Molecular Identification of Cutaneous Alternariosis in a Renal Transplant Patient

Cutaneous alternariosis is a rare condition, caused by an uncommon opportunistic pathogen. The most frequently affected individuals are immunosuppressed patients, e.g., organ transplant patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Clinical manifestations range from local skin lesions to disseminated disease. We present a case report of cutaneous alternariosis in a renal transplant recipient, confirmed by histological examination and molecular means. In addition, a review of the literature was performed.

Late onset of Strongyloides stercoralis meningitis in a retired Belgian miner

We report a rare case of Strongyloides stercoralis meningitis in an immunocompromised patient treated for a lung carcinoma. Despite his Belgian origin, he was infected with S. stercoralis due to his former work as a miner. Although mostly prevalent in (sub)tropical areas, there are temperate regions where this nematode can occur.

Structure–performance relationships of Cr/Ti/SiO2 catalysts modified with TEAl for oligomerisation of ethylene: tuning the selectivity towards 1-hexene

Ethylene oligomerisation properties of TEAl-modified Cr/Ti/SiO₂ ethylene polymerisation Phillips-type catalysts studied with in situ UV-vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and gas chromatography.

A rare cause of severe recurrent abdominal pain

Recurrent abdominal pain may be enigmatic to solve. We report three cases, presenting after a protracted history of severe recurrent bouts of epigastric pain, impeding daily activities. In all cases, serology for strongyloidiasis stercoralis proved positive. In one case, stool examination was positive for larvae. Treatment with ivermectin or albendazole resulted in complete resolution of abdominal symptoms without recurrence in all three cases.

Case reports: testicular pain as a manifestation of polyarteritis nodosa

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotising vasculitis of medium-sized vessels of unknown origin. This type of vasculitis is usually systemic, but restriction to a single organ, for example the testis, the appendix or the gall bladder, can occur. Testicular pain or tenderness are frequent clinical features. In this report, we present three cases of PAN. In every patient, testicular pain was the main symptom or first sign of systemic disease. We state that a thorough history taking, clinical examination and biochemical analyses are obligatory in patients presenting with acute or chronic scrotal pain. Polyarteritis nodosa should always be taken into account, and a search for systemic spread is mandatory. We emphasize that before initiation of systemic therapy with corticosteroids and/or cyclophosphamide, a Five Factor Score should be obtained, which also gives crucial prognostic information.

Relationship between wearing a removable partial denture and satisfaction in the elderly

Natural dentitions of elderly people are often reduced, remaining teeth heavily restored and removable partial dentures (RPD's) frequently used to replace absent teeth. Lack of knowledge exists on how the elderly experience the comfort of these replacements. To get more insight 320 dentate noninstitutionalized subjects between 55 and 75 yr of age were clinically examined and interviewed by means of a questionnaire. Data showed that only 13% of the subjects had a complete dentition from the right to the left first molar; 50% had less than four occlusal units. 39% of the subjects was wearing a RPD. Analysis showed that subjects with a RPD were in general less satisfied with their dental state than subjects without a partial denture. However, when the RPD added occlusal units to the dentition, satisfaction increased significantly. No differences in satisfaction were found between subjects with a metal frame prosthesis and an acrylic denture, nor between tooth-bounded and distal extension prostheses. The conclusion can be drawn that the indication for a RPD should be limited in elderly people, unless the RPD increased the number of the occlusal units.

A standard protocol for the quality control of microbiological media

A protocol, comprising standardized analysis and data forms, has been drawn up for the quality control of microbiological media. It was developed in order to standardize the testing procedures in our laboratory and to test media with minimal investment in time and resources. The forms encourage proper recording of the trials, which facilitates internal and external consideration of the results. The protocol was validated in a comparative investigation of the quality of media obtained from different suppliers and were shown to work satisfactorily. Based on the overall results, preferred suppliers for each medium were chosen. The standardized forms can be used in conjunction with the documents drafted by the International Committee for Food Microbiology and Hygiene (ICFMH) Working Party for Culture Media, bringing standardization of testing procedures one step nearer.