Psoriasis confined strictly to vitiligo areas – a Koebner‐like phenomenon?

Vitiligo and psoriasis are both common skin disorders. However, psoriasis strictly confined to pre-existing vitiligo areas is rare and suggests a causal relationship. We report here on two patients with a strict anatomical colocalization of vitiligo and psoriasis. The histopathological examinations showed typical changes for both diseases together with a dense infiltrate of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. By immunohistochemistry, intracytoplasmatic granzyme B and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were detected within the T-cell population, suggesting the functional activity of these cells and the creation of a local T helper 1 (Th1)-cytokine milieu. Additionally, in one patient we could identify anti-melanocytic T cells by tetramer staining and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) analysis. These skin-infiltrating lymphocytes might trigger, by the local production of Th-1 cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the eruption of psoriatic plaques in patients with a genetic predisposition for psoriasis.     

儿童肾细胞癌不典型的影像学表现

肾细胞癌罕见于儿童,通常在儿童晚期被发现。本文报道1例10岁女孩的特殊肾细胞癌。其影像学表现容易导致误诊,但在既往文献中未见报道。因先天性巨输尿管而导致肾皮质变薄,因此当原发性泌尿道上皮疾病(肿瘤或炎性)首次被发现时,肿瘤完全长入排泄腔(临近的输尿管)。萎缩的肾皮质     

Proximal load transfer with a stemless uncemented femoral implant

Bone stock preservation is crucial when performing total hip replacement in young patients. The aim is to save good bone stock for a possible revision procedure. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand from young and active patients to receive a new joint which allows a normal or nearly normal life style. With this in mind, we began, in 1993, to develop a new femoral implant. The purpose of this ultra-short stem was a physiologic strain distribution on the proximal femur with a proximal load transfer from the implant to the femoral bone. Main features were an almost complete absence of the diaphyseal portion of the stem, a well defined lateral flare with load transfer on the lateral column of the femur, and a very high femoral neck cut. These innovations resulted in a conservative implant on both the bone stock and the soft tissues. This implant, in the first years, was recommended only for young and active patients. Over the last thirteen years, this project has undergone several modifications but the basic principles of the implant have remained the same. In the present review, we present the rationale, the surgical technique and the clinical and experimental results so far obtained with this implant.     

Influence of food quality and quantity on children's teeth]

Sugar and tooth decays are bound closely. The mechanisms of destruction of the tooth from the glycolyse are known. The role played by the food in the development of the caries is unique. Foods sweetened of all ways, rich in sucrose are responsible of the intervening of the carious lesions. The transformation of the fermentable sugars in lactic with the absence of hygiene and the action conjugated of the bacteria leads to tooth decays in temporary and permanent denture that evolve very quickly in the absence of treatment. Reasons for which the authors put in evidence in this survey, the influence of the food sweetened on the teeth at the children while showing the cases of caries and its complications due to the excessive consumption of fermentable hydrates of carbon.     

Impact of neurocognitive function on academic difficulties in pediatric bipolar disorder: A clinical translation.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has demonstrated that academic and neuropsychological functions are compromised in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). Investigation of the degree to which neuropsychological deficits might contribute to those academic problems is needed to aid in the recognition and intervention for school achievement difficulties in PBD. METHODS: A sample of 55 children and adolescents with PBD with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (PBD group, n = 28; PBD+ADHD group, n = 27) were tested with a computerized neurocognitive battery and standardized neuropsychological tests. Age range of subjects was 7-17 years, with the mean age of 11.97 (3.18) years. Parents completed a structured questionnaire on school and academic functioning. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses indicated that executive function, attention, working memory, and verbal memory scores were poorer in those with a history of reading/writing difficulties. A separate logistic regression analysis found that attentional dysfunction predicted math difficulties. These relationships between neuropsychological function and academic difficulties were not different in those with PBD+ADHD than in those with PBD alone. CONCLUSIONS: In PBD neuropsychological deficits in the areas of attention, working memory, and organization/problem solving skills all contribute to academic difficulties. Early identification and intervention for these difficulties might help prevent lower academic achievement in PBD.     

Plasma thymulin and nerve growth factor levels in patients with primary open angle glaucoma and elevated intraocular pressure

Background The objective was to measure the plasma concentrations of thymulin and nerve growth factor (NGF) in a group of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and compare them with age- and sex-matched normal controls.Methods Twenty-eight patients newly diagnosed with POAG who were not undergoing treatment were compared with the same number of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were drawn into heparinized tubes and plasma samples were collected for the determination of the concentrations of thymulin and NGF, using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Student’s t test was used to perform the necessary statistical analysis of the results.Results Seventeen women and 11 men were enrolled in each of the two groups (study and control), with a mean age of 63.7 (SD 10.3) years in the former and 63.3 (SD 9.6) years in the latter. There was a highly significant (p<0.001) elevation in the thymulin levels in POAG patients compared with the control group. However, no significant difference was observed when comparing the plasma NGF levels.Conclusion This is the first report to measure plasma thymulin levels in glaucoma patients. The significant results point the possible role of this immunomodulator in the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma. The potential role of NGF seems to be less likely. These findings warrant further investigation.     

HLA markers in familial Lichen Sclerosus

Background: Lichen sclerosus (LS) has been identified with increased frequency in families,often associated with HLA markers, mainly DQ7. A genetic co‐etiology seems likely in this setting. Moreover, there is an association of LS with autoimmune disorders, such as the presence of anti‐thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (anti‐TPO), a hallmark of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients and Methods: In 3 families affected by LS, we verified their HLA markers, and identified previously undiagnosed cases of LS and autoimmune disorders. 30 individuals were examined with history, skin biopsy, HLA class I and II typing by PCR‐SSP, and measurement of anti‐TPO, free thyroxine and thyroidstimulating hormones (TSH) levels. Results: There were 8 cases of LS, 50 % of them anti‐TPO+. Autoimmune disorders were found in 40 % (total) and in 87.5 % of those affected. Most common HLA markers were B*15, B*57, CW*03, CW*07, CW*18, DRB1*04, DRB1*07, DRB4*. The three latter have been previously associated with LS. Conclusion: New cases of LS and autoimmune disorders can be detected in first degree relatives of patients with LS. The presence of anti‐TPO antibodies strongly suggests autoimmune thyroiditis. There is intra‐familial association between the haplotype HLA‐B*15 ‐DRB1*04 ‐DRB4* and anti‐TPO,emphasizing their link with thyroiditis. New familial approaches might help to make clear the pathogenesis of LS and its association with autoimmune diseases.