1/7) to 41(1/7) weeks of gestation. AmniSure(®) diagnostic test demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 95 % (82.4-99.4) and 94.8 % (79.3-98) respectively and a positive and negative predictive value of 95 % (84.7-100) and 94.8 % (87.9-100) respectively. Actim™Prom diagnostic test demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 97.5 % (85.7-100) and 97.4 % (82.4-99.4) respectively and a positive and negative predictive value of 97.5 % (88.5-100) and 97.4 % (92.5-100) respectively. CONCLUSION: Both tests have similar performance to diagnose premature rupture of membranes.

Diagnosis and management of immunodeficiencies in adults by allergologists.

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are genetic diseases that cause alterations in the immune response and occur with an increased rate of infection, allergy, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. They affect adults and children, and the diagnostic delay, morbidity, effect on quality of life, and socioeconomic impact are important. Therapy (gamma-globulin substitution in most cases) is highly effective. We examine adult PIDs and their clinical presentation and provide a sequential and directed framework for their diagnosis. Finally, we present a brief review of the most important adult PIDs, common variable immunodeficiency, including diagnosis, pathogenesis, clinical signs, and disease management.

[Results of applying the Scientific Technical Quality Programme and Constant Quality Improvement for peritoneal dialysis]. / Resultados de la aplicación del plan de calidad científico-técnica y de mejora continua de calidad en diálisis peritoneal.

INTRODUCTION: In last time it was tried to homogenize the clinical activity and to make the decisions easier. In the field of Nephrology, the Spanish Society of Nephrology has developed different guidelines that have managed an improvement in patient s monitoring. That is the reason why the Quality Working Group in Nephrology was created, whose basic working field was haemodialysis, although its collaboration with an expert group in peritoneal dialysis (PD) has allowed the developement of a Scientific Technical Quality Programme and Constant Quality Improvement in PD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We checked the clinical histories of all the patients in PD in the course of 2008 in the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit at our institution and we evaluated all the quality indicators that were described in the Scientific Technical Quality Programme and of Constant Quality Improvement in PD. RESULTS: During 2008 a total of 41 patients were treated in the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit at our institution, 43.9% women. Incidence was 14 (51.8%) and 21.4% were diabetics. No patients cames from transplant unit and 2 came from haemodilalysis unit (7.1%). Mean age in incident population was 60 +/- 13 years and in prevalent population was 53.9 +/- 14.4 years. Mean follow-up in PD was 25.9 +/- 19.9 months. Modified Charlson comorbility index average in incident patients was 6 and in prevalent patients was 5. 70.7% were included in transplant programme and 3 were transplanted in the year s course (10.3%). There were 19 hospital admissions (rate: 0.46 admission per patient/year in risk) with a mean stay of 7.3 days (rate: 3.4 days per patient/year in risk). During 2008 6 patients leaved PD (2 transfers to haemodialysis, 3 transplants and 1 death). 16 infective peritonitis (overall rate: 1 episode every 24 months) and 23 exit side infections were reported (rate: 1 episode every 18 months). Mean Kt/V was 2,4 +/- 0.06 (92.7% of patients achieved the stablished standards). All non-anuric patients had measured residual renal function and only 1 patient did not achieve the goal of fluid output > 1000 ml/day. No patient used 3.86-4.25% bags. Stablished standards were achieve by analitic indicators with regard to epoetin resistence index, LDL- cholesterol, phosphate, calcium-phosphate product and PTH. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the Scientific Technical Quality Programme and of Constant Quality Improvement in PD has made possible to know the current situation of our unit and to raise some matters when it is necessary to insist to get a better quality in our assistance.

Resultados de la aplicación del plan de calidad científico-técnica y de mejora continua de calidad en diálisis peritoneal / No disponible

Introducción: en los últimos años se ha intentado homogeneizar la actividad clínica y facilitar la toma de decisiones. En el campo de la Nefrología, la SEN ha elaborado diferentes guías de práctica clínica que han conseguido una mejora de la monitorización de los pacientes. Por ello, se ha creado un grupo de trabajo sobre Gestión de la Calidad en Nefrología cuyo ámbito fundamental ha sido la hemodiálisis, aunque su colaboración con un grupo de expertos de Diálisis Peritoneal (DP) ha permitido la elaboración del Plan de Calidad Científico-técnica y de Mejora Continua de Calidad en DP. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la situación de la Unidad de DP de nuestro centro respecto a dicho plan de calidad valorando cada uno de los indicadores propuestos y compararlos con los estándares recomendados. Material y métodos: revisamos las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes que realizaron DP durante el año 2008 en nuestra Unidad, valorando todos los indicadores de calidad descritos en el Plan de Calidad Científico-técnica y de Mejora Continua de Calidad en DP. Resultados: durante el año 2008, 41 pacientes realizaron DP en nuestro centro; el 43,9% eran mujeres, con una incidencia de 14 (51,8%), y el 21,4% eran diabéticos. Ningún paciente procedía de trasplante y 2 de HD (7,1%). La edad media de la población incidente fue de 60 ± 13 años, y la de la prevalente fue de 53,9 ± 14,4 años, con tiempo medio en DP de 25,9 ± 19,9 meses. La mediana del índice de comorbilidad de Charlson modificado en incidentes fue 6 y en prevalentes 5. El 70,7% estaba incluido en programa de trasplante y se trasplantaron 3 (10,3%). Hubo 19 ingresos (0,46 por paciente/año en riesgo), con estancia media de 7,3 días (3,4 días por paciente/año en riesgo). A lo largo del año abandonaron el tratamiento 6 pacientes (2 transferencias a HD, 3 trasplantes y 1 exitus). Hubo 16 peritonitis (1 episodio cada 24 meses-paciente) y 23 infecciones del OS (1 episodio cada 18 meses-paciente). El Kt/V medio fue de 2,4 ± 0,06, con el 92,7% dentro del objetivo. El 100% de los pacientes no anúricos tenían medida FRR; sólo 1 paciente no alcanzaba el objetivo de eliminación de líquido >1.000 ml/día; en ningún caso se utilizaban bolsas de 3,86-4,25%. Se alcanzaron los estándares de los indicadores analíticos en lo que respecta a índice de resistencia a eritropoyetina, LDL-colesterol, fósforo, producto calcio-fósforo y PTH intacta. Conclusiones: la aplicación del Plan de Calidad Científico-técnica y de Mejora Continua de Calidad en Diálisis Peritoneal nos ha permitido conocer la situación actual de nuestra Unidad y plantearnos aquellas cuestiones en las que es preciso incidir para conseguir una mejor calidad en la asistencia que prestamos (AU)

Introduction: In last time it was tried to homogenize the clinical activity and to make the decisions easier. In the field of Nephrology, the Spanish Society of Nephrology has developed different guidelines that have managed an improvement in patient´s monitoring. That is the reason why the Quality Working Group in Nephrology was created, whose basic working field was haemodialysis, although its collaboration with an expert group in peritoneal dialysis (PD) has allowed the developement of a Scientific Technical Quality Programme and Constant Quality Improvement in PD. Material and methods:We checked the clinical histories of all the patients in PD in the course of 2008 in the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit at our institution and we evaluated all the quality indicators that were described in the Scientific Technical Quality Programme and of Constant Quality Improvement in PD. Results: During 2008 a total of 41 patients were treated in the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit at our institution, 43.9% women. Incidence was 14 (51.8%) and 21.4% were diabetics. No patients cames from transplant unit and 2 came from haemodilalysis unit (7.1%). Mean age in incident population was 60 ± 13 years and in prevalent population was 53.9 ± 14.4 years. Mean follow-up in PD was 25.9 ± 19.9 months. Modified Charlson comorbility index average in incident patients was 6 and in prevalent patients was 5. 70.7% were included in transplant programme and 3 were transplanted in the year´s course (10.3%). There were 19 hospital admissions (rate: 0.46 admission per patient/year in risk) with a mean stay of 7.3 days (rate: 3.4 days per patient/year in risk). During 2008 6 patients leaved PD (2 transfers to haemodialysis, 3 transplants and 1 death). 16 infective peritonitis (overall rate:1 episode every 24 months) and 23 exit side infections were reported (rate: 1 episode every 18 months). Mean Kt/V was 2,4 ± 0.06 (92.7% of patients achieved the stablished standards). All non-anuric patients had measured residual renal function and only 1 patient did not achieve the goal of fluid output > 1000 ml/day. No patient used 3.86-4.25% bags. Stablished standards were achieve by analitic indicators with regard to epoetin resistence index, LDL- cholesterol, phosphate, calcium-phosphate product and PTH.Conclusions: The application of the Scientific Technical Quality Programme and of Constant Quality Improvement in PD has made possible to know the current situation of our unit and to raise some matters when it is necessary to insist to get a better quality in our assistance (AU)

Cellular localization and distribution of dopamine D(4) receptors in the rat cerebral cortex and their relationship with the cortical dopaminergic and noradrenergic nerve terminal networks.

The role of the dopamine D(4) receptor in cognitive processes and its association with several neuropsychiatric disorders have been related to its preferential localization in the cerebral cortex. In the present work we have studied in detail the regional and cellular localization of the dopamine D(4) receptor immunoreactivity (IR) in the rat cerebral cortex and its relationship to the dopaminergic and noradrenergic nerve terminal networks, since both dopamine and noradrenaline have a high affinity for this receptor. High levels of D(4) IR were found in motor, somatosensory, visual, auditory, temporal association, cingulate, retrosplenial and granular insular cortices, whereas agranular insular, piriform, perirhinal and entorhinal cortices showed low levels. D(4) IR was present in both pyramidal and non-pyramidal like neurons, with the receptor being mainly concentrated to layers II/III. Layer I was observed to be exclusively enriched in D(4) IR branches of apical dendrites. Finally, mismatches were observed between D(4) IR and tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase IR nerve terminal plexuses, indicating that these receptors may be activated at least in part by dopamine and noradrenaline operating as volume transmission signals. The present findings support a major role of the dopamine D(4) receptor in mediating the transmission of cortical dopamine and noradrenaline nerve terminal plexuses.

Receptor-receptor interactions within receptor mosaics. Impact on neuropsychopharmacology.

Future therapies for diseases associated with altered dopaminergic signaling, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and drug addiction or drug dependence may substantially build on the existence of intramembrane receptor-receptor interactions within dopamine receptor containing receptor mosaics (RM; dimeric or high-order receptor oligomers) where it is believed that the dopamine D(2) receptor may operate as the 'hub receptor' within these complexes. The constitutive adenosine A(2A)/dopamine D(2) RM, located in the dorsal striato-pallidal GABA neurons, are of particular interest in view of the demonstrated antagonistic A(2A)/D(2) interaction within these heteromers; an interaction that led to the suggestion and later demonstration that A(2A) antagonists could be used as novel anti-Parkinsonian drugs. Based on the likely existence of A(2A)/D(2)/mGluR5 RM located both extrasynaptically on striato-pallidal GABA neurons and on cortico-striatal glutamate terminals, multiple receptor-receptor interactions within this RM involving synergism between A(2A)/mGluR5 to counteract D(2) signaling, has led to the proposal of using combined mGluR5 and A(2A) antagonists as a future anti-Parkinsonian treatment. Based on the same RM in the ventral striato-pallidal GABA pathways, novel strategies for the treatment of schizophrenia, building on the idea that A(2A) agonists and/or mGluR5 agonists will help reduce the increased dopaminergic signaling associated with this disease, have been suggested. Such treatment may ensure the proper glutamatergic drive from the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus to the prefrontal cortex, one which is believed to be reduced in schizophrenia due to a dominance of D(2)-like signaling in the ventral striatum. Recently, A(2A) receptors also have been shown to counteract the locomotor and sensitizing actions of cocaine and increases in A(2A) receptors have also been observed in the nucleus accumbens after extended cocaine self-administration, probably representing a compensatory up-regulation to counteract the cocaine-induced increases in dopamine D(2) and D(3) signaling. Therefore, A(2A) agonists, through antagonizing D(2) and D(3) signaling within A(2A)/D(2) and A(2A)/D(3) RM heteromers in the nucleus accumbens, may be found useful as a treatment for cocaine dependence. Furthermore, antagonistic cannabinoid CB(1)/D(2) interactions requiring A(2A) receptors have also been discovered and possibly operate in CB(1)/D(2)/A(2A) RM located principally on striatal glutamate terminals but also on some ventral striato-pallidal GABA neurons, thereby opening up a new mechanism for the integration of endocannabinoid, DA and adenosine mediated signals. Thus, A(2A), mGluR5 and/or CB(1) receptors can form integrative units with D(2) receptors within RM displaying different compositions, topography and localization. Also galaninR/5-HT(1A) RM probably participates in the transmission of the ascending 5-hydroxytryptamine neurons, where galanin receptors antagonize 5-HT(1A) recognition and signaling. Subtype specific galanin receptor antagonists may therefore represent novel antidepressant drugs. These results suggest the importance of a complete understanding of the function of these RM with regard to disease. Ultimately receptor-receptor interactions within RM that modify dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling may give new strategies for treatment of a wide range of diseases associated with altered dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling.

Eficacia empírica de glucosa intranasal en hipoglucemia aguda / Empiric efficacy of intranasal glucose in acute hypoglycaemia

No disponible

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Uncoupling protein 2/3 immunoreactivity and the ascending dopaminergic and noradrenergic neuronal systems: relevance for volume transmission.

Uncoupling proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane uncouples oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis. It has been suggested that these proteins are involved in thermogenesis as well as in the regulation of reactive oxygen species production in the mitochondria. The present work was conducted to investigate the localization of the uncoupling protein 2-like immunoreactivity (uncoupling protein 2/3 immunoreactivity) in the main catecholaminergic projection fields in the rat brain as well as in the areas of the dopaminergic and noradrenergic nerve cell groups. In particular, the relationships of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase and uncoupling protein 2/3 immunoreactivity were assessed by double immunolabeling and confocal laser microscopy analysis associated with computer-assisted image analysis. Uncoupling protein 2/3 immunoreactivity was observed in discrete dopaminergic terminals in the nucleus accumbens and in the cerebral cortex whereas it was found in scattered noradrenergic terminals in the caudate putamen and Islands of Calleja Magna. One interesting finding was that uncoupling protein 2/3 immunoreactivity together with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the shell of nucleus accumbens was observed surrounding the previously characterized D1 receptor rich nerve cell column system characterized by a relative lack of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Moreover, in animal models of dopaminergic pathway degeneration, plastic changes in uncoupling protein 2/3 terminals have been shown in the cerebral cortex and striatum as seen from the increased size and intensity of uncoupling protein 2/3 immunoreactivity of their varicosities. Taken together, these findings open up the possibility that uncoupling protein 2/3 could play an important role modulating the dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission within discrete brain regions.

Modulation of hepatocyte growth factor plasma levels in relation to the dose of exogenous heparin administered: an experimental study in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Partial liver transplantation has been consolidated to be a valid treatment option. We sought to understand the factors that modulate and may be harnessed to accelerate hepatocyte regeneration. We sought to determine the impact of heparin on m-hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plasma concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen rats were assigned to four groups of four animals each: group A, without heparin; group B, 600 IU/kg; group C, 1000 IU/kg, group D, 1400 IU/kg. Blood samples (0.5 mL) were obtained from each rat at baseline and at 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes. After the samples were centrifuged to separate supernates from the cell phase they were stored at -20 degrees C in the m-HGF reagent and subsequently tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 statistical software. RESULTS: Among the 16 rats, one died at 110 minutes, just prior to the last extraction. The remaining rats were sacrificed. Mean weight was: 466 +/- 64.24 g with no intergroup differences (P = .149). The comparative results (using Student t test) were: baseline A(1-4) versus A(1-4) 30 minutes: P < .05; baseline A(1-4) versus A(1-4) 60 minutes: P < .05; baseline A(1-4) versus A(1-4) 120 minutes: P = .10 (NS); baseline A(1-4) versus A(1-4) 240 minutes: P = .15 (NS). No significant differences were found among group B: baseline C(1-4) versus C(1-4) 30 minutes and 60 minutes: NS; baseline C(1-4) versus C(1-4) 120 minutes: P < .001; baseline C(1-4) versus C(1-4) 240 minutes: P < .10 (NS). Finally, the results in group D were: baseline D(1-4) versus D(1-4) 30 minutes: NS; baseline D(1-4) versus D(1-4) 60 minutes and 120 minutes: P < .05; baseline D(1-4) versus D(1-4) 240 minutes: P < .0005. When we compared group A to C and D, we detected differences (albeit not when compared to B) with P values = .01. Peak values were obtained at 120 and 240 minutes (225.21 pg/mL and 221.78 pg/mL) among groups C and D. CONCLUSION: Heparin has a positive effect to increase serum HGF concentrations among rats. The effect was dependent on the administered dose and the time elapsed.

Dynamics of volume transmission in the brain. Focus on catecholamine and opioid peptide communication and the role of uncoupling protein 2.

This review focuses on transmitter-receptor mismatches in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of the Volume Transmission (VT) concept, and how this phenomenon may be related to local temperature gradients created by brain uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), which uncouples oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis, hereby generating heat. Recent studies on transmitter-receptor mismatches have revealed dopamine and opioid peptide receptor mismatches in the intercalated islands of the amygdala, which are GABAergic cell clusters regulating amygdaloid output. Such mismatches have also been found in regions belonging to the extended amygdala and the nucleus accumbens shell. Now substantial UCP2 immunoreactivity has been found within the above transmitter-receptor mismatch regions, suggesting that UCP2 may enhance diffusion and convection of DA and opioid peptides in such regions by generation of local temperature gradients, thereby contributing to a dynamic regulation of VT.

[Horner's syndrome following epidural analgesia for labor]. / Síndrome de Horner tras analgesia epidural para el trabajo de parto.

Horner's syndrome is a disorder of the sympathetic nerve supplying the eye. Infrequently, Horner's syndrome can arise as a complication of epidural anesthesia, but its clinical course is favorable. The incidence increases when epidural analgesia is used in obstetrics because of physiological and anatomic changes in obstetric patients that favor spread of the local anesthetic. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman requiring epidural analgesia for labor. She received 10 mL of 0.15% ropivacaine with a bolus dose of 50 microg of fentanyl, followed by epidural catheter infusion of 0.15% and 0.001% fentanyl at a rate of 10 mL/h. Two hours after starting the infusion, the patient's right eye presented a contracted pupil, a drooping eyelid, and enophthalmos, accompanied by flushing on the same side of the face. Horner's syndrome was diagnosed. Signs resolved over the next hour without treatment. The literature contains reports of widely differing incidences of Horner's Syndrome ranging from 1.3% to 75%. The case we report was the only one in our hospital over a period of 4 years during which 12,796 epidural procedures were performed. These data suggest to us that Horner's syndrome often passes undetected because clinical manifestations are not remarkable. Nevertheless, the diagnosis should be kept in mind so that unnecessary treatment is avoided, given that the clinical course is favorable with spontaneous resolution.

Respiratory burst in neutrophils from asthmatic patients.

BACKGROUND: The role of oxygen radicals has been implicated in disease processes of asthma. We have previously shown that specific allergens were able to activate respiratory burst by neutrophils from allergic patients sensitized to allergens of the same type as those which produce clinical allergy. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we attempted to evaluate the production of respiratory burst by an anti-IgE Ab in neutrophils from asthmatic allergic patients (with and without immunotherapy treatment) and in neutrophils from healthy subjects. METHOD: Neutrophils were stimulated by 10 microg/mL of anti-IgE Ab for 15 min at 37 degrees C. The production of respiratory burst from neutrophils was assayed by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: The respiratory burst was significantly higher in neutrophils from non-IT-asthmatic patients than in neutrophils from both healthy (p < 0.001) and IT-asthmatic (p < 0.001) groups. The IT-asthmatic group presented levels of respiratory burst approximately equal to those from non-allergic subjects (p=0.426). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that neutrophils obtained from allergic asthmatic patients have an increased propensity to generate respiratory bursts, in comparison with neutrophils from healthy subjects. Immunotherapy actively modifies the respiratory burst by neutrophils from allergic asthmatic patients.

The allergenic relevance of profilin (Ole e 2) from Olea europaea pollen.

Many works have dealt with the study of the allergenic relevance of profilin from allergenic extracts, mainly derived from pollens and vegetable foods. Olive pollen extracts also contain a profilin allergen (Ole e 2). This protein has been characterized in detail, so the amino-acid sequence of three isoforms and the structural model of one of them are already known. The prevalence of Ole e 2 for olive allergenic patients has been evaluated by different in vivo and in vitro methods, and the results compared with those obtained for another pollen profilins.

The crystal structure of the fab fragment of the monoclonal antibody MAK33. Implications for folding and interaction with the chaperone bip.

The Fab fragment of the murine monoclonal antibody, MAK33, directed against human creatine kinase of the muscle-type, was crystallized and the three-dimensional structure was determined to 2.9 A. The antigen-binding surface of MAK33 shows a convex overall shape typical for immunoglobulins binding large antigens. The structure allows us to analyze the environment of cis-prolyl-peptide bonds whose isomerization is of key importance in the folding process. These residues seem to be involved with not only domain stability but also seem to play a role in the association of heavy and light chains, reinforcing the importance of beta-strand recognition in antibody assembly. The structure also allows the localization of segments of primary sequence postulated to represent binding sites for the ER-specific chaperone BiP within the context of the entire Fab fragment. These sequences are found primarily in beta-strands that are necessary for interactions between the individual domains.

Dopamine D5 receptors of rat and human brain.

In contrast to dopamine D1 receptors, the anatomical distribution of D5 receptors in the CNS is poorly described. Therefore, we have studied the localization of dopamine D5 receptors in the brain of rat and human using our newly prepared subtype-specific antibody. Western blot analysis of brain tissues and membranes of cDNA transfected cells, and immunoprecipitation of brain dopamine receptors suggest that this antibody is highly selective for native dopamine D5 receptors. The D5 antibody labeled dopaminergic neurons of mesencephalon, and cortical and subcortical structures. In neostriatum, the D5 receptors were localized in the medium spiny neurons and large cholinergic interneurons. The D5 labeling in caudate nucleus was predominantly in spines of the projection neurons that were frequently making asymmetric synapses. Occasionally, the D5 receptors were also found at the symmetric synapses. Within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, D5 antibody labeling was prominent in the pyramidal cells and their dendrites. Dopamine D5 receptors were also prominent in the cerebellum, where dopamine innervation is known to be very modest. Differences in the localization of D5 receptors between both species were generally indistinguishable except in hippocampus. In rat, the hippocampal D5 receptor was concentrated in the cell body, whereas in human it was also associated with dendrites. These results show that D5 receptors are localized in the substantia nigra-pars compacta, hypothalamus, striatum, cerebral cortex, nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle. Furthermore, the presence of D5 receptors in the areas of dopamine pathways suggests that this receptor may participate actively in dopaminergic neurotransmission.