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Biomedical subjects

S Borelli

Publications and source records attributed to S Borelli.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Immunohistochemical analysis of procathepsin L and cathepsin B in cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The expression of the proteinases cathepsins L and B are induced in tumors by malignant transformation, growth factors, and tumor promoters suggesting they play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. METHODS: By immunohistochemistry, procathepsin L and cathepsin B were studied in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from 29 cases of KS (AIDS-associated KS, n = 24; non-AIDS-associated KS, n = 5) were immunolabeled with the polyclonal antibody directed against procathepsin L and the antisera directed against cathepsin B. RESULTS: Normal epidermis, eccrine sweat glands, and hair follicle expressed both cathepsins. We also found a positive staining for procathepsin L in normal blood vessels. In both "angiomatous" and "fibroblastic" lesions of KS no expression of these enzymes was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the hypothesis of a benign autochthonous origin of the lesions, such as a hyperplasia.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Valaciclovir versus aciclovir in patient initiated treatment of recurrent genital herpes: a randomised, double blind clinical trial. International Valaciclovir HSV Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of twice daily valaciclovir with five times daily aciclovir in the treatment of an episode of recurrent genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in immunocompetent individuals. METHODS: 739 patients with a history of recurrent genital HSV infection received either oral valaciclovir (500 mg twice daily) or aciclovir (200 mg five times daily) for 5-days for treatment of their next recurrent episode in a controlled, randomised, double blind trial. Patients self initiated therapy at the first signs and/or symptoms of the HSV recurrence, then were assessed in clinic on five occasions over 7 days, and twice weekly thereafter until lesions had healed. Safety was evaluated through adverse experience reports and haematology and biochemistry monitoring. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected between valaciclovir and aciclovir for the primary endpoint, the duration of all signs and symptoms which included lesion healing and pain/discomfort. The hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for valaciclovir v aciclovir was 0.93 [0.79, 1.08]. Lesion healing time was similar in each treatment group (hazard ratio valaciclovir v aciclovir 0.96 [0.80, 1.14]). The odds ratio of valaciclovir v aciclovir in preventing the development of vesicular/ulcerative lesions was 1.08 [0.82, 1.42]. Percentages of patients in whom all HSV cultures were negative were similar in the valaciclovir and aciclovir groups at 59% and 54% respectively; for patients having equal to or more than one positive culture result after treatment initiation, cessation of virus shedding was similarly rapid for the two treatments (hazard ratio 0.98 [0.75, 1.27]). The safety profiles of valaciclovir and aciclovir were comparable with adverse experiences being infrequent and generally mild. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that valaciclovir 500 mg twice daily is equivalent in efficacy to aciclovir 200 mg five times daily as episodic treatment of recurrent genital HSV infection. Valaciclovir maintains the established efficacy and safety of aciclovir but offers a much more convenient twice daily dosing regimen.

Acyclovir↗

[Detection of tyrosinase mRNA using reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction with fine needle punctures of melanoma metastases].

Tyrosinase mRNA produced by melanoma cells can be detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rt-pcr) with fine-needle tissue punctures. Fine-needle punctures from six suspected skin and lymph node metastases in three patients with malignant melanoma were analysed via rt-pcr for tyrosinase mRNA. All the suspected metastases were surgically removed and histologically examined separately. In each case the rt-pcr results and the histological diagnosis corresponded. This less invasive and highly sensitive method could prove to be a useful alternative in the diagnosis of melanoma metastasis.

Aged↗

[Effect of single UVA and UVB irradiation on the surface composition and viscoelastic properties of skin in vivo].

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of single irradiation either with UVA (dosage: 50 J/ cm2) or UVB (dosage: 1 MED) on surface structure and viscoelastic properties of human skin. Biophysical measurements by means of profilometry and cutometry were carried out on normally sunprotected skin areas directly before and 24 hours after irradiation. UVA induced neither measurable changes in skin surface structure (expressed by the profilometrically calculated parameters of roughness Ra and RzDIN and the parameter Wt reflecting depths of furrows) nor in its viscoelastic properties (expressed by the cutometrically calculated ratio Uv/Ue reflecting viscosity and the ratio Ur/Uf reflecting biological elasticity). However, a single erythemogenic dose of UVB radiation was followed by significant increase in the depths of furrows, increase in viscosity and decrease in biological elasticity.

Adolescent↗

[Overlap of Sjögren-lupus erythematosus syndrome].

Patients with anti-SSA(Ro)-positive Sjögren's syndrome (SS)/lupus erythematosus (LE) overlap are a immunogenetically, serologically and clinically homogeneous group; what they have in common is an increased frequency of the HLA-DR3 phenotype, demonstrating SSA(Ro) antibody activity and the typical annular, polycyclic, erythematous lesions of subacute cutaneous LE. The sicca symptoms of SS may develop long after the cutaneous lesions of LE have been present, or vice versa, as well as vasculitic, purpuric, and Sweet's syndrome-like lesions. The elderly, predominantly female patients are at enhanced risk for pulmonary and neurological disease, but glomerulonephritis occurs infrequently. We present an 81-year-old, SSA(Ro) antibody-positive and HLA-DR3-positive woman with SS/LE overlap syndrome, who had cutaneous LE for 30 years, developing sicca symptoms, vasculitic and Sweet's syndrome-like skin lesions only years after the LE symptoms. Although there is still some discussion as to whether phenotypical SS/LE overlap represents a distinct disease or is secondary SS in SLE or systemic SS with cutaneous involvement, the SS/LE overlap syndrome seems well enough delineated to be considered as a disease entity with separate implications for therapy and prognosis. Its position in the spectrum of anti-SSA(Ro) antibody- and HLA-DR3-positive diseases and its relationship to SS and to anti-SSA(Ro) antibody-positive LE are discussed.

Aged↗

[Clinical double-blind trial of topical zinc sulfate for herpes labialis recidivans].

In a placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial in patients with herpes labialis recidivans, zinc sulfate (CAS 7733-02-0) as gel (Virudermin Gel) proved to be significantly more effective than the gel alone. With zinc sulfate as gel, the symptoms were less marked and healing was faster. This simple preparation can be applied in cases of herpes labialis recidivans without any risk of side effects. Due to the antiseptic properties of zinc sulfate superinfections can be prevented.

Administration, Topical↗

[Prepubertal hypertrichosis].

Hypertrichosis must be assessed in the light of the type of hair involved, the pattern of abnormal hair growth, associated abnormalities, age of onset, and family history including ethnic background. Associated diseases and the associated medication must be considered, as drug-induced hair growth is not uncommon. Although disorders of the hair usually have little medical significance and involve no interference with the general physical condition, they may be present in congenital syndromes or be associated with other abnormalities and metabolic disorders. The individual psychological impact of excessive hair growth also has a bearing on the problem with regard to its management. We describe in a 7-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy a state of prepubertal hypertrichosis, characterized in otherwise normal children by a form of generalized excessive terminal hair growth which does not conform to the pattern of (androgen-mediated) hirsutism. The nosology of this form of excessive hair growth is discussed. The question whether it represents an atavistic trait is controverted.

Algorithms↗

Common allergenic structures in hazelnut, rye grain, sesame seeds, kiwi, and poppy seeds.

Allergy to kiwi, poppy seeds, and/or sesame seeds often occurs in patients with a simultaneous sensitization to nuts and flour. Previously cross reactions have been verified by RAST inhibition. In this study the nature of this cross-reactivity is further characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by immunoblotting to nitrocellulose. The degree of cross-reactivity among kiwi, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, hazelnuts, and rye grain was found to be very high in the patients studied. The existence of both cross-reacting and unique components was observed; however, the cross-reacting and unique components could be different for different patients.

Adolescent↗

[Epidemiology of constitutional atopic neurodermatitis].

There are more and more reports of an increase in atopic diseases, and particularly atopic constitutional neurodermatitis. In this context, evidence is accumulating that atopic constitutional neurodermatitis exhibits a dominant prevalence, particularly in children. In addition to verified genetic disposition with impairment of IgE regulation, realization factors of greatly variant quality and quantity appear to be characteristically responsible for the phenotypic expression and determination of the course of the disease. In order to definitively assess the global situation, subtle longitudinal studies on representative numbers of the population are needed, with the primary objective of obtaining parameters for real preventative measures.

Adult↗

[Borrelia infections from a dermatological viewpoint].

Erythema migrans (EM), Borrelia lymphocytoma (BL) and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) are the established dermatological manifestations of borrelia infection, a complex multiorganic disease. Analogous to syphilis Borrelia infection can be classified by three stages, at which stage I (localized infection) and II (disseminated infection) are manifestations of early infection and stage III (persistent infection) a symptom of late infection. At all stages skin manifestations can be present, the above mentioned as stage-marker as well as other non-specific polymorphous skin lesions which sometimes appear at stage II. Because of its frequent (60-80%) occurrence in all borrelia infections EM has a pathognomonic importance for borrelia infection. In diagnosis serology is currently the only practical laboratory aid. False negative and false positive results must be considered. Treatment of choice is ceftriaxone, penicillin G (or amoxycillin) or tetracycline. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy for tick bites is not recommended. Congenital borrelia infections seem to be unusual, but it is likely that they can occur and cause different adverse fetal outcome or abortion.

Acrodermatitis↗

[The significance of dermatologic management in computer-assisted occupational dermatology consultation].

At our occupational outpatient clinic, 230 patients were treated for about 15 months. With the help of a standardized questionary, we registered all the data regarding the relevant substances the patients contacted during their work as well as their various jobs since they left school. The patients were repeatedly seen and trained in procedures of skin care and skin protection. If required, we took steps to find new jobs for them within their employing company; this was done in cooperation with the trade cooperative association according to the dermatological insurance consultanship. If these proceedings did not work out, the patient had to change his profession altogether. All data were computerized. As an example for this computer-based documentation we present the data of barbers.

Adult↗

[Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet syndrome). Phototherapy of persistent, postlesional erythemas].

We report a 31-year-old male patient suffering from Sweet's syndrome. The particularities of the case are the long period between onset of the disease and establishment of the diagnosis-the cutaneous lesions having persisted all the time, and the marked persistence of postlesional erythemas showing positive improvement by means of selective ultraviolet phototherapy (SUP).

Adult↗

Sperm quality of healthy smokers, ex-smokers, and never-smokers.

The possible effects of cigarette smoking on sperm quality were investigated in a blind study of 333 healthy male volunteers 19 to 40 years of age. All subjects with clinically proven abnormalities, operations, or inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, exposure to radiation exceeding routine x-ray examination, or medication were excluded, and the data from 150 smokers, 37 ex-smokers, and 52 never-smokers were evaluated. There was a small but insignificant decrease in sperm density from never-smokers to ex-smokers and to smokers. Eight smokers (6%) had sperm counts less than 1 X 10(6)/ml, whereas none of the ex-smokers or never-smokers fell into this category. This difference, however, is not statistically significant (P = 0.084). No statistically significant effect of smoking habits on sperm density, motility, and morphologic features was detected. It is concluded that smoking does not affect the motility and morphologic features of sperm in healthy adult men. The diminished sperm density in heavy smokers may be related to factors associated with smoking.

Adult↗

[Fertility of smokers and nonsmokers].

The contradictory findings concerning the influence of smoking on spermatogenesis that have so far been presented in literature were derived from fertility patients in retrospective studies; our data, in contrast, are based on a blind study of 333 voluntary test persons. The data of 95 smokers and 83 non-smokers remained to be evaluated after application of the following exclusive criteria: comparatively high consumption of alcohol, taking of drugs, taking of medicine, radioactive exposure, and genital diseases. Significant differences between the two groups were only found with regard to behavior; smokers revealed a higher rate of divorces, they drank alcohol and took drugs more frequently, and had had the first sexual intercourse at an earlier age than non-smokers. On the other hand, all spermatological parameters as well as the outcome of cytophotometric examination of the spermatozoon DNA showed a close correlation between smokers and non-smokers. Although an individual (toxic?) reaction to tobacco smoking cannot be ruled out, our findings lead to the conclusion that cigarette smoking has no detrimental influence on the spermatogenesis of healthy men between the age of 20 and 40.

Adult↗