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Biomedical subjects

L Lowe

Publications and source records attributed to L Lowe.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Cutaneous macroglobulinosis. A case report with unique ultrastructural findings.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous macroglobulinosis is a rare cutaneous manifestation of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Lesions result from the direct deposition of macroglobulin in the skin and have been called IgM storage papules. A case of cutaneous macroglobulinosis with unique ultrastructural findings was studied. OBSERVATIONS: Cutaneous macroglobulinosis is characterized by multiple flesh-colored papules on extensor skin surfaces. Histologically, there are dermal collections of eosinophilic hyaline material, simulating amyloid. The material is positive on periodic acid-Schiff staining. Amyloid stains are negative or equivocal. Electron microscopy reveals thick, nonbranching, 56-nm-wide, linear material with cross striations at 12-nm intervals. These ultrastructural findings differ from the three previously reported cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous macroglobulinosis may be a rare presenting sign of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Deposits of macroglobulin in the skin result in a histologic picture that greatly resembles amyloid. Histochemical stains, direct immunofluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy are useful tools that enable accurate diagnosis and help to distinguish cutaneous macroglobulinosis from other deposition disorders.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

Papulonodular dermal mucinosis in lupus erythematosus.

We report two cases of lupus erythematosus (LE) in which a truncal papulonodular eruption predominated. Histologically the lesions were characterized by diffuse dermal mucin without the usual inflammatory or epidermal changes of LE. It is uncommon in LE for dermal mucin to be present in a sufficient quantity to produce a papulonodular eruption in the absence of typical epidermal changes.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Carbon dioxide laser treatment of actinic cheilitis. Clinicohistopathologic correlation to determine the optimal depth of destruction.

BACKGROUND: The carbon dioxide laser is an effective modality for the treatment of actinic cheilitis, but the number of passes required is unknown. After each pass different visual tissue qualities are observed. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to identify and characterize histologically the tissue zones seen after laser impact and thereby to determine the optimal depth of destruction of diseased tissue. METHODS: Twenty-three biopsy specimens from 14 patients were obtained from zones of different tissue qualities after one and three passes with the laser. Specimens were histologically examined for the presence or absence of diseased epithelium and degree of thermal necrosis. RESULTS: Complete destruction of the epithelial layer was observed in all specimens irrespective of the number of laser passes. The amount of dermal homogenization increased with multiple passes. CONCLUSION: Treatment to the first or second surgical zone is effective for actinic cheilitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis.

Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis is a rare entity reported to occur in association with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Three patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis are described. Clinically, the eruption is characterized by symmetric erythematous papules, plaques, and rarely vesicles on extensor skin surfaces. Light microscopy reveals a dermal neutrophilic infiltrate without vasculitis. Spongiotic intraepidermal blisters, subepidermal bullae, or papillary neutrophilic microabscesses may be seen. The histologic differential diagnosis includes the other dermatoses in which neutrophils predominate. Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis is one of several neutrophilic dermatoses seen in association with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that it may be part of a spectrum of neutrophilic cutaneous reaction patterns in a predisposed host.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Summary of results of a comparative study of alcohol problems and solutions: Spain and Portugal.

This study explores through a mail questionnaire alcohol problems and solutions in Spain and Portugal including: drunk-driving, treatment services and prevention, economic issues, alcohol consumption, cultural aspects, and supply of alcoholic beverages. Consumption of alcohol in both countries is lower for men and women with college educations. Marital status has minimal effects on the consumption level of men and women in Spain and of men in Portugal. For Portuguese married women, consumption is higher. Too many bars and feasts are primary cultural adjuncts contributing to alcohol problems.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1991

Cloning of cDNA for natural killer cell stimulatory factor, a heterodimeric cytokine with multiple biologic effects on T and natural killer cells.

Previously we have reported the purification and characterization of a novel cytokine from an EBV-transformed B cell line, RPMI 8866. This factor, termed natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF), possessed pleiotropic activities including the induction of IFN-gamma from PBL, enhancement of cytotoxicity by NK cells, and stimulation of the proliferation of PBL. Purified NKSF was found to be a disulfide-linked heterodimeric protein composed of 35-kDa and 40-kDa subunits (p35 and p40). We now report the molecular cloning of cDNA for both subunits of NKSF from RPMI 8866 cellular RNA. The cDNA sequences indicate that both genes are novel, and Southern blot analysis confirmed that both cDNA are of human genomic origin. [35S]Methionine labeling indicated that cos-1 cells transfected with either p35 or p40 cDNA produced unique protein species of appropriate size. Methionine labeling of cos-1 cells cotransfected with p35 plus p40 cDNA yielded a broad band migrating between 70 and 90 kDa on a nonreducing gel. Reduction of this high molecular weight material yielded bands correlating with p35 and p40 gene products. Only culture supernatant from cotransfected cos-1 cells had a high level of NKSF biologic activity. That the high molecular weight material was responsible for this activity was indicated by the observation that biologic activity in the culture supernatant migrated at 70 to 90 kDa in a nonreducing gel. Furthermore, anti-p40 serum was able to block the biologic activities of both recombinant and natural NKSF, which indicates that it is a component of the active protein. In contrast, no activity could be detected in the supernatants of cos-1 cells transfected with p40 or p35 cDNA alone. The spectrum of biologic activity produced by cotransfected cos-1 cells was the same as NKSF purified to homogeneity from the RPMI 8866 cell line. A synergistic augmentation of some of these responses was found by the addition of IL-2 or the co-stimulators PHA or phorbol diester. The synergistic stimulation by NKSF plus IL-2 of T and NK function supports the possibility that these cytokines might prove useful in cancer therapy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Newer variants and simulants of basal cell carcinoma.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has characteristic clinical and histopathologic findings that facilitate accurate diagnosis. There are, however, many variants and simulants of BCC that may cause clinical and/or histopathologic confusion. These entities often have features in common with BCC, with nodular or sclerosing basaloid islands, peripheral palisading, stromal retraction, (pseudo)-glandular formation, and/or prominent mucin. Recently described BCC variants, including signet-ring BCC and granular cell BCC, are discussed. Less commonly appreciated basaloid simulants, including ameloblastoma, cloacogenic carcinoma, and mucinous carcinoma, are described. Distinguishing among these variants and simulants of BCC is important because treatment and prognosis of each may vary.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗
PubMed1990

Traumatic asphyxia.

Traumatic asphyxia is a distinctive clinical syndrome characterized by cervicofacial cyanosis and edema, multiple petechiae, and subconjunctival hemorrhage after a severe crush injury of the thorax or of the upper part of the abdomen. A case of traumatic asphyxia is reported, and its clinical and pathophysiologic features are discussed.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1989

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, a distinctive eruption occurring after hepatitis B infection, is characterized by symmetric, nonpruritic lichenoid papules usually localized to the face, limbs, and buttocks. In North America, hepatitis B antigenemia is rarely associated with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in infants. Recent reports indicate there are a variety of infectious agents associated with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. We report a case of an 11-month-old white female infant with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome and concurrent primary Epstein-Barr virus infection without evidence of hepatitis B infection.

Acrodermatitis↗
PubMed1989

Homologous recombination involving small single-stranded oligonucleotides in human cells.

Gene modification by homologous recombination is one of the techniques that may eventually be used in gene replacement therapy. We tested whether small, synthetic single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides are capable of participating in homologous recombination in human cells. A plasmid carrying a mutant neomycin phosphotransferase (neo) gene was cotransfected with a 40-nucleotide single-stranded oligomer that contained the wild-type neo gene sequence into human cells. Cells expressing neo were selected in the antibiotic G418. These cells contained wild-type molecules, which resulted from recombination between the two molecules. The results indicate that this approach may be useful in correcting or introducing single point mutations into the genomes of mammalian cells.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Bullous amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis may present with involvement of a variety of organ systems. Cutaneous involvement is a relatively common finding in patients with systemic amyloidosis. The occurrence of bullous skin lesions, however, is rare; only a few such cases have been previously reported. We describe a patient who presented with a subepidermal bullous skin disease initially thought to be bullous pemphigoid based on both clinical and histologic appearances. The patient subsequently developed the nephrotic syndrome. Biopsy specimens of the skin and kidney showed involvement of both organs with amyloid, and amyloid was later found in the spleen, heart, and nervous system. No subsequent evidence of myeloma was found in this patient. The clinical, histopathologic, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopic findings of systemic amyloidosis are discussed.

Amyloidosis↗
PubMed1989

Eruptive dysplastic nevi associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The cutaneous manifestations of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome include infections and neoplasms resulting from the immunodeficient state. Seven patients presenting with the symptom of new eruptive nevi with dysplastic histologic findings are described. These patients noted multiple new moles, which occurred in crops and in individuals without the dysplastic nevus syndrome (familial melanomas). This symptom occurred as the patients became symptomatic from their human immunodeficiency virus infection, developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or its related complex. Further confirmation and study of this phenomenon could lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of melanocytic dysplasia and its relationship to the immune system.

AIDS-Related Complex↗