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Clinical Forms (clinical + form)
Kinds of Clinical Forms Selected AbstractsArterial structural and functional alterations in uraemiaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2005A. P. Guérin Abstract Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is frequently related to damage of large conduit arteries. Arterial disease is responsible for the high incidence of ischaemic heart disease, peripheral artery diseases, left ventricular hypertrophy and congestive heart failure. The vascular complications in ESRD are ascribed to two different but associated mechanisms, namely atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Whereas the former principally affects the conduit function with ischaemic lesions being the most characteristic consequence, the latter primarily disturbs the dampening function of large arteries. Arteriosclerosis in ESRD patients is characterized by diffuse dilation and wall hypertrophy of large conduit arteries and stiffening of arterial walls. These changes represent a clinical form of an accelerated ageing process. The main clinical characteristics due to arterial stiffening are isolated increase in systolic blood pressure with normal or lower diastolic pressure resulting in an increased pulse pressure. The consequences of these alterations are: (i) an increased left ventricular afterload with development of left ventricular hypertrophy and increased myocardial oxygen demand; and (ii) altered coronary perfusion and subendocardial blood flow distribution. Epidemiological studies have identified arterial remodelling and stiffening as independent predictors of overall and cardiac mortality in ESRD patients. [source] Clinical features of cutaneous and disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Paraty, Rio de JaneiroINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Ricardo Vieira-Gonçalves MD Background, American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is endemic in Rio de Janeiro State (RJ), where the disease shows epidemiologic and clinical characteristics distinct from those of ATL in other Brazilian regions. Paraty is the second most important endemic area in RJ; however, reports on leishmaniasis in this region refer to the occurrence of the disease without describing its characteristics. Methods, The clinical features of 71 cases of ATL reported between 1991 and 1997 in Paraty are presented. Thirty patients were re-evaluated 10 years later. Results, Males and females were affected in similar proportions, and the disease was more prevalent in patients aged between 10 and 49 years (63.4%). Cutaneous leishmaniasis was the most prevalent clinical form observed. Unique lesions were present in 69% of cases, 91.6% of which displayed an ulcerated aspect. Although mucosal leishmaniasis was not observed, severe clinical manifestations, such as disseminated cutaneous lesions caused by L. braziliensis, were diagnosed in two patients. These patients presented skin lesions with different clinical aspects spread throughout the body, as well as low cellular immune responses. Montenegro skin test (92% positivity) and serology (8% IgM and 56% IgG anti- Leishmania positive results) were the most utilized tests for supporting the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. Parasites, detected in 27 of the 33 cases analyzed, were characterized as L. braziliensis. Conclusion, ATL in Paraty shares the clinical and laboratory characteristics reported for ATL in other regions of RJ, probably because of the similar epidemiologic context related to the Atlantic rainforest region. [source] DNA ploidy in oral lichen planus, determined by image cytometryJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010Elaini Sickert Hosni J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39: 206,211 Background:, The objective of this study was to use image cytometry to determine the degree and frequency of DNA ploidy in biopsies of reticular and atrophic-erosive oral lichen planus and to analyze 14 karyometric measurements of the nuclei of epithelial cells from each specimen. Methods:, A total of 40 slides were analyzed, each of them representing one biopsy of one oral lichen planus (OLP) lesion from each one of the 40 patients (cases) studied. Specimens were embedded in paraffin and comprised 20 slides of reticular oral lichen planus (group R) and 20 slides of atrophic-erosive oral lichen planus (group AE). Results:, Group R, the reticular lichen samples, had 18 diploid cases and two aneuploid cases. Group AE, the atrophic-erosive lichen samples, had 10 diploid cases, one tetraploid case, and nine aneuploid cases. Of the 14 karyometric measurements of the nuclei of OLP epithelial cells analyzed, the group R mean values for mean density and minimum density were significantly greater than the group AE mean values, and mean roundness in group AE was significantly greater than in group R (t- test: P < 0.05). Conclusions:, The most common degree of DNA ploidy in OLP lesions was diploidy. Comparing the two groups (chi-square test of association P = 0.021) demonstrated that diploidy was associated with the reticular clinical form of OLP, while aneuploidy was associated with the atrophic-erosive clinical form of oral lichen planus. [source] Quantitative analysis of epithelial papillae in patients with oral lichen planusJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 6 2009P López-Jornet Abstract Background, The oral mucosa is relatively vulnerable to pathological processes, and is often affected by autoimmune and malignant diseases. The oral epithelium is normally non-homogeneous, and joins to the connective tissue through interlocking of its downward projections in the form of papillae. Objective, This study aims to conduct a histomorphometric study of the epithelial papillae in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). Material and method, This study was based on 100 cheek mucosa biopsies from patients with OLP (66 white reticular and 34 atrophic-erosive) (13 males and 87 females, with a mean age of 54.95 ± 13.64 years). A histological and morphometric evaluation was made, based on imaging analysis with MIP software 4.5 for studying the papillary structure in the patients with OLP. Results, The mean epithelial thickness was 227.5 ± 78.5 µm. The different papillary measures , BLS (distance from basal layer to epithelial surface), DPS (distance from dermal papilla top to epithelial surface), DPW (dermal papilla width), and DPD (interdermal papilla distance between two papillae) , yielded no statistically significant differences with respect to age, sex, smoking and clinical form. However, a significant correlation was observed in relation to papilla width and inflammatory infiltrate (P = 0.031). Conclusions, The application of this imaging system is useful for measuring variations in epithelial papillary architecture. Conflicts of interest None declared. [source] A ChemoSensory Questionnaire for Patients Treated for Cancer of the Head and Neck,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2005Andrew N. Goldberg MD, MSCE Abstract Objectives: To investigate primary chemosensory issues experienced by patients who undergo treatment for cancer of the head and neck and to develop and assess a ChemoSensory Questionnaire (CSQ). Design: Cross sectional survey for questionnaire development and testing. Methods: Literature, expert opinion, and focus group methodology were used to identify aspects of smell and taste affecting patients before, during, and after therapy for cancer of the head and neck. A draft instrument was compiled, reviewed, and revised. The revised instrument was administered along with a demographic and clinical form, the SF-12, the Performance Status Survey, and the University of Michigan Head and Neck Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQOL) to a sample of patients. After item and scale analyses and reductions, a final instrument was assembled. Construct validity and test-retest reliability were assessed. Results: Two hundred six patients were included in the study. The final survey instrument consisted of eight items, four on smell and four on taste. Cronbach's alpha was 0.89 for the smell scale and 0.78 for the taste scale. Correlations with other HRQOL scales ranged from 0.20 to 0.64 for the taste scale and from 0.10 to 0.33 for the smell scale. Good construct validity of the CSQ scores was demonstrated. Conclusions: Treatment for head and neck cancer negatively impacts smell and taste. A survey instrument was developed to evaluate chemosensory function that is simple to administer and is brief. This instrument will be of value in identifying factors that contribute to chemosensory disturbance and may serve as a guide for planning treatment regimens that minimize such disturbance. [source] 1333: OCT: from single use to combined use in macular degenerationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010C CREUZOT Purpose Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) plays a key role in the diagnosis and the treatment of Age Macular Degeneration (AMD). Authors will present the different signs observed in OCT in exudative AMD. Methods Authors will present clinical cases to illustrate the place of the OCT in AMD diagnosis. OCT has progressively replaced the first-line tool played by angiography especially for the following of the patient once the treatment initiated. The different schemas currently proposed emphasize the role of the OCT combined with visual acuity measurement and fundus examination. Results However, the role of fluorescein and indocyanin green angiography remained essential especially to precise the clinical form before treatment. The combination of OCT and angiography remained a "key association" especially when there is some discrepancy between results or in case of treatment failure to consider another option. It is also the only opportunity for us to understand better the prognosis of these cases under treatment. Conclusion OCT has dramatically changed the supervision of exudative AMD especially during treatment. However, the combination with fluorescein and indocyanin angiograms is highly recommended not only for initial diagnosis but also in difficult cases during follow-up. [source] Isolated invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis: a clinical study of 19 casesCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 6 2010N. Wu Clin Microbiol Infect 2010; 16: 689,695 Abstract Isolated invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis (iIATB) is an uncommon clinical form of invasive Aspergillosis in which Aspergillus infection is limited entirely or predominantly to the tracheobronchial tree. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 19 patients who had histological documented iIATB in the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Changhai Hospital between October 2000 and February 2008. Malignancy was the most common underlying disease, which existed in 14 patients (73.7%) in our series. Most patients had impaired airway structures or defence functions, whereas the systemic immune status was relatively normal. Only three patients (15.8%) had neutropenia. The clinical manifestations and chest radiograph were nonspecific. We classified iIATB into four different forms according to the bronchoscopic features of intraluminal lesions: superficial infiltration type (Type I, n = 4), full-layer involvement type (Type II, n = 2), occlusion type (Type III, n = 6) and mixed type (Type IV, n = 7). Type IV was the largest group in our study, followed by Type III. All patients with iIATB of Type IV had definite airway occlusion. Fourteen patients (73.7%) had a good response to antifungal treatments and five (26.3%) died as a result of the progression of Aspergillosis, all of whom had full-layer invasion of the involved bronchi. In conclusion, we found that iIATB could occur in moderately or non-immunocompromised patients with impaired airway structures or defence functions and may be an early period of invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis. Most of the iIATB patients had a favourable prognosis with early diagnosis and effective antifungal treatment. The morphological features of intraluminal lesions might be of prognostic value. [source] European Standard Series patch test results from a contact dermatitis clinic in Israel during the 7-year period from 1998 to 2004CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 2 2006Aneta Lazarov The results of a 7-year retrospective study (1998,2004) from patch testing with the European Standard Series (ESS) establishing the frequency of sensitization in a contact dermatitis clinic in Israel are presented. 23 allergens were patch tested on 2156 patients, 1462 females (67.8%) and 694 males (32.2%). Atopy and asthma were present in 21.9% of the patients. One or more allergic reactions were observed in 937 patients (43.5%). The highest yield of patch test positives from the 1076 positive reactions were obtained from nickel sulfate (13.9%), fragrance mix (7.1%), potassium dichromate (3.8%), Balsam of Peru (3.6%), CL + Me-isothiazolinone (3.4%) and cobalt chloride (3.4%). Allergens which produced the least amount of positive results were primin and clioquinol. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was established in 32.8%, whereas occupationally related allergic (8.0) and irritant contact dermatitis (5.6%) affected a total of 13.6% of the cases studied. The most common clinical forms of dermatitis were chronic dermatitis (47.7%) followed by acute dermatitis (22.8%), and lichenification and hyperkeratosis (7.9%). The hands (30.7%), face and neck (23.9%) and extremities (11.3%) were the most frequently affected areas. Four allergens in our study differed from the top 10 allergens in Europe namely: Cl + Me-isothiazolinone, formaldehyde, 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin and sesquiterpene lactone mix reflecting an existing difference in environmental exposure. Our study is the first to provide data on the frequency of sensitization and important allergens in the aetiology of ACD in Israel. In spite of the existing differences with Europe, we conclude that ESS is an appropriate screening system for the diagnosis of ACD in Israel. [source] Efficacy of glucantime in the treatment of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Rukhsana Firdous MPhil Background, Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Depending on the parasite species and host response, the disease presents itself in different clinical forms. The cutaneous form of the disease is most common in the Old World. Pentavalent antimonials in the form of an injection represent the most widely used therapy for all clinical forms of the disease. As a result of reports on the development of resistance from various parts of the world, we thought it pertinent to determine its response in our region. Methods, Two hundred and seven military personnel with cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania major, were treated with glucantime according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended protocol. All patients were nonindigenous to the area and had moved from a nonendemic area to a highly endemic area. Results, Thirty-seven per cent of patients were cured within 15 days. The cure percentage reached 81% when 20 mg/kg/day was continued to 20 days. Twenty-five patients who failed to respond were subjected to a further course of glucantime injection. Sixteen responded by the 10th day of treatment, and the remaining nine were cured by completion of the second course, i.e. within 40 days. The drug was administered intramuscularly. The common side-effects noted were vertigo, headache, anorexia, temperature, and joint pain. Conclusion, Glucantime is still effective against Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis when used in the doses recommended by WHO. [source] Cutaneous leishmaniasis: successful treatment with itraconazoleINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Javier Consigli MD Background, Leishmaniasis is a disease produced by several species of protozoa of the Leishmania genus. These protozoa are injected into the human bloodstream by sandflies. The symptomathology, either cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral, depends on the infective species and the immune status of the patient. Antimonial drugs are the mainstay treatment for all the clinical forms of the disease. Amphotericin B is the second-choice drug. Methods We report two clinical cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with itraconazole. One case was a relapsing form unresponsive to conventional therapy. Results, Both patients achieved fast resolution of their lesions with no secondary effects. Conclusions, Itraconazole may be a valid option for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, mainly in those cases unresponsive to conventional drugs. [source] A quantitative study of epidermal Langerhans cells in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropicaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2004Simin Meymandi MD Objective, The purpose of this study was to characterize the number and distribution of epidermal Langerhans cells in different clinical forms of dry-type cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Methods, Sixteen cases of dry-type cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica were studied. These cases were classified clinically as five cases of acute leishmaniasis with indurated papules, nodules and plaques with central crust formation and duration < 2 years, six cases of lupoid leishmaniasis with characteristic papules around previous scars of cutaneous leishmaniasis with duration > 2 years, and five cases of chronic nonlupoid type with nonhealing lesions of duration > 2 years. Paraffin-embedded blocks were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and stained immunohistochemically for CD1a. Results, The number of Langerhans cells per millimeter length of epidermis was increased in acute cases compared to chronic and lupoid cases. Conclusions, Lesions of acute leishmaniasis contain the greatest amounts of antigen for presentation, so Langerhans cells increase in number and in trafficking to present antigens derived from Leishman bodies to the cellular immune system. In chronic leishmaniasis, the Langerhans cell population is reduced, perhaps because of exhaustion of the source of Langerhans cells, or because of reduced response to modified antigen. [source] Identification and Ablation of Three Types of Ventricular Tachycardia Involving the His-Purkinje System in Patients with Heart DiseaseJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004GUSTAVO LOPERA M.D. Introduction: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) with involvement of the His-Purkinje system (HPS) can be difficult to recognize in patients with heart disease, but it may be particularly susceptible to ablation targeting the HPS. This study defines the incidence and types of HPS involvement in VT. Methods and Results: Involvement of the HPS was sought during electrophysiologic study with catheter mapping in 234 consecutive patients referred for catheter ablation of recurrent VT associated with heart disease. HPS VT was observed in 20 (8.5%) patients (mean ejection fraction 29%± 17%); in 9 (11%) of 81 patients with nonischemic heart disease and 11 (7.1%) of 153 patients with coronary artery disease (P = NS). Three types of HPS VT were observed: 16 patients (group 1) had typical bundle branch reentry, 2 patients (group 2) had bundle branch reentry and interfascicular reentry, and 2 patients (group 3) had VT consistent with a focal origin in the distal HPS. In all three groups, the VT QRS had morphologic similarity to the sinus rhythm QRS. Ablation of HPS VT was successful in all patients in whom it was attempted but produced high-degree AV block in 6 (30%). In 12 patients (60%), other VTs due to reentry through scar also were inducible. Conclusion: Involvement of the HPS in VT associated with heart disease has three distinct clinical forms, all of which are susceptible to ablation. Ablation often is not sufficient as the sole therapy due to other induced VT's and conduction abnormalities, requiring pacemaker and/or defibrillator implantation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 52-58, January 2004) [source] Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B correlates with tumor necrosis factor-alpha in oral lichen planus: a clinicopathologic study in atrophic-erosive and reticular formJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009Gang Zhou Backgroud:, Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-,B) is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, including oral lichen planus (OLP). The objective of the present study was to investigate the possible relationship between NF-,B activation and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-,) in OLP and their expression pattern in relation to several clinical features. Methods:, Thirty OLP cases were divided into atrophic-erosive form (14 cases) and reticular form (16 cases) according to their clinical manifestations. The expression of NF-,B p65 and TNF-, of both two groups were investigated by immunohistochemical staining, and the percentage of positive cells was calculated in each case. Biopsies of 10 normal oral mucosa (NOM) also underwent the same procedure as controls. Results:, Nuclear factor-kappa B p65 nuclear staining was found in nuclei of basal and suprabasal epithelial keratinocytes in OLP, however, no positive staining was found in NOM. Positive TNF-, staining was detected in cytoplasm of basal epithelial keratinocytes in OLP, and only scattered staining was detected in NOM. Expression of NF-,B p65 and TNF-, were significantly different with respect to clinical forms and lesion sites (P < 0.05), except for genders (P > 0.05) in 30 OLP cases. NF-,B nuclear staining positively correlated (r = 0.676, P < 0.01) with TNF-, overexpression in OLP. Conclusions:, Nuclear factor-kappa B activation and its correlation with overexpression of TNF-, may play an important role in pathogenesis of OLP. There might be a positive regulatory loop between NF-,B and TNF-,, which may contribute to inflammation in OLP; NF-,B may also protect epithelial keratinocytes from excessive apoptosis. [source] Elevated serum levels of the apoptosis related molecules TNF- ,, Fas/Apo-1 and Bcl-2 in oral lichen planusJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 7 2004A. Sklavounou-Andrikopoulou Background:, The serum circulatory levels of apoptosis related molecules measured in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and healthy individuals in order to investigate possible alterations associated with the clinical forms of OLP. Methods:, Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- ,, soluble Fas (sFas) and Bcl-2 studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in whole blood samples in 13 OLP reticular, 13 OLP atrophic-erosive form patients and 26 healthy subjects. Results:, Significantly elevated levels of TNF- , and sFas detected in OLP patients as compared with controls. Serum concentrations of Bcl-2 although increased in 17/26 patients, they were not statistically significant. Reticular OLP exhibited slightly elevated TNF- , and significantly elevated Bcl-2 serum levels, compared with erosive OLP. Conclusions:, These data suggest that a putative dysfunction in the Fas/FasL mediated apoptosis might be involved in the OLP pathogenesis. A downregulation of Bcl-2 serum levels in the atrophic-erosive OLP may be associated with promotion of the disease activity. [source] Primary parotid tuberculosis: varied clinical presentationsORAL DISEASES, Issue 2 2006A Sethi Parotid gland tuberculosis is rare and may present in different clinical forms. We present three cases of tuberculosis of the parotid gland that presented to us with different clinico-pathological appearances. The cases were diagnosed on the basis of histopathological evaluation and fine needle aspiration cytology. All the patients responded to four-drug antitubercular chemotherapy. [source] Oral leishmaniasis in a HIV-positive patient.ORAL DISEASES, Issue 1 2002Report of a case involving the palate Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoon (Leishmania), with different clinical forms that are endemic in certain countries. The association of this disease in patients who are seropositive to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has recently been described. Leishmaniasis can develop in any stage of HIV infection, although the clinical manifestations , and hence the diagnosis , tend to coincide with the periods of maximum immune depression. We present the case of a HIV-positive, ex-intravenous drug abuser (in stage B2 of the CDC, 1992) with concomitant hepatitis C infection who presented with palatinal pain and bleeding for the past 2 months. Exploration revealed a vegetating tumoration of the hard palate. Hematoxylin-eosin and Giemsa staining of the biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. The definitive diagnosis was mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), for a bone marrow aspirate proved negative, and no further lesions could be established. The patient was treated with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime), followed by improvement of the lesions. [source] Early responses associated with chronic pathology in murine schistosomiasisPARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2007C. B. CÊTRE-SOSSAH SUMMARY Inbred male CBA/J mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni develop either hypersplenomegaly syndrome (HSS) or moderate splenomegaly syndrome (MSS) by 20 weeks of infection. Pathologically and immunologically, MSS and HSS closely parallel the intestinal and hepatosplenic clinical forms of schistosomiasis in humans, respectively. By 6 weeks after infection, mice that eventually will become MSS develop T cell-stimulatory, cross-reactive idiotypes (CRI) while HSS mice never produce CRI. Because presence of CRI is useful to predict degree of chronic pathology, we used this measure to investigate what other early immunological events occurred in animals destined to develop severe morbidity. At 8 weeks of infection, there was a strong inverse correlation between CRI and splenomegaly, egg counts, and liver hydroxyproline. Similarly, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)- and ionomycin-stimulated intracellular cytokine expression of IL-4, IL-5, and GM-CSF in splenic CD4+ T cells was inversely correlated with serum CRI and directly correlated with spleen size. In contrast, spleen cell intracellular TNF-, and peritoneal cell production of nitric oxide demonstrated positive correlations with CRI and inverse correlations with measures of morbidity. Surprisingly, IL-10 and IFN-, were not correlated with CRI levels. These studies link chronic pathology to certain immunological responses during the acute phase of schistosomiasis. [source] Apoptosis: a mechanism of immunoregulation during human schistosomiasis mansoniPARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2000Patricia Carneiro-Santos People infected with schistosomes may present with a variety of clinical manifestations ranging from the relatively asymptomatic intestinal (INT) form to the hepatointestinal (HI) or hepatosplenic (HS) forms characterized by hepatomegaly and hepatosplenomegaly with severe portal hypertension, respectively. Flow cytometry analyses were used to evaluate the contribution of apoptosis in specific cell populations from schistosomiasis patients to the development of the different clinical forms of the disease. The results showed that cell death induced by combinations of specific antigen and cytokines corresponds with specific clinical presentations. It was shown that soluble egg antigen (SEA) increased the level of apoptosis only in T cells from INT patients. Stimulation with soluble lung worm antigen preparation (SLAP) did not induce significant differences in the levels of apoptosis in T cells from the patients with the different clinical forms of schistosomiasis. These results suggest for the first time that apoptosis plays an important role in the modulation of the anti-SEA response in INT patients. [source] Expression of human leucocyte antigen-G primarily targets affected skin of patients with psoriasisBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2010R.N. Cardili Summary Background, The nonclassical human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecule has been well recognized as a tolerogenic molecule and few studies have evaluated the role of the molecule in inflammatory cutaneous autoimmune diseases. Objectives, To evaluate the expression of HLA-G in skin specimens of patients with psoriasis and to analyse its correlation with epidemiological and clinical variables. Methods, Thirty untreated patients with psoriasis and 32 healthy individuals were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry was applied to identify HLA-G expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cutaneous skin biopsies. Results, Soluble and membrane-bound HLA-G expression was detected in 30 (90%) of the skin specimens from patients presenting clinical and histopathological features of psoriasis. Although infiltrating lymphomononuclear cells of the dermis exhibited HLA-G expression, the epidermis was primarily targeted. HLA-G expression was also observed in 27% (three of 11) of the specimens that exhibited no clinical and histopathological features of psoriasis (nonaffected areas). In contrast, skin specimens obtained from healthy individuals exhibited no HLA-G expression (P < 0·0001). The intensity of HLA-G expression was not associated with type I/II psoriasis, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score or clinical forms. Conclusions, As the HLA-G molecule was consistently expressed in affected and, to a lesser extent, in nonaffected areas of untreated patients with psoriasis, irrespective of the severity of the clinical variants, one may hypothesize that the presence of HLA-G may be responsible, at least in part, for the regulation of autoimmune effector cells. [source] In vitro neurotoxic properties and excitatory aminoacids concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2010Relationship with the degree of certainty of disease diagnoses Fiszman ML, Ricart KC, Latini A, Rodríguez G, Sica REP. In vitro neurotoxic properties and excitatory aminoacids concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Relationship with the degree of certainty of disease diagnoses. Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 121: 120,126. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objective,,, To determine glutamate and aspartate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) grouped according to El Escorial diagnostic criteria, and to perform an in vitro assessment of the neurotoxicity of the CSF in murine cortical neurons. Methods,,, SALS patients were sorted according to El Escorial diagnostic criteria. Glutamate and aspartate were measured in the CSF using high performance liquid chromatography. Cultured cortical neuron viability was determined after exposure to CSF for 24 h. Results,,, Glutamate levels were elevated in 28 out of the 29 patients with definite, probable or possible SALS. There were no differences in glutamate concentrations when the three clinical forms of the disease were compared; neither there were significant variation across disease duration and clinical presentation. In agreement with previous reports, we concluded that CSF-SALS-induced in vitro neurotoxicity is mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors. We found no relationship between the degree of in vitro neurotoxicity and glutamate concentration in the CSF. Conclusions,,, Glutamate but not aspartate CSF levels may contribute to ALS pathogenesis. However, glutamate levels may not influence the degree of diagnosis certainty or lesion extension. [source] 1332: Fluorescein angiography: first step for macular degeneration diagnosisACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010G SOUBRANE Purpose To recall that fluorescein angiography (FA) is not only the basis of our knowledge but also mandatory to improve our understanding. Methods Macular disciform lesions have been described and drawed since about 150 years. It is only in 1977 with the advent of fluorescein that the connection with choroidal new vessels (CNV) was performed. The identification of drusen as precursors of CNV was the following stage. With time a number of precursors and clinical forms of macular degeneration were described. Results Currently, the precursors (Age-Related Maculopathy) are distinguished from the neovasdcular or atrophic complications (Age-Related Macular Degeneration). The precursors presenting an early hyperfuorescence can be either hard drusen or RPE atrophy distinguished from each other on the late phase of FA. The late hyperfluorescence of soft drusen particularly when confluent requires a careful analysis of the complete FA sequence to ensure the diagnosis. The neovascular stage presents mainly as sub epithelial occult lesions of which the other types develop that display different angiographic behaviours. Specific aspects have been described gradually based on their FA features. The atrophic stage of the disease seems to behave in a stereotyped way but sub goups are presently identified. Conclusion The fluorescein features of the different component of AMD remain the reference for all other more recent imaging technics and helps to understand and differentiate the various aspects of the disease. [source] Protocol for mitomycin C use in glaucoma surgeryACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2005J. A. Maquet Abstract. Purpose:,To evaluate the results of a protocol described for mitomycin C (MMC) use in trabeculectomy or combined surgery (phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy). Methods:,A total of 143 eyes (60 trabeculectomies and 83 combined surgeries) of 124 patients were divided into four groups: group 1 (without MMC); group 2 (with 0.1 mg/ml MMC); group 3 (with 0.2 mg/ml MMC), and group 4 (with 0.4 mg/ml MMC). Two-minute MMC was used in every case in groups 2, 3 and 4. The results were analysed after 1 year of follow-up. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications were evaluated. Successful IOP control was defined when IOP was <21 mmHg and <16 mmHg if advanced glaucoma was present, always without additional medical treatment. Results:,Mean preoperative IOP decreased from 24.60 mmHg (SD 1.40 mmHg) to 13.47 mmHg (SD 0.37 mmHg) (p < 0.00001), 12 months postoperatively. Control in IOP was achieved in 79.02% of eyes. No significant differences were found in final mean IOP values (p > 0.196) or in postoperative complications (p > 0.120) in groups 2, 3 and 4. Conclusion:,With the protocol described, a selection of concentration of MMC has been made in different clinical forms of glaucoma. No significant differences in IOP control and postoperative complications were noticed among the groups. [source] Mannan-binding lectin plasma levels in leprosy: deficiency confers protection against the lepromatous but not the tuberculoid formsCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006L. N. Dornelles Summary Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of the first-line defence against infections. Evidence has shown that MBL deficiency, reducing phagocytosis and internalization of intracellular pathogens may protect the host against intracellular infections such as leprosy. In this study, we speculated whether genetically determined low MBL serum levels confer protection against Mycobacterium leprae infection. One hundred and ninety-one patients with leprosy, presenting lepromatous (n = 118), tuberculoid (n = 31), dimorph (n = 30) and indeterminate (n = 12) clinical forms and 110 healthy controls matched with the patients according to sex, age and ethnic background were investigated. MBL concentrations were measured in a double-antibody enzyme immune assay and C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels by nephelometry. A significant negative association of MBL low values (< 100 ng/ml) was observed with lepromatous patients when comparing with controls and tuberculoid patients [10/118, 8·47%versus 21/110, 19·09%P = 0·03 ,2 with Yates' correction, odds ratio (OR) 0·39, confidence interval (CI) 0·18,0·88 and 8/31, 25·81%, P = 0·02, OR 0·27, CI 0·09,0·75, respectively]. There was no significant difference in the distribution of MBL levels between patients and controls or among the clinical forms. The concentration of CRP was significantly increased in the patients (P = 0·0002) and in the lepromatous form (P = 0·0001) when compared to controls. A weak positive correlation between MBL and CRP levels was observed in the patients (P = 0·010, R = 0·255). These data suggest a protective role for MBL deficiency against the development of the most severe and multi-bacillary form of leprosy. [source] Identification of 14 novel GLB1 mutations, including five deletions, in 19 patients with GM1 gangliosidosis from South AmericaCLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2007R Santamaria GM1 gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the absence or reduction of lysosomal ,-galactosidase activity because of mutations in the GLB1 gene. Three major clinical forms have been established: type I (infantile), type II (late infantile/juvenile) and type III (adult). A mutational analysis was performed in 19 patients with GM1 gangliosidosis from South America, mainly from Argentina. Two of them were of Gypsy origin. Main clinical findings of the patients are presented. All 38 mutant alleles were identified: of the 22 different mutations found, 14 mutations are described here for the first time. Among the novel mutations, five deletions were found. Four of them are relatively small (c.435_440delTCT, c.845_846delC, c.1131_1145del15 and c.1706_1707delC), while the other one is a deletion of 1529 nucleotides that includes exon 5 and is caused by an unequal crossover between intronic Alu sequences. All the described patients with GM1 gangliosidosis were affected by the infantile form, except for four unrelated patients classified as type II, III, and II/III (two cases). The two type II/III patients bore the previously described p.R201H mutation, while the adult patient bore the new p.L155R. The juvenile patient bore two novel mutations: p.S434L and p.G554E. The two Gypsy patients are homozygous for the p.R59H mutation as are all Gypsy patients previously genotyped. [source] Changing epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease following increased coverage with the heptavalent conjugate vaccine in Navarre, SpainCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 11 2009M. Guevara Abstract The present study evaluated changes in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and the pattern of serotypes isolated in Navarre, Spain, after the introduction and increased coverage of the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). All cases with isolation of pneumococcus from normally sterile bodily fluids were included. The incidence of IPD in children and adults was compared for the periods 2001,2002 and 2006,2007. By the end of 2002, only 11% of children aged <5 years had received any dose of PCV7, whereas, beginning in 2007, the proportion exceeded 50%. Among the cases of IPD aged <5 years, the percentage of those vaccinated increased from 7% during 2001,2002 to 53% during 2006,2007 (p <0.001). The incidence of IPD from PCV7-serotypes decreased by 85% in children <5 years (p <0.001), by 45% in the population aged 5,64 years (p 0.10) and by 68% in those ,65 years (p 0.004). By contrast, the incidence of IPD from non-PCV7 serotypes increased by 40% overall (p 0.006). The incidence of IPD from all serotypes did not change significantly in children <5 years (from 83 to 72 per 100 000) or in the total population (from 15.8 to 16.3 per 100 000). The percentage of cases as a result of serotypes 7 and 19A increased significantly in both children and adults. No significant changes were seen in the clinical forms of IPD. The pattern of serotypes causing IPD has changed, in both children and adults, following the increased coverage of PCV7, although the incidence has been reduced only slightly. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||