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It is not well known whether the association with Down's syndrome (DS) may be able to affect the phenotypic expression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).To review the most recent literature data about the specific peculiarities of HT in DS children.The main epidemiological features of DS-related HT were compared with those generally reported in HT children without DS. The prevalence rates of the different thyroid function patterns detected at the time of HT diagnosis and five years later were summarized in Tables 1 and 2.1) the association with DS can condition a peculiar phenotypic expression of HT in pediatric age, as confirmed by the analysis of both epidemiological and biochemical features; 2) in DS children thyroid function status may be severely impaired both at HT presentation and some years later.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The progression of atopic disorders from atopic dermatitis in infants to allergic rhinitis and asthma in children, adolescents, and adults defines the allergy march. Allergen immunotherapy is the only causal treatment altering the immunological mechanism underlying the allergic diseases. The sublingual administration route is more acceptable than the subcutaneous one in pediatric age. RECENT FINDINGS: Several studies show the efficacy and safety profile of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for the treatment of respiratory allergy diseases, but few data are available on its effect of primary and secondary prevention of allergic disease. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the latest studies addressing the effect of SLIT on the development of new sensitizations in not sensitized or already sensitized patients and progression of the allergy march.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the prognostic value of coronary flow reserve (CFR) estimated by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with suspected myocardial ischemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Myocardial perfusion and CFR were assessed in 106 patients using dipyridamole/rest Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT and follow-up was obtained in 103 (97%) patients. Four early revascularized patients were excluded and 99 were assigned to normal (summed stress score 60 months in those with normal and

Objective: The pathophysiology of HIV-1-related intestinal dysfunction is largely unknown. We previously found that the transactivator factor peptide (Tat) produced by HIV-1 induces ion secretion and inhibits cell proliferation in human enterocytes. Because sugar malabsorption is a frequent feature in AIDS patients, we evaluated whether Tat inhibits intestinal glucose absorption. Design and methods: We measured Na + -D-glucose symporter (SGLT-1) activity and determined its phenotypic expression in Caco-2 cells, in the presence and absence of Tat, in uptake experiments using a non-metabolized radiolabelled glucose analogue, and by western blot analysis, respectively. α-Tubulin staining was used to study the effects exerted by Tat on cell structure. Results: Tat dose dependently inhibited glucose uptake by human enterocytes. This effect was prevented by anti-Tat polyclonal antibodies and by L-type Ca 2+ channels agonist Bay K8644. Western blot analysis of cellular lysates and brush-border membrane preparations showed that Tat induced SGLT-1 missorting. Tat also caused a dramatic decrease in α-tubulin staining, which indicates dysruption of the cytoskeleton organization. Conclusions: Tat acutely impairs intestinal glucose absorption through SGLT-1 missorting. This result indicates that Tat is directly involved in AIDS-associated intestinal dysfunction.