Molecular detection and parasite load of Trypanosoma cruzi in digestive tract tissue of Chagas disease patients affected by megacolon.

Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite in the Americas affects ∼ 7 million people, 30% with cardiac tissue damage and 10-15% with digestive disorders. In this study, we have developed a protocol to detect the presence of the parasite and estimate its load in resected dysfunctional tissue segments of chronically infected patients with digestive megacolon. We have included samples from 43 individuals, 38/5 with positive/negative serology for Chagas disease and digestive syndromes.

Practical management of acne for clinicians: An international consensus from the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne.

Scientific advances are continually improving the knowledge of acne and contributing to the refinement of treatment options; it is important for clinicians to regularly update their practice patterns to reflect current standards. The Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne is an international group of dermatologists with an interest in acne research and education that has been meeting regularly since 2001. As a group, we have continuously evaluated the literature on acne.

New Atrophic Acne Scar Classification: Reliability of Assessments Based on Size, Shape, and Number.

Background: Post-acne atrophic scarring is a major concern for which standardized outcome measures are needed. Traditionally, this type of scar has been classified based on shape; but survey of practicing dermatologists has shown that atrophic scar morphology has not been well enough defined to allow good agreement in clinical classification. Reliance on clinical assessment is still needed at the current time, since objective tools are not yet available in routine practice.

New Patient-Oriented Tools for Assessing Atrophic Acne Scarring.

Introduction: Scarring on visible areas such as the face is associated with negative psychological impact. Many patients with acne have clinically relevant scarring for which they seek treatment, implying that there is an impact on their lives. Currently there are no validated tools to assess the burden of atrophic acne scarring from the patient's perspective or to assess treatment benefit.