[Ulceration of the hard palate in a 50-year-old patient].
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Biopsy↗
Biomedical subjects
M Simon
Publications and source records attributed to M Simon.
[Marked improvement in scleromyxedema with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin].
Scleromyxedema is a rare chronic skin disorder of unknown etiology, often accompanied by monoclonal gammopathies. Clinically the disease is characterized by generalized thickening and stiffening of the skin due to dermal mucin deposition. We report on a 56-year-old women with scleromyxedema, whose skin findings markedly improved following high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (Sandoglobulin((R)), 2 g/KG). The pronounced clinical benefit was documented by increased flexibility of the fingers, reduction of skin induration, and a decrease in number and size of mucinous papules. All previous therapeutic approaches were ineffective. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin appears to be a promising treatment option for patients with scleromyxedema. Clinical studies are desirable, but difficult to perform in such a rare disease. Long-term follow-up on individual patients so treated is desirable.
Female↗
Risk factors and prevalence of HIV infection in people seeking health care in an STI clinic in Brazil.
Comprehensive care for people seeking assistance in sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinics provides access to a group of patients in need of HIV prevention interventions and represents appropriate locations for the implementation of these activities. The goal of this study was to determine the risk factors for HIV infection. A profile of patients seeking care in an STI clinic in Vitória, Brazil; including the motives for this, the risk factors and the prevalence for HIV was carried out. Patients were systematically interviewed regarding demographic information, motivation for seeking assistance, risk exposures, and clinical data. Blood samples were collected to test HIV infection in 562 people enrolled in the study. Prevalence of HIV infection was 6.8 per cent (95 per cent CI 4.7-8.9). Prevention and STI symptoms were the main reasons for seeking care. Variables found to be independently associated with HIV infection were: age (> = 30 years) [OR = 3.24 (95 per cent CI 1.40-7.52)]; seeking medical assistance [OR = 3.88 (95 per cent CI 6.22-40.95)]; and illicit drug use [OR = 14.58 (95 per cent CI 6.11-34.72)]. These results found high prevalence of HIV infection in this population and reinforce the need for ongoing STI prevention activities to further decrease HIV and other STI.
Adolescent↗
Exogenous nitric oxide inhibits Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.
Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a geographically widespread pathogen that causes severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality. Even though one of the main objectives focuses on the progress of antiviral agents, the research on CCHFV is strongly hampered due to its BSL-4 classification. Nitric oxide (NO), a mediator with broad biological effects, has been shown to possess inhibitory properties against various pathogens. The molecule constitutes a component of the innate immunity and serves to assist in the early immunological events where it contributes to clearance of microorganisms. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory properties of exogenous NO on CCHFV. We found that NO had a significant antiviral activity against CCHFV replication. By using the NO-donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) we were able to show up to 99% reduction in virion progeny yield. In contrast, 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1), a peroxynitrite donor, had no significant antiviral activity against CCHFV. Furthermore the expression of viral proteins; the nucleocapsid protein and the glycoprotein, were clearly reduced with increasing concentrations of SNAP. We have also shown that the amount of total vRNA in SNAP-treated cells was reduced by about 50% compared to the controls.
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗
Genetic variations of cell wall digestibility related traits in floral stems of Arabidopsis thaliana accessions as a basis for the improvement of the feeding value in maize and forage plants.
Floral stems of Arabidopsis thaliana accessions were used as a model system relative to forage plant stems in genetic variation studies of lignin content and cell wall digestibility related traits. Successive investigations were developed in a core collection of 24 Arabidopsis accessions and in a larger collection of 280 accessions. Significant genetic variation for lignin content in the cell wall, and for the two in vitro cell wall digestibility investigated traits, were found both in the core collection and in the large collection. Genotype x environment interactions, investigated in the core collection, were significant with a few genotypes contributing greatly to interactions, based on ecovalence value estimates. In the core collection, genotypes 42AV, 224AV, and 8AV had low cell wall digestibility values, whatever be the environmental conditions. Genotype 157AV, observed only in one environment, also appeared to have a low cell wall digestibility. Conversely, genotypes 236AV, 162AV, 70AV, 101AV, 83AV had high cell wall digestibility values, genotype 83AV having a slightly greater instability across differing environments than others. The well-known accession Col-0 (186AV) appeared with a medium level of cell wall digestibility and a weak to medium level of interaction between environments. The ranges of variation in cell wall digestibility traits were higher in the large collection than in the core collection of 24 accessions, these results needing confirmation due to the lower number of replicates. Accessions 295AV, 148AV, and 309AV could be models for low stem cell wall digestibility values, with variable lignin content. Similarly, accessions 83AV and 162AV, already identified from the study of the core collection, and five accessions (6AV, 20AV, 91AV, 114AV, and 223AV) could be models for high stem cell wall digestibility values. The large variations observed between Arabidopsis accessions for both lignin content and cell wall digestibility in floral stems have strengthened the use this species as a powerful tool for discovering genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and lignification of dicotyledons forage plants. Investigations of this kind might also be applicable to monocotyledons forage plants due to the basic similarity of the genes involved in the lignin pathway of Angiosperms and the partial homology of the cell wall composition and organization of the mature vascular system in grasses and Arabidopsis.
Animal Feed↗
Bioactive hydroxyphenylpyrrole-dicarboxylic acids from a new marine Halomonas sp.: Production and structure elucidation.
The new marine Halomonas sp. strain GWS-BW-H8hM (DSM 17996) was found to produce 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenylpyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (HPPD-1) and 3,4-bis(4'-hydroxy- phenyl)pyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (HPPD-2). In initial cultivations using marine broth, only low contents of these compounds have been isolated. Improving the conditions and growing the strain on artificial seawater supplemented with tryptone 10 g l(-1), yeast extract 5 g l(-1), L-tyrosine 0.6 g l(-1), glycine 1 g l(-1), and glucose 6 g l(-1), the growth-associated HPPD-1 and HPPD-2 production of a 40-l batch cultivation reached the amounts of 47 mg l(-1) and 116 mg l(-1), respectively, after 65 h. Both compounds showed potent anti-tumor-promoting activities.
Anticarcinogenic Agents↗
[Refractory cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis. Successful sulfone therapy].
The clinical picture in vasculitis varies from few self-limiting symptoms to life-threatening illnesses affecting multiple organs. We describe the course of a woman patient who had had a severe cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis for more than 10 years. Various immunsuppressants, including cyclophosphamide, had failed to improve the clinical course, although adequate doses were given for a sufficient period. Treatment with DADPS (diaminodiphenylsulfone, dapsone), however, finally led to complete remission of the severe and chronic vasculitic ulcerations. Indications for DADPS treatment of inflammatory cutaneous diseases are discussed, and an overview of cutaneous vasculitis is provided.
Adult↗
[Rosacea fulminans, pyostomatitis and pyovulvitis in Crohn's disease: dapsone as key factor in combination therapy].
Rosacea fulminans (also known as pyoderma faciale) has been reported to occur in association with Crohn's disease. It is still unclear whether the papulopustules and confluent nodules of rosacea fulminans represent a manifestation of mucocutaneous Crohn's disease or whether this association is a mere coincidence. A 46-year-old woman presented with the spontaneous outbreak of rosacea fulminans and pyostomatitis/pyovulvitis. Complete remission of the mucocutaneous symptoms was achieved with 2 months combination therapy with methylprednisolone, isotretinoin and dapsone. The patient's Crohn's disease, already diagnosed for 3 years, did not flare during this period.
Anti-Infective Agents↗
[Chronic fistulas with impaired wound healing].
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Aged↗
Low-grade gliomas -- current concepts.
Diffuse astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and oligoastrocytomas (mixed gliomas) WHO grade II, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs), pilocytic astrocytomas, and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are often referred to as low-grade gliomas. WHO grade II astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and mixed gliomas are characterized by their infiltrative growth, frequent tumor recurrence and a more than 50 % risk for malignant progression. In contrast, pilocytic astrocytomas and SEGAs are circumscribed tumors amenable to a (radio)surgical cure. There are few universally accepted guidelines for the treatment of low-grade gliomas. In this review, three neurosurgeons, a neurologist, a neuropathologist, and a radiation oncologist discuss some of the difficult issues surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of low-grade gliomas from their individual points of view (i. e., classification and neuropathology, MR imaging, stereotactic biopsy, microsurgery, interstitial radiotherapy/brachytherapy, radiotherapy, wait and see strategy).
Brain Neoplasms↗
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.
Adult↗
[Subclinical thyropathies].
Subclinical thyreopathies are pathological states of the thyroid gland that show no corresponding clinical symptoms, yet may be detected sporadically by laboratory examination or screening methods. They represent a novel diagnostic entity (analogous to glucose tolerance impairment--IGT or impaired fasting glycemia--IFG), which appeared due to innovations in laboratory diagnostics (sensitive TSH detection methods) and recent focus on pre-clinical stages of manifestative diseases. From a wider point of view, subclinical thyreopathies include subclinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyrodism, thyroid volume or structure changes found accidentally by sonography, initial stages of malignancy--accidental detection of a microcarcinoma and subclinical forms of thyroiditis. Controversy remains concerning exact definition, epidemiological issues, therapeutic intervention, evaluation of risk and gain implied in treatment of these borderline clinical stages and, last but not least, early screening of risk groups if necessary.
Humans↗
Photofragmentation study of hexamethyldisiloxane following core ionization and direct double ionization.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger spectroscopy studies of gas-phase hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) are presented. The photodissociation of this molecule is studied using various experimental coincidence techniques. We compare the fragmentation pathways observed after core ionization followed by Auger decay and after valence double photoionization of the molecule. A strongly selective production of the doubly charged tetramethyldisiloxane ion is observed in the low binding-energy regions. Theoretical calculations are carried out to tentatively explain the stability of the produced dication.
Journal Article↗
Interinstitutional variance of postoperative radiotherapy and follow up for meningiomas in Germany: impact of changes of the WHO classification.
OBJECTIVE: To document and critically analyse the impact of the revised WHO 2000 histological classification for meningiomas on postoperative radiotherapy/radiosurgery indications and MRI follow up protocols. METHODS: The current (2000) WHO classification was used to grade 57 meningiomas treated surgically at one institution. These had been reviewed previously in 1999. All German neurosurgical departments carrying out intracranial microsurgery were asked to detail their guidelines for radiation therapy and follow up for meningiomas of different WHO grades. RESULTS: Use of the current criteria downgraded seven of 15 atypical meningiomas (WHO grade II, MII) to grade I (MI), and four of six anaplastic tumours (WHO grade III, MIII) to grade II. Indications for radiotherapy/radiosurgery and MRI follow up protocols varied substantially with the histological grade and between institutions--for example, after an incomplete resection, radiotherapy/radiosurgery recommendations differed between MI and MII in 30 of 58 units (52%), and between MII and MIII in 34 of 56 units (61%). CONCLUSIONS: Correlative studies combining treatment and outcome data with a standardised histopathological analysis are warranted to define properly the indications for radiotherapy/radiosurgery and follow up protocols after surgery for meningiomas of different histological grades. The use of changing grading paradigms during recent years renders decision making based on local and published experience difficult. The relatively large number of meningiomas classified as atypical/WHO grade II in current practice would argue against an uncritically aggressive approach to these tumours.
Adult↗
Dynamic changes in nicotinamide pyridine dinucleotide content in normal human epidermal keratinocytes and their effect on retinoic acid biosynthesis.
The function of many enzymes that regulate metabolism and transcription depends critically on the nicotinamide pyridine dinucleotides. To understand the role of NAD(P)(H) in physiology and pathophysiology, it is imperative to estimate both their amount and ratios in a given cell type. In human epidermis and in cultured epidermal keratinocytes, we found that the total dinucleotide content is in the low millimolar range. The dinucleotide pattern changes during proliferation and maturation of keratinocytes in culture. Differences in the concentrations of NAD(P)(H) of 1.5- to 12-fold were observed. This resulted in alteration of the NAD(P)H/NAD(P) ratio, which could impact the differential regulation of both transcriptional and metabolic processes. In support of this notion, we provide evidence that the two-step oxidation of retinol to retinoic acid, a nuclear hormone critical for epidermal homeostasis, can be regulated by the relative physiological amounts of the pyridine dinucleotides.
Cells, Cultured↗
Influence of formation path on the CH2BrCl2+ dissociation dynamics.
To get further insight into the CH2BrCl site-selective fragmentation previously observed upon inner-shell ionization, we have performed high-resolution Br 3d and Cl 2p Auger and spin-orbit resolved Br 3d Auger spectra, and studied the dissociation properties of the CH2BrCl2+ dication formed at threshold by means of threshold electron pair-ion coincidence measurements. The key point is that the origin of site-specific bond breaking is found in the Auger decay itself, as it preferentially populates selected dication states. Whereas the predominance of the C-Br bond breaking is observed in both threshold and inner-shell studies, no signature of selective C-Cl rupture is reported for the dication formed at threshold.
Journal Article↗
The peptidylarginine deiminases expressed in human epidermis differ in their substrate specificities and subcellular locations.
Deimination, a post-translational modification catalyzed by peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs), appears as a crucial Ca(2+)-dependent event in the last steps of epidermal differentiation. In normal human epidermis, where the deiminated proteins are filaggrin and keratins, PAD1, 2 and 3 are expressed but their relative role is unknown. The three PADs, produced as active recombinant forms, showed distinct synthetic-substrate specificities, various efficiencies to deiminate filaggrin and particular calcium and pH sensitivities. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that PAD1 and PAD3 are co-located with filaggrin within the filamentous matrix of the deeper corneocytes where the protein is deiminated. This result strongly suggests that both isoforms are involved in the deimination of filaggrin, an essential step leading to free amino acid production necessary for epidermal barrier function. Moreover, PAD1 was shown to persist up to the upper corneocytes where it deiminates keratin K1, a modification supposed to be related to ultrastructural changes of the matrix.
Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
[Annular erythema associated wih pruritus in a 69-year-old female].
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Aged↗