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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Eyeball Licking (Oculolinctus) Can Be Dangerous, Doctors Warn
Eyeball-licking fetishism, also known as "oculolinctus" or "worming", has become a popular way of expressing affection or inciting sexual arousal in Japan. Doctors warn that it is linked to a serious risk of virus conjunctivitis, other eye infections, and even blindness According to the Japanese website Naver Matome, the oculolinctus craze in the country among young lovers has resulted in a significant increase in eye-infection cases. Naver Matome first reported on eyeball-licking when a Japanese school noticed that children were coming into class wearing eye patches... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - June 16, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Eye Health / Blindness Source Type: news

A screening for antimicrobial activities of Caribbean herbal remedies
Conclusion: This report confirms the traditional use of P. calomelanos for the treatment of kidney infections that are associated with stones, as well as the antimicrobial and bactericidal effects of T. ananassae against P. vulgaris and S. saprophyticus and the effects of S. jambos against S. aureus and S. saprophyticus. (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - June 4, 2013 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Claribel Luciano-MontalvoIsabelle BoulogneJannette Gavillán-Suárez Source Type: research

Usefulness of local postoperative care after laser dacryocystorhinostomy.
CONCLUSIONS: In the sample of patients that were intervened using laser assisted DCR, implementation of postoperative cure was irrelevant in the success of the intervention. PMID: 23756544 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola)
Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola - June 4, 2013 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Rosique López L, Lajara Blesa J, Rosique Arias M Tags: Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp Source Type: research

A phase 3 trial assessing the efficacy and safety of grass allergy immunotherapy tablet in subjects with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis, with or without asthma
Background: Design and execution of immunotherapy trials for seasonal allergies may be complicated by numerous factors including variable allergy testing methods, pollen levels, and timing and intensity of other seasonal allergens. We evaluated grass allergy immunotherapy tablet (AIT) treatment in North American adults with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis (AR/C), with/without asthma. Methods: Subjects age 18--65 with clinical history of grass pollen--induced AR/C, with/without asthma were randomized 1:1 to once-daily 2800 BAU Timothy grass AIT (oral lyophilisate, Phleum pratense, 75,00...
Source: Journal of Negative Results in BioMedicine - June 1, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Kevin MurphySandra GawchikDavid BernsteinJens AndersenMartin Rud Pedersen Source Type: research

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy for Pediatric Asthma and Rhinoconjunctivitis: A Systematic Review
CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supports the efficacy of both SCIT and SLIT for the treatment of asthma and rhinitis in children. (Source: PEDIATRICS)
Source: PEDIATRICS - May 31, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Kim, J. M., Lin, S. Y., Suarez-Cuervo, C., Chelladurai, Y., Ramanathan, M., Segal, J. B., Erekosima, N. Tags: Allergy & Dermatology Review Article Source Type: research

Randomized controlled trial of ragweed allergy immunotherapy tablet efficacy and safety in North American adults.
CONCLUSION: In this trial, ragweed AIT was effective and well tolerated in ragweed-allergic North American adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00783198. PMID: 23706715 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology)
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - May 29, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Nolte H, Hébert J, Berman G, Gawchik S, White M, Kaur A, Liu N, Lumry W, Maloney J Tags: Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol Source Type: research

Approval summary: cetuximab in combination with Cisplatin or Carboplatin and 5-Fluorouracil for the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent locoregional or metastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer.
Abstract On November 7, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved cetuximab in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil for the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent locoregional or metastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer. Approval was based on a randomized study of 442 patients conducted outside the U.S. Cisplatin (100 mg/m(2) intravenously) or carboplatin (area under the curve 5 intravenously) on day 1 with 5-fluorouracil (1,000 mg/m(2)/day continuous intravenous infusion days 1-4) were administered every 3 weeks. Cetuximab, 400 mg/m(2) intravenously, was administere...
Source: The Oncologist - May 24, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Cohen MH, Chen H, Shord S, Fuchs C, He K, Zhao H, Sickafuse S, Keegan P, Pazdur R Tags: Oncologist Source Type: research

Clinical aspects and self-reported symptoms of sequelae of Yersinia enterocolitica infections in a population-based study, Germany 2009--2010
Conclusions: Acute Y. enterocolitica infections cause considerable burden of illness with symptoms lasting for about 10 days and hospitalizations in more than a quarter of patients. The proportion of yersiniosis patients treated with antimicrobial drugs appears to be relatively high despite guidelines recommending their use only in severe cases. Appendectomies and post-infectious complications (ReA and EN) are more frequently reported in yersiniosis patients than in the reference group suggesting that they can be attributed to infections with Y. enterocolitica. Physicians should keep recent Y. enterocolitica infection in m...
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - May 23, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Bettina RosnerDirk WerberMichael HöhleKlaus Stark Source Type: research

Occupational allergy to squid (Loligo vulgaris)
Occupational allergy from exposure to squid has been rarely described, mainly as contact dermatitis or urticaria. Our report presents the first case of occupational asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and contact urticaria to squid in a 33-year-old seafood production worker, with documented increased eosinophilia in the nasal and tear fluids after specific inhalation challenge test (SICT) with squid. IgE-mediated sensitization to squid was confirmed by positive skin prick test and opened skin test with squid extract. SICT demonstrated a direct and significant link between the exposure to squid and the allergic response from t...
Source: Occupational Medicine - May 20, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Wiszniewska, M., Tymoszuk, D., Pas-Wyroslak, A., Nowakowska-Swirta, E., Chomiczewska-Skora, D., Palczynski, C., Walusiak-Skorupa, J. Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Efficacy of bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5% for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, natural exposure, clinical trial
This article is currently available as a free download on ingentaconnect (Source: Allergy and Asthma Proceedings)
Source: Allergy and Asthma Proceedings - May 9, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Carr, Warner W.Nayak, Anjuli S.Ratner, Paul H.Gow, James A.McNamara, Timothy R.Williams, Jon I.for the Bepotastine Besilate Ophthalmic Solution 15 Bepreve Study Group, Tags: Articles Source Type: research

[Purulent keratoconjunctivitis due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis coinfection].
Abstract Gonococcal conjunctivitis is a rare infection induced by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and it usually manifests as a hyperacute purulent conjunctivitis. Ocular access of the infectious secretion during sexual intercourse is the way of transmission among adults. Inclusion conjunctivitis caused by the serovars D-K of Chlamydia trachomatis also affects the sexually active population. Authors present a case of a 33-year-old homosexual man who was treated for late latent syphilis formerly. Clinical symptoms were yellow purulent discharge for 3 weeks without any urological or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Conjunctiv...
Source: Orvosi Hetilap - May 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Arvai M, Ostorházi E, Mihalik N, Kárpáti S, Marschalkó M Tags: Orv Hetil Source Type: research

Neonatal jaundice is a risk factor for childhood allergic rhinitis: A retrospective cohort study.
CONCLUSION: Neonatal jaundice increased the rate and complications of childhood AR in subjects aged up to 10 years and may be a risk factor for childhood AR. PMID: 23710954 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy)
Source: American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy - May 1, 2013 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Sun HL, Lue KH, Ku MS Tags: Am J Rhinol Allergy Source Type: research

Chapter 17: Immunomodulation of allergic sinonasal disease.
Abstract IgE hypersensitivity is important to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and the development and persistence of airway inflammation. Allergic immunomodulation encompasses various therapies that attempt to suppress or modify the immune mechanisms responsible for IgE-mediated disease. These include allergy immunotherapy (AIT) in the forms of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), as well as the emergence of biological agents, such as anti-IgE, for allergic respiratory disease. Clinical evidence strongly supports the efficacy and safety of AIT for the treatment of allergic rh...
Source: American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy - May 1, 2013 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Settipane RA, Peters AT, Borish L Tags: Am J Rhinol Allergy Source Type: research

Randomized controlled trial of a ragweed allergy immunotherapy tablet in North American and European adults
This study evaluated an allergy immunotherapy tablet (AIT; SCH 39641/MK-3641) for treatment of ragweed-induced AR/C in the first large randomized, double-blind multinational trial of this therapeutic modality for ragweed allergy.Methods: Adults (n = 784) with short ragweed-induced AR/C were randomly assigned to approximately 52 weeks of daily self-administered ragweed AIT of 1.5, 6, or 12 units of Ambrosia artemisiifolia major allergen 1 (Amb a 1-U) or placebo. Subjects could use as-needed allergy rescue medication. Symptoms and medications were recorded daily. The primary efficacy end point was total combined daily sym...
Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - April 30, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Peter S. Creticos, Jennifer Maloney, David I. Bernstein, Thomas Casale, Amarjot Kaur, Robert Fisher, Nancy Liu, Kevin Murphy, Kristóf Nékám, Hendrik Nolte Tags: Rhinitis, sinusitis, and upper airway disease Source Type: research

Involvement of NFκB in the Production of Chemokines by Rat and Human Conjunctival Cells Cultured Under Allergenic Conditions.
Conclusion: Activated NFκB was found to be a major transcription factor for the release of cytokines from conjunctival cells and intensification of the allergic response. Inhibition of the NFκB pathway by therapeutic drugs may be an important objective for the treatment of human allergic conjunctivitis. PMID: 23621293 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Eye Research)
Source: Current Eye Research - April 26, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Sakai O, Tamada Y, Shearer TR, Azuma M Tags: Curr Eye Res Source Type: research

Unexpected extradermatological findings in 31 patients with xeroderma pigmentosum type C
Conclusions Our data highlight several new aspects of XP‐C. Patients with XP‐C are at risk of developing pyogenic granulomas, desmoplastic melanomas and multinodular thyroid. Involvement of the central nervous system is frequent, but its mechanism remains unclear. The relatively short stature of the patients needs further investigation in order to be explained. XP‐C is not only a cancer‐prone disorder but is also a polysystemic disorder. (Source: British Journal of Dermatology)
Source: British Journal of Dermatology - April 25, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: S. Hadj‐Rabia, D. Oriot, N. Soufir, H. Dufresne, E. Bourrat, S. Mallet, N. Poulhalon, E. Ezzedine, B. Grandchamp, A. Taïeb, B. Catteau, A. Sarasin, C. Bodemer Tags: CONCISE COMMUNICATION Source Type: research

Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma, A Study by the National Dermatology.
CONCLUSIONS: We have documented clinical characteristics and personal history factors that should guide the physician in making decisions on the preventive and follow-up measures to be adopted for individuals at risk of squamous cell carcinoma. These findings may help guide policy for controlling the disease using local information. PMID: 23623281 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas)
Source: Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas - April 25, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: Sánchez G, Nova J Tags: Actas Dermosifiliogr Source Type: research

Measles outbreak: man who died in Swansea was infected, lab tests reveal
Coroner investigates whether measles was cause of Gareth Williams's death and health officials call again for parents to immunise childrenA 25-year-old man has become the first person to die with measles in the Swansea outbreak as health authorities in Wales try to bring the highly infectious disease under control.Laboratory tests by Public Health Wales (PHW) confirmed the diagnosis within hours of the man's body being found in a flat in Swansea on Friday. He has been named locally as Gareth Williams.Investigations by the coroner as to whether the measles caused the death are continuing. If it were the reason, it would be ...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - April 19, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Sarah Boseley, James Meikle Tags: The Guardian Infectious diseases News Health Vaccines and immunisation Society MMR UK news Wales Source Type: news

Measles outbreak: man suspected to have died of disease in Swansea
If cause is confirmed, 25-year-old's death would be first measles fatality in UK since 2008The Swansea coroner is investigating whether a 25-year-old man has died of measles. The city is at the centre of a major outbreak of the highly infectious disease, and the fatality – if the cause is confirmed – would be the first UK death from measles since 2008. Seventy-seven people have needed hospital treatment during the outbreak.More than 800 cases, many among 10- to 18-year-olds, have been reported since November, and numbers are rising steadily and spreading north from the south of the country despite health authorities or...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - April 19, 2013 Category: Science Authors: James Meikle Tags: Infectious diseases News Health guardian.co.uk Vaccines and immunisation Society MMR UK news Wales Science Source Type: news

Ocular physiology and comfort in neophyte subjects fitted with daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Conclusion: This work has demonstrated that modern soft lenses (narafilcon A daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses) offer an excellent, comfortable form of vision correction, and are able to exhibit minimal alterations to ocular physiology. (Source: Contact Lens and Anterior Eye)
Source: Contact Lens and Anterior Eye - April 18, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Philip B. Morgan, Paul Chamberlain, Kurt Moody, Carole Maldonado-Codina Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Interaction Between Conjunctival Epithelial Cells and Mast Cells Induces CCL2 Expression and Piecemeal Degranulation in Mast Cells [Cornea]
Conclusions. Mast cell–conjunctival epithelial cell interaction induces CCL2 expression and subsequent PMD. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)
Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - April 3, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Iwamoto, S., Asada, Y., Ebihara, N., Hori, K., Okayama, Y., Kashiwakura, J.-i., Watanabe, Y., Kawasaki, S., Yokoi, N., Inatomi, T., Shinomiya, K., Murakami, A., Matsuda, A. Tags: Cornea Source Type: research

Randomized trial of topical therapies for acute conjunctivitis
The study reported by Williams et al from Rochester, New York, is one of a very few prospective, randomized trials of therapies for acute conjunctivitis. This one compared an old standby topical drug (polymyxin B-trimethoprim) with a newer one (moxifloxacin hydrochloride). There was no distinct difference in effect of the newer therapy, except the 10x price tag. (Source: The Journal of Pediatrics)
Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - April 1, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Sarah S. Long Tags: The Editors' Perspectives Source Type: research

Herpesvirus dermatitis in cats without facial lesions
Feline herpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) is a virus causing primarily upper respiratory disease and conjunctivitis in cats. Ulcerative facial and nasal dermatitis with eosinophilic infiltrates has also been associated with FeHV-1. Lesions of FeHV-1 dermatitis are predominantly seen on the face and rarely on distal extremities. Clinical signs consists of facial erosions and ulcers, with the dorsal and lateral muzzle, nasal planum, and periorbital regions most commonly affected. (Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery)
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - April 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Clinical Pathology Source Type: research

[Lip synechiae after erythema multiforme].
CONCLUSION: Mucosal sequelae exist in EM. Whatever their cause, complications involving the mucosa must be prevented through early, tailored and multidisciplinary treatment. Adequate pain management must not be overlooked. PMID: 23567232 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annales de Dermatologie et de Cenereologie)
Source: Annales de Dermatologie et de Cenereologie - April 1, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: Brajon D, Bursztejn AC, Goffinet L, Schmutz JL, Barbaud A Tags: Ann Dermatol Venereol Source Type: research

[Two uncommon extrapulmonary forms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection].
We report two cases: in the first case, a renal form of M. pneumoniae disease developed in a 6-year-old girl, with membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis expressed as a picture of impure nephritic syndrome with decreased serum complement concentration, following an upper respiratory infection. Diagnosis was obtained by means of a kidney biopsy. The second case occurred in an 8-year-old girl who expressed, after a respiratory tract infection, neurological symptoms such as ocular flutter, perception disorder, and ataxia. This onset is typical of post-infectious rhombencephalitis. Biological investigations and imaging w...
Source: Archives de Pediatrie - April 1, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Arca M, Bellot A, Dupont C, Bach N, Eckart P, Penniello-Valette MJ, Brouard J Tags: Arch Pediatr Source Type: research

Streptococcus pneumoniae ocular infections, prominent role of unencapsulated isolates in conjunctivitis
Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and shifts in serotype distribution of pneumococcal isolates causing ocular infections in a region of northern Spain in two periods: 1999–2010 for episodes of conjunctivitis (n = 612) and 1980–2010 for uncommon and more severe non‐conjunctival ocular infections (n = 36). All isolates were serotyped and non‐typeable isolates were confirmed as unencapsulated by multiplex‐PCR of the lytA, ply and cpsA genes. Genotyping was done by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multi‐locus sequence typing. Most conjunctivitis cases occurred in children...
Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection - March 20, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: J. M. Marimon, M. Ercibengoa, J. M. García‐Arenzana, M. Alonso, E. Pérez‐Trallero Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Oral administration of Ag suppresses Ag-induced allergic conjunctivitis in mice: critical timing and dose of Ag
Conclusions Prophylactic and early therapeutic treatment of OVA feeding suppressed EAC. Both high and low doses of oral OVA induced oral tolerance but with different mechanisms. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology - March 17, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Ishida, W., Fukuda, K., Harada, Y., Sumi, T., Taguchi, O., Tsuda, M., Yagita, H., Fukushima, A. Tags: Conjunctiva, Ocular surface Original articles - Laboratory science Source Type: research

How to do conjunctival and buccal biopsies to investigate cicatrising conjunctivitis: improving the diagnosis of ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid
Case A 79-year-old female presented with a 3-year history of trichiasis and red eyes (figure 1A). Multiple operations for entropion and trichiasis had been carried out previously, and a conjunctival biopsy investigating mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), had been negative. Her right eye was blind due to retinal detachment and glaucoma. Acuity was light perception in the right eye (OD) and 6/12 in the left eye (OS). There was active inflammation and bilateral inferior symblepharon, left upper lid entropion and trichiasis. There were no systemic features of MMP. Conjunctival and buccal mucosa biopsies were undertaken. S...
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology - March 17, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Grau, A. E., Setterfield, J., Saw, V. P. J. Tags: Angle, Conjunctiva, Eye Lids, Intraocular pressure, Ocular surface, Retina, Glaucoma, Epidemiology Education Source Type: research

Allergic conjunctivitis: a comprehensive review of the literature
Ocular allergy represents one of the most common conditions encountered by allergists and ophthalmologists. Allergic conjunctivitis is often underdiagnosed and consequently undertreated. Basic and clinical research has provided a better understanding of the cells, mediators, and immunologic events, which occur in ocular allergy. New pharmacological agents have improved the efficacy and safety of ocular allergy treatment. An understanding of the immunologic mechanisms, clinical features, differential diagnosis, and treatment of ocular allergy may be useful to all specialists who deal with these patients. The purpose of this...
Source: Italian Journal of Pediatrics - March 14, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Mario La RosaElena LionettiMichele ReibaldiAndrea RussoAntonio LongoSalvatore LeonardiStefania TomarchioTeresio AvitabileAlfredo Reibaldi Source Type: research

Allergic Conjunctivitis Renders CD4+ T Cells Resistant to T Regulatory Cells and Exacerbates Corneal Allograft Rejection
Allergic diseases rob corneal allografts of immune privilege and increase immune rejection. Corneal allograft rejection in BALB/c allergic hosts was analyzed using a short ragweed (SWR) pollen model of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis did not induce exaggerated T‐cell responses to donor C57BL/6 (B6) alloantigens or stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Allergic conjunctivitis did affect T regulatory cells (Tregs) that support graft survival. Exogenous IL‐4, but not IL‐5 or IL‐13, prevented Treg suppression of CD4+ effector T cells isolated from naïve mice. However, mice with allergic co...
Source: American Journal of Transplantation - March 13, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: N. J. Reyes, P. W. Chen, J. Y. Niederkorn Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Induced Reactive Arthritis Treated With Systemic Corticosteroid.
We report a case of reactive arthritis, in a human leukocyte B27-positive patient, following a recurrent bacterial prostatitis caused by methicillin-resistant S aureus. PMID: 23492683 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)
Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences - March 13, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Leucker TM, Reddy SV, Moffett BK Tags: Am J Med Sci Source Type: research

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with the novel mecC gene variant isolated from a cat suffering from chronic conjunctivitis
(Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - March 11, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Medhus, A., Slettemeas, J. S., Marstein, L., Larssen, K. W., Sunde, M. Tags: Research letters Source Type: research

MCP-1, CCR2 and CCR5 Polymorphisms in Tunisian Patients with Atopic Asthma.
In this study, we aimed to investigate polymorphisms of MCP-1 (CCL2), CCR2 and CCR5 which can affect qualitatively and/or quantitatively their production and thus influence both susceptibility and severity of asthma and its clinical and biological features.MCP-1 (A/G -2518), CCR2 (+/64I), CCR5 (G/A -59029) and CCR5 (∆32) polymorphisms were evaluated by PCR in 107 Tunisian patients with asthma and 169 healthy controls.No significant association was found between the four investigated polymorphisms and asthma. Nevertheless the haplotype MCP1*AG/CCR2*+/+ was significantly l ess frequent in patients (20.5%) compared to contr...
Source: Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - March 1, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Dhaouadi T, Sfar I, Aounallah-Skhiri H, Jendoubi-Ayed S, Bouacha H, Ben Abdallah T, Gorgi Y Tags: Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol Source Type: research

50 Years Ago in The Journal of Pediatrics: The Respiratory Manifestations of Systemic Haemophilus influenzae Infection
Walker SH. J Pediatr 1963;62:386-91 By the early 1960s, both encapsulated and nonencapsulated (so-called “nontypeable”) Haemophilus influenzae had been shown to be frequent colonizers of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and to be associated with respiratory tract disease in a variety of situations. The degree of respiratory tract involvement in cases of invasive H influenzae type b (Hib) infection was not well defined, however. In this article, Walker characterized the respiratory tract disease that developed in 45 patients admitted to Mercy Hospital in Baltimore with Hib meningitis and/or bacteremia. He reported that respir...
Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - February 28, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Stephen J. Barenkamp Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Twenty‐First Century Mast Cell Stabilisers
Summary Mast cell stabilising drugs work by inhibiting the release of allergic mediators from mast cells and are used clinically to prevent allergic reactions to common allergens. Despite the relative success of the most commonly prescribed mast cell stabiliser, disodium cromoglycate, in use for the preventative treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis there, there still remains an urgent need to design new substances that are less expensive and require less frequent dosing schedules. In this regard, recent developments towards the discovery of the next generation of mast cell ...
Source: British Journal of Pharmacology - February 26, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: D F Finn, J J Walsh Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Hearing loss in Muckle‐Wells syndrome
ConclusionPatients with MWS are at risk of developing progressive sensorineural hearing loss without vestibular involvement. Hearing impairment starts at high frequencies and can subsequently progress to profound hearing loss. Progression is age dependent. Patients with different NLRP3 mutations had distinctly different trajectories of hearing loss, suggesting a mutation‐specific risk that should be considered when making treatment decisions. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - February 25, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Jasmin B. Kuemmerle‐Deschner, Assen Koitschev, Katharina Ummenhofer, Sandra Hansmann, Stefan K. Plontke, Christiane Koitschev, Ina Koetter, Eva Angermair, Susanne M. Benseler Tags: Autoinflammatory Disease Source Type: research

Toxic effects of chromium on tannery workers at Sialkot (Pakistan)
Chromium is widely used in the leather industry, and tannery workers are under constant threat of adverse health effects due to its excessive exposure. Our objective was to find out the toxic effects of chromium on tannery workers at Sialkot, Pakistan. A total of 240 males consisting of 120 workers from tanneries at Sialkot and equal number of controls were included. Blood complete counts, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde and routine biochemical tests were carried out by routine procedures. Chromium levels in blood (BCr) and urine were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer Pe...
Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health current issue - February 20, 2013 Category: Toxicology Authors: Khan, D. A., Mushtaq, S., Khan, F. A., Khan, M. Q. A. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Conjunctivitis: When a common cold can ruin your eyesight for good
Jenny Hudson thought conjunctivitis was harmless. Then she found she had a viral form, triggered by colds and flu, that can scar eyes for life. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Source: the Mail online | Health - February 19, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Broad-Spectrum Virucidal Activity of (NVC-422) N,N-dichloro-2,2-dimethyltaurine against Viral Ocular Pathogens In Vitro [Immunology and Microbiology]
Conclusions. NVC-422 has potent, rapid in vitro virucidal activity against major causes of conjunctivitis. Its broad-spectrum virucidal activity combined with favorable safety profile validates NVC-422 as a potential new therapeutic agent against viral conjunctivitis. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)
Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - February 19, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Jekle, A., Abdul Rani, S., Celeri, C., Zuck, M., Xu, P., Wang, L., Najafi-Tagol, K., Anderson, M., Stroman, D., Debabov, D. Tags: Immunology and Microbiology Source Type: research

Antibacterial effect of human milk for common causes of paediatric conjunctivitis
In this report, we assess the inhibitory effects of human breast milk against common ocular pathogens. Methods Mothers attending routine outpatient paediatric visits at the University of California, San Francisco, donated milk samples for this study. Subjects with known immunodeficiency, systemic infection or antibiotic use within 2 weeks were excluded. Milk samples were stored at 4°C; the samples were tested within 6 h of collection, or frozen for later testing. We tested several reference strains of bacteria from... (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology - February 15, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Baynham, J. T. L., Moorman, M. A., Donnellan, C., Cevallos, V., Keenan, J. D. Tags: Letters Source Type: research

Historical ophthalmic study of William Shakespeare
British Journal of Ophthalmology only rarely publishes historical review articles. Thus, we appreciate the unusual, recent historical publication in the journal, which presents the negative results of the study concerning the eye disorders of Jane Austen.1 The article demonstrates that she only suffered a mild ocular surface disorder, probably conjunctivitis, which did not significantly impact on her visual performance for writing. The author nicely shows that she did not spare much attention to the eye disorders in her writings. We would like to point out that there are numerous examples of blind or severely visually impa...
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology - February 15, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Grzybowski, A., Ascaso, F. J. Tags: Letters Source Type: research

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutics of pradofloxacin in the dog and cat
Pradofloxacin is a third‐generation fluoroquinolone, licensed in the EU for use in a range of indications in the dog and cat and authorized more recently in the USA for one therapeutic indication (skin infections) in the cat. This review summarizes and appraises current knowledge on the physico‐chemical, pharmacological [pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD)], safety and therapeutic properties of pradofloxacin in the target species. Pradofloxacin contains two centres of asymmetry and is the pure SS enantiomer. After oral dosing of tablets (dog) or tablets and oral suspension (cat), maximum plasma concentratio...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics - February 14, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: P. Lees Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Kinetics of viral replication and induction of host responses in ferrets differs between ocular and intranasal routes of inoculation.
Abstract While influenza viruses are typically considered respiratory pathogens, the ocular system represents a secondary entry point for virus to establish a productive respiratory infection and the location for rare instances of virus-induced conjunctivitis. We used the ferret model to conduct a side-by-side comparison of virus infectivity, kinetics of viral replication, and induction of host responses following inoculation by either the intranasal or ocular routes with two viruses, A/Netherlands/230/03 (H7N7) and A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2). We show that ocular inoculation resulted in delayed virus replication and r...
Source: Virology - February 12, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Belser JA, Maines TR, Gustin KM, Katz JM, Tumpey TM Tags: Virology Source Type: research

Collect, Boil and Amplify - A Simple Approach for the Detection of Three Common Viruses Associated with Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis, Conjunctivitis and Dendritic Ulcers.
Abstract During 2011' an outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis led to increased clinical requests for molecular screening of viruses from conjunctival swabs. To maximise throughput with minimal cost, a simple boil extraction on dry swabs followed by amplification and real-time detection using 'in-house' assays for herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and adenoviruses with RNaseP as an internal control was validated and introduced. Data from 541 patients who were tested for one or more viral targets was analysed. Adenovirus was most frequently detected accounting for 30% of all cases including the community outbreak. Ge...
Source: Journal of Virological Methods - February 11, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Moore C, Gatica L, Jones T, Matthews P, Watkins J, Tyson L, Keelan P, Corden S, Phillips I, Jones R Tags: J Virol Methods Source Type: research

Application for Tacrolimus Ointment in Treating Refractory Inflammatory Ocular Surface Diseases
Conclusion: The use of topical tacrolimus ointment is effective in controlling refractory inflammatory ocular surface disease, and can reduce the need for steroid use while reducing inflammation recurrence. (Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology)
Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology - February 7, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Young Ji Lee, Sun Woong Kim, Kyoung Yul Seo Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Oxytetracycline/polymixin B: Follicular conjunctivitis and eyelid and upper lip oedema in a child: case report
(Source: Reactions)
Source: Reactions - February 6, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Short communication Source Type: research

Symptoms and Otoscopic Signs in Bilateral and Unilateral Acute Otitis Media
CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral AOM seems to be a clinically only slightly more severe illness than unilateral AOM. Therefore, when assessing AOM severity, bilaterality should not be used as a determining criterion; instead, the child’s symptomatic condition together with otoscopic signs should also be taken into consideration. (Source: PEDIATRICS)
Source: PEDIATRICS - February 1, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Uitti, J. M., Laine, M. K., Tahtinen, P. A., Ruuskanen, O., Ruohola, A. Tags: Surgery Article Source Type: research

Association between atopic diseases and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in childhood: a population-based case-control study
Conclusions: Most of the children with ADHD had a strong association with AD, especially allergic rhinitis. Awareness of these comorbidities may help clinicians to provide better comprehensive management and reduce the burden of disease. (Source: Annals of Epidemiology)
Source: Annals of Epidemiology - January 31, 2013 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Jeng-Dau Tsai, Shih-Ni Chang, Chih-Hsin Mou, Fung-Chang Sung, Ko-Huang Lue Source Type: research

Validation of the first treatment-specific questionnaire for the assessment of patient satisfaction with allergen-specific immunotherapy in allergic patients: The ESPIA questionnaire
Conclusion: The ESPIA questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction with respect to AIT treatment presented satisfactory psychometric properties for its use in clinical practice. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)
Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - January 25, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: José Luis Justicia, Victoria Cardona, Pedro Guardia, Pedro Ojeda, José María Olaguíbel, José María Vega, Carmen Vidal, Eva Baró, Mario Alberto García Tags: Rhinitis, sinusitis, and upper airway disease Source Type: research

Oral administration of Ag suppresses Ag-induced allergic conjunctivitis in mice: critical timing and dose of Ag.
CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic and early therapeutic treatment of OVA feeding suppressed EAC. Both high and low doses of oral OVA induced oral tolerance but with different mechanisms. PMID: 23343653 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology)
Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology - January 23, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Ishida W, Fukuda K, Harada Y, Sumi T, Taguchi O, Tsuda M, Yagita H, Fukushima A Tags: Br J Ophthalmol Source Type: research