Zinc ionophores: chemistry and biological applications.

Zinc can play a pathophysiological role in several diseases and can interfere in key processes of microbial growth. This evidence justifies the efforts in applying Zinc ionophores to restore Zinc homeostasis and treat bacterial/viral infections such as coronavirus diseases. Zinc ionophores increase the intracellular concentration of Zinc ions causing significant biological effects.

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma: a core biopsy-based diagnosis.

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF) is a very rare tumor of the extremities, which can be difficult to diagnose due to its wide cyto-architectural pattern. We herein report the clinicopathologic features of a case of CAF localized on the dorsal face of the foot in a 5-year-old male child, diagnosed by needle core biopsy. Differential diagnostic problems are discussed.

Dermatoscopy in inflammatory and infectious skin disorders.

Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive technique that allows a rapid and magnified in vivo observation of the skin surface. By definition, it is performed with handheld devices (dermatoscopes) allowing X10 magnification. More expensive, computer-assisted digital systems (videodermatoscopes) may be equipped with lenses that ensure magnifications up to X1000; in this case the term videodermatoscopy is generally used.

An unusual case of genodermatosis with familial gastrointestinal polyposis, angiomatous malformation and ascites.

Gardner's syndrome is a familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome with extraintestinal manifestations, characterized by the coexistence of intestinal polyposis with an early risk of malignant degeneration and extraintestinal manifestations mainly involving the skin, eye, bone and thyroid. We describe an unusual case of intestinal adenomatous polyposis, retinal hypertrophy, fibromas of the skin, bone and thyroid tumors accompanied by congenital arteriovenous malformations with lethal complications.

[False positive reactions to the fluorescence test (FTA-ABS) in skin disease patients].

False positive reactions to the fluorescence test (FTA-ABS) were found in a group of dermatological patients compared to another group, made up of healthy subjects and blood-donors. Reactivity to FTA-ABS test was particularly evident in patients suffering from Herpes simplex genitalis, allergic diseases and collagenoses. Practical and theoretical aspects of this finding are discussed.