Is eosinophilic esophagitis an equivalent of pollen allergic asthma? Analysis of biopsies and therapy guided by component resolved diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by esophageal dysfunction and, histologically, by eosinophilic inflammation. There is not a clear etiologic treatment. Biopsies analysis using plant histology methods may show callose and pollen tubes in the esophageal mucosa. Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) with microarrays could detect possible allergens involved and indicate an elimination diet and allergen immunotherapy (AIT). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients with EoE were tested for environmental and food allergens. CRD, histological and botanical analysis were performed. Clinical scores and endoscopic biopsy were performed every six months for three years. Fifty healthy patients, 50 asthmatics due to pollen, and 53 celiac disease patients were included as comparison groups. CRD-directed AIT was administered in 91 EoE patients and elimination diet in 140 patients (87 EoE and all 53 CD patients). RESULTS: CRD detected allergen hypersensitivity in 87.6% of patients with EoE. The predominant allergens were grass group 1 (55%), lipid transfer proteins (LTP) of peach and mugwort, hazelnuts and walnuts. Callose from pollen tubes was found in 65.6% of biopsies. After CRD-guided elimination diet and/or AIT, 101 (78.3%) EoE patients showed significant clinical improvement (p<0.017) and 97 (75.2%) were discharged (negative biopsy, no symptoms, no medication) without relapse. AIT-treated patients had better outcomes (odds ratio 177.3, 95% CI 16.2-1939.0). CONCLUSION: CRD-directed AIT and/or elimination diet was efficient in treating EoE patients and was well tolerated.

[Jejunal mucormycosis in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma]. / Mucormicosis yeyunal en paciente con linfoma de Hodgkin.

We report a case of intestinal mucormycosis in a 46-year-old male diagnosed with classical Hodgkin's disease, IV-B stage. During the first phase of chemotherapy he had a massive digestive bleeding event secondary to a jejunal ulcer, and zygomicosis mucor-type was diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy. The patient was treated with antifungal drugs and surgical resection of the intestine involved. At surgery a double covered perforation of the jejunum was seen. Pathological examination confirmed the previous diagnosis. After one year of follow-up the patient is doing well, and his lymphoma is on remission. To our best knowledge this is the second case of intestinal mucormycosis in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma reported in the medical literature.

Influence of the -308 TNF-alpha and -174 IL-6 polymorphisms on lipid profile in Mexican subjects.

Polymorphisms in the promoter region of several cytokine genes have been associated with differential cytokine production. Several reports indicate that polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) genes are associated with lipid abnormalities. The aim of this study was to identify the genotype frequencies for -308G/ATNF-alpha and -174G/CIL-6 polymorphisms in Mexican subjects and to determine the influence of both polymorphisms on serum lipid levels. Serum lipid concentrations were measured in 100 healthy Mexican subjects. Screening of the -308G/ATNF-alpha and -174G/CIL-6 polymorphisms was performed in all participants using PCR-RFLPs. Genotype frequency for TNF-alpha polymorphism was: 87% GG and 13% GA, whereas IL-6 polymorphism was: 77% GG and 23% GC. The polymorphism frequencies obtained in this study were significantly different to Caucasian populations. High serum levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol were associated with GG genotype of the -308 TNF-alpha polymorphism, as well as low HDL-c levels, but no association was found between the -174 IL-6 polymorphism and serum lipid concentrations. We observed a significant association of the -308 TNF-alpha polymorphism with lipid profile in Mexican subjects. Furthermore, the genotype distribution of -308 TNF-alpha and -174 IL-6 polymorphisms in Mexican Mestizo population similar to populations in different continents may be due to our genetic background influenced by the mixture of Spaniards, Indian and black genes.

Severe anemia, gastric ulcer, pneumonitis and cholangitis in a liver transplant patient: multiple organic dysfunction and one etiology: a case report.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral pathogen that negatively affects the outcome of liver transplantation. CMV causes febrile illness often accompanied by bone marrow suppression, and in some cases it invades tissues, including the transplanted allograft. In addition, CMV has been significantly associated with an increased predisposition to allograft rejection, accelerated hepatitis C recurrence, and other opportunistic infections, as well as reduced overall patient and allograft survivals. We carried out a study on a Spanish adult liver transplant recipient who rapidly presented anemia and was diagnosed as having Coomb negative (nonimmune) hemolytic anemia, gastric ulcer, pneumonitis, and cholangitis associated with a CMV infection.

Two new cases of Cumming syndrome confirming autosomal recessive inheritance.

We report on two stillborn sisters with generalized hydrops, campomelia, cervical lymphocele, and polycystic dysplasia of kidney, liver, and pancreas. This syndrome conforms to that first described by Cumming et al. [Am. J. Med. Genet. 25:783-790, 1986]. This observation provides additional support for the notion that this syndrome has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

Use of cyanoacrylate glue to prepare cultured keratinocyte sheets for grafting.

We describe a method to prepare keratinocyte cultured sheets for grafting based on the use of an organic glue (n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate). It is a rapid and easy method in which the cultured layers of keratinocytes remain with a surface area similar to the original cultures.

Large surface of cultured human epithelium obtained on a dermal matrix based on live fibroblast-containing fibrin gels.

The aim of this study was to develop a new keratinocyte culture system on a dermal equivalent suitable for skin wound closure. Our dermal matrix is based on a fibrin gel from plasma cryoprecipitate containing live human fibroblast (from human foreskin). Keratinocytes obtained from primary culture according to the Rheinwald and Green method, were seeded on the gel at different seeding ratios. In all cases, the keratinocytes plated on the dermal equivalent grew to confluence and stratified epithelium was obtained within 10-15 days in culture. Early expression of basal membrane proteins was detected by immunostaining with laminin and type IV collagen antibodies. Cell proliferation was detected both in the epidermal layer and in the fibroblast embedded in the gel as assessed by BrdU incorporation. Detachment of composite cultures from dishes or flasks is a simple and quick procedure without the need for dispase treatment. Grafting of composite cultures to nude mice gave rise to an orderly stratified, orthokeratinized epithelium resembling human epidermis. A number of advantages including a large expansion factor without the need of 3T3 feeder layer, the availability of fibrin/plasma cryoprecipitate from blood banks and the versatile manipulation of composite cultures suggest that this system could be suitable for the definitive coverage of severely burned patients.

Anticonvulsant effects of Magnolia grandiflora L. in the rat.

The ethyl ether (EE) and hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Magnolia grandiflora L. (Magnoliaceae) seeds, a popular plant utilized in the Mexican traditional medicine because of its antispasmodic as well as other reported pharmacological effects, were studied in adult male Wistar rats. EE and HE orally administered in a single dose of 250 mg/kg (calculated on lipidic base) and 200 mg/kg, exhibited abolition of the extensor reflex of maximal electric induced-seizure test in 50 and 40% of the experimental animals, respectively. They significantly prolonged the sleeping time induced by pentobarbital and only the ethanol extract induced hypothermia. No neurological deficit was exhibited by either extract according to the gait, stance and righting test. Although ulterior toxicological and pharmacological insight is necessary, these results suggest that the chemical constituents of this plant could have utility in the control of epileptic patients presenting convulsive seizures.

Salivary duct carcinoma: an unusual case of long-term evolution.

Salivary duct carcinoma is a highly malignant adenocarcinoma of salivary origin. Its pathologic features are distinct from the other salivary gland tumors and bear a remarkable histologic resemblance to ductal breast carcinoma. The clinical course is rapid and the prognosis is dismal. Aggressive therapy is warranted, including primary tumor resection, cervical neck dissection, and radiotherapy. We present a case of salivary duct carcinoma of parotid origin with a very long-term evolution in clear contrast to its supposed aggressiveness. Tumor cells expressed low- and high-molecular-weight cytokeratins, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, and c-erbB-2 but not estrogen and progesterone receptors, actin, and S-100.

De novo desmoplastic neurotropic melanoma of the lower lip: a neoplasm with ominous behavior.

Desmoplastic neurotropic melanoma represents a rare histologic variant of malignant melanoma that is characterized by a proliferation of spindle cells in a densely collagenous stroma with pronounced neurotropism. A 60-year-old man appeared for evaluation of a mass in the lower lip. The labial mucosa was intact, and the lesion had been present for 2 months. The tumor was surgically removed, and after immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis it was diagnosed as desmoplastic neurotropic melanoma. The tumor recurred 6 months later, with involvement of the inferior alveolar nerve.

Synovial osteochondromatosis at the elbow producing ulnar and median nerve palsy. Case report and review of the literature.

The authors present the case of a 53-year-old woman suffering from synovial osteochondromatosis of her right elbow responsible for ulnar and median nerve entrapment neuropathy. This condition is characterised by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules in the metaplastic synovium of otherwise normal joints, bursae or tendon sheaths. Treatment consisted of partial synovectomy, removal of loose bodies and microscopic nerve release. Synovial osteochondromatosis complicated by nerve compression syndromes has been rarely reported, usually with ulnar tunnel syndrome at the elbow. The literature on this subject is reviewed.

Hyperostotic macrodactyly and lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

A new case with 14-year follow-up of an extremely rare variety of congenital hand macrodactyly is presented. The disease characteristically presents a diffuse proliferation of fibrofatty tissue, but in this special type, osteocartilaginous deposits around the joints can also be found. The case presented included the troublesome feature of a lipofibromatous hamartoma in the median nerve at the wrist and its branches producing carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient obtained benefit from carpal tunnel release and epineurolysis. The hyperostotic development was managed with conservative resection of the periarticular osteochondromas. The literature reviewed suggests that the hyperostotic cases of macrodactyly do not differ from general cases of this congenital condition, except for the osteochondral deposits. These tumours develop during adulthood or after previous trauma, before epiphyseal closure.

[Incidence of primary gastric lymphoma and H. pylori infection in the central zone of Asturias]. / Incidencia de linfomas gástricos primarios y de afectación por H. pylori en la zona central de Asturias.

OBJECTIVE: We review our experience with primary gastric lymphomas type B of low (MALT) and high grade in a population of 366,635 people during 4 years and after performing 9,268 gastroscopies. RESULTS: The incidence of these lymphomas in our medium is similar to that found in the world population. Possible disagreements among the biopsy histology and that of the subsequent gastrectomy samples is pointed out. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of H. pylori involvement in our primary gastric lymphomas is similar to that reported in the literature for the age of our patients, for the MALT lymphomas an well as for the type B high grade.

Is eosinophilic esophagitis an equivalent of pollen allergic asthma? Analysis of biopsies and therapy guided by component resolved diagnosis

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by esophageal dysfunction and, histologically, by eosinophilic inflammation. There is not a clear etiologic treatment. Biopsies analysis using plant histology methods may show callose and pollen tubes in the esophageal mucosa. Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) with microarrays could detect possible allergens involved and indicate an elimination diet and allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine patients with EoE were tested for environmental and food allergens. CRD, histological and botanical analysis were performed. Clinical scores and endoscopic biopsy were performed every six months for three years. Fifty healthy patients, 50 asthmatics due to pollen, and 53 celiac disease patients were included as comparison groups. CRD-directed AIT was administered in 91 EoE patients and elimination diet in 140 patients (87 EoE and all 53 CD patients). Results: CRD detected allergen hypersensitivity in 87.6% of patients with EoE. The predominant allergens were grass group 1 (55%), lipid transfer proteins (LTP) of peach and mugwort, hazelnuts and walnuts. Callose from pollen tubes was found in 65.6% of biopsies. After CRD-guided elimination diet and/or AIT, 101 (78.3%) EoE patients showed significant clinical improvement (p < 0.017) and 97 (75.2%) were discharged (negative biopsy, no symptoms, no medication) without relapse (AU)

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[Adverse reactions to food in daycare children]. / Reacciones adversas a los alimentos en niños de guardería.

A prospective descriptive survey was applied to 291 children of three different nurseries in Guadalajara, México. Medical history was done to the suspicious ones, from those, only 11 were positive (3.78%). The presumptive diagnosis of food allergy was based on the patient's history, food challenges and food elimination. The most frequent age of presentation was at 2 (34.7%) and at 4 (34.7%) years old. The food reactions were: lactose intolerance (1.7%), allergy to eggs (0.6%), carrots (0.3%), food additives (0.6%), sausages and ham (0.3%), gettina a prevalence of adverse reaction of 3.7% to food in this population. The ablactation began before three months of age in all the children with allergenic meals like: citrics (43.3%) and eggs (13%). The clinical manifestations found were diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distense, flatulence palpebral edema of nose, cheeks and hands.

Synthesis of imidazo[4,5-d]oxazolo[3,4-a]pyridines. New heterocyclic analogues of lignans.

The preparation of new analogues of lignans carrying an imidazole ring has been achieved. Starting from L-histidinol, cis and trans stereoisomers have been obtained. The synthesized products lack the cytotoxicity displayed by related podophyllotoxins and azatoxin.

Parotid metastasis from renal clear cell adenocarcinoma. An unusual site for metastasis.

Metastasis to the parotid region is rare, and originates primarily from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma of the skin. Renal clear cell adenocarcinoma has considerable metastatic potential and the parotid gland is one possible destination. Histopathologic study is important to differentiate this entity from primary clear cell parotid neoplasm.

[KI-1-positive, anaplastic, large-cell lymphoma related to Hodgkin's disease]. / Linfoma anaplásico de células grandes Ki-1 positivo relacionado con Hodgkin.

We report a case of lymphoma associated with lung carcinoma that shows morphological and immunohistochemical features of anaplastic large cell Ki-1 positive lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease, with positivity for Ki-1 (CD-30) (characteristic of both lymphomas) and Leu-M1 (CD-15) (normally dosent absent in anaplastic lymphoma). This subtype of lymphoma is designated anaplastic large-cell Hodgkin's related lymphoma (ALCL related to HD) and is considered by some authors as a secondary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.