The IL-6 amplifier, a positive feedback loop for NFκB signaling, which was originally found to be activated by IL-17A and IL-6 stimulation in non-immune cells, is molecularly a simultaneous activator of NFκB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), functionally a local chemokine inducer and pathologically a machinery for inflammation development. It has been shown that IL...

To the Editor: The article of Galbraith and Weill (2009), which seriously questions whether diacetyl-induced bronchiolitis obliterans exists, also expressed doubt about the validity of the diagnoses of the two cases reported by the California Department of Health Services (Harrison 2006). We agree that the CAT scan results alone do not establish the diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans; howeve...

Bronchiolitis obliterans organising peumonia BOO) is an uncommon inflammatory lung condition involving the terminal bronchioles and alveoli, which is responsive to treatment with corticosteroids. Patients usually present with dyspnoea, cough and fever. Two cases are described here; both had haemoptysis and were initially treated as community acquired pneumonia. Diagnosis was made on lung biopsy...

NEW DRUGS Mirvasco for Rosacea Brimonidine topical gel 0.33% (Mirvasco, Galderma) has been approved for the topical treatment of the facial erythema of rosacea in adults 18 years of age and older. Applied once daily, the medication reduces redness of the face and lasts up to 12 hours. An alpha2-adrenergic agonist, brimonidine appears to constrict the dilated facial blood vessels, which reduces ...