Liver growth factor induces testicular regeneration in EDS-treated rats and increases protein levels of class B scavenger receptors.

The aim of the present work was to determine the effects of liver growth factor (LGF) on the regeneration process of rat testes after chemical castration induced by ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS) by analyzing some of the most relevant proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism, such as hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD), scavenger receptor SR-BI, and other components of the SR family that could contribute to the recovery of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the testis. Sixty male rats were randomized to nontreated (controls) and LGF-treated, EDS-treated, and EDS + LGF-treated groups. Testes were obtained on days 10 (T1), 21 (T2), and 35 (T3) after EDS treatment, embedded in paraffin, and analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. LGF improved the recovery of the seminiferous epithelia, the appearance of the mature pattern of Leydig cell interstitial distribution, and the expression of mature SR-BI. Moreover, LGF treatment resulted in partial recovery of HSL expression in Leydig cells and spermatogonia. No changes in serum testosterone were observed in control or LGF-treated rats, but in EDS-castrated animals LGF treatment induced a progressive increase in serum testosterone levels and 3ß-HSD expression. Based on the pivotal role of SR-BI in the uptake of cholesteryl esters from HDL, it is suggested that the observed effects of LGF would facilitate the provision of cholesterol for sperm cell growth and Leydig cell recovery.

Comparative epidemiologic study of skin diseases in foreign children and children of Spanish origin in Alicante, Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies in Spain have shown that the foreign and immigrant populations can have different diseases to Spanish-born individuals. However, no comparative study has specifically investigated foreign children in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The objective of the study was to compare skin diseases in foreign children with those in children born in Spain of Spanish parents. We included all patients under 15 years of age who were seen in our dermatology department between January 2007 and December 2007. RESULTS: During the study period, 3108 pediatric patients were seen in the dermatology department. Of these, 2661 (85.6%) were Spanish and 447 (14.3%) were foreigners. Foreign children sought medical care more often (11.4%) than Spanish children (6%) (P<.001) and made less use of the specialist outpatient clinic (59.6% vs 68.8% [P<.001]) and more use of emergency care. Complaints observed more frequently in the foreign children were scabies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 10.6; 95% CI, 4.71-24.10), arthropod bites (aOR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.14-6.87), hypopigmentation (aOR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.06-6.44), and atopic dermatitis (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.19-2.31). Melanocytic nevus was observed more frequently in Spanish children (aOR, .50; 95% CI, .30-.83). CONCLUSIONS: Differences between children born in Spain of Spanish parents and foreign children were found for type of visit and frequency of skin diseases.

Localized acquired cutis laxa secondary to interstitial granulomatous dermatitis.

We report the case of a 68-year-old woman who had interstitial granulomatous dermatitis associated with seronegative polyarthritis. Two years later, this had evolved to become localized acquired cutis laxa.

Factors from damaged sperm affect its DNA integrity and its ability to promote embryo implantation in mice.

Endogenous nucleases in mouse sperm can be activated by freeze-thawing the spermatozoa in media without cryoprotection and cleaving spermatozoa DNA. The role of sperm chromatin integrity during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is of critical importance. We analyzed in the B6D2 mouse the proportion of DNA-fragmented spermatozoa (DFS) produced by incubation in conditioned medium (CM) generated by freeze-thawing sperm in the absence of cryoprotection. We then examined the subsequent development, implantation, and offspring obtained after ICSI with incubated spermatozoa. When fresh sperm cells were incubated for 90 minutes in this CM, a significant increase in the amount of DFS was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling assay (27% vs 4.5% in fresh sperm). After ICSI of fresh and incubated spermatozoa, embryos were cultured in vitro to either the 2-cell or blastocyst stage before they were transferred into pseudopregnant CD1 females. On day 14, recipients were sacrificed, and implantation rates, estimated as the number of live fetuses plus resorptions, were determined. When ICSI was performed with sperm incubated in CM, no effects on fertilization, embryo cleavage, blastocyst rate, or blastocyst morphology were detected; however, the quality of the embryos was affected because the total implantation rate decreased significantly (P < .05) when 2-cell embryos or blastocysts were transferred. Independently of sperm pretreatment, in vitro cultures significantly affected the percentage of live fetuses present on day 14 of pregnancy. These results demonstrated that there are factors released from fragmented spermatozoa capable of inducing DNA fragmentation in intact sperm that may compromise, to some extent, birth rates after ICSI.

Cyclical hypereosinophilia with skin manifestations and a clonal T cell population.

Hypereosinophilia is a common biological finding in clinical practice, in some cases without an identifiable cause. We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman with recurrent attacks of facial angioedema, fever, pruritic cutaneous nodules, and eosinophilia that reached up to 12.7 x 10(9) cells/L during outbreaks. She had experienced 2 episodes every month for the last 12 years, and the episodes resolved with systemic corticosteroids. Other causes of eosinophilia were ruled out. The patient showed an aberrant T cell population with a CD3-CD4+ TCR- phenotype that accounted for up to 22% of circulating lymphocytes. Analysis of the T-cell receptor (TCR) gene showed evidence of clonal rearrangement. During the episodes, this cell population produced high levels of interleukin-5, which returned to normal levels between the outbreaks. However the aberrant T cell population remained unaffected after the treatment. We suggest that lymphocyte immunophenotyping analysis should be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome, including the variant type of episodic angioedema and eosinophilia (Gleich syndrome).

Developmental consequences of sexual dimorphism during pre-implantation embryonic development.

Abnormalities of development potential arising from pre-implantation environment are not limited to in vitro culture (IVC) (for, i.e. in ruminants the large offspring syndrome produced by IVC), they may also be consequence of specific stress conditions experienced in vivo, like maternal diet, toxins, etc. A complex group of mechanisms (gene expression, epigenetic, metabolic, etc.) may operate to link early embryo environment with future health. Furthermore, during the pre-implantation period, in vitro produced male embryos have a higher metabolic rate, they grow faster than females, and they also have differential gene transcription of genes located in the Y-, X-, or in autosomal-chromosomes. As a consequence of these differences embryos may be affected differentially by natural or artificial environmental conditions, depending on their gender. It has been suggested that under some stress conditions male embryos are more vulnerable than females; however the biological fragility of male embryos is poorly understood. Evidences suggest that epigenetic differences produced by the presence of one or two X-chromosomes are the principal cause of the male and female pre-implantation differences, and we put forward the possible role of these early sex differences to control sex ratio of the offspring under different environmental conditions in Nature. By following the differences between male and female early embryos not only may be possible to manipulate sex ratio in farm animals, we can also gain further insight into aspects of early embryo development, X inactivation, and epigenetic and genetic processes related with early development that may have a long-term effect on the offspring.

Reproductive biology and nectar production of the Mexican endemic Psittacanthus auriculatus (Loranthaceae), a hummingbird-pollinated mistletoe.

Many mistletoe species produce 'bird'-pollinated flowers; however, the reproductive biology of the majority of these species has not been studied. Psittacanthus auriculatus is a Mexican endemic mistletoe, most common in open, dry mesquite grassland. Knowledge of the reproductive biology of P. auriculatus is essential for understanding species formation and diversification of Psittacanthus mistletoes, but it is currently poorly understood. Thus, we studied floral biology and phenology, nectar production and breeding system and pollination of this species. The hermaphroditic red-pink flowers open from the middle to the tip and petals are curly, but remain partially fused forming a floral tube of ca. 20-mm long. Flowers are partially protandrous, produce large amounts of nectar, last 2 days, and stigma receptivity is highest during the second day. We recorded hummingbirds (Cynanthus latirostris, Hylocharis leucotis, Amazilia beryllina, A. violiceps, Calothorax lucifer, Archilochus colubris) and less commonly butterflies (Agraulis vanillae, Anteos clorinde, Papilio multicaudatus, Phocides urania, Phoebis sennae) as floral visitors. P. auriculatus flowers are self-compatible. However, this mistletoe is an obligate animal-pollinated species, as the sensitive stigma avoids self-pollination. Under natural conditions, reproductive success was higher than in manually selfed or cross-pollinated flowers, likely due to the traplining foraging behaviour of hummingbirds. We suggest that the apparent efficient foraging behaviour of hummingbirds maintains gene flow among P. auriculatus, promoting outcrossing.

Persistent Desquamation of the Scalp as a Manifestation of Tinea Capitis in Sub-Saharan Children.

Scalp hyperkeratosis of childhood is most often associated with atopic or seborrheic dermatitis. However, in black children can be associated with tinea capitis. We undertook a retrospective study in all Sub-Saharan children presenting with chronic scalp scaling between June 2010 and June 2013, to determine whether chronic desquamation of the scalp is a clinical manifestation of tinea capitis. The criterion used to diagnose tinea capitis was a positive mycolological culture. Of the 23 Sub-Saharan African children attended, 12 (43.4%) presented with chronic scalp flaking. Mycological culture was performed in 9 of the 12 cases. The culture was positive in 6 out of 9, so 26% of the Sub-Saharan African children attended were diagnosed with tinea capitis. In 52.1% of the cases with persistent scalp scaling the culture was positive. In conclusion, chronic scaling of the scalp may well be the sole form of presentation of tinea capitis in Sub-Saharan children.

[Severe adult atopic dermatitis: treatment with mycophenolate mofetil in 8 patients]. / Tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica grave del adulto con mofetil micofenolato en 8 pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) includes severe forms that can be refractory to various systemic treatments. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been found to be useful in patients with severe forms of AD and to have fewer side effects than long-term treatment with oral corticosteroids or cyclosporine. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of MMF in patients seen in our skin allergy unit with severe adult AD refractory to other systemic treatments. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 8 patients with severe adult AD treated with MMF, analyzing the baseline characteristics, previous treatments used by the patients, and the outcome and adverse effects of treatment with MMF. RESULTS: Five patients treated with MMF showed improvement in the fourth week of treatment. In addition, 5 of the 8 patients presented a clear, long-term improvement in their disease. Remission of AD occurred in 1 patient, making it possible to discontinue MMF; this patient remains stable with no relapses after 4 months without treatment. The other 4 patients continue on maintenance therapy. Three patients continued to have frequent acute outbreaks of AD despite treatment with MMF for 16 to 72 weeks. All patients tolerated the treatment and there were few adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: MMF can be an effective option in selected patients with severe forms of atopic dermatitis. Although the response is not as rapid as with oral corticosteroids or cyclosporine, it can be used for maintenance treatment with good clinical control and few adverse effects.

[Allergic contact dermatitis due to corticosteroids: a 3-year retrospective study in a hospital skin allergy unit]. / Dermatitis de contacto por corticoides: estudio retrospectivo de 3 años en una unidad de alergia cutánea hospitalaria.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid contact dermatitis and its patch testing are subject to certain peculiarities that we should be aware of. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all patients who underwent patch tests with a corticosteroid battery in the Skin Allergy Unit of the Dermatology Department of Hospital General Universitario, Alicante, Spain, between October 2004 and June 2007. RESULTS: During the study period, patch tests were performed on 1065 patients in our allergy unit. A corticosteroid battery was used in 34 patients (3.1 %). Fourteen patients were positive for budesonide or tixocortol in the standard battery; 20 were negative for these allergens but there was a clinical suspicion of steroid allergy. At least one positive reaction in the corticosteroid battery was observed in 15 patients (44.1 %). The substance most commonly implicated was budesonide (13 patients sensitized). The corticosteroid battery revealed sensitization to other groups of corticosteroids in 4 of the 15 patients with corticosteroid sensitization. Seventeen patients brought drugs that were also tested, obtaining positive results for 10 substances. CONCLUSIONS: Allergens for contact dermatitis due to corticosteroids included in the standard battery (budesonide and tixocortol) detected 93 % of patients who are sensitized to steroids; there would appear to be little benefit in performing a corticosteroid battery if those markers are negative. The battery of corticosteroids and the drugs provided by patients were useful to define more exactly the corticosteroid classes that the patient should avoid.

Scrotal heat stress effects on sperm viability, sperm DNA integrity, and the offspring sex ratio in mice.

Evidence exists to suggest detrimental effects of heat stress on male fertility. This study was designed to assess the effects of scrotal heat stress on mature and developing sperm in a mouse model. After receiving shock heat treatment (42 degrees C for 30 min), mature spermatozoa were recovered from the epididymis hours (6) or Days (7, 14, 21, 28, 60) later, to determine the variables: number of spermatozoa, sperm viability, motility and progressive motility, sperm DNA integrity as established by the TUNEL method, embryo implantation rate, and sex ratio of the fetuses conceived using the heat-exposed spermatozoa. Our results indicate that transient mild heat treatment does not affect in the same way the different types of male germ cells. Spermatocytes present within the testis at the time of heat stress resulted into a lower concentration of spermatozoa with reduced viability and low motility. Even though, DNA integrity of spermatozoa resulting from spermatocytes was also compromised by heat stress, the higher degree of DNA damage was found among spermatozoa resulting from spermatids present within the testis at the time of heat stress. At last, heat shock effect on spermatozoa present in the epididymis at the time of thermal stress resulted into a sex ratio distortion. These findings point to a higher sensitivity of spermatocytes to heat exposure and also suggest a different response of X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa to heat stress that warrants further investigation.

[Perifollicular xanthomatosis as a key histological finding in Fox-Fordyce disease]. / Xantomatosis perifolicular: hallazgo histológico clave en la enfermedad de Fox-Fordyce.

Fox-Fordyce disease is a rare skin condition characterized by the presence of multiple pruritic follicular papules in areas rich in apocrine glands, such as the axillae, mammary areolae, or genital regions. There is a high degree of variability in the histological findings seen in Fox-Fordyce disease. In addition to those described as typical of this entity, such as dilation of the infundibulum and hyperkeratosis and spongiosis of the infundibular epithelium, many other histological changes can be observed. We report the case of a 21-year-old woman with Fox-Fordyce disease and highlight the importance of perifollicular xanthomatosis as a key histological finding in the diagnosis of the disease.

Differential effects of culture and nuclear transfer on relative transcript levels of genes with key roles during preimplantation.

It is well known that the preimplantation culture environment to which embryos are exposed influences the expression of developmentally important genes. Recently, it has been reported that MEMalpha, a culture medium commonly used for somatic cells, allows high rates of preimplantation development and development to term of mouse somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. The objective of this study was to compare the differential effects of this medium and of the nuclear transfer procedure on the relative mRNA abundance of several genes with key roles during preimplantation. The relative mRNA levels of nine genes (Glut 1, Glut 5, G6PDH, Bax, Survivin, Gpx 1, Oct4, mTert and IGF2bp1) were quantified at blastocyst stage on cumulus cell cloned embryos cultured in MEMalpha, as well as on in vivo cultured and MEMalpha cultured controls. Only three of the nine transcripts analysed (Glut 5, Gpx 1 and Igf2bp1) were significantly down-regulated at blastocyst stage in in vitro produced controls. However, most genes analysed in our MEMalpha cultured cloned embryos showed altered transcription levels. Interestingly, between cloned and in vitro produced controls only the transcription levels measured for Glut 1 were significantly different. This result suggests that Glut 1 may be a good marker for embryo quality after cumulus cell nuclear transfer.