A case of pemphigus vulgaris possibly triggered by quinolones

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disorder in which both genetic and environmental factors, mainly drugs, are thought to play a part in its aetiopathogenesis. Although some drugs that contain thiol groups, such as D-penicillamine and captopril, and non-thiol drugs, such as cephalosporin, have been reported to trigger or induce pemphigus, there are no previous reports regarding the influence of quinolones in triggering this disease. Here we present a case of pemphigus possibly triggered by quinolones.     

ABri peptide associated with familial British dementia forms annular and ring-like protofibrillar structures.

Amyloid plaque deposition involves the aggregation of normally soluble proteins into insoluble amyloid fibrils (fibrillization) and proceeds through intermediates with distinct morphologies, including spherical aggregates, protofibrils, and mature fibrils. Recently, a novel annular protofibril-like intermediate with unique pore-like properties was produced by alpha-synuclein, A beta-Arctic and amylin, which are proteins associated with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and type-II diabetes. The observation of annular structures coupled with size selective channel-like activity by these proteins suggests that these structures may be responsible for vesicle permeability by ion-channel formation. Using atomic force spectroscopy, we report here that the ABri peptide associated with familial British dementia produces similar annular and ring-like protofibril structures during the following sequence of events: spherical aggregates (0.4-1.5 nm height)-->chain-like protofibrils (1.5-2.3 nm height)-->ring-like protofibrils and annular protofibrils (1.5-2.3 nm height). This suggests that ABri fibrillization occurs in a similar fashion to other amyloidogenic proteins and that the annular protofibrillar structures may represent a common amyloid intermediate.     

HPLC和1HNMR分析确定cis-A-和cis-B-羟甲芬太尼的组成和构型

羟甲芬太尼(1)是一个强效的镇痛剂和高亲和、高选择性的阿片μ受体激动剂。通过HPLC和¹HNMR分析,cis-A-l被确定为由等量的cis-(+)-(3R,4S,2'S)-l和:cis-(—)-(3S,4R,2'R)-1组成的外消旋体,cis-B-l被确定为由等量的cis-(—)-(3R,4S,2'R)-1和cis-(+)-(3S/,4R,2'S)-1组成的外消旋体。     

黑柴胡中新三萜皂甙的结构鉴定

从黑柴胡(Bupleurum smithii Wolff)根中分离出10个化合物,均为首次由该植物中获得。其中二个新三萜皂甙,即柴胡皂甙k和l(saikosaponin k and l),其结构经紫外、红外、核磁共振氢谱,碳谱和质谱等波谱测定和解析,分别确定为3β,16β,23,28-四羟基齐墩果烷-11,13(18)-二烯-3-O-β-D-吡喃木糖基-(1→2)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖基-(1→3)-β-D-吡喃呋糖甙和3β,16α,23,28,30-五羟基齐墩果烷-11,13(18)-二烯-3-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖基-(1→3)-β-D-吡喃呋糖甙。     

Effect of inhaled corticosteroids on symptom severity and sputum mediator levels in chronic persistent cough

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough often lasts for more than 1 year and is associated with airway inflammation. The effect of inhaled corticosteroids on symptom severity and inflammatory mediator levels in these patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether inhaled corticosteroids reduce cough severity and sputum mediator concentrations in patients with chronic persistent cough. METHODS: We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study with inhaled fluticasone, 500 microg twice daily, and placebo for 14 days in 88 patients with cough for more than 1 year, with normal chest radiography and spirometry results. Outcome measures were a daily cough visual analogue scale and induced sputum concentrations of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase, leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), leukotrienes C(4)/D(4)/E(4) (cysteinyl leukotrienes [Cys-LTs]), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), IL-8, and TNF-alpha. Sputum cell counts, exhaled nitric oxide levels, and carbon monoxide levels were also measured. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the cough visual analogue scale after inhaled fluticasone compared with placebo (mean difference, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.4-1.5; P <.001). LTB(4), Cys-LT, and PGE(2) levels were increased in all causes of cough. Sputum ECP counts, exhaled nitric oxide levels, and carbon monoxide levels decreased significantly after inhaled fluticasone. There was no change in sputum cell counts and other mediator concentrations. CONCLUSION: Cough severity and sputum ECP levels are modestly reduced by inhaled corticosteroids in patients with chronic cough persisting for more than 1 year. LTB(4), Cys-LT, PGE(2), IL-8, myeloperoxidase, and TNF-alpha levels are unaltered by this therapy. This raises the possibility that drugs targeted to reduce the effects of these mediators might be of benefit in chronic persistent cough.     

Depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical and biochemical correlates

BACKGROUND: We assessed the prevalence of mood disturbance among women with prospectively documented polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Thirty-two women with PCOS completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Rating Scale (CES-D). Clinical and biochemical characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: Sixteen women had CES-D scores indicative of depression. Depression was associated with greater insulin resistance (P=0.02) and higher body mass index (P=0.05). Women receiving oral contraceptives for the treatment of PCOS were less depressed than patients not receiving treatment (P=0.03). LIMITATIONS: Possible selection bias, use of a screening tool alone without further diagnostic evaluation of depression, small samples size and lack of direct comparison with an age matched control group, should be considered in interpretation of these results. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest a high prevalence of depression among women with PCOS, and an association between depression and PCOS markers.