Pediatric streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Two children who presented with fever, rash, and hypotension were found to have group A beta hemolytic streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. These cases are reported to remind physicians who care for acutely ill children that exotoxin-producing streptococci can produce clinical features and multisystem failure similar to staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.     

A retrospective analysis of autotransplanted teeth including an evaluation of a novel surgical technique

Clinical Oral Investigations - To assess survival rates and frequency of complications for immature and mature autotransplanted teeth after at least 1 year in function. All consecutive patients who...     

Infected cardiac myxoma

Infected cardiac myxoma is a rare condition with variable presentation. We report a case of infected cardiac myxoma which presented as fever of unknown origin. Diagnostic considerations and treatment of this condition are discussed.     

Osteopenie und pathologische Frakturen bei einem Jugendlichen mit Laktoseintoleranz und hohem Oxalatkonsum

We report an adolescent with osteopenia and pathologic fractures. This case should draw the attention on the following points. An adequate calcium supply during childhood and adolescence is important for the development of normal peak bone mass. Modern eating habits with high intake of junk food and soft drinks are likely to have important impact on bone health.     

Redox imbalance influence in the myocardial Akt activation in aged rats treated with DHEA

This study examined, in young and old (3 and 24 month-old, respectively) healthy Wistar rats, the in vivo effect of DHEA (10 mg/kg body weight) administered subcutaneously for 5 weeks. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione levels, glucose — 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and thioredoxin (Trx) reductase activities, hydrogen peroxide steady-state concentration and Nrf2, GST, Trx-1, Akt and p-Akt expressions were assessed in heart tissue. DHEA treatment significantly increased GST activity in 3 and 24 month-old treated groups. The aging factor diminished hydrogen peroxide concentration and Nrf2 expression, independently of treatment. However, the aging process increased GST, Akt and p-Akt expressions in both 24 month-old groups. The aged group responded differently to DHEA respective to GSSG content, GPx activity and p-Akt concentration. Further studies are needed to form conclusions about the efficacy and safety of DHEA replacement in the elderly, and to better understand DHEA's net effect on oxidative stress parameters and its modulation of signaling cascades.