Anti-Leishmania major Properties of Nuphar lutea (Yellow Water Lily) Leaf Extracts and Purified 6,6' Dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN).

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic disease, manifested as chronic ulcers, potentially leaving unattractive scars. There is no preventive vaccination or optimal medication against leishmaniasis. Chemotherapy generally depends upon a small group of compounds, each with its own efficacy, toxicity, and rate of drug resistance. To date, no standardized, simple, safe, and highly effective regimen for treating CL exists. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new optimal medication for this disease. Sesquiterpen thio-alkaloids constitute a group of plant secondary metabolites that bear great potential for medicinal uses. The nupharidines found in Nuphar lutea belong to this group of compounds. We have previously published that Nuphar lutea semi-purified extract containing major components of nupharidines has strong anti-leishmanial activity in vitro. Here, we present in vivo data on the therapeutic benefit of the extract against Leishmania major (L. major) in infected mice. We also expanded these observations by establishing the therapeutic effect of the extract-purified nupharidine 6,6'-dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN) in vitro against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes as well as in vivo in L. major-infected mice. The results suggest that this novel anti-parasitic small molecule has the potential to be further developed against Leishmania.

[COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES AND INDICATIONS FOR DIGITAL MONITORING OF PATIENTS AT HIGH-RISK FOR MELANOMA: A POSITION PAPER BY THE ISRAELI ASSOCIATION FOR DERMATOLOGY].

INTRODUCTION: Early detection may lead to reduced morbidity and mortality from melanoma. This study aims to establish guidelines for selecting patients suitable for digital monitoring of skin lesions. METHODS: A literature review was conducted, followed by consensus among experts appointed by the Israeli Dermatology Association. RESULTS: Two effective methods for early melanoma diagnosis were identified: Total-body photography (TBP) and digital dermoscopy. TBP involves capturing clinical images of the entire skin area for long-term monitoring (6-12 months). Digital dermoscopy focuses on close-up images of distinct lesions for short-term monitoring (3-4 months). Various risk factors for melanoma were identified, including genetic and familial factors, as well as demographic and phenotypic characteristics. Based on these risk factors and feasibility of clinical follow-up, a comprehensive list of indications for TBP was developed, categorized into three groups based on the expected level of benefit. Digital dermoscopy surveillance is recommended for patients with flat or slightly raised skin lesions showing dermoscopic features that do not definitively indicate melanoma. DISCUSSION: TBP significantly improves early melanoma detection, enhancing sensitivity and specificity while reducing unnecessary biopsies. However, due to its high cost and limited coverage by the Israeli public health care system, prioritizing patients who would benefit most from TBP is crucial. The compiled list of indications aligns with international recommendations and provides further details within the article.

Comparison of Intralesional Sodium Stibogluconate versus Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate for the Treatment of Leishmania major Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Israel is endemic for Old-World cutaneous leishmaniasis. The most common species is Leishmania major. However, the available treatment options are limited. This study's objective was to compare the authors' experience with different antimony intralesional treatments of Leishmania major cutaneous leishmaniasis. A retrospective evaluation was undertaken for cases of Leishmania major cutaneous leishmaniasis treated by pentavalent antimony in a university-affiliated medical centre in Israel. The previous treatment of intralesional sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam®) was compared with the current treatment of meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®). One hundred cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated during the study period, of whom 33 were treated with intralesional sodium stibogluconate and 67 were treated with intralesional meglumine antimoniate. The patients were 78 males and 22 females, mean age 24 (range 10-67) and there was a total of 354 skin lesions. Within 3 months from treatment, 91% (30/33) of the intralesional sodium stibogluconate group and 88% (59/67) of the intralesional meglumine antimoniate group had complete healing of the cutaneous lesions after an average of 3 treatment cycles (non-statistically significant). In conclusion, the 2 different medications have the same efficacy and safety for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis. Pentavalent antimoniate intralesional infiltration treatment is safe, effective, and well tolerated with minimal side effects for Old-World cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Detection of Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum in cats during an outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniosis in Southern Israel.

Prevalence of Leishmania spp. infection was studied in stray cats in two military bases in Southern Israel during a cutaneous leishmaniosis (CL) human outbreak caused by Leishmania major. Human CL cases increased from 0/100 in 2008 to 1.28/100 in 2022 in camp #1, and from 0.17/100 in 2008 to 6.4/100 in 2022, in camp #2. Eight out of 29 cats sampled were Leishmania-seropositive (28 %) and 7/29 (24 %) were internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) PCR-positive, out of which four (14 %) were positive for L. major and three (10 %) for L. infantum. Five positive-cats had skin lesions including ulcers, alopecia and scabs, and five had eye lesions. This is the first report of L. major infection in cats in Israel and one of the first descriptions in felines worldwide. A larger cohort of cats and vector studies are necessary to determine if felids may act as reservoirs or sentinels of human L. major infection.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum, Israel, 2018-2021.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic to Israel. Previously, CL caused by Leishmania infantum had been reported in Israel only once (in 2016). We report 8 L. infantum CL cases; 7 occurred during 2020-2021. None of the patients had systemic disease. L. infantum CL may be an emerging infection in Israel.

Tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans among adults: Clinical characteristics and treatment response.

BACKGROUND: Trichophyton tonsurans tinea capitis has become a growing epidemiological concern. Yet, its clinical manifestations and treatment response, specifically among adults, have only been described among small sample size studies. OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical manifestations and treatment outcome of T. tonsurans tinea capitis among adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out among 111 adults with T. tonsurans tinea capitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by fungal culture or polymerase chain reaction. Examinees' demographics, disease characteristics and treatment response were measured. The risk factors for the treatment failure were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 20.1 years (±3.1), with men (98.2%) outnumbering women. The follow-up lasted 12.2 months (±5.6). The majority of T. tonsurans tinea capitis was seen in the occipital area (87.6%). In 78.9% of the cases, the scalp manifestation was non-inflammatory (scaly plaques and papules:76.1% and seborrhoea-like: 2.8%). 21.1% of cases presented with inflammatory tinea capitis (21.1%; Kerion: 10.1% and pustular: 11%). Concomitant involvement of other than scalp areas was common: tinea corporis was seen in 38.7% of the cases; tinea faciei and barbae in 24.3%; nape and anterior neck in 76.6% and 2.7% of the cases, respectively. An adequate treatment course with oral terbinafine resulted in 83.2% clinical cure rate. Treatment failure was significantly associated with concomitant tinea corporis (odds ratio 3.9; 95% confidence interval 1.3-12.1, p-Value< .02). CONCLUSION: The most common clinical presentation of T. tonsurans tinea capitis included occipital scaly plaques and papules with concomitant non-scalp lesions. Oral terbinafine was found to be highly effective. Concomitant tinea corporis increased the risk for treatment failure.

Coexistence of pachyonychia congenita and hidradenitis suppurativa: more than a coincidence.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of pachyonychia congenita (PC) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been described in case reports. However, the pathomechanism underlying this association and its true prevalence are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the genetic defect underlying the coexistence of PC and HS in a large kindred, to delineate a pathophysiological signalling defect jointly leading to both phenotypes, and to estimate the prevalence of HS in PC. METHODS: We used direct sequencing and a NOTCH luciferase reporter assay to characterize the pathophysiological basis of the familial coexistence of HS and PC. A questionnaire was distributed to patients with PC registered with the International Pachyonychia Congenita Research Registry (IPCRR) to assess the prevalence of HS among patients with PC. RESULTS: Direct sequencing of DNA samples obtained from family members displaying both PC and HS demonstrated a missense variant (c.275A>G) in KRT17, encoding keratin 17. Abnormal NOTCH signalling has been suggested to contribute to HS pathogenesis. Accordingly, the KRT17 c.275A>G variant resulted in a significant decrease in NOTCH activity. To ascertain the clinical importance of the association of HS with PC, we distributed a questionnaire to all patients with PC registered with the IPCRR. Seventy-two of 278 responders reported HS-associated clinical features (25·9%). Disease-causing mutations in KRT17 were most prevalent among patients with a dual phenotype of PC and HS (43%). CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of HS and KRT17-associated PC is more common than previously thought. Impaired NOTCH signalling as a result of KRT17 mutations may predispose patients with PC to HS. What is already known about this topic? The coexistence of pachyonychia congenita (PC) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been described in case reports. However, the pathomechanism underlying this association and its true prevalence are unknown. What does this study add? A dual phenotype consisting of PC and HS was found to be associated with a pathogenic variant in KRT17. This variant was found to affect NOTCH signalling, which has been previously implicated in HS pathogenesis. HS was found to be associated with PC in a large cohort of patients with PC, especially in patients carrying KRT17 variants, suggesting that KRT17 variants causing PC may also predispose to HS. What is the translational message? These findings suggest that patients with PC have a higher prevalence of HS than previously thought, and hence physicians should have a higher level of suspicion of HS diagnosis in patients with PC.

Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Among Adolescents with Psoriasis: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study.

Few studies have reported an association between psoriasis and atopic comorbidity in adults. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the possible association of psoriasis with allergic rhinitis or asthma among adolescents. Adolescents (16-18 years of age) medically evaluated for military service between 1999 and 2014 were included. Medical records were obtained from the database of the Israeli Defense Forces. Of the 887,765 adolescents studied, 3,112 patients had psoriasis (56.1% mild; 43.9% moderate-to-severe). Psoriasis was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-1.5) and asthma (aOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0-1.3), compared with controls without psoriasis. Moderate-to-severe psoriasis was associated with allergic rhinitis (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.5) and asthma (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-1.7), while mild psoriasis was only associated with allergic rhinitis (aOR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2-1.6). In conclusion, amongst adolescents, psoriasis was found to be associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Palatal Erythema with Histological Psoriasiform Pattern: An Enigmatic Oral Finding Shared by a Range of Conditions.

Long standing, asymptomatic, well-demarcated erythema of the hard palate with a histopathological psoriasiform pattern comprises a challenging diagnosis. We present a series of patients with such clinical and histological findings and discuss the possible diagnoses. We collected all patients with palatal erythematous lesions that had well-documented clinical examination. Excluded were patients with definitive diagnosis of oral infections (e.g. candidiasis), neoplastic/pre-neoplastic lesions, auto-immune diseases, reactive lesions, blood disorders and vascular malformations. Thirteen patients (six females, seven males, age range 11-56 years) were included. Histopathologically, a psoriasiform pattern was observed in all biopsied lesions. One patient was diagnosed with hereditary mucoepithelial dysplasia (HMD) and four with cutaneous psoriasis. The remaining eight patients were otherwise healthy. A combination of persistent, asymptomatic palatal erythematous lesion with psoriasis-like histopathology may represent an oral manifestation of HMD or psoriasis, concomitant to extra-oral features. In lack of any known medical background, the term "oral psoriasiform mucositis" is suggested.

Epidemiology and Comorbidities of Psoriasis among Israeli Adolescents: A Large Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although psoriasis can develop at any age, the data regarding its characteristics in adolescents are sparse. This study was designed to determine the psoriasis prevalence and its associations with the body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, and comorbidities in adolescents. METHODS: This was a nationwide population-based cross-sectional retrospective study of adolescents (16-18 years old) evaluated for military service between January 1999 and January 2014. RESULTS: Our database included 887,765 adolescents (57.1% males), of whom 3,112 (0.35%) were diagnosed with psoriasis. During the 15-year study period, the psoriasis prevalence increased by 1.4-fold, from 0.3 to 0.42% (1.25-fold for the males and 1.63-fold for the females). Certain comorbidities, such as contact dermatitis, hyperhidrosis, and arthritis, were significantly associated with psoriasis (odds ratios [ORs] of 2.26, 1.51, and 5.3, respectively). The adolescents with psoriasis had significantly elevated BMI and triglyceride values. We found increased ORs of 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25-1.56) and 1.56 (95% CI = 1.32-1.83) for the overweight and obese adolescents, respectively, while a lower BMI (<20) had an opposite effect with psoriasis (OR = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the psoriasis prevalence in Israeli adolescents is rising. Dermatological comorbidities and an increased BMI were associated with psoriasis in these adolescents. A better understanding of the distinctive epidemiological characteristics of juvenile psoriasis may allow for the early detection of comorbidities and improve its management.

Adult Atopic Dermatitis in Hospitalized Patients: Comparison between Those with Childhood-Onset and Late-Onset Disease.

Atopic eczema is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. It is a common dermatological disorder that affects 17.8 million individuals in the USA, up to 20% of children and up to 3% of adults. Recent data show that the incidence of the disease is still rising, both in children and adults, especially in low-income countries. Atopic dermatitis in adults consists of childhood-onset (COAD) and adult or late-onset types (LOAD). Prior research has described differences in clinical features, laboratory data, and response to treatment between COAD and LOAD. Most studies have been done on an ambulatory population that mostly contains patients with mild to moderate disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the differences between adults hospitalized with COAD and LOAD. METHODS: Data were analyzed from a retrospective cohort of 107 adult AD patients who were hospitalized from 2009 to 2017. Analysis of data included epidemiology, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and response to treatment. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 87 (81%) patients were diagnosed with LOAD, and 20 (19%) patients were diagnosed with COAD. The median age was 66 years for all patients, 42 years for COAD patients, and 77 years for LOAD patients. The prevalence of atopy was lower in the LOAD group than in the COAD group (33.8 vs. 68.8% for family history, 35.5 vs. 84.8% for personal history). A higher incidence of head, neck, and flexural involvement was found in COAD patients. LOAD patients had lower immunoglobulin E levels and responded better to phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with LOAD constitute the majority of adults hospitalized with AD. As in ambulatory AD patients, there are significant differences in medical background, clinical picture, laboratory characteristics, and response to treatment between hospitalized LOAD and COAD patients. There is a need to determine diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for these patients.

Acne and obesity: A nationwide study of 600,404 adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The association between body mass index (BMI) and acne is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between BMI and acne in youths. METHODS: A nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2002-2015 by using medical data on 600,404 youths during compulsory military service. BMI was measured at age 17 years. Acne was diagnosed by dermatologists. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of acne in relation to BMI (stratified into 8 groups) were calculated, with the low-normal group (18.5≤ BMI ≤21.99 kg/m2) serving as the reference. RESULTS: The study included 299,163 males (49.9%) and 301,241 females (50.1%) with a mean age of 18.9 years (standard deviation, 0.6) and 18.7 years (standard deviation, 0.5), respectively, at recruitment. Acne was diagnosed in 55,842 males (18.7%) and 48,969 females (16.3%). The proportion of participants with acne decreased gradually from the underweight to the severely obese group (males, from 19.9% to 13.9%; females, from 16.9% to 11.3%). The findings on multivariable analysis were similar to the unadjusted analysis results, showing the lowest odds of acne in severely obese participants (aOR for males, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.64; aOR for females, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.62). The findings persisted in the sensitivity analyses. LIMITATIONS: Information was lacking on potential confounders and acne severity. CONCLUSION: In youths, overweight and obesity are inversely associated with acne in a dose-dependent manner.

An Outbreak of Microsporum canis infection at a military base associated with stray cat exposure and person-to-person transmission.

Tinea corporis caused by Microsporum canis is usually associated with exposure to animals, but outbreaks with anthropophilic transmission were described. A large outbreak in a military base was investigated. We investigated the outbreak's source and risk factors for infection in order to contain and eliminate it. All staff-members at the base were interviewed and examined. A case-control analysis of symptomatic patients was used to elucidate risk factors. Stray cats were captured and sampled. M. canis isolated from skin and fur specimens of patients and cats were genotyped by microsatellite sequencing. Fifty-three of 502 staff-members were symptomatic. Logistic regression showed risk associated with female gender, cat contact at base and performance of guarding duty. Multiple stray cats were found at the base. M. canis isolates from 4 cats and 4 patients had an identical genotype, while 2 patients had different genotypes. We describe the largest M. canis outbreak reported until now. Epidemiological and phylogenetic tools were used to investigate the source of the outbreak. Multiple exposures to stray cats caused infection of mainly young female soldiers performing guarding duty. Other persons were infected by person-to-person transmission. These findings aided in the termination of the outbreak.

Epidemiological data of 290 pemphigus vulgaris patients: a 29-year retrospective study.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune blistering disease involving the skin and mucosa, is traditionally considered to be prevalent among Jews, particularly those of Ashkenazi origin. Israel, where the Ashkenazi and non-Ashkenazi Jewish population live alongside a large Arab minority, is a particularly interesting place for epidemiological studies of PV. To characterise the epidemiological and clinical parameters of PV patients from a single tertiary medical centre in Israel. Data was retrieved retrospectively from the medical records of newly diagnosed PV patients referred to the Sheba Medical Center between 1980 and 2009. A total of 290 PV patients were diagnosed during the study period. The mean age at diagnosis was 49.7 years (range: 10-92 years) and a female predominance was identified (1.54:1; p<0.001). Among the Jewish patients, the ratio of Ashkenazi to non-Ashkenazi was 1.23:1, which was not statistically significant in comparison to the ratio of the general Jewish population in Israel (p = 0.289). We describe the comorbidities found among the patients. Disease severity at diagnosis was not found to be related to the epidemiological parameters examined. Studies from different countries reveal variations in the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the disease. The epidemiology of PV in Israel, a Middle-Eastern country with a Western lifestyle and a diverse ethnic population, shows some characteristics that represent an "admixture" between European and Middle-Eastern or Asian countries. The associated comorbidities of PV emphasize the need for dermatologists to keep a high index of suspicion and actively evaluate patients to determine their presence.

Attrition due to orthopedic reasons during combat training: rates, types of injuries, and comparison between infantry and noninfantry units.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence and types of orthopedic injuries in infantry and noninfantry units responsible for attrition from combat training. METHODS: 18,651 soldiers consecutively recruited to combat units (5 infantry and 4 noninfantry units) were included in this study. All recruited soldiers underwent and successfully passed a meticulous medical selection process. In all units, the soldiers participated in a suited fitness program that included marching, running, and strength training. Data were collected directly from attrite soldiers' files and detailed lists provided by the units' medical clinics. RESULTS: Out of 18,651 recruits, 641 (3.44%) attrite because of medical reasons. The leading cause of attrition was orthopedic diagnoses, and their overall rate was 43% (274 out of 641). Overuse injuries accounted for 90% of all orthopedic injuries. Low-back and lower extremity injuries accounted for 71.5% of all orthopedic injuries. There was high similarity in orthopedic injuries types and rates between infantry and noninfantry units. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our results, we recommend a multidisciplinary intense effort including physicians, physical training officers, physiotherapists, and commanders to significantly reduce overuse injuries, especially in the low-back and lower extremity regions.