A patient with rapidly progressive metastatic gastric carcinoma developed diplopia and diminished adduction of the right eye. The right medial rectus muscle belly was enlarged, as shown by computed tomography. This case is unusual, because gastric carcinoma comprises only 1% of orbital metastases and less than 5% of all orbital metastases localize to extraocular muscle.
Abstract: The classic features of lipoid proteinosis – beadlike papules and hoarseness – result from the accumulation of hyaline material in the mucocutaneous dermis. However, the characteristic manifestation in children – erosive, crusted lesions that lead to scarring – is rarely discussed and poorly understood. Lipoid proteinosis results from mutations in extracellular matrix protein 1, but the function of this protein is largely unknown. We performed ultrastructural studies on lesional epidermis, cultured monolayer keratinocytes, and raft keratinocyte cultures from blistering lesions of a child with lipoid proteinosis. All sections showed the dissociation of relatively intact desmosomes from keratinocytes, with desmosomes that were “free‐floating” in the intercellular spaces or attached by thin strands to the cell membrane. These changes were present in serial sections of both tissue and cultured keratinocytes, suggesting this observation to be an inherent feature of keratinocytes devoid of extracellular matrix protein 1, rather than an artifact. Although additional patients should be studied, the diminished appearance of the inner dense plaque – the region of attachment of keratin intermediate filaments to desmosomal proteins – provides preliminary evidence that extracellular matrix protein 1 may participate in attaching keratin intermediate filaments to desmosomal region protein(s).
Optometry and Vision Science is the most authoritative source for current developments in optometry, physiological optics, and vision science. This frequently cited monthly scientific journal has served primary eye care practitioners for more than 75 years, promoting vital interdisciplinary exchange among optometrists and vision scientists worldwide. Official Journal of the American Academy of Optometry.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends multidrug therapy (MDT) for the treatment of paucibacillary and multibacillary forms of leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD). MDT combinations of dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine have reduced the prevalence of the disease but are not without adverse effects impacting regimen adherence. Hence, an urgent need exists to consider alternative MDT regimens with an improved safety profile that promotes treatment adherence. Herein, we described a case series of 10 patients with HD (nine patients with multibacillary leprosy and one with pure neural leprosy) treated with monthly rifampin, moxifloxacin, and minocycline (RMM). The United States National Hansen's Disease Program (NHDP) diagnosed and treated patients across US institutions. All patients received a regimen of 12-24 months of RMM. We reviewed the clinical outcomes, adherence, rate of completion, and adverse events of patients treated with monthly RMM from January 2019 to August 2022. Nine patients had multibacillary leprosy, with some having type-2 reactions. One patient had pure neural leprosy with a reversal reaction. In this case series, we identified that all patients completed the RMM regimen without treatment interruptions. None of the patients experienced any skin hyperpigmentation or any significant side effects. All patients tolerated the monthly RMM regimen with rapid improvement of skin lesions and without logistic hurdles. Based on previous clinical evidence and the results of this case series, the NHDP and other programs should consider the RMM regimen as first-line therapy.
A popular urban legend from World War II involves the survivors of a sunken British troopship being attacked by a giant squid. The story of R.E.G. Cox and the giant squid he claimed that attacked him can be found in a wide variety of written and online sources. This article explores the origins of this urban legend, looks at its spread, and debunks it through both historiographical research and a brief scientific examination of relevant marine life.
