The immune response to TAA were markedly different among the 3 groups, and a correlation with the immune cell profile was observed, suggesting that development of immunotherapy based on the etiology of HCC may lead to more effective treatment outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The aim of this retrospective study was to examine whether serum albumin levels offer a good marker of nutritional status in patients with burns. Serum albumin levels have been used to evaluate nutritional status in burns patients, even though these levels are affected by various factors and are not specific to malnutrition. To clarify whether provision of nutrition or presence of inflammation affects serum albumin levels, we studied serum albumin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and caloric intake over time in 30 patients with burns. Serum albumin levels did not respond to provision of nutrition, but correlated negatively with CRP levels, suggesting that serum albumin levels are more closely associated with inflammation than nutrition. This study also suggests that hypoalbuminemia is a good indicator of the severity of burns or associated complications. We conclude that serum albumin levels do not offer a good nutritional marker in burns patients.

Background & aimsThe modest consumption of alcohol has been reported to decrease the incidence of fatty liver or prevalence of steatohepatitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of light alcohol consumption on liver function and gene expression in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsThe study group was formed of 178 patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, subclassified into two groups for analysis based on the daily alcohol consumption: non-alcohol group and light alcohol consumer group (≤20 g of ethanol/day). Clinical characteristics, liver histological features, gene expression, comprehensively analyzed using microarrays (BRB-Array tools), and molecular network were evaluated and compared between the two groups.ResultsNo significant differences in steatosis or inflammation score were noted among the groups. However, the ballooning and fibrosis scores were significantly lower in the light alcohol consumer group than in the non-alcohol group. Gene expression analysis revealed a marked inhibition of the pathways involved in the immune response in the light alcohol group compared to that in the non-alcohol group.ConclusionsLight alcohol consumption might suppress activity of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by reducing gene expression levels involved in the immune response. This inhibition in gene expression was associated with a lowering of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular injury.

background. Pyogenic granulomas have been treated by cryosurgery, curettage, electrodesiccation, chemical cauterization, and laser surgery. The therapeutic effects of these conservative treatments are limited, however. objective. In this study, the efficacy of a sclerosing agent (monoethanolamine oleate) was evaluated for the treatment of pyogenic granuloma. methods. Pyogenic granuloma was treated by local injection of the monoethanolamine oleate solution in nine patients who were from 1 to 57 years of age (median 18 years). The treat-ment effect was determined by physical examination. results. All lesions were removed completely with no recurrence, and scars were inconspicuous in all cases. Complications occurred in only one patient who complained of pain due to an avoidable injection of excess solution. conclusion. Sclerotherapy with monoethanolamine oleate is effective in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma and offers an alternative to conventional methods in cases for which conservative treatment is preferable. Figure 4. A) A lesion growing after cryosurgery. B) One week after sclerotherapy, the index finger is swollen and the lesion has fallen off. C) Postinflammatory pigmentation is mild 3 weeks after treatment.

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