Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital defect of the anterior chest wall, with adverse manifestations ranging from minor cosmetic defects to clinically significant cardiopulmonary sequelae. Medscape Pulmonary Medicine
A variant in CHI3L1, the gene that encodes the chitinase-like protein YKL-40, is associated with asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reduced lung function, new study findings show. Reuters Health Information
Concerns have been raised about an imminent influenza pandemic. Learn about the newer approaches using live-attenuated, DNA vaccines under development. Expert Review of Vaccines
Chemicals used in leather tanning, rubber processing, and/or adhesives are the most often-cited culprits in footwear dermatitis. Patch testing patients with suspected shoe dermatitis is essential for diagnosis and management. Dermatitis
The results of a longitudinal study of young peanut allergic children indicate that remission of peanut allergy can be predicted by low levels of IgE antibodies to peanut in the first 2 years of life or decreasing levels of IgE sensitization by the age of 3 years. Reuters Health Information
M. Carolina Hinestrosa, MA, MPH, Executive Vice President, Programs and Planning, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Washington, DC, gives a cautionary challenge on proper use of ESAs. The Medscape Journal of Medicine
Nickel is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis and is associated with metal buttons and snaps on blue jeans. One solution is to coat the button with clear nail polish. Dermatitis
MF59, an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant approved since 1997 by several European countries for use in seasonal influenza vaccines, increases the immunogenicity of an H5N1 avian influenza vaccine, according to a study reported in the March 1 issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Reuters Health Information
Japan plans to vaccinate 6,000 medical workers and quarantine officers with stockpiled bird flu vaccines to check their effectiveness and possible side effects, the health ministry said on Tuesday. Reuters Health Information
Vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) helps prevent pneumonia in patients infected with HIV, according to a report in the April 1st Clinical Infectious Diseases. Reuters Health Information