HHV8-Associated Multicentric Castleman Disease: A Case Report on a Rare Complication of HIV in a Low-Income Setting.

We present the case of an HIV-positive man diagnosed with multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection, complicated by renal failure. This subtype of an otherwise rare disease is a complication of HIV and HHV8 infection. The diagnosis and management of HHV8-MCD in the developing world is challenging-in part due to its rarity, but largely due to the limited access to histology and other laboratory services.

Pontine ischaemic stroke syndromes.

Classic Raymond syndrome is a rare neurological presentation comprising ipsilateral abducens palsy, contralateral facial paresis and contralateral hemiparesis. We present a man in his late 60s who presented with diplopia, dysarthria and right-sided limb weakness. This syndrome is one of a group of 'crossed paralyses' of the caudal pons.

Generating robust human valvular interstitial cell cultures: Protocol and considerations.

Research in heart valve biology is a growing field that has yet to elucidate the fundamentals of valve disease. Human valvular interstitial cells (hVICs) are the best option for studying the cellular mechanisms behind valvular pathologies. However, there is a wide range of isolation procedures for these cells published in the literature.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 inhibits myofibroblastic activation of valvular interstitial cells.

Heart valve disease is a growing problem worldwide. Though very common in older adults, the mechanisms behind the development of the disease aren't well understood, and at present the only therapeutic option is valve replacement. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) may hold the answer.

Models of immunogenicity in preclinical assessment of tissue engineered heart valves.

Tissue engineered heart valves may one day offer an exciting alternative to traditional valve prostheses. Methods of construction vary, from decellularised animal tissue to synthetic hydrogels, but the goal is the same: the creation of a 'living valve' populated with autologous cells that may persist indefinitely upon implantation. Previous failed attempts in humans have highlighted the difficulty in predicting how a novel heart valve will perform in vivo.