Evaluation of therapeutic laser influences on the healing of third-degree burns in rats according to different wavelengths

Introduction: One of the most important innovative methods for tissue repair promotion is therapeutic lasers with photobiomodulution effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of four different wavelengths of therapeutic laser (405, 532, 660 and 810 nm) on healing of third-degree burns from both clinical and pathological standpoints in rats. Materials and methods: 60 male Wistar rats were used. Animals were anesthetized and dorsal hairs were shaved and third-degree skin burns were created by use of a 95°C copper stamp. Lesions were irradiated with 1.5 J/cm² energy densities and 200 mW/cm² power densities. Results: Statistical analyses of the “wound contraction” changes between five groups during the study showed more reduction in wound size in all laser groups in comparison with the control group; but these differences were not statistically significant except between red and blue lasers on the last day of experiment. Discussion: Results of our study showed that using therapeutic lasers with green, blue, red, and infrared wavelengths may accelerate healing process. This trend is more obvious in red and infrared groups especially after acute phase, however, this effect was neither statistically nor clinically significant.     

A novel mutation in the cathepsin C gene in a Pakistani family with Papillon‐Lefevre syndrome

Background Papillon‐Lefevre syndrome (PLS; OMlM 245000) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in cathepsin C (CTSC) gene and is characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma, psoriasiform lesion over the extensor surfaces and gingivitis followed by loss of teeth. CTSC gene is expressed in several tissues including the skin and cells of the immune system. In the skin, CTSC plays a role in differentiation and desquamation, whereas in the immune system, it activates serine proteases. Objectives We analysed the molecular basis of PLS in a Pakistani family. Methods Genomic DNA was isolated from the sample according to standard techniques. All exons of the CTSC gene with adjacent sequences of exon–intron borders were amplified by PCR and directly sequenced. Results We identified a novel deletion mutation designated c.2ldelG (Leu7PhefsX57) in exon 1 of the CTSC gene, which probably results in the absence of CTSC protein. Conclusion Our data further expand the spectrum of mutations in the CTSC gene underlying PLS.     

Acute renal failure in a neonate due to pelviureteric candidal bezoars successfully treated with long-term systemic fluconazole

Systemic candidiasis with renal involvement is a rare but well-recognized complication during intensive care treatment in very-low-birth-weight infants. We report a term neonate who developed anuria associated with bilateral bezoar formation in the renal pelvis and candidemia. The treatment consisted of placement of a nephrostomy tube in the left kidney, short-term irrigation with amphotericin B and iv, and later, oral administration of fluconazole.     

Renal transplantation and osteoporosis

A cross sectional study assessed the bone mineral density (BMD) of 20 young adult patients who received a renal transplantation in childhood. The BMD of the lumbar spine, mainly trabecular bone, and of the total body, mainly cortical bone, were measured and expressed as an SD score. Fourteen patients (70%) had a BMD SD score of the lumbar spine below -1, of whom six patients were below -2. Fifteen patients (75%) had a BMD SD score of the total body below -1, of whom seven patients were below -2, Both trabecular and cortical bone appeared to be involved in the osteopenic process. The cumulative dose of prednisone was inversely correlated to both lumbar spine and total body BMD SD score. In a multiple regression analysis the cumulative dose of prednisone appeared to be the only factor with a significant effect on BMD SD score. Most young adult patients who had received a renal transplantation in childhood had moderate to severe osteopenia. Corticosteroid treatment played a major part in the development of osteopenia in these patients.