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.

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.

Estudio comparativo epidemiológico de la enfermedad cutánea en población infantil inmigrante y autóctona en Alicante / Comparative Epidemiologic Study of Skin Diseases in Foreign Children and Children of Spanish Origin in Alicante, Spain

INTRODUCCIÓN: En estudios anteriores realizados en nuestro país se ha constatado que la población extranjera e inmigrante puede tener enfermedades diferentes a la población autóctona. Sin embargo, no existe ningún estudio diseñado sobre población infantil inmigrante en España. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El objetivo de este estudio fue el de analizar las dermatosis de la población inmigrante infantil y compararlas con la población autóctona. Se incluyó a todos los pacientes menores de 15 años que fueron atendidos en la sección de dermatología entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2007. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se registraron 3.108 episodios de consulta en población pediátrica, de ellos 2.661 (85,6%) correspondieron a población autóctona y 447 (14,3%) a población inmigrante. La población infantil inmigrante acudió a la consulta (11,4%) más que la población autóctona (6%) (p < 0,001), consultando menos en la consulta ambulatoria especializada (59,6 vs 68,8%) (p < 0,001) y más por urgencias. La escabiosis (ORa: 10,6; IC 95%: 4,71-24,10), las picaduras de artrópodos (ORa: 2,80; IC 95%: 1,14-6,87), la hipopigmentación (ORa: 2,61; IC 95%: 1,06-6,44) y la dermatitis atópica (ORa: 1,65; IC 95%: 1,19-2,31) fueron más frecuentes en la población inmigrante. El nevus melanocítico fue más frecuente en la población autóctona (ORa: 0,50; IC 95%: 0,30-0,83). CONCLUSIONES: Existen diferencias tanto en la forma de consultar como en la frecuencia de las dermatosis presentadas en la población infantil autóctona e inmigrante

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 < 0.001) and made less use of the specialist outpatient clinic (59.6% vs 68.8% [P < 0.001]) 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

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.

[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.

Tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica grave del adulto con mofetil micofenolato en 8 pacientes / Severe Adult Atopic Dermatitis: Treatment With Mycophenolate Mofetil in 8 patients

Introducción. La dermatitis atópica (DA) incluye formas graves que pueden ser refractarias a varios tratamientos sistémicos. Mofetil micofenolato (MMF) ha demostrado ser útil en pacientes con formas graves de DA y produce menos efectos secundarios que el tratamiento a largo plazo con ciclosporina o corticosteroides orales. Objetivos. Valorar la eficacia y los efectos adversos del MMF en pacientes con DA grave del adulto refractaria a otros tratamientos sistémicos en nuestra Unidad de Alergia Cutánea. Métodos. Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo de 8 pacientes con DA grave del adulto tratados con MMF. Analizamos las características basales y los tratamientos previos utilizados por los pacientes, así como los resultados y efectos secundarios obtenidos tras el empleo de MMF. Resultados. Cinco pacientes tratados con MMF presentaron mejoría en la cuarta semana de tratamiento. Además, en 5 de 8 pacientes se consiguió una clara mejoría de la DA a largo plazo. En uno de ellos se logró una remisión de la DA, lo que permitió la retirada de MMF y después de 4 meses sin tratamiento permanece estable y sin recaídas. Los cuatro restantes siguen con terapia de mantenimiento. Tres pacientes continuaron con brotes agudos frecuentes de DA a pesar de haber mantenido el tratamiento con MMF entre 16-72 semanas. Todos los pacientes toleraron el tratamiento con escasos efectos secundarios. Conclusiones. MMF puede ser una opción eficaz en pacientes seleccionados con formas graves de DA. Aunque MMF no produce una respuesta tan rápida como la que se obtiene con ciclosporina o con corticoides orales, permite un tratamiento mantenido, con buen control clínico y escasos efectos secundarios (AU)

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 (AU)

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.

[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.

Dermatitis de contacto por corticoides. Estudio retrospectivo de 3 años en una Unidad de Alergia Cutánea hospitalaria / Allergic Contact Dermatitis due to Corticosteroids: A 3-Year Retrospective Study in a Hospital Skin Allergy Unit

Introducción. La dermatitis de contacto por corticoides y la realización de las pruebas epicutáneas con estas sustancias presentan peculiaridades que hay que conocer. Material y métodos. Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes en los que se aplicó la batería de corticoides en la Unidad de Alergia Cutánea de la Sección de Dermatología del Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, durante el período comprendido entre octubre de 2004 y junio de 2007. Resultados. Durante el período de estudio se atendieron 1.065 pacientes, a 34 de ellos (3,1 %) se les aplicó la batería de corticoides, 14 pacientes con budesonida o tixocortol positivos en la batería estándar y 20 con estos marcadores negativos pero con sospecha clínica de alergia a corticoides. Quince pacientes (44,1 %) obtuvieron algún positivo en la batería de corticoides. La sustancia que más positivos obtuvo fue budesonida (13 pacientes sensibilizados). En 4 de 15 pacientes el uso de la batería de corticoides informó de sensibilización a otros grupos de corticoides. A 17 pacientes se les aplicaron los medicamentos aportados por ellos, obteniéndose 10 sustancias positivas. Conclusiones. Los marcadores para la dermatitis de contacto por corticoides presentes en la batería estándar (budesonida y tixocortol) detectaron el 93 % de pacientes sensibilizados a corticoides, por lo que no parece rentable aplicar la batería de corticoides si dichos marcadores son negativos. La batería de corticoides y los propios fármacos aportados por los pacientes fueron útiles para definir mejor los grupos de corticoides que estos no pueden utilizar (AU)

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 (AU)

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).