Localized interstitial granuloma annulare induced by subcutaneous injections for desensitization.

We describe a patient with interstitial granuloma annulare associated with subcutaneous injection therapy (SIT) for desensitization to a type I allergy. Asymptomatic, erythematous, violaceous annular patches were located at the injection sites on both her arms. Medical history revealed perennial rhinoconjonctivitis treated with SIT (Phostal Stallergen® cat 100% and D. pteronyssinus/D.farinae 50%:50%)

A 2nd Worldwide Migration and Population Displacement of Phytophthora-Infestans

The appearance of the A2 mating type (previously restricted to central Mexico) in Europe during the 1980s prompted an investigation of the genetic make-up of European populations using allozyme loci as genetic markers. The investigation shows that major genetic changes have occurred in populations of Phytophthora infestans in the Netherlands. Poland, and the British Isles. It now appears that a new type of population has been introduced into several locations, and has displaced or is displacing the original populations in these locations. The new and old population types are characterized by unique allozyme alleles and genotypes. The mechanism for displacement of the 'old' by the 'new' population is not yet known

Potentially inappropriate medication use in a city of Southeast Brazil

Potentially inappropriate medication use by the Diamantina (Minas Gerais State) population was investigated by analyzing medicine consumption, self-medication, polypharmacy and drug interactions of medicines prescribed among those interviewed. Level of knowledge about rational drug use and its relationship to socio-economic variables was also evaluated using a semi-structured questionnaire. This survey was based on stratified sampling of 423 individuals selected randomly. The prevalence of prescription drug consumption was 42.32% (n=179) and cardiovascular drugs were the most prescribed. Drug interactions were found in 45.81% (n=82) of prescriptions and 92.68% (n=76) of these interactions were moderate, with co-administration of cardiovascular drugs occurring in more than half of the cases. The inappropriate use of medication, according to Beers criteria, occurred in 44.73% of prescriptions to the elderly. The prevalence of self-medication was 63.34% (n=268) while 21.99% (n=91) of individuals administered medications to their children without formal prescriptions, where this practice was associated to analgesic/antipyretic consumption. The population showed a high prevalence of inappropriate use of drugs across all strata of society, representing an issue requiring effective actions to promote rational use of medicines.<br>O consumo inapropriado de medicamentos pela população de Diamantina-MG foi investigado através da análise do consumo de medicamentos, automedicação, polifarmácia e interações medicamentosas prescritas aos entrevistados. Também foi avaliado o nível de conhecimento sobre uso racional de medicamentos e sua relação com variáveis sócio-econômicas através de um questionário semi-estruturado. Este estudo transversal foi baseado em amostragem estratificada e contou com a participação de 423 indivíduos selecionados aleatoriamente. A prevalência do consumo de medicamentos prescritos foi de 42,32% (n=179), sendo os medicamentos cardiovasculares os mais prescritos. Entre as prescrições foram encontradas 45,81% (n=82) de interações medicamentosas, sendo 92,68% (n=76) destas interações moderadas e a co-administração de medicamentos cardiovasculares presente em mais da metade dos casos. O uso inadequado de medicamentos, segundo os critérios de Beers, esteve presente em 44,73% das prescrições de idosos. Com relação à automedicação, 63,34% (n=268) dos entrevistados admitem fazer uso de medicamento sem prescrição e 21,99% (n=91) administram medicamentos aos filhos sem prescrição profissional, sendo os analgésicos e antitérmicos os mais comumente administrados em ambas as situações. A população avaliada apresentou alta prevalência de uso inadequado de medicamentos observados em todas as camadas da sociedade, sendo necessário estabelecer medidas eficazes para promoção do uso racional de medicamentos