Soluble interleukin-2 receptor, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-10 serum levels in patients with melanoma

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) have each been reported as useful markers for melanoma progression. To evaluate the clinical relevance of these three markers, we simultaneously analysed their serum levels in patients with melanoma. A longitudinal study with a 3-year follow-up was performed and different stages of the disease were considered. Mean values of sIL-2R were significantly higher than in normal controls in all stages and correlated with the disease progression. The prognosis of patients with levels > 529 U/ml of sIL-2R was significantly poorer than in patients with sIL-2R levels < 529 U/ml. Levels of sICAM-1 were also elevated in melanoma patients, specially at the time of the metastatic disease. Serum IL-10 levels were more frequently detectable in the patients that developed metastasis during follow-up, and the prognosis of patients with detectable IL-10 levels was significantly poorer than in those patients with IL-10 undetected levels. Statistical analysis based on Logistic and Cox regression models showed that only sex, stage and sIL-2R value are factors significantly associated with metastatic progression. Moreover, high levels of sIL-2R could be a risk factor for malignant progression in melanoma.     

JAL2: an integrated tool to enhance communication and autonomy of disabled people

JAL2 is an integrated tool which enhances communication skills for people--mainly those with cerebral palsy--who suffer from any kind of disability that prevents speech. JAL2 can be used as a portable communicator and has an editor which can construct any text. It can also substitute for the keyboard of a personal computer, allowing the disabled the use of these machines. Furthermore, it is used to control one's personal environment by means of an infra-red transmitter. All of these options, scanned on a display, are accessed through a push-button.     

Solar urticaria enhanced through clothing

Solar urticaria is characterized by itching, erythema and wheeling immediately after exposure to radiation in the ultraviolet (UVB, UVA) and visible spectra. Although its exact mechanism remains unknown, evidence supports an immunologic pathogenesis. We describe an unusual patient with solar urticaria who had more severe involvement in skin irradiated with UVA light through white clothing. We propose that optical whiteners in clothing and detergents had absorbed UVA radiation, transforming it into visible light, which was responsible for the urticarial response.