Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.
Τρίτη 30 Οκτωβρίου 2018
Prurigo pigmentosa – Response to treatment with Q‐Switched neodymium: YAG at 532 nm
Scalp BCC's and meningioma following X‐ray epilation for tinea capitis
Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.
REACH Worker Exposure Model for Co-formulants Used in Plant Protection Products
Abstract
Background
Substances used as co-formulants in plant protection products (PPP) may require registration under Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), and additionally where an exposure assessment is required, this must take into consideration the specifics of the PPP use. Objectives
This work reports a customized screening level model developed to support human health risk assessment of operators, workers, and bystanders (OWB) for co-formulants used in PPP. The OWB model was designed to closely integrate with REACH generic exposure scenarios (GES) for PPP developed by the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA). The use of these tools in combination is expected to lead to a more standardized and hence efficient risk assessment of co-formulants. This study describes the basis for OWB exposure predictions as well as benchmarking against relevant REACH exposure models for equivalent tasks. The benchmarking was carried out to gain some insight into the initial assumption that the most commonly used tier 1 REACH model would be more conservative than the specific PPP models used for regulatory risk assessments under PPP legislation. Method
Existing exposure models with regulatory acceptance for the most common types of PPP and their professional and consumer uses were selected. The German BBA model was used to assess spray applications. Granule and seed dispersal was assessed using the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pesticide Handlers Exposure Database (PHED). ECETOC TRA was employed to assess exposure during certain tasks performed in seed treatment, not covered by these PPP models. Where the underlying models featured multiple exposure determinants, the exposure was calculated for all permutations, and the worst-case exposure selected and reported for use in risk assessment. The PPP models are based on measured data collected during actual application of PPP; hence, the worst-case exposure predicted was expected to reflect a realistic worst case for these tasks. Results
OWB was implemented as an Excel spreadsheet. Exposure models, parameters, and exposure and risk estimates are reported in a REACH-compliant output format to facilitate the registration of co-formulant uses. As would be expected, benchmarking OWB against the PPP-specific exposure models demonstrated equivalence with the worst-case prediction from these underlying PPP models. For the scenarios modelled, the tier 1 ECETOC TRA gave more conservative predictions than OWB. The reduction in conservatism is attributed to the underlying PPP models being based on measured data collected specifically during the use of PPP, compared to the data underlying ECETOC TRA, based mainly on industrial workplace uses. Conclusions
OWB provides inhalation and dermal exposure estimates for co-formulants used in PPP which are equivalent to the worst-case estimates from existing specialized PPP exposure models based on measured data. OWB has simplified information requirements in comparison to higher-tier REACH or PPP models. Use of OWB in combination with the defined ECPA GES facilitates an efficient and standardized REACH risk assessment and registration of co-formulant uses in PPP. A defined assessment framework and default inputs potentially decreases the anticipated inter-user variability compared with the use of higher-tier PPP or REACH models in this screening level context.Beyond the L-Strut: Redefining the Biomechanics of Rhinoplasty Using Topographic Optimization Modeling
Abstract
Rhinoplasty utilizes cartilage harvested from the nasal septum as autologous graft material. Traditional dogma espouses preservation the "L-strut" of dorsal and caudal septum which is as less resistant to axial loading than virgin septum. With the 90° angle between dorsal and caudal limbs the traditional L-strut also suffers from localized increases in internal stresses leading to premature septal 'cracking', structural-scale deformation or both. Deformation and failure of the L-strut leads to nasal deviation, saddle deformity, loss of tip support or restriction of the nasal valve. The balance between cartilage yield and structural integrity is a topographical optimization problem. Guided by finite element (FE) modelling, recent efforts have yielded important modifications including the chamfering of right-angled corners to reduce stress concentrations and the preservation of a minimum width along the inferior portion of the caudal strut. However, all existing FE studies make simplified assumptions to make the construct easier to model. This review article highlights advances in our understanding of septal engineering and identifies areas that require more work in order to further refine the balance between the competing interests of graft acquisition and the maintenance of nasal structural integrity.Commentary on: The Excision of the Buccal Fat Pad for Cheek Refinement: Volumetric Considerations
The authors have presented a study of 22 patients who requested buccal lipectomy, within whom they studied the anatomy and volume of the buccal fat pad (BFP) by means of transbuccal ultrasound.1 Thirteen of the patients were subsequently deemed "suitable" for surgery and underwent excision of the BFP. The author's conclusions are based on these findings.
A Global MicroRNA Profile in Fanconi Anemia: A Pilot Study
Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Ahead of Print.
RNA-Seq analysis of Polyrhachis vicina Roger and insights into the heat shock protein 90 and 70 families
Abstract
The heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and heat shock cognate proteins (Hsc70) have been identified as chaperones of the ecdysone receptor (EcR)/ultraspiracle protein (USP) heterocomplex. However, little is known about the status of Hsp90 and Hsc70 in Polyrhachis vicina Roger. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of adult ants in P. vicina for the first time. Clean reads in female, male, and worker ants were annotated into 40,147 transcripts, and 37,488, 28,300, and 33,638 unigenes were assembled in female, male, and worker ants, respectively. According to RPKM, the numbers of differentially expressed genes between female and male ants, between female and worker ants, and between male and worker ants and the common differentially expressed genes were 12,657, 21,630, 15,112 and 3704, respectively. These results reveal that caste differentiation, caste specificity formation, and social divisions of P. vicina ants may be due to gene expression differences. Moreover, PvEcR and PvUSP were also detected as differentially expressed genes in the ants; specifically, PvUSP expression was higher than PvEcR expression in all castes. We speculate that PvUSP may have a role similar to that of juvenile hormone receptor. Four identified PvHsp90 family members and 23 identified PvHsp70 family members were found in the ants, and 2 PvHsp90 genes and 8 PvHsp70 genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Among those genes, the expression of 2 PvHsp90 genes and 5 PvHsp70 genes coincided with the expression profiles of PvEcR and PvUSP, which suggest that the characterization of PvHsp90 and PvHsc70 may be as EcR/USP molecular chaperones in P. vicina.
Molecular diversity of “ Candidatus Phytoplasma mali” strains associated with apple proliferation disease in Bulgarian germplasm collection
Abstract
A quarantine organism, "Candidatus Phytoplasma mali," is the causal agent of apple proliferation, one of the most important apple diseases in Europe. The genetic diversity of this pathogen in Central and Southern Europe has already been reported; however, almost no data exists from Eastern Europe. In this study, "Ca. P. mali" strains, which were identified in 14 apple trees from the Bulgarian germplasm collection, were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analysis of four genomic loci. In total, nine distinct genetic lineages were recognized based on the combination of the following detected RFLP profiles: two profiles for the 16S-23S rDNA region (16SrX-A2, -A3), four profiles for the secY gene (one previously known: secY(X)-A, and three new: secY-C, secY-D, secY-E), three profiles for the rpl22-rps3 genes (rpX-A, rpX-B, rpX-F), and one profile for the nitroreductase- and rhodanese-like gene (AT-1). Phylogenetic analysis of the Bulgarian and other European "Ca. P. mali" strains based on 16S-23S rRNA gene sequences confirmed RFLP grouping, regardless of the phytoplasma origin. In a phylogenetic tree based on the secY data, only German strains formed separate clade from the other strains. The tree based on rp genes did not correspond to RFLP profiles. Unexpectedly, when using nitroreductase and rhodanese-like gene sequences, the Bulgarian strains clustered separately from the other European strains. Apart from the identification of different "Ca. P. mali" strains, the paper also recommends the unification of the rpX-subgroup nomenclature to avoid future confusions. Both aims of this paper provide valuable tools to understand the epidemiology of this quarantine pathogen.
Analysis of sulfated glycosaminoglycan composition change in intrinsically aged and photoaged human skin using an enzymatic degradation method
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long and linear polysaccharides composed of repeating specific disaccharide units, and 6 different GAGs are known: chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), heparan sulfate (HS), heparin (HP), keratan sulfate (KS), and hyaluronic acid (HA) [1]. GAGs exist as alone (HA) or proteoglycan-attached forms (others) in extracellular matrix and cell surface throughout the body, and participate in diverse structural and physiological functions [1].
Pannexin-3 deficiency delays skin wound healing in mice due to defects in channel functionality
Pannexin-3 (Panx3) is a gap junction protein and is required for regulating cell cycle exit and the differentiation of osteoblasts and chondrocytes during skeletal development. However, the role of Panx3 in skin tissue regeneration remains unclear. Following dorsal skin punch biopsies, Panx3 knockout mice exhibited a significant delay in wound healing with insufficient re-epithelialization, decreased inflammatory reaction and reduced collagen remodeling. Panx3 expression coincided with inflammatory reactions both in vivo and in vitro.
When Adolescents Give Up Pot, Their Cognition Quickly Improves
When researchers convinced a group of young people to stop smoking pot, their cognition quickly improved. This adds to research warning against teen pot use, despite marijuana's growing acceptance.
(Image credit: BURGER/Canopy/Getty Images)
Aesthetic Properties, History and Perception
Abstract
If artworks and their aesthetic properties stand in constitutive relationships to historical context and circumstances, so that some understanding of relevant facts is involved in responding to a work, what becomes of the intuitive view that we see artworks and at least some of their aesthetic properties? This question is raised by arguments in both aesthetics and art history for the historical nature of works of art. The paper argues that the answer needs to take philosophy of perception into account. The principal development that has shaped philosophy of perception in the last thirty years—explaining perceptual experience in terms of contents that represent that such-and-such is the case—is directly relevant to key arguments for the historical nature of art because contents can represent complex kinds and properties. Conceptual realism is especially well-suited for explaining perception of artworks and aesthetic properties because it emphasizes that forms of understanding—in the sense of capacities, abilities and techniques—are involved in perceptual engagement with individual objects and instances of properties. To make this case, the paper examines influential arguments for the historical nature of art and aesthetic properties by Arthur C. Danto and Kendall L. Walton; and examines art-historical discussions by Michael Baxandall, Linda Nochlin and T. J. Clark. The paper argues that the aesthetic properties of an artwork depend on human intentional uses of properties, colours and contours among them, and such uses may themselves be aesthetic. The Wittgensteinian notion of use is contextual and historical, and uses are perceptible.Binding and Unbinding the Mondrian Stimulus
Abstract
This paper considers the use of the 'Mondrian Stimulus', invented by Edwin H. Land of the Polaroid Corporation, in various investigations in the visual neuropsychology, the neuroaesthetics, and the social psychology of aesthetic response to works of visual art (notably, investigations by Semir Zeki and A. Michael Noll). What difference does it make—in the set-up of these investigations and in our interpretation of their putative results—that the Mondrian Stimulus might be taken to be a 'real' painting by the actual Dutch artist Piet Mondrian? How does the existence of a set of 'real' Mondrians—more or less well known to many people, including those investigated in experiments by Land, Zeki, and Noll—affect the ways in which the Mondrian Stimulus is apprehended? The paper argues that the Mondrian Stimulus is 'bound' to the history and visual recollection of 'real Mondrians' at the same time as the 'real Mondrians'—in their historical afterlives—are bound to other creations of 'modern abstract art'. These proposals enable a revised approach to the relations between invariant visual responses (such as Land and Zeki derived for colour vision) on the one hand, and different visual cultures or visuality on the other; because of its own special history of 'binding' and 'unbinding', the Mondrian Stimulus works as an interface between—a binding of—both 'bottom-up' perceptual input and processing and 'top-down' direction of attention.Nickel induces migratory and invasive phenotype in human epithelial cells by epigenetically activating ZEB1
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By Jamshed Arslan Pharm.D.
Nickel (Ni) is a naturally abundant metallic element. It is a major component of stainless steel, coins, and many other items of daily use. Disturbingly, Ni exposure is associated with cancer and several diseases of the lung, kidney and cardiovascular system. Despite being carcinogenic, Ni's ability to cause DNA mutations and induce oxidative stress is low. To explain this paradox and investigate how the impact of carcinogen exposure may last for months or even years, researchers at the New York University and University of Virginia examined Ni-induced changes in transcription and cellular regulation in human epithelial cells from lung and urinary bladder. They found that Ni induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by epigenetically activating ZEB1. As a result of such irreversible activation of EMT master regulator ZEB1, the invasive mesenchymal phenotype in Ni-exposed cells persisted even after the termination of exposure.
Immunohistochemistry-Paraffin: [E-Cadherin Antibody (7H12) NBP2-19051] - Human kidney distal tubules stained with E-CAD antibody. Secondary antibody: Donkey anti-Mouse Alexa Fluor 555. Imaging with a 40x objective from Zeiss Observer microscope with Apotome2. Image from verified customer review.
Nickel induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
The researchers exposed non-malignant human bronchial epithelial cells to a non-cancerous dose of Ni. RNA-seq revealed that a subset of genes was persistently down- or up-regulated even two weeks after the removal of Ni from the culture medium. Functional enrichment analysis, used to determine overrepresented classes of genes, showed that the major pathway associated with these differentially expressed genes was epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation. The mesenchymal phenotype in Ni-exposed cells was confirmed when a downregulation of epithelial markers (CDH1 and CLDN1) was observed concomitantly with an upregulation of mesenchymal marker (FN1), at both mRNA and protein levels. Likewise, wound-healing and transwell invasion assays revealed heightened migratory and invasive abilities of these Ni-exposed cells.
Similar findings in a non-invasive human bladder cancer cell line led to the conclusion that chronic Ni exposure induces EMT. The next step was to find the mechanistic basis behind this phenomenon.
Nickel-induced EMT is ZEB1-dependent
Gene expression analysis of the EMT signaling pathway showed ZEB1, a negative regulator of CDH1, to be among the highly upregulated genes in Ni-exposed cells as compared to untreated cells. Analysis of mRNA and protein levels corroborated these findings. Knocking down ZEB1 through shRNA, recovered CDH1 protein and decreased the invasive and migratory abilities of Ni-exposed cells. These results showed the ZEB1-dependent induction of EMT by Ni.
To explore possible epigenetic basis of this observation, the team observed ZEB1 promoter by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR analysis. They found that histone modifications related to gene activation (H3K4me3) at ZEB1 promoter in Ni-exposed human epithelial cells remained similar to untreated cells. However, the levels of histone modifications associated with gene repression (H3K27me3) decreased significantly. Likewise, a persistent downregulation of miRNAs that act as ZEB1 repressors (miR-200/205), which could be reversed by ZEB1 depletion, meant that ZEB1 suppresses these miRNAs in Ni-exposed cells.
In short, certain histone modifications and the suppression of ZEB1-repressing miRNAs lead to a sustained ZEB1 upregulation, which in turn promotes a highly migratory and invasive mesenchymal phenotype in Ni-exposed cells.
Significance
This study provides a plausible explanation to why environmental exposure to certain contaminants persists long after the termination of exposure. It helps understanding diseases associated with chronic exposure to a physiologically relevant dose of Ni.
Learn more about tools for epigenetic analysis
Jamshed Arslan, Pharm D.
University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine
Dr. Arslan studies cell signaling in mitochondrial defects in C. elegans
and transgenic mice.
References
Jose, Cynthia C., et al. "Nickel Exposure Induces Persistent Mesenchymal Phenotype in Human Lung Epithelial Cells through Epigenetic Activation of ZEB1." Molecular Carcinogenesis, vol. 57, no. 6, 2018, pp. 794 – 806. doi: 10.1002/mc.22802.
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Lipome péri-unguéal : une localisation inhabituelle
Publication date: Available online 30 October 2018
Source: Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): S. Gallouj, N. Aqil, F. Zahra Mernissi
Résumé
Introduction
Les lipomes sont des tumeurs mésenchymateuses bénignes courantes composées de cellules graisseuses matures qui peuvent être ou non entourées d'une fine capsule fibreuse. Les lipomes impliquant les doigts sont extrêmement rares mais doivent être pris en compte dans le diagnostic différentiel des masses bénignes des tissus mous de localisation digitale. Nous décrivons un cas de lipome péri-unguéal.
Observation
Une femme de 65 ans se présentait en consultation avec une tuméfaction de l'index droit évoquant un lipome. Elle ne se plaignait d'aucune douleur mais avait une légère limitation des mouvements du doigt affecté. Les diagnostics différentiels qu'on pouvait envisager étaient un neurofibrome, un fibromyxome acral superficiel et une tumeur à cellules géantes des gaines synoviales des tendons. Une excision chirurgicale était effectuée. L'examen histologique confirmait le diagnostic de lipome. Il n'y avait pas d'antécédent de traumatisme de l'ongle, d'autres lipomes sur le corps ni d'antécédents familiaux de lipomatose. Il n'y a pas eu de récidive après une année de suivi.
Discussion
Les lipomes des doigts sont extrêmement rares. À notre connaissance, six cas de localisation sous-unguéale et quatre cas situés dans le bord latéral de l'ongle ont été décrits dans la littérature. Nous rapportons un autre cas de localisation inhabituelle, péri-unguéale postérieure. Des examens radiologiques peuvent être réalisés pour aider au diagnostic. Bien que les lipomes des doigts soient des entités rares, ils doivent être pris en compte dans le diagnostic différentiel des masses bénignes des tissus mous du doigt.
Summary
Background
Lipomas are common benign mesenchymal tumors composed of mature fat cells that may or may not be surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule. Lipomas involving the fingers are extremely rare but must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of benign soft tissue masses of unusual localization. We describe a case of digital periungual lipoma.
Patients and methods
A 65-year-old Moroccan woman presented with a tumefaction of the right index finger reminiscent of a lipoma. There was no history of nail trauma, other lipomas on the body, or a family history of lipomatosis. She did not complain of any pain, but she had a slight limitation on the movement of the affected finger. Surgical excision was performed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma. There was no recurrence after one year of follow-up.
Discussion
Lipomas of the fingers are extremely rare. To our knowledge, 6 cases of subungual localization and 4 cases in the lateral edge of the nail have been described in the literature. We report another case of unusual posterior periungual localization. In our case, the suspected diagnoses were either neurofibroma, superficial acral fibromyxoma, or giant cell tumor of the synovial sheaths of the tendons. Radiological examinations may be performed to aid diagnosis. Although finger lipomas are rare entities, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign soft tissue masses of the finger.
Outcomes from a regional synchronous tele-allergy service
Publication date: Available online 29 October 2018
Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Kirk H. Waibel, Richard A. Bickel, Tyson Brown
Abstract
Background
While the framework and potential benefits for using telemedicine have been described, allergy-specific outcomes are often limited or have a narrow focus.
Objective
To determine the percentage of new and follow-up visits conducted via synchronous telemedicine requiring an in-person visit.
Methods
A retrospective review evaluating synchronous tele-allergy appointments in a hospital-based allergy clinic was performed.
Results
A total of 360 unique patients participated in 423 synchronous tele-allergy visits from January 2016 through December 2017; 275 (65.0%) were new consultations, 54% were male, and 118 (28%) visits were for children. Allergic rhinitis (35%), asthma (24%), and food allergy (10%) represented the top three diagnoses. New and follow-up tele-allergy visits accounted for 13.1% (275/2,097) and 10.4% (148/1,426) of all outpatient visits during the study period, respectively. Sixty-five (23.4%) new patients and 14 (9.5%) follow-up patients were recommended for an in-person appointment. (P < .001). Compared to follow-up tele-allergy visits, new visits were more likely to have medication prescribed (64.4% vs 49.0%, P < .002) and laboratory tests ordered (46.2% vs 7.4%, P <.001); there were no differences between new and follow up tele-allergy visits for mean study observation period (P = 0.68), subsequent in-person visits conducted based on provider recommendation (P = 0.12), or telephone consultations (P = 0.19). One-hundred forty (33.1%) patients completed an anonymous satisfaction survey with 98.8% of patients both recommending telehealth and reporting high satisfaction. Based on 423 visits from 13 originating sites, patients saved an average of USD $485 in travel expenses, 438 driving miles, and 2.3 days of work or school per visit.
Conclusion
Coupled with high patient satisfaction and significant time and cost savings, tele-allergy supported the majority of new and follow up visits without an in-person recommendation. While not all tele-allergy efforts incorporate a synchronous modality with a dedicated patient presenter, allergists should continue to seek opportunities to incorporate synchronous tele-allergy with a trained patient presenter into their clinical practice.
Bariatric surgery: relevant cofactor for systemic food-borne allergic reactions
Publication date: Available online 29 October 2018
Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Lisanne Janke Wolters, Marloes.Willemijn Heijstek, Pieter Weijert Holm, Hanneke Nicola Gertrude Oude Elberink, Annick Augustina Josephina Maria Van de Ven
Acquired Cold-Induced Urticaria in Pediatric Patients: a 22-year Experience in a Tertiary Care Center (1996-2017)
Publication date: Available online 29 October 2018
Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Christina S.K. Yee, Kristel El Khoury, Sultan Albuhairi, Ana Broyles, Lynda Schneider, Rima Rachid
Abstract
Background
Acquired cold urticaria (ACU) has not been well evaluated in pediatrics.
Objective
To further evaluate the presentation of ACU in children and associated risk of anaphylaxis.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed in children ≤18 years old diagnosed with (ACU) at Boston Children's Hospital (US, Northeast) from 1996-2017.
Results
415 patients with ACU were identified, aged 4 months-18.3 years old at time of diagnosis, with similar male:female distribution. Most patients had history of atopic disease (78.3%), and 25.8% had other urticaria. Around 2/3rd of patients experienced only localized cold-induced symptoms (grade 1), while 14.0% had diffuse cutaneous symptoms (grade 2) as the most severe reaction, and 18.6% experienced anaphylaxis (grade 3). Swimming triggered 77.6% of grade 3 reactions, while the rest were secondary to ingestion of cold food or beverages, or cold air or cold water exposure. 7.0% of subjects had more than one episode of anaphylaxis. Cold stimulation test (CST) was performed in 61.7% patients, and was positive in 69.9% of those tested. Positive CST was significantly associated with increased risk of anaphylaxis. There was a 11.7% rate of anaphylaxis amongst patients with negative CST. Disease resolution at any point in the study period was documented in 8.9% of patients and was associated with a negative history of anaphylaxis.
Conclusions
In the largest study to date on ACU, grade 3 reactions occurred in about a fifth of patients. Positive CST was associated with higher risk for anaphylaxis from ACU. Epinephrine prescription and patient/family counseling about risk factors for grade 3 reactions are recommended.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) experiences: an ethnographic approach to their expression on the Internet forums
Abstract
This contribution aims at describing the experiences of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as discussed on Internet forums. Since the 2000s, increasing attention has been paid to health practices associated with the use of the Internet, whether by medical professionals, public authorities or researchers in the social sciences. We know that Internet is used by patients with Parkinson's disease, in order to discuss about their lived experiences. This contribution will present how these Internet users address the specific theme of DBS. We will examine how their use and the information sharing associated to it participate in the "shaping" of the lived experience of deep cerebral stimulation. This contribution will be introduced by an analysis of the state-of-the-art in sociological and anthropological international research on the topic of "Internet health". On the basis of this analysis, it will propose a framework to describe and understand the various uses of the web that are made to give an account of the experience of stimulation. The existence of collective mobilizations in Parkinson's disease, an old Internet experience and media oppositions concerning certain antiparkinsonian drugs, are conditions which push us to question these themes concerning DBS. This paper is a description, for the first time, of roles played by the users of these Internet forums and the different online activities produced about DBS subject. In an ethnographic perspective, we had to imagine that we were an Internet user seeking patient experiences with this surgical procedure to understand these interactions about DBS. The main goal of this contribution is to describe the attention paid by users for medical information about DBS in the identity and self-help process. The interest of such an approach is to open an anthropological reflection on the place and the role of the medical representations in the testimonies of experience of the disease or the treatments.
Photodynamic therapy: Toward a systemic computational model
Publication date: Available online 30 October 2018
Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): N. López-Marína, R. Mulet, R. Rodríguez
Abstract
We have designed a systemic model to understand the effect of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on long time scales. The model takes into account cell necrosis due to oxygen reactive species, cell apoptosis through the caspase pathway and the competition between healthy and tumor cells. We attempted to describe the system using state of the art computational techniques (necrosis and apoptosis) and simple models that allow a deeper understanding of the long time scale processes involved (healing and tumor growth). We analyzed the influence of the surface and tumor depth on the effectiveness of different treatment plans and we proposed, for the set of parameters used in this work, an optimum timing between sessions of PDT.
Irradiation by ultraviolet light-emitting diodes inactivates influenza a viruses by inhibiting replication and transcription of viral RNA in host cells
Publication date: Available online 29 October 2018
Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Risa Nishisaka, Kazuaki Mawatari, Tomomi Yamamoto, Mizuki Kojima, Takaaki Shimohata, Takashi Uebanso, Mutsumi Nakahashi, Takahiro Emoto, Masatake Akutagawa, Yohsuke Kinouchi, Takahiro Wada, Masayuki Okamoto, Hiroshi Ito, Ken-ichi Yoshida, Tomo Daidoji, Takaaki Nakaya, Akira Takahashi
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) pose a serious global threat to humans and their livestock, especially poultry and pigs. This study aimed to investigate how to inactivate IAVs by using different ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). We developed sterilization equipment with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) those peak wavelengths were 365 nm (UVA-LED), 310 nm (UVB-LED), and 280 nm (UVC-LED). These UV-LED irradiations decreased dose fluence-dependent plaque-forming units of IAV H1N1 subtype (A/Puerto Rico/8/1934) infected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, but the inactivation efficiency of UVA-LED was significantly lower than UVB- and UVC-LED. UV-LED irradiations did not alter hemagglutination titer, but decreased accumulation of intracellular total viral RNA in infected MDCK cells was observed. Additionally, UV-LED irradiations suppressed the accumulation of intracellular mRNA (messenger RNA), vRNA (viral RNA), and cRNA (complementary RNA), as measured by strand-specific RT-PCR. These results suggest that UV-LEDs inhibit host cell replication and transcription of viral RNA. Both UVB- and UVC-LED irradiation decreased focus-forming unit (FFU) of H5N1 subtype (A/Crow/Kyoto/53/2004), a highly pathogenic avian IAV (HpaI), in infected MDCK cells, and the amount of FFU were lower than the H1N1 subtype. From these results, it appears that IAVs may have different sensitivity among the subtypes, and UVB- and UVC-LED may be suitable for HpaI virus inactivation.
Fracture patterns and causes in the craniofacial region: an 8-year review of 2076 patients.
| Related Articles |
Fracture patterns and causes in the craniofacial region: an 8-year review of 2076 patients.
Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018 Dec;40(1):29
Authors: Jin KS, Lee H, Sohn JB, Han YS, Jung DU, Sim HY, Kim HS
Abstract
Background: For proper recovery from craniofacial fracture, it is necessary to establish guidelines based on trends. This study aimed to analyze the patterns and causes of craniofacial fractures.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent surgery for craniofacial fractures between 2010 and 2017 at a single center. Several parameters, including time of injury, region and cause of fracture, alcohol intoxication, time from injury to surgery, hospitalization period, and postoperative complications, were evaluated.
Results: This study analyzed 2708 fracture lesions of 2076 patients, among whom males aged 10 to 39 years were the most numerous. The number of patients was significantly higher in the middle of a month. The most common fractures were a nasal bone fracture. The most common causes of fracture were ground accidents and personal assault, which tended to frequently cause more nasal bone fracture than other fractures. Traffic accidents and high falls tended to cause zygomatic arch and maxillary wall fractures more frequently. Postoperative complications-observed in 126 patients-had a significant relationship with the end of a month, mandible or panfacial fracture, and traffic accidents.
Conclusions: The present findings on long-term craniofacial fracture trends should be considered by clinicians dealing with fractures and could be useful for policy decisions.
PMID: 30370262 [PubMed]
Atopic Dermatitis in America Study: a cross-sectional study examining the prevalence and disease burden of atopic dermatitis in the US adult population
Population-based estimates on the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in adults vary widely. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the population of the United States, distribution of disease severity, and assess its impact on health-related quality of life. Among 1,278 participating adults, the prevalence (95%CI) of atopic dermatitis was 7.3% (5.9-8.8). 60.1% (56.1-64.1%) of participants were classified as mild 28.9% (25.3-32.7%) as moderate and 11% as severe (8.6-13.7%).
Does chronic immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune disease influence the risk of developing active tuberculosis?
Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Computer-assisted delineation of hematoma from CT volume using autoencoder and Chan Vese model
Abstract
Purpose
To reduce the inter- and intra- rater variability as well as time and effort, a method for computer-assisted delineation of hematoma is proposed. Delineation of hematoma is done for further automated analysis such as the volume of hematoma, anatomical location of hematoma, etc. for proper surgical planning.
Methods
Fuzzy-based intensifier was used as a pre-processing technique for enhancing the computed tomography (CT) volume. Autoencoder was trained to detect the CT slices with hematoma for initialization. Then active contour Chan–Vese model was used for automated delineation of hematoma from CT volume.
Results
The proposed algorithm was tested on 48 hemorrhagic patients. Two radiologists have independently segmented the hematoma manually from CT volume. The intersection of two volumes was used as ground-truth for comparison with the segmentation performed by the proposed method. The accuracy was determined by using similarity matrices. The result of sensitivity, positive predictive value, Jaccard index and Dice similarity index were calculated as 0.71 ± 0.12, 0.73 ± 0.18, 0.55 ± 0.14, and 0.70 ± 0.12 respectively.
Conclusions
A new approach for delineation of hematoma is proposed. The algorithm works well with the whole volume. Similarity indices of the proposed method are comparable with the existing state of art.
Tau PET imaging evidence in patients with cognitive impairment: preparing for clinical use
Abstract
Purpose
The development and validation of molecular imaging markers for the neuropathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases associated with cognitive impairment is a reality since two decades. Amyloid PET tracers have been validated analytically and are currently tested for their clinical utility. More recently tracers targeting specifically tau deposits have been developed and are currently tested in large clinical studies. The availability of these markers opens the possibility for precision medicine in a field that was limited by a gold standard diagnosis occurring only postmortem. Aim of this review is to summarize the main findings obtained using tau-specific PET tracers in clinical cohorts of patients with cognitive impairment.
Methods and Results
We report the results of a systematic literature review. Various approaches for automated image assessment have been tested, while visual rating strategies have not been validated yet. In the AD spectrum an increase in cortical binding has been consistently observed, with a topography correlated with the profile of cognitive impairment and in agreement with the knowledge on tau pathology from neuropathological series. The evidence in non-AD diseases is more limited, with discordant findings in different cohorts and with different tracers.
Conclusion
Post-mortem validations of in vivo data in large cohorts and studies investigating the clinical added value of this biomarker in comparison with others will be required before routine clinical use of this new modality.
Ossification into the osteo‐nevus of Nanta: an interpretative insight
International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.
Senescent fibroblasts in melasma pathophysiology
Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Patients with Congenital Ichthyosis and TGM1 Mutations Overexpress Other ARCI Genes in the Skin: Part of a Barrier Repair Response?
Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on alopecia areata in cellular and hair follicle organ culture models
Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Radiopharmacology and molecular imaging of PD-L1 expression in cancer
Abstract
Introduction
Immunotherapy [(specifically, antibodies blocking programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)] is a valuable option in cancer treatment because it leads to durable tumour regression and improves survival in several cancers. Patients with PD-L1 expressing tumours benefit from this therapy, but currently it can only be determined through biopsy, which may be inconclusive or impossible due to lesion location, associated risks, intratumoral and interlesional heterogeneity. Therefore, radio-immune-imaging with a specific radiopharmaceutical is ideally placed to play an important role when performing real-time, in vivo, whole-body and non-invasive PD-L1 expression mapping.
Purpose
To describe and summarise published scientific data on imaging PD-L1 expression using radiopharmaceuticals and discuss future directions in this research field.
Methods
A summary review of the literature was done through PubMed to search papers that described and included radiopharmaceuticals to image PD-L1 expression. Only English papers published until April 2018 that detailed laboratorial and animal procedures were selected.
Results
Eleven pre-clinical papers published between 2015 and 2018 were included. Four studies used anti-PD-L1 radiopharmaceuticals labelled with Indium-111, 4 with Copper-64, 2 with Fluoride-18 and 1 with both Copper-64 and Gallium-68. All of them had identical protocols and showed similar radiopharmaceutical biodistribution. They reported successful anti-PD-L1 labelling, with high tumour–background ratio (mainly when spleen uptake was saturated with unlabelled/cold antibody).
Conclusions
All reported radiopharmaceuticals had high sensitivity and specificity to identify tumours with PD-L1 expression in animal model. Clinical experiments appear to be now justifiable.
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Publication date: Available online 25 July 2018 Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology Author(s): Marco Ballestr...
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Editorial AJR Reviewers: Heartfelt Thanks From the Editors and Staff Thomas H. Berquist 1 Share + Affiliation: Citation: American Journal...
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