Autoimmune blistering disorders in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The interplay between immune dysfunction and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is complex. Reports of autoimmune disorders including autoimmune bullous disorders (AIBDs) have been increasing in prevalence in the HIV population since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in 1995. We offer a literature review of clinical experiences in various AIBDs with particular emphasis on therapeutic management as well as a brief overview of the mechanisms that explain the relationship between AIBD and HIV. Because immunosuppressants are first-line therapies for AIBD treatment, careful consideration is warranted when considering management in the HIV population.

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite loci in the wrinkled frog.

The wrinkled frog, Rana rugosa, is a species complex that inhabits plains and mountains near freshwater bodies throughout East Asia, encompassing China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Primorye region. Although extensive efforts are required to estimate cryptic diversity in the R. rugosa complex, no specifically designed microsatellite loci are available. Here, novel and polymorphic microsatellites were isolated based on the construction of a microsatellite-enriched library and characterized using R. rugosa specimens collected on the Korean Peninsula. A total of 72 primer sets were designed from approximately 400 positive clones, and 22 were validated as being reliably amplified and polymorphic. Overall, high genetic variability was observed (mean number of alleles per locus = 22.23; mean observed and expected heterozygosities = 0.770 and 0.816, respectively) from a total of 60 individuals sampled from two geographically isolated localities. In the two sites analyzed, an extremely low level of relatedness was inferred from the estimation of pairwise relatedness, and no evidence of a genetic bottleneck was detected. The two sites showed a high level of genetic differentiation, suggesting a clear signature of isolation following colonization. With high statistical power in parentage and sibship exclusion, these microsatellite loci will be suitable for the identification of cryptic diversity and population structure as well as the recognition of individuals in social interaction and captive breeding practice.

A case of Mollitias and Fragilitas Ossium - unusual presentation of hairy cell leukaemia followed by the diagnosis of nonsecretory myeloma.

Hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is a B-cell malignancy with a late developmental arrest. This report describes a patient that presented with leucocytosis and splenomegaly. The abnormal leucocytes showed typical morphology and expressed CD103, CD11c, CD19 and CD20 but not CD25 by immunophenotyping. The patient failed to respond to splenectomy and then developed lytic bone lesions and pathological fractures, which progressed despite a single course of cladribine chemotherapy. Review of the pathology of the bone reamings showed nonsecretory myeloma of the same kappa-light chain isotype. He went on to receive induction chemotherapy in preparation for an autologous stem-cell transplant but failed to mobilize sufficient numbers of stem cells. He has had two localized relapses with bony lesions, one within 6 weeks of stopping chemotherapy for which he received localized radiotherapy and thalidomide consolidation. Sequential myeloma has been described in HCL. There is controversy whether this represents clonal evolution or a secondary malignancy. An increased rate of secondary malignancies has been reported by some, but not other, authors in long-term survivors of HCL. This case illustrates the value of a repeat pathological review in case of unexpected complications.

Discovery of the first Asian plethodontid salamander.

Nearly 70% of the 535 species of salamanders in the world are members of a single family, the Plethodontidae, or lungless salamanders. The centre of diversity for this clade is North and Middle America, where the vast majority (99%) of species are found. We report the discovery of the first Asian plethodontid salamander, from montane woodlands in southwestern Korea. The new species superficially resembles members of North American genera, in particular the morphologically conservative genus Plethodon. However, phylogenetic analysis of the nuclear encoded gene Rag-1 shows the new taxon to be widely divergent from Plethodon. The new salamander differs osteologically from putative relatives, especially with respect to the tongue (attached protrusible) and the derived tarsus. We place the species in a new genus on the basis of the morphological and molecular data. The distribution of the new salamander adds to the enigma of Old World plethodontids, which are otherwise restricted to the western Mediterranean region, suggesting a more extensive past distribution of the family.

Cross-species amplification of Bovidae microsatellites and low diversity of the endangered Korean goral.

The Korean goral (Nemorhaedus caudatus) is an endangered species of wild goat. The conservation and management of this species could benefit from a better understanding of its genetic diversity and structure. Cross-species amplification of 34 Bovidae microsatellite loci was tested on a panel of 6 Korean gorals and 10 domestic goats. After polymerase chain reaction (PCR) optimization, 29 (85.3%) microsatellite loci amplified successfully for the Korean gorals and 27 (79.4%) for the domestic goats. Of the amplified products, 16 (55.2%) were polymorphic in the Korean goral and 22 (81.5%) in domestic goats. Nei's unbiased mean heterozygosity and mean allele number per locus were, respectively, 0.356 and 2.6 in the Korean goral and 0.636 and 4.8 in domestic goats. Low genetic diversity in the Korean gorals observed in this preliminary microsatellite survey suggests an urgent need for further detailed study of genetic diversity in Korean goral populations and a population management strategy based on these studies. Current results of cross-species amplification of domestic Bovidae microsatellites could be employed for the necessary population genetic studies on the Korean goral and other endangered Caprinae species.