The purpose of this study was to determine if whole body extract (WBE) immunotherapy for imported fire ant (IFA) hypersensitivity is effective. This evaluation was carried out by retrospectively interviewing 76 patients with a history of generalized allergic reactions to IFA stings and positive skin tests to IFA-WBE. The study groups consisted of 65 patients on immunotherapy and 11 similar patients who were not treated for various reasons. In addition, an IFA sting challenge was performed in 30 volunteers of the 65 patients on immunotherapy. The retrospective review showed that of the 65 patients on immunotherapy there had been 112 subsequent field-sting episodes in 47 patients. Only one sting episode in this group (2.1%) produced an anaphylactic reaction. Six of the 11 patients not on immunotherapy have had subsequent field re-sting episodes, and each has had a systemic reaction. Repeat skin testing on 31 of the 65 patients in the immunotherapy group showed persistent positive responses in five (16%), but each was at a lower dilution than initially. Responses of the other 26 of the 31 patients who had skin testing had become negative. The four untreated patients who were available for skin testing continued to have positive responses at comparable dilutions on skin testing. Sting challenges carried out on 30 volunteers from the 65 patients (all from the 31 who had repeat skin tests) on immunotherapy resulted in only local reactions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The recent rise in Spain of mixed unions between people born in different countries has brought about a significant increase in the number of multiethnic and multiracial individuals in the country. However, no research currently exists in Spain on the life experiences and identity processes of these mixed-parentage youth. Drawing on 124 in-depth interviews, this article examines the narratives of ethnoracially mixed descendants from diverse backgrounds in Catalonia, Spain. Our results show that identity processes and experiences of being mixed are very heterogeneous and multifaceted, and that some individuals have more choices, versus constraints, when navigating mixedness. A crucial factor affecting these outcomes is visibilityi.e. visible markers of difference from the native society, such as phenotype, language, or religious affiliation. We find that while ethnoracially mixed individuals who have more outer characteristics shared with the native majority population can develop more advantageous, symbolic, and malleable identities, individuals whose heritage involves an ancestry that is negatively minoritised within the country of residence experience greater identity mismatch, stigmatisation, and discrimination. This finding is at odds with the 'postracial' or 'colour-blind' future that might ostensibly be heralded by an ever-growing Spanish population of mixed individuals.

This paper presents the first results of a case study on the ways in which playgrounds are constructed and experienced in children's daily lives in two medium sized Mediterranean Catalan cities. The research is based on qualitative methodology through participant observation and interviews with institutional actors. Our research suggests that playgrounds are organised around age as the central category; nevertheless, gender is important in the use and activities developed as children get older. Specific aspects from Mediterranean and medium-sized cities are raised such as a positive perception and an intense use of public space by both adults and children. Specific childhood policies in city planning and a stronger gender awareness among institutional actors would improve the social role of playgrounds as participatory, socialising and inclusive spaces.

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Undocumented students face a variety of legal restraints in their efforts to enter higher education in the United States. These same legal restraints are just as formidable at the end of their academic career. Career development and other student affairs professionals need to understand these legal restraints so they can maximize the chances that undocumented students have to achieve their educational and career goals.