A critical role for IL-18 in transformation and maturation of naive eosinophils to pathogenic eosinophils.

The current studies demonstrate a critical role of IL-18 in transforming IL-5 generated naïve eosinophils into the distinct inflammatory CD101CD274 expressing mature and activated tissue eosinophils that promote disease pathogenesis.

Movement Disorder Associated With Foreign Body Ingestion.

We present a case of recurrent bouts of irritability with arching, head extension, and lethargy in a previously healthy 10-month-old girl admitted to the PICU for acute onset of a movement disorder. The patient's vital signs and physical examination were unremarkable but recurrent bouts of abnormal movements persisted for the first 10 hours of admission in the PICU. Possible diagnoses, such as meningitis, status epilepticus, space occupying lesions, and toxic ingestions, were ruled out because of negative cerebrospinal fluid analysis, normal EEG, and negative results of other ancillary tests.

Possible Noninvasive Biomarker of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Clinical and Experimental Evidence.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) diagnosis and follow-up response to therapy is based on repeated endoscopies and histological examination for eosinophils/HPF. The procedure is invasive and risky in particular for the pediatric population. Presently, there is no highly sensitive and specific noninvasive blood test available to monitor the disease pathogenesis.

Recent advances in the treatment of childhood obesity.

The rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity in the last decade indicates a need for effective treatment programs. We conducted a short-term, repeated-measures, clinical-outcome trial in three groups of children and adolescents in two different locations. Two cohorts (n=34) were enrolled in a 36-wk multi-disciplinary weight-management program at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans.