Internal medicine
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Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a rare disease predominantly found in immunocompromised hosts. However, cerebral toxoplasmosis has not been frequently described in association with the use of immunosuppressive medications. We herein report a case of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a 76-year-old Caucasian woman on methotrexate and infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis. ⋯ Imaging studies were not conclusive; however, brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Serology was positive for anti-toxoplasma immunoglobulin G. Cerebral toxoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients under immunosuppressive medication who present with neurological manifestations.
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Editorial Comment
Corticosteroid Treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
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Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease characterized by insulin resistance and insulin secretory dysfunction. In this study, we assessed the factors contributing to an insulin secretory defect in type 2 diabetes patients. ⋯ The duration of diabetes, a low BMI, genetic factors, and the presence of microangiopathy may be associated with β-cell dysfunction in diabetic patients. The observations in this study suggest that obese subjects showed a rapid decline in the β-cell function despite an initial high CPR response. Environmental factors causing insulin resistance and glucotoxicity may therefore be involved in progressive β-cell failure.