NKT cells promote Th1 immune bias to dengue virus that governs long-term protective antibody dynamics.

NKT cells are innate-like T cells, recruited to the skin during viral infection, yet their contributions to long-term immune memory to viruses are unclear. We identified granzyme K, a product made by cytotoxic cells including NKT cells, as linked to induction of Th1-associated antibodies during primary dengue virus (DENV) infection in humans. We examined the role of NKT cells in vivo using DENV-infected mice lacking CD1d-dependent (CD1ddep) NKT cells.

Frontometaphyseal dysplasia 1 in a patient from Sri Lanka.

A Sri Lankan male child with supraorbital hyperostosis, broad nasal bridge, small mandible, severe kyphoscoliosis, distal joint contractures of the hands and long second and third toes is described. A hemizygous pathogenic variant in exon 22 of the filamin A (FLNA) gene [NM_001110556.1: c.

Serum chymase levels correlate with severe dengue warning signs and clinical fluid accumulation in hospitalized pediatric patients.

Dengue induces a spectrum of severity in humans from the milder dengue fever to severe disease, or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Chymase is a candidate biomarker that may aid dengue prognosis. This prospective study aimed to identify whether warning signs of severe dengue, including hypovolemia and fluid accumulation, were associated with elevated chymase.

Evaluation of biochemical and haematological changes in dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever in Sri Lankan children: a prospective follow up study.

Background: Series of biochemical and haematological changes occur during the course of dengue infection, which vary depending on the clinical disease. The patterns of change are not well documented and identifying these patterns in children with dengue infection would help to anticipate the progression to different clinical stages thus enabling effective management.

Methods: A prospective follow up study was conducted during the period of July 2013 - April 2014 at Professorial Pediatric unit, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Hyper IgE recurrent infection syndrome in South Asia: is there a different outcome?

Background: Hyper IgE recurrent infection syndrome (HIES) is a rare immune deficiency, characterized by recurrent staphylococcal skin and lung abscesses, pneumonia and increased IgE levels. The majority of autosomal dominant HIES (AD HIGE) is due to hypomorphic mutations in the signal transducer and the activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene.

Case Presentation: Five patients were diagnosed with HIES, based on the clinical criteria and scoring system developed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA.

A child presenting with tuberculous spondylitis in a single third cervical vertebra: a case report.

Introduction: Despite a global reduction in tuberculosis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis is increasing. Spinal tuberculosis remains the commonest form of skeletal tuberculosis. Cervical spine involvement is rare but is the most dangerous form because of diagnostic difficulties and serious residual disability.

Persistent lingual ulceration (Riga-Fede disease) in an infant with Down syndrome and natal teeth: a case report.

Introduction: Riga-Fede disease is a rare pediatric condition in which chronic lingual ulceration results from repetitive trauma. Neonatal teeth or underlying neuro-developmental disorders which include Down syndrome are described as causative factors, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of both Down syndrome and natal teeth coexisting. The need for early extraction in the presence of two risk factors is highlighted in this case report.

Disseminated BCG in an infant with interleukin-12 receptor B1 (IL12RB1) deficiency.

Although neonatal vaccination with bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is considered to be safe, complications with disseminated disease are associated with underlying immuno-deficiency disorders. A BCG-vaccinated 4-month-old girl of Sri Lankan parentage developed progressive left axillary lymphadenopathy and severe bronchopneumonia. Lymph node biopsy demonstrated epithelioid granulomata and acid-fast bacilli.

Acute appendicitis complicated by mass formation occurring simultaneously with serologically proven dengue fever: a case report.

Introduction: Acute abdomen and acute appendicitis are unusual clinical presentations that occur in dengue infection-caused illness. Lymphoid hyperplasia and mesenteric adenitis are possible explanations, although vasculitis in the pathology of dengue infection has not been reported. Authors of previous case reports have described mimicking of acute appendicitis discovered upon surgical treatment.

Ocular and subcutaneous dirofilariasis in a Sri Lankan infant: an environmental hazard caused by dogs and mosquitoes.

An 11-month-old infant presented with a subcutaneous nodule in the right cheek which was found by ultrasonography to be a worm. Following treatment with di-ethylcarbamazine, a worm emerged from the left upper eyelid which was confirmed to be Dirofilaria repens. Dirofilariasis usually manifests as a single lesion and is rare in infants.

Mutations in ANTXR1 cause GAPO syndrome.

The genetic cause of GAPO syndrome, a condition characterized by growth retardation, alopecia, pseudoanodontia, and progressive visual impairment, has not previously been identified. We studied four ethnically unrelated affected individuals and identified homozygous nonsense mutations (c.262C>T [p.

Panel 2.10: reproductive, mental, and child health.

This is a summary of the presentations and discussion of Panel 2.10, Reproductive, Mental, and Child Health of the Conference, Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Phuket, Thailand, 04-06 May 2005. The topics discussed included issues related to reproductive, mental, and child health as pertain to the responses to the damage created by the Tsunami.

Two Sri Lankan cases of identified sea snake bites, without envenoming.

Sea snakes are among the most venomous creatures encountered around coasts and reefs, in estuaries, rivers and at sea. Their venoms are more toxic than those of land snakes. However, they are rarely aggressive or menacing.