Black pepper and its bioactive constituent piperine: promising therapeutic strategies for oral lichen planus

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory disease with malignant potential and unclear etiology. The present study suggests that antigen-specific mechanisms in which dentritic cells, T lymphocytes and NF-κB signaling pathway play critical roles, are involved in the pathogenesis of OLP. Additionally, it has been indicated that altered expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and imbalanced oxidant-antioxidant status as well as psychological issue may act as promoters to the development of OLP. Therapies for OLP are primarily aimed to control symptoms and a specific cure is not yet available. Black pepper and its principle bioactive compound piperine have been reported to possess remarkable pharmacological activities. Not only has piperine been evidenced to exhibit repressive effects on the maturation of dentritic cells, the proliferation, activation and function of T lymphocytes as well as the NF-κB signaling pathway, but also to suppress the overproduction of COX-2 and weaken the oxidative stress. Furthermore, piperine might be a possible agent for alleviating psychological disorders and preventing carcinogenesis. Given all these into consideration, piperine may be a novel and effective therapeutic strategy for OLP.

Platelets: the holy grail in cancer blood biomarker research?

Abstract

We would like to promote the fact that platelets are increasingly emerging as a rich source of potential biomarkers for cancer. Blood platelets contain vast amounts of bioactive proteins, such as growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines. These proteins are either synthesized by the megakaryocytes that produce the platelets or are sequestered by the circulating platelets from the blood, in which case these proteins may originate from the tumor. Recent studies in patients have demonstrated that the presence of cancer influences multiple platelet characteristics (e.g., platelet count, volume, activation status, proteins, and RNA content). Interestingly, these changes happened already in early stages of the disease before metastasis had occurred. Additionally, exploiting these platelet alterations enabled discrimination of patients with early-stage cancer from healthy sex- and age-matched individuals. Therefore, we challenge clinicians and researchers to look beyond traditional fluid sources such as plasma or serum, and to take platelets and their content into account as they may become the holy grail in cancer blood biomarker research.

Esthetic and functional result of crooked nose treatment; internal microperforating osteotomy and subtotal septal reconstruction

Abstract

Crooked nose is mostly characterized by a deviation of both the bone and the cartilaginous parts of the nose. In order to obtain proper functional and improved esthetic results, both of these parts have to be corrected. The objective of this study is to evaluate the esthetical and the functional outcomes following correction procedures of the bone pyramid through internal microperforating technique and the cartilaginous part through subtotal septal reconstruction. The medical records of 158 patients who have undergone through primary septorhinoplasty for crooked nose treatment during the period of 21 June 2016 and 31 July 2017 have been reviewed. Functional results have been evaluated using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores and the esthetical results through Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scores. The observation times have been arranged preoperatively as 6 months–1 year (group 1) and 1–2 years (group 2). Septorhinoplasty procedure has been performed on 158 patients with crooked noses. Out of this number, 104 of the patients (65.8%) were women and 54 were men (34.2%). The average age of the patients was 31.59 (9.3%), all of who have undergone this procedure. There was a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in the NOSE and the ROE scores of group 1 and group 2, which was statistically significant. There was no difference between group 1 and group 2. In crooked nose treatment, correction of the deviated bone pyramid using internal microperforating osteotomy and correction of the severely deviated septum using subtotal septal reconstruction yield improved functional and esthetic results.

Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Coffee May Reduce Rosacea Risk

Caffeinated coffee was associated with a significant reduction in risk of rosacea but other sources of caffeine, such as soda and tea, did not appear protective.
Medscape Medical News

Practical and clinical utility of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) for the acute treatment of migraine: a post hoc analysis of the randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind PRESTO trial

The PRESTO study of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS; gammaCore®) featured key primary and secondary end points recommended by the International Headache Society to provide Class I evidence that for ...

Spray Drift from a Conventional Axial Fan Airblast Sprayer in a Modern Orchard Work Environment

Abstract

Pesticide spray drift represents an important cause of crop damage and farmworker illness, especially among orchard workers. We drew upon exposure characteristics from known human illness cases to design a series of six spray trials that measured drift from a conventional axial fan airblast sprayer operating in a modern orchard work environment. Polyester line drift samples (n = 270; 45 per trial) were suspended on 15 vertical masts downwind of foliar applications of zinc, molybdenum, and copper micronutrient tracers. Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and resulting masses were normalized by sprayer tank mix concentration to create tracer-based drift volume levels. Mixed-effects modeling described these levels in the context of spatial variability and buffers designed to protect workers from drift exposure. Field-based measurements showed evidence of drift up to 52 m downwind, which is approximately 1.7 times greater than the 30 m (100 ft) 'Application Exclusion Zone' defined for airblast sprayers by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Worker Protection Standard. When stratified by near (5 m), mid (26 m), and far (52 m) distances, geometric means and standard deviations for drift levels were 257 (1.8), 52 (2.0), and 20 (2.3) µl, respectively. Fixed effect model coefficients showed that higher wind speed [0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35, 0.70] and sampling height (0.16; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.20) were positively associated with drift; increasing downwind distance (−0.05; 95% CI: −0.06, −0.04) was negatively associated with drift. Random effects showed large within-location variability, but relatively few systematic changes for individual locations across spray trials after accounting for wind speed, height, and distance. Our study findings demonstrate that buffers may offer drift exposure protection to orchard workers from airblast spraying. Variables such as orchard architecture, sampling height, and wind speed should be included in the evaluation and mitigation of risks from drift exposure. Data from our study may prove useful for estimating potential exposure and validating orchard-based bystander exposure models.

Response to Dobie et al. Letter, ‘Exchange Rate and Risk of Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Construction Workers’

We thank Dobie et al. for their letter and the additional discussion around this important issue. However, we believe that Dobie et al. have mischaracterized or misrepresented multiple aspects of our study. We hope this response will help clarify these issues for Dobie et al. and other readers.

A Slow Trip To A Hot Planet: Spacecraft Poised For Mission To Mercury

The European Space Agency's BepiColombo will take seven years to reach the innermost planet in our solar system, where temperatures at the surface can reach 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

(Image credit: NASA, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington via AP)

One-year outcomes in children with eosinophilic esophagitis

Abstract

Background and aims

Despite rising incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), data on the follow-up and treatment outcomes in pediatric patients are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present data on the treatment outcomes in children diagnosed with EoE who were treated in a tertiary medical center.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study involving patients younger than 18 years who were diagnosed with EoE in our center between January 2011 and June 2017.

Results

Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria and were followed up for a mean of 3 years (range 0.5–6.8). Six months after the diagnosis, 28 (87.5%) children were still followed up; 21 (75%) were in clinical remission, including 10 (36%) who were in histological remission. After 12 months, 27 patients were still followed up; 21 (78%) achieved clinical remission, including 10 (37%) with histological remission. During follow-up, three patients developed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There was no difference in body mass index (BMI) Z score between baseline and 12 months follow-up (median − 0.3 vs − 0.3 SD, p = 0.862).

Conclusions

Absence of symptoms does not indicate mucosal healing; therefore, patients should be followed up endoscopically. Additionally, despite restricted diet, nutritional status remains unaffected. Finally, patients with EoE can develop significant GERD even years after the EoE diagnosis.

Grounding the normative: a problem for structured non-naturalism

Abstract

Many non-naturalists about the normative want to endorse the view that some normative facts hold in virtue of both non-normative facts and normative principles. In this paper, I argue that non-naturalism is inconsistent with this thesis, due to the nature of normative principles and their grounds. I then consider two ways in which the nonnaturalist position could be modified or expanded to solve this problem. No solution, it turns out, is without its problems. I end by considering how the non-naturalist can deny that normative facts obtain partially in virtue of principles.

Bio-synthesis of Barleria gibsoni leaf extract mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles and their formulation gel for wound therapy in nursing care of infants and children

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018

Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology

Author(s): Feng Shao, AiJun Yang, Dong Mei Yu, Juan Wang, Xue Gong, Hong Xiao Tian

Abstract

Bio-synthesis of nano-metal oxide particles is gaining lot of significance and recommended as promising substitute not only physical methods but also chemical methods. Here in, we demonstrate the nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) particles were successfully prepared by an eco-friendly process using plant Barleria gibsoni (B. gibsoni) aqueous leaf extract. The water leaf extract of B. gibsoni responsible for not only reducing source but also protective agent. The prepared nano-ZnO particles were studied by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance (UV-DRS), Photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform (FT-IR) infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (X-RD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric and differential thermal (TG-DTA) analysis and particle size by zeta sizer, dynamic light scattering (DLS). UV-DRS spectrum of nano-ZnO particles showed below at wave length 400 nm. FT-IR spectra showed that plant metabolites like polyphenols, flavonoids and amino acids etc., are act as reducing and protective agent. X-RD studies revealed the formed nano-ZnO particles have hexagonal (wurtzite) structure. TEM analysis confirmed the range of nanoparticles between 30 and 80 nm, which is supported by DLS analysis. The antibacterial property of synthesized nano-ZnO particles was tested with bacterial pathogens showed good results. The developed nano-ZnO gel act as an efficient and superior another tropical antimicrobial formulations for healing of burn infections. Moreover, the formulated nano-ZnO gel exhibited a remarkable wound healing potential in rats.

Graphical abstract

Evaluating Patient Responses to Omalizumab in Solar Urticaria

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &Photomedicine, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

Enhanced Production of Hypocrellin A in Submerged Cultures of Shiraia bambusicola by Red Light

Photochemistry and Photobiology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems

Platelet‐rich plasma: Potential role in combined therapy for vitiligo

Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

Vulvar Cancer Association with Groin Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Large, Urban, Midwestern U.S. Patient Population Study

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Supriya Rastogi, Kevin R. Patel, Vivek Singam, Yasmeen Ali, Jing Gao, Ahmad Amin, Bethanee J. Schlosser, Dennis P. West, Beatrice Nardone

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors for the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum not associated with inflammatory bowel diseases: a multicenter retrospective study

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Laurie Rousset, Adèle de Masson, Edouard Begon, Axel Villani, Maxime Battistella, Michel Rybojad, Marie Jachiet, Martine Bagot, Jean-David Bouaziz, Clémence Lepelletier

Epidemiology of Nickel Sensitivity: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) Data 1994-2014

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Erin M. Warshaw, Amy J. Zhang, Joel G. DeKoven, Howard I. Maibach, Donald V. Belsito, Denis Sasseville, Joseph F. Fowler, Anthony F. Fransway, Toby Mathias, Melanie D. Pratt, James G. Marks, Kathryn A. Zug, Matthew J. Zirwas, James S. Taylor, Vincent A. DeLeo

Abstract

Background

Nickel is a common allergen.

Objective

To examine the epidemiology of nickel sensitivity in North America.

Methods

Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 44,097 patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group from 1994-2014. Nickel sensitivity was defined as a positive patch test to nickel. We evaluated frequency of nickel sensitivity and patient demographics. For each positive nickel reaction, we tabulated clinical relevance, occupational relatedness, and exposure sources.

Results

Average frequency of nickel sensitivity was 17.5% (1994-2014). Nickel sensitivity significantly increased over time (14.3% 1994-1996 to 20.1% 2013-2014, p<0.0001). Nickel sensitive patients were significantly more likely to be female, young, non-Caucasian, atopic (eczema and asthma), and/or have dermatitis affecting the face, scalp, ears, neck, arm, or trunk (p values ≤0.0474). Overall, 55.5% of reactions were currently clinically relevant; this frequency significantly increased over time (44.1% 1994-1996 to 51.6% 2013-2014, p<0.0001). Occupational relatedness was 3.7% overall with a significant decrease over time (7.9% 1994-1996 to 1.9% 2013-2014, p<0.0001). Jewelry was the most common source.

Limitations

Tertiary referral population.

Conclusions

Nickel allergy is of significant public health importance in North America. The frequency of nickel sensitivity in patients referred for patch testing has significantly increased over a 20-year period.

Hydrocolloid Dressing Application for the Treatment of Pediatric Onychodystrophies

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Solomon Geizhals, Christine T. Lauren, Shari R. Lipner

Antioxidant supplements in combination with phototherapy for vitiligo: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Han Mi Jung, Yu Seok Jung, Ji Hae Lee, Gyong Moon Kim, Jung Min Bae