Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) constitutes a selective inability to clear infection with the yeast Candida, resulting in persistent debilitating inflammation of skin, nails, and mucous membranes. The underlying defect is unknown. Only recently, IL-17-producing T cells have been reported to be involved in clearing Candida infections. In order to characterize T cellular immune response to Candida, we analyzed T-cell cytokine secretion to Candida antigen and mitogenic stimuli in CMC patients, immunocompetent patients suffering from acute Candida infection, and healthy volunteers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from CMC patients produced significantly lower amounts of IL-17 and IL-22 mRNA and protein when stimulated with Candida albicans or mitogen in vitro compared with that in matched healthy individuals. Additionally, PBMCs from immunocompetent Candida-infected patients secreted more IL-17 and IL-22 than those of both CMC patients and healthy, non-infected controls. Flow cytometry revealed a decreased number of CCR6+ IL-17-producing T cells in CMC patients, whereas the amount of CCR6+/CCR4+ cells was not altered. Levels of differentiating cytokines for human Th17 cells, IL-1beta and IL-6, tended to be higher in CMC patients. The inability to clear C. albicans in CMC patients could be due to a defect in the immune response of IL-17-producing T cells.

Background High gestational weight gain (GWG) has been found to be associated with a number of adverse perinatal and long-term outcomes.Objectives We aimed to perform a systematic review and metaanalysis to find out whether physical activity in pregnancy might help avoid high GWG.Search strategy A literature search in relevant databases and an additional search by hand through bibliographies of various publications were performed.Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials on healthy women, with increased physical activity as the only intervention. GWG had to be documented for the intervention and control group separately.Data collection and analysis Two reviewers independently extracted data and performed quality assessment. Data from the included trials were combined using a random-effects model. The effect size was expressed as mean difference (MD).Main results Of 1380 studies identified, 12 trials met the inclusion criteria. In seven trials, GWG was lower in the exercise group compared with the control group, whereas five trials showed a lower GWG in the control groups. The meta-analysis resulted in an MD of GWG of )0.61 (95% CI: )1.17, )0.06), suggesting less GWG in the intervention groups compared with the control groups. We found no indication for publication bias or dose effects.Author's conclusions In summary, our analyses suggest that physical activity during pregnancy might be successful in restricting GWG.

No abstract

Topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% was safe and effective for the treatment of long-standing active lichen sclerosus.

Treatment of rosacea for 4-8 weeks with the topical calcineurin inhibitor pimecrolimus cream 1% was not more efficacious than treatment with the vehicle cream.