Tumour necrosis factor-alpha concentration in severely asthmatic children

We assessed tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] concentrations in 80 asthmatic children, 26 with severe asthma in early-phase reaction, 26 with severe asthma in late-phase reaction, 28 with severe asthma controlled in between attacks with oral prednisone and 20 matched control children. TNF-alpha was measured in patients' plasma and in a supernatant of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated [LPS] peripheral blood mononuclear [PBM] cells. TNF-alpha concentrations in plasma and the supernatant of LPS-stimulated cells were positively correlated and the concentration also correlated positively with the time lapse between the start of the asthma attack and the time of blood sampling. TNF-alpha concentration was significantly higher in the late-phase reaction group compared to the other groups, indicating a need to counteract its release and/or effects early in asthma patients

Resurfacing of the male external genitalis

Split skin graft, or local flaps were used in the resurfacing of the male external genitalia in 53 patients. Seven patients were suffering from degloving injuries, 22 patients were victims of circumcision accidents, 13 patients had elephantiasis, 8 patients suffered from burns and, lastly, 3 patients with gangrene of the area. The results were satisfactory in 50 patients. Impotence with elephantiasis persisted in 3 patients