bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post operative synovial sepsis following endoscopic surgery: Increased risk associated with the carpal sheath
Authors: Hawthorn A. , Reardon R. , O'Meara B. , James F. , Bladon B.
Published: June 2015

Reasons for performing study

The overall rate of sepsis following endoscopic surgery of synovial structures has not previously been documented. Clinical observation has led to the conjecture that tendon sheaths, in particular the carpal flexor tendon sheath, are more prone to post operative synovial sepsis than other synovial structures.

Objectives

To document and investigate the rate of post operative synovial sepsis following elective endoscopic surgery.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

The medical records of horses that underwent arthroscopy, tenoscopy or bursoscopy at Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery between January 1999 and July 2012 were reviewed. The signalment, anatomical structure involved, use of electrosurgery, tourniquet or motorised resector, presence of a fracture, whether surgery was performed with the horse standing or under general anaesthesia and the number of structures examined were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between the selected variables and synovial sepsis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Level of significance was P<0.05.

Results

There were 1670 horses that underwent endoscopic surgery of 3159 synovial structures: 2517 joints, 583 tendon sheaths and 59 bursae. There were 16 cases of post operative sepsis in 16 horses; therefore, the infection rate was one per 100 horses or 5 per 1000 procedures. Carpal sheath tenoscopy was associated with an OR of developing post operative synovial sepsis of 14.9 (95% CI 4.8–45.9, P<0.001) compared to other synovial structures. Tendon sheath endoscopy had an OR of developing post operative synovial sepsis of 5.21 (95% CI 1.24–21.91, P<0.02) compared to other synovial structures.

Conclusion

Surgeons should be aware that tendon sheaths and the carpal sheath in particular appear to have higher odds of developing sepsis following endoscopic surgery.
Equine insulin receptor and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor expression in digital lamellar tissue and insulin target tissues
Authors: Kullmann A. , Weber P. S. , Bishop J. B. , Roux T. M. , Norby B. , Burns T. A. , McCutcheon L. J. , Belknap J. K. , Geor R. J.
Published: June 2015

Reasons for performing study

Hyperinsulinaemia is implicated in the pathogenesis of endocrinopathic laminitis. Insulin can bind to different receptors: two insulin receptor isoforms (InsR‐A and InsR‐B), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) and InsR/IGF‐1R hybrid receptor (Hybrid). Currently, mRNA expression of these receptors in equine tissues and the influence of body type and dietary carbohydrate intake on expression of these receptors is not known.

Objectives

The study objectives were to characterise InsR‐A, InsR‐B, IGF‐1R and Hybrid expression in lamellar tissue (LT) and insulin responsive tissues from horses and examine the effect of dietary nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) on mRNA expression of these receptors in LT, skeletal muscle, liver and two adipose tissue (AT) depots of lean and obese ponies.

Study design

In vivo experiment.

Methods

Lamellar tissue samples were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) for receptor mRNA expression (n = 8) and immunoblotting for protein expression (n = 3). Archived LT, skeletal muscle, liver and AT from lean and obese mixed‐breed ponies fed either a low (~7% NSC as dry matter; 5 lean, 5 obese) or high NSC diet (~42% NSC as dry matter; 6 lean, 6 obese) for 7 days were evaluated by RT‐qPCR to determine the effect of body condition and diet on expression of the receptors in different tissues. Significance was set at P≤0.05.

Results

Lamellar tissue expresses both InsR isoforms, IGF‐1R and Hybrid. LT IGF‐1R gene expression was greater than either InsR isoform and InsR‐A expression was greater than InsR‐B (P≤0.05). Obesity significantly lowered IGF‐1R, InsR‐A and InsR‐B mRNA expression in LT and InsR‐A in tailhead AT. High NSC diet lowered expression of all three receptor types in liver; IGF‐1R and InsR‐A in LT and InsR‐A in tailhead AT.

Conclusions

Lamellar tissue expresses IGF‐1R, InsR isoforms and Hybrids. The functional characteristics of these receptors and their role in endocrinopathic laminitis warrants further investigation.
Peri‐anaesthetic complications in an equine referral hospital: Risk factors for post anaesthetic colic
Authors: Jago R. C. , Corletto F. , Wright I. M.
Published: June 2015

Reasons for performing study

Peri‐anaesthetic complications are relatively common in equine patients and further investigations are warranted to identify manageable risk factors.

Objectives

To report morbidity and mortality rates and identify associated risk factors for horses undergoing general anaesthesia, within a predominantly racing Thoroughbred (TB) population.

Study design

Single centre retrospective observational study.

Methods

Anaesthetic and case records of all horses ≥12 months old undergoing general anaesthesia at Newmarket Equine Hospital between August 2010 and April 2012 were analysed, excluding emergency abdominal/dystocia procedures or traumatology cases with cardiovascular compromise. Mortality and morbidity rates were calculated and described. Uni‐ and multivariable analyses were used to investigate the relationship between the principal complication, post anaesthetic colic (PAC) and risk factors.

Results

A total of 1067 anaesthetic records of 1021 horses were included in the study; of these, 702 horses (65.8%) were TB, 169 (15.8%) developed a complication within 7 days of general anaesthesia and 10 (0.94%) died as a result. The most prevalent morbidity was PAC, 111 horses (10.5%) developed colic within 7 days of general anaesthesia. Thoroughbred horses (odds ratio [OR] 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73–4.96) and horses receiving sodium benzylpenicillin (NaBP) (OR2.77, 95%CI1.69–4.50) were at increased risk of PAC.

Conclusions

Thoroughbred racehorses were identified as at increased risk of PAC in this study and might benefit from more critical evaluation of post anaesthetic gastrointestinal function. An alternative to the administration of NaBPfor prophylactic antimicrobial therapy needs to be further investigated if its role in PAC is confirmed by other studies.
Towards a functional identification of catalytically inactive [Fe]‐hydrogenase paralogs
Authors: Fujishiro Takashi , Ataka Kenichi , Ermler Ulrich , Shima Seigo
Published: June 2015

[Fe]‐hydrogenase (Hmd), an enzyme of the methanogenic energy metabolism, harbors an iron‐guanylylpyridinol (FeGP) cofactor used for H2 cleavage. The generated hydride is transferred to methenyl‐tetrahydromethanopterin (methenyl‐H4MPT+). Most hydrogenotrophic methanogens contain the hmd‐related genes hmdII and hmdIII. Their function is still elusive. We were able to reconstitute the HmdII holoenzyme of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii with recombinantly produced apoenzyme and the FeGP cofactor, which is a prerequisite for in vitro functional analysis. Infrared spectroscopic and X‐ray structural data clearly indicated binding of the FeGP cofactor. Methylene‐H4MPT binding was detectable in the significantly altered infrared spectra of the HmdII holoenzyme and in the HmdII apoenzyme–methylene‐H4MPT complex structure. The related binding mode of the FeGP cofactor and methenyl‐H4MPT+ compared with Hmd and their multiple contacts to the polypeptide highly suggest a biological role in HmdII. However, holo‐HmdII did not catalyze the Hmd reaction, not even in a single turnover process, as demonstrated by kinetic measurements. The found inactivity can be rationalized by an increased contact area between the C‐ and N‐terminal folding units in HmdII compared with in Hmd, which impairs the catalytically necessary open‐to‐close transition, and by an exchange of a crucial histidine to a tyrosine. Mainly based on the presented data, a function of HmdII as Hmd isoenzyme, H2 sensor, FeGP‐cofactor storage protein and scaffold protein for FeGP‐cofactor biosynthesis could be excluded. Inspired by the recently found binding of HmdII to aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases and tRNA, we tentatively consider HmdII as a regulatory protein for protein synthesis that senses the intracellular methylene‐H4MPT concentration.

Database

Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 4YT8; 4YT2; 4YT4 and 4YT5.
Detection of novel germline mutations for breast cancer in non‐BRCA1/2 families
Authors: Aloraifi Fatima , McDevitt Trudi , Martiniano Rui , McGreevy Jonah , McLaughlin Russell , Egan Chris M. , Cody Nuala , Meany Marie , Kenny Elaine , Green Andrew J. , Bradley Daniel G. , Geraghty James G. , Bracken Adrian P.
Published: June 2015

The identification of the breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 enhanced clinicians' ability to select high‐risk individuals for aggressive surveillance and prevention, and led to the development of targeted therapies. However, BRCA1/2 mutations account for only 25% of familial breast cancer cases. To systematically identify rare, probably pathogenic variants in familial cases of breast cancer without BRCA1/2 mutations, we developed a list of 312 genes, and performed targeted DNA enrichment coupled to multiplex next‐generation sequencing on 104 ‘BRCAx’ patients and 101 geographically matched controls in Ireland. As expected, this strategy allowed us to identify mutations in several well‐known high‐susceptibility and moderate‐susceptibility genes, including ATM (~ 5%), RAD50 (~ 3%), CHEK2 (~ 2%), TP53 (~ 1%), PALB2 (~ 1%), and MRE11A (~ 1%). However, we also identified novel pathogenic variants in 30 other genes, which, when taken together, potentially explain the etiology of the missing heritability in up to 35% of BRCAx patients. These included novel potential pathogenic mutations in MAP3K1, CASP8, RAD51B, ZNF217, CDKN2B‐AS1, and ERBB2, including a splice site mutation, which we predict would generate a constitutively active HER2 protein. Taken together, this work extends our understanding of the genetics of familial breast cancer, and supports the need to implement hereditary multigene panel testing to more appropriately orientate clinical management.
Delineating transcriptional networks of prognostic gene signatures refines treatment recommendations for lymph node‐negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Lanigan Fiona , Brien Gerard L. , Fan Yue , Madden Stephen F. , Jerman Emilia , Maratha Ashwini , Aloraifi Fatima , Hokamp Karsten , Dunne Eiseart J. , Lohan Amanda J. , Flanagan Louise , Garbe James C. , Stampfer Martha R. , Fridberg Marie , Jirstrom Karin , Quinn Cecily M. , Loftus Brendan , Gallagher William M. , Geraghty James , Bracken Adrian P.
Published: June 2015

The majority of women diagnosed with lymph node‐negative breast cancer are unnecessarily treated with damaging chemotherapeutics after surgical resection. This highlights the importance of understanding and more accurately predicting patient prognosis. In the present study, we define the transcriptional networks regulating well‐established prognostic gene expression signatures. We find that the same set of transcriptional regulators consistently lie upstream of both ‘prognosis’ and ‘proliferation’ gene signatures, suggesting that a central transcriptional network underpins a shared phenotype within these signatures. Strikingly, the master transcriptional regulators within this network predict recurrence risk for lymph node‐negative breast cancer better than currently used multigene prognostic assays, particularly in estrogen receptor‐positive patients. Simultaneous examination of p16INK4A expression, which predicts tumours that have bypassed cellular senescence, revealed that intermediate levels of p16INK4A correlate with an intact pRB pathway and improved survival. A combination of these master transcriptional regulators and p16INK4A, termed the OncoMasTR score, stratifies tumours based on their proliferative and senescence capacity, facilitating a clearer delineation of lymph node‐negative breast cancer patients at high risk of recurrence, and thus requiring chemotherapy. Furthermore, OncoMasTR accurately classifies over 60% of patients as ‘low risk’, an improvement on existing prognostic assays, which has the potential to reduce overtreatment in early‐stage patients. Taken together, the present study provides new insights into the transcriptional regulation of cellular proliferation in breast cancer and provides an opportunity to enhance and streamline methods of predicting breast cancer prognosis.
Structural integrity assessment of turbine discs in presence of potential defects: probabilistic analysis and implementation
Authors: Beretta S. , Foletti S. , Madia M. , Cavalleri E.
Published: June 2015

Rotor discs for gas turbines are heavy components usually designed following a safe‐life approach, where the low‐cycle fatigue design is based on life curves with suitable probabilistic margins. However, in such a component, there is the possible occurrence of undetected defects that can propagate at each startup–shutdown cycle, and therefore, defect acceptance criteria have to be defined for the different rotor regions (considering stress distribution and temperature). Moreover, the failure risk should be evaluated considering static fracture at overspeed as a potential failure mode. In order to make such an assessment for a turbine rotor disc, a semi‐probabilistic approach for the integrity assessment‐based current standards has been developed. The approach has then been implemented into a code able to process axis‐symmetric Finite Element (FE) analyses of the disc and to produce maps for the expected life (for a given defect size) and for the acceptable defect (for a target life). The probabilistic assessment of turbine rotor discs is first discussed together with a sensitivity study about the most significant calculation assumptions. Then, details of the semi‐probabilistic code are shown together with application to a turbine disc.
Hydraulic Tomography: Continuity and Discontinuity of High‐K and Low‐K Zones
Authors: Hochstetler David L. , Barrash Warren , Leven Carsten , Cardiff Michael , Chidichimo Francesco , Kitanidis Peter K.
Published: June 2015

Hydraulic tomography is an emerging field and modeling method that provides a continuous hydraulic conductivity (K) distribution for an investigated region. Characterization approaches that rely on interpolation between one‐dimensional (1D) profiles have limited ability to accurately identify high‐K channels, juxtapositions of lenses with high K contrast, and breaches in layers or channels between such profiles. However, locating these features is especially important for groundwater flow and transport modeling, and for design and operation of in situ remediation in complex hydrogeologic environments. We use transient hydraulic tomography to estimate 3D K in a volume of 15‐m diameter by 20‐m saturated thickness in a highly heterogeneous unconfined alluvial (clay to sand‐and‐gravel) aquifer with a K range of approximately seven orders of magnitude at an active industrial site in Assemini, Sardinia, Italy. A modified Levenberg‐Marquardt algorithm was used for geostatistical inversion to deal with the nonlinear nature of the highly heterogeneous system. The imaging results are validated with pumping tests not used in the tomographic inversion. These tests were conducted from three of five clusters of continuous multichannel tubing (CMTs) installed for observation in the tomographic testing. Locations of high‐K continuity and discontinuity, juxtaposition of very high‐K and very low‐K lenses, and low‐K “plugs” are evident in regions of the investigated volume where they likely would not have been identified with interpolation from 1D profiles at the positions of the pumping well and five CMT clusters. Quality assessment methods identified a suspect high‐K feature between the tested volume and a lateral boundary of the model.
Temporal Hyporheic Zone Response to Water Table Fluctuations
Authors: Malzone Jonathan M. , Anseeuw Sierra K. , Lowry Christopher S. , Allen‐King Richelle
Published: June 2015

Expansion and contraction of the hyporheic zone due to temporal hydrologic changes between stream and riparian aquifer influence the biogeochemical cycling capacity of streams. Theoretical studies have quantified the control of groundwater discharge on the depth of the hyporheic zone; however, observations of temporal groundwater controls are limited. In this study, we develop the concept of groundwater‐dominated differential hyporheic zone expansion to explain the temporal control of groundwater discharge on the hyporheic zone in a third‐order stream reach flowing through glacially derived terrain typical of the Great Lakes region. We define groundwater‐dominated differential expansion of the hyporheic zone as: differing rates and magnitudes of hyporheic zone expansion in response to seasonal vs. storm‐related water table fluctuation. Specific conductance and vertical hydraulic gradient measurements were used to map changes in the hyporheic zone during seasonal water table decline and storm events. Planar and riffle beds were monitored in order to distinguish the cause of increasing hyporheic zone depth. Planar bed seasonal expansion of the hyporheic zone was of a greater magnitude and longer in duration (weeks to months) than storm event expansion (hours to days). In contrast, the hyporheic zone beneath the riffle bed exhibited minimal expansion in response to seasonal groundwater decline compared to storm related expansion. Results indicated that fluctuation in the riparian water table controlled seasonal expansion of the hyporheic zone along the planar bed. This groundwater induced hyporheic zone expansion could increase the potential for biogeochemical cycling and natural attenuation.
Telaprevir versus simeprevir for the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Yoshida Yoshihro , Kurihara Takeshi , Harimoto Norifumi , Itoh Shinji , Shimokawa Masahiro , Fukuhara Takasuke , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: June 2015

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of telaprevir (TVR)‐ or simeprevir (SMV)‐based triple therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients received antiviral therapy, consisting of either TVR (n = 12) or SMV (n = 14) in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, plus cyclosporin.

Results

More patients had a dose reduction of the direct‐acting agent (36.3% vs 0.0%, P = 0.02) or required blood transfusion for anemia (58.3% vs 7.1%, P < 0.01) in the TVR group. The cyclosporin trough/dose ratio increased significantly from week 0 to week 4 in the TVR group (1.6 ± 0.4 to 5.1 ± 2.0, P < 0.01), but not in the SMV group (1.2 ± 0.3 to 1.3 ± 0.2, P = 0.68). The 24‐week cumulative viral clearance rate was 91.7% and 85.7% in the TVR and in SMV groups, respectively. The early viral response and sustained viral response rates were 91.7% and 83.3%, respectively, in the TVR group, compared with 85.7% and 64.3%, respectively, in the SMV group. Interferon‐mediated graft dysfunction occurred in four and five patients in the TVR and SMV groups, respectively; two patients were treated by oral steroids, five by steroid pulse and two by thymoglobulin, resulting in viral breakthrough in one case.

Conclusion

SMV‐based triple therapy was associated with fewer adverse events and drug interactions with cyclosporin, and possibly less antiviral properties to TVR. Interferon‐mediated graft dysfunction is a significant clinical problem that warrants particular caution following living donor liver transplantation.
Effects of Oxidation Curing of Polycarbosilane on Dielectric and Microwave Absorption Properties of PDCs‐SiC Ceramics
Authors: Shi Yimin , Luo Fa , Ding Donghai , Wan Feng , Zhou Wancheng , Zhu Dongmei
Published: June 2015

Polycarbosilane (PCS) was cured by oxidizing at different temperatures and pyrolyzed at 1000°C in vacuum. The dielectric properties of SiC ceramics were studied in X band. The ε′ and ε″ of SiC ceramics derived from oxidation‐curing PCS decreased to 4 and 0.35, respectively, which attribute to the decrease of free carbon content and order. SiC ceramic derived from PCS cured at 180°C showed that reflection loss was lower than −10 dB in the frequency range from 8.2 to 11.3 GHz and the minimum value was −26.7 dB at 9.6 GHz, which exhibits a promising prospect as microwave‐absorbing materials.
A Turkish translation of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ‐2002/LONG) adapted for young workers in high‐risk jobs
Authors: Aktas Emine , Esin Melek Nihal
Published: June 2015

Background

Occupational skin diseases (OSDs) represent 10–40% of all occupational diseases in many industrialized countries. Young workers are frequently exposed to toxic substances and chemicals in the workplace. The occupational conditions of young workers can impose a high level of risk for the occurrence of OSDs. The Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ‐2002) was developed in English as a new, comprehensive, standardized tool with which to screen for OSDs.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to translate the NOSQ‐2002 into Turkish and to culturally adapt the long version of the instrument for use with young workers in jobs with high risk for the occurrence of OSDs.

Methods

Forward and back translations were carried out. Problematic items were modified until the Turkish‐language version achieved a satisfactory consensus with the original version of the NOSQ‐2002. The final Turkish version was tested in 40 randomly selected young workers with and without OSDs who were studying in the fields of hairdressing, jewelry making, and car mechanics at vocational training schools run by the National Education Ministry.

Results

When the original questionnaire had been translated into the target language, a first consensus version was evaluated by an expert panel. The expert panel determined that 36 questions (63.2%) in the Turkish version required some level of modification in order to facilitate clear understanding. Cognitive interviews were then performed. After some modification, the final Turkish version was established and tested among young workers.

Conclusions

The new Turkish version of the NOSQ is a comprehensible, reliable, and useful tool that can be applied to young workers in specific occupations.
New observations of intraoperative dermoscopic features of the nail matrix and bed in longitudinal melanonychia
Authors: Göktay Fatih , Güneş Pembegül , Yaşar Şirin , Güder Hüsna , Aytekin Sema
Published: June 2015

Background

In recent years, the following four patterns have been defined in intraoperative dermoscopy of the nail matrix and bed in longitudinal melanonychia (LM): (i) a regular gray pattern; (ii) a regular brown pattern; (iii) a regular brown pattern with globules or blotches; and (iv) an irregular pattern. Histopathological findings in these patterns are, respectively: (i) melanocyte activation; (ii) mostly melanocytic hyperplasia (melanocytic activation and melanoma can also be seen); (iii) only melanocytic nevi; and (iv) only melanoma.

Objective

This study was conducted to compare these patterns with intraoperative dermoscopic findings in another series of five patients with LM.

Methods

Nail plate dermoscopy, intraoperative nail matrix and bed dermoscopy, and histopathological examinations in five patients with LM were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Intraoperative dermoscopy of the nail bed and matrix in patients in whom nail plate dermoscopy demonstrated regular brown lines showed a regular brown pattern with globules in two cases, only globules in one case, and a regular gray pattern in one case. An irregular pattern with globules and blotches was observed in one patient who exhibited irregular brown lines in nail plate dermoscopy. Histopathological examinations showed only hypermelanosis in one case with a regular gray pattern, hypermelanosis and melanophages in cases with a regular brown pattern with globules, blue nevus in one case with an irregular brown pattern with globules and blotches, and only melanophages in one case with globules only.

Conclusions

Histopathological findings that differ from the patterns previously reported were found. An irregular pattern may also be seen in benign melanocytic nevi such as subungual blue nevus. A globular pattern may be defined as a new pattern corresponding to melanophages only. Additional dermoscopic and histopathological images should be shared to facilitate the development of further understanding and the standardization of the intraoperative dermoscopy of LM.
Frequency of body dysmorphic disorder among patients with complaints of hair loss
Authors: Dogruk Kacar Seval , Ozuguz Pinar , Bagcioglu Erman , Coskun Kerem Senol , Polat Serap , Karaca Semsettin , Ozbulut Omer
Published: June 2015

Background

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition in which a disabling preoccupation with a non‐existent or slight defect in appearance is the main symptom. Hair concerns are frequent in patients with BDD.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of BDD among patients with complaints of hair loss.

Methods

A validated BDD questionnaire (BDDQ) was administered to 150 patients with complaints of hair loss and 150 control subjects who were selected from among general dermatology (GD) patients. Standard statistical tests were performed (descriptive analysis, chi‐squared tests, non‐parametric tests). Differences that achieved a P‐value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Among patients with complaints of hair loss, 42 of 142 subjects retained in the study (29.6%; 31 females and 11 males) were diagnosed with BDD. Furthermore, 25.6% of female patients and 52.4% of male patients were diagnosed with BDD (P = 0.013). Hair concerns were more common in males than in females (P < 0.05). In the GD group, four control subjects (2.7%, all female) were diagnosed with BDD; all of their concerns focused on the body and acne.

Conclusions

The incidence of BDD is about 10 times higher in patients with complaints of hair loss than it is in GD patients and is higher in males. Awareness of the condition and the referral of selected patients to mental health professionals is crucial.
Multiple microneedling sessions for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation: an objective assessment
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Barakat Manal , Awad Sherif , Medhat Walid , El‐Fakahany Hasan , Farag Hanna
Published: June 2015

Background

Microneedling or percutaneous collagen induction is a new modality used for skin rejuvenation, tightening, and scar remodeling. It offers a simple and effective treatment for photoaged skin with minimal disruption of the epidermis, thus limiting adverse effects and minimizing downtime.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy, coupled with quantitative assessment, of the histological changes in response to multiple sessions of skin microneedling in the treatment of aging skin.

Patients and methods

Ten patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III and IV and Glogau class II to III wrinkles were subjected to six skin microneedling sessions at 2‐week intervals. Standard photographs and skin biopsy specimens were obtained at baseline and at one and three months after the start of treatment. Histometry for epidermal thickness and quantitative evaluation of collagen types I, III, and VII, newly synthesized collagen, total elastin, and tropoelastin were performed for all skin biopsies.

Results

Skin microneedling produced noticeable clinical improvement of photoaged skin, with corresponding histological enhancement. Compared to the baseline, collagen types I, III, and VII, as well as newly synthesized collagen, together with tropoelastin showed a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in response to treatment, while the mean level of total elastin was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after treatment.

Conclusions

Skin microneedling is a promising minimally invasive treatment option with the advantage of increased collagen production. However, multiple sessions are usually needed to maintain the improvement achieved.
Eighteen cases of wheat allergy and wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced urticaria/anaphylaxis sensitized by hydrolyzed wheat protein in soap
Authors: Kobayashi Tomoko , Ito Tomonobu , Kawakami Hiroshi , Fuzishiro Kanzan , Hirano Hirofumi , Okubo Yukari , Tsuboi Ryoji
Published: June 2015

Background

Glupearl 19S, an acid‐hydrolyzed wheat protein (HWP), is used widely in Japan as a moisturizing ingredient in facial soaps. Since 2010, there has been an increasing number of reports of contact urticaria and wheat allergy resulting from the use of products containing this substance.

Case reports

Sixty‐one patients who had used HWP‐containing facial soap visited our hospital. Thirty‐five of these experienced urticaria or anaphylaxis after consuming wheat‐containing food.

Results

Eighteen of the 35 patients tested positive to 0.01% Glupearl 19S solution. Wheat‐specific IgE and serum gluten‐specific IgE were higher in the patients with HWP allergy than in non‐HWP allergy patients. Among the patients who tested positive to Glupearl 19S on the skin prick test, nine experienced HWP–wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis, and four experienced food‐dependent anaphylaxis. Moreover, four of these patients not only experienced food‐dependent anaphylaxis but also a worsening of the symptoms during exercise.

Discussion

The clinical symptomology was so variable that the patients were classified into six groups. We found that patients with HWP allergy tended to manifest symptoms of both HWP–wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis and contact urticaria. The etiology of hydrolyzed wheat protein allergy is unknown. Patients with a history of these symptoms need to be informed about the risk of consuming wheat‐containing foods and the importance of excluding such items from their diet.
Atherogenic index of plasma in non‐obese women with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Bakry Ola A. , El Farargy Shawky M. , Ghanayem Naglaa , Soliman Amal
Published: June 2015

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the local and gradual transformation of terminal scalp hair into vellus hair, which has a shorter and thinner shaft. Several studies have analyzed the relationship between AGA and cardiovascular disease in males, and few were conducted in females. The current study aimed to investigate lipid profile and atherogenic index of plasma in non‐obese females with AGA.

Methods

Forty non‐obese females with early‐onset AGA were selected with 40 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy subjects as a control group. Total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured, and the atherogenic index of plasma was calculated for all cases and control subjects.

Results

Mean values of total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.03), and triglycerides (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in cases than controls. Mean value of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in cases than controls (P = 0.008). The atherogenic index of plasma was significantly higher in cases than controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Current findings support the relationship between early‐onset AGA and unfavorable lipid profile and cardiovascular risk in affected females. Assessment and follow‐up of these cases will allow early intervention to avoid cardiovascular complications.
Calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate gel compared with calcipotriol scalp solution in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: a randomized, controlled trial investigating efficacy and safety in a Chinese population
Authors: Ma Li , Yang Qinping , Yang Haizhen , Wang Gang , Zheng Min , Hao Fei , Gu Jun , Sun Qiuning , Cui Pangen , Ge Mengliang , Li Ruoyu , Gao Tianwen , Facy Patrice , Kurvits Merle , Xu Zhenyi , Xu Jinhua
Published: June 2015

Background

Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate combination in a non‐alcoholic, lipophilic gel formulation (two‐compound gel) has previously been demonstrated as a safe and effective treatment for scalp psoriasis in Caucasian, Hispanic/Latino, and Black/African American populations. The purpose of this randomized, investigator‐blinded, active‐controlled, 4‐week study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the two‐compound gel in Chinese subjects with scalp psoriasis.

Method

Subjects were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to four weeks of treatment with either the two‐compound gel once daily or calcipotriol scalp solution twice daily. Subjects were evaluated after one, two, and four weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of subjects who achieved “controlled disease” defined as “clear” or “minimal” disease according to investigator's global assessment of disease severity at week 4.

Results

The proportion of subjects who achieved “controlled disease” at week 4 was statistically significantly higher in the two‐compound gel group (87.5%) than in the calcipotriol solution group (50.8%), (P < 0.0001). Greater and more rapid improvements with the two‐compound gel were also observed in clinical signs (redness, thickness, and scaliness) and itching. The two‐compound gel was associated with fewer adverse drug reactions than calcipotriol scalp solution (18.6% vs. 33.1%) (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

The calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate gel applied once daily was significantly more effective and better tolerated than calcipotriol scalp solution applied twice daily in the treatment of scalp psoriasis over four weeks in Chinese subjects.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: an unusual complication of leprosy
Authors: Saidi Wafa , Gammoudi Rima , Korbi Mouna , Aounallah Amina , Boussofara Lobna , Ghariani Najet , Sriha Badreddine , Braham Nejia , Denguezli Mohamed , Belajouza Colandane , Nouira Rafia
Published: June 2015

Background

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare condition of chaotic uncontrolled immune system stimulation and not fully understood pathophysiology. Most reported cases of hemophagocytic syndrome in patients with mycobacterial infections have been associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As far as we could ascertain, to date, no established HLH case complicating leprosy has been published in the medical literature.

Case report

We describe here a new case of Hansen's disease in a 58‐year‐old Tunisian man with an unusual complicated clinical course documented as hemophagocytic syndrome. Cutaneous and neurological involvements were the main clinical signs of Hansen's disease. Histological findings suggested the diagnosis of leprosy and were somewhat more characteristic of the lepromatous leprosy type. While on antileprosy treatment, he developed unexplained persistent fever, organomegaly, bicytopenia, and elevated rate of inflammatory markers with bone marrow aspirate showing large macrophages with increased phagocytosis of mature and immature blood elements, typical features of hemophagocytic syndrome.

Conclusion

A high index of suspicion is essential for prompt diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome in the setting of disseminated infection such as leprosy.
Effectiveness and safety of clofazimine and pentoxifylline in type 2 lepra reaction: a double‐blind, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Roy Kunal , Sil Amrita , Das Nilay K. , Bandyopadhyay Debabrata
Published: June 2015

Background

Type 2 lepra reaction (T2R) is a difficult‐to‐manage condition in leprosy, and an effective and safe steroid‐sparing agent is needed for its management. The World Health Organization proposes clofazimine and recommends pentoxifylline for T2R. Our study was done to compare the effectiveness and safety of clofazimine and pentoxifylline therapy in patients with T2R.

Methods

Twenty patients with T2R were randomized equally. Group A received pentoxifylline 400 mg t.d.s, group B received clofazimine 100 mg t.d.s. for 12 weeks. Both groups received prednisolone 40 mg o.d., tapered over 12 weeks. The effectiveness parameters were days needed for resolution of cutaneous and systemic manifestations, relapses, cutaneous score, systemic score, and average daily prednisolone intake. Safety parameters were spontaneously appearing adverse events and laboratory parameter changes.

Results

The cutaneous scores in the clofazimine (P < 0.001) and pentoxifylline groups (P < 0.001) showed a progressive decline in subsequent follow‐ups. Individual follow‐ups were significantly lower than baseline in both groups (P < 0.05). Systemic scores fared similarly. There were no significant intergroup changes. Average daily prednisolone intake progressively decreased in group B (P < 0.001). Cutaneous and systemic manifestations took a comparable time to resolve. Both drugs were safe.

Conclusion

Pentoxifylline effectively reduces initial severity; clofazimine provides sustained improvement but acts slowly.
Histoid leprosy: review of the literature
Authors: Gupta Sunil Kumar
Published: June 2015

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous inflammation primarily of the peripheral nervous system, skin, and reticuloendothelial system caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It presents clinically as an erythematous or hypopigmented anesthetic patch and a thickened and/or tender cutaneous nerve trunk. Leprosy is also called Hansen disease. Leprosy is a great imitator of other skin diseases, and it can present with different morphological lesions, which is why an expert eye is needed to diagnose it. One of the important clinical presentations of leprosy is histoid leprosy, which is very difficult to diagnose due to different clinical and histopathological findings that mimic, e.g., a fibromatous disorder. Histoid leprosy is a very rare clinicopathological variant of leprosy. It is clinically characterized by skin‐colored, soft, succulent nodules, and plaques on apparently normal skin and histologically by a dense bundle of histiocytes arranged in storiform. Though histoid leprosy is a very rare type of leprosy, the higher load of lepra bacilli in these cases makes it a concern as a reservoir for leprosy.
Cortistatin is dysregulated in skin tissue of patients with psoriasis vulgaris and suppresses keratinocyte proliferation in vitro
Authors: Li Dai , He Hui‐Lan , Yao Ming‐Zhu , Chen Ming‐Liang , Chen Xiang
Published: June 2015

Background

Psoriasis is characterized by the unregulated proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and increased expression of proinflammatory mediators in the skin. Cortistatin, an endogenous cyclic neuropeptide, inhibits the proliferation of inflammatory cells. We investigated the expression of cortistatin in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and examined its effects on keratinocyte growth in vitro.

Methods

Serum levels of cortistatin were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 72 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 76 age‐matched healthy volunteers. Cortistatin expression was also examined by immunohistochemistry of skin biopsies from 14 patients and 14 healthy subjects. The effects of cortistatin on the proliferation of primary keratinocytes were assessed using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and BrdU incorporation assay. Intracellular levels of cAMP in keratinocytes in the presence or absence of cortistatin were determined by ELISA.

Results

Serum levels of cortistatin and expression levels in skin were significantly lower in patients with psoriasis than in healthy subjects. Cortistatin inhibited keratinocyte proliferation in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner and substantially reduced intracellular cAMP levels in keratinocytes.

Conclusions

Cortistatin is downregulated in the skin of patients with psoriasis vulgaris and suppresses keratinocyte growth in vitro.
Topical cannabinoid receptor 1 agonist attenuates the cutaneous inflammatory responses in oxazolone‐induced atopic dermatitis model
Authors: Kim Hyun Jong , Kim Bongwoo , Park Bu Man , Jeon Jeong Eun , Lee Sin Hee , Mann Shivtaj , Ahn Sung Ku , Hong Seung‐Phil , Jeong Se Kyoo
Published: June 2015

Background

Even with the widespread clinical use of cannabinoid receptor (CBR) stimulating compounds, such as palmitoylethanolamine, the role ofCBRagonists on inflammatory skin diseases is not yet fully understood. This study was performed to investigate the effects ofCBRagonists on skin inflammation, using acute and chronic inflammation animal models.

Methods

The effectiveness of the newly synthesized cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) agonists was determined usingin vitroassays. Markers for epidermal permeability barrier function and skin inflammation were measured, and histological assessments were performed for evaluation.

Results

Topical application ofCB1R‐specific agonist significantly accelerated the recovery of epidermal permeability barrier function and showed anti‐inflammatory activity in both acute and chronic inflammation models. Histological assessments also confirmed the anti‐inflammatory effects, which is consistent with previous reports.

Conclusions

All of the results suggest that topical application ofCB1R‐specific agonist can be beneficial for alleviating the inflammatory symptoms in chronic skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis.
Microencapsulation of flaxseed oil by soya proteins–gum arabic complex coacervation
Authors: Dong Die , Qi Zhengliang , Hua Yufei , Chen Yeming , Kong Xiangzhen , Zhang Caimeng
Published: June 2015

Application of soya proteins (SP) in flaxseed oil microencapsulation based on complex coacervation was investigated. The effects of SP/gum arabic (GA) mixing ratio (1:2, 1:1 and 2:1) and pH (2.80, 3.15 and 3.75) on coacervate preparation were studied firstly. The highest coacervate yields (CY) were achieved at SP/GA = 1:1, pH 3.15, and SP/GA = 2:1, pH 3.75, which were 81.2 ± 2.0%, 88.1 ± 0.6%, respectively. Thereafter, the microencapsulation of flaxseed oil was detected in accordance with the results of the coacervation of SP/GA, that is the optimal condition for microencapsulation was corresponded to the condition where CY was the highest. Under the conditions of SP/GA = 1:1, pH 3.15, and SP/GA = 2:1, pH 3.75, the microencapsulation efficiency and total yield reached 81.5 ± 0.1% and 81.7 ± 0.4%, and 77.4 ± 3.7% and 86.7 ± 2.4%, respectively. Microscopic morphology revealed that the formation of a biopolymer shell around the oil droplets was achieved at specific conditions.
Effects of breed and age at slaughter on degradation of muscle lipids during processing of dry‐cured hams
Authors: Storrustløkken Linda , Devle Hanne Marie , Gangsei Lars Erik , Naess‐Andresen Carl Fredrik , Egelandsdal Bjørg , Alvseike Ole , Ekeberg Dag
Published: June 2015

Hams from Landrace, Duroc and Hampshire pigs slaughtered at ages 6, 7.5 and 9 months were processed to generate Norwegian Parma‐style hams. Lipid contents and the compositions of fatty acid classes (ΣSFA, ΣMUFA, ΣPUFA) within neutral lipids, phospholipids and free fatty acids were determined. Small differences in lipid degradation and composition of the classes were revealed. However, significant sensory differences related to lipids were observed. Breed was more important than age. Dry‐cured Hampshire hams gave a more intense mature odour that may be associated with higher overall lipid degradation. Unexpectedly, these hams also demonstrated high juiciness and tenderness, which could be related to the melting characteristics of the fat. Dry‐cured Duroc hams showed a higher susceptibility towards rancidity, presumably associated with preferential oxidation of n‐6 fatty acids relative to C18:1 n‐9. Dry‐cured Landrace hams showed the lowest juiciness and tenderness, likely due to their lower fat content (marbling).
Modification of poovan banana (Musa AAB) starch by γ‐irradiation: effect on in vitro digestibility, molecular structure and physico‐chemical properties
Authors: Koteswara Reddy Chagam , Vidya Puthan Veettil , Vijina Korambeth , Haripriya Sundaramoorthy
Published: June 2015

This study focussed at evaluating the effect of gamma irradiation on the in vitro digestibility, molecular structure and physico‐chemical properties of poovan banana (Musa AAB) starch using γ‐rays from a 60Co source at different doses with a dose rate of 2 kGy h−1. Physico‐chemical properties varied significantly and exhibited strong dose‐dependent relationship. Escalating irradiation leads to decrease in amylose content, pH, swelling power of the starch granules and syneresis of the gelatinised starch, while the same led to an increase in carboxyl content, in vitro digestibility, solubility and water absorption capacity of the starch granules. The results revealed that peak, hold, final and setback viscosities were significantly reduced. X‐ray diffraction pattern remained the same upon irradiation but a decrease in relative crystallinity was observed with increasing irradiation dose. Gelatinisation temperature and enthalpy decreased significantly when the increasing the dose of gamma irradiation.
Evaluating the effects of herbal essences from spearmint and wild thyme on the quality of camel's milk
Authors: Maaroufi Seyyed H. , Rezaei Karamatollah , Raftaniamiri Zeynab , Mirzaei Farhad
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to improve the sensory and physicochemical properties of camel's milk using two essential oils (EOs), spearmint (Mentha spicata) and wild thyme (Zataria multiflora). Total bacterial counts in the flavoured milks were lower than those of the plain milk, and microbial population was the lowest in the milk containing spearmint EO during 5 days of storage. Considering the sensory evaluations, milks treated with the above EOs received higher scores compared with those of untreated milk. The highest scores were given to the milk containing spearmint EO at 0.09 mL L−1. No significant differences were observed in the mean particle sizes of the samples after 5 days of storage. The addition of EOs from camel's milk resulted in higher organoleptic properties and shelf life, and, in turn, it can improve the consumption rate of camel's milk.
Metabolomics reveals consistency of the shoot system in Medicago truncatula by HPLC‐UV‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Fu Fuyou , Wang Hong Li
Published: June 2015

Flavonoids not only play crucial roles in plant development and resistance, but also provide one of the major natural sources in human nutrition. To investigate the distribution of flavonoids in the shoot system of Medicago truncatula, a high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS) method was established and then applied to determine the quantitation of flavonoids in different parts of the plant. There were twenty‐two, fifteen and eleven different kinds of flavonoids identified from the flower, leaf and stem of M. truncatula, respectively. The identified constituents were either aglycone or glycosides of the typical flavonoid backbones, such as myricetin, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, tricin, apigenin and laricitrin. It was found that the shoot system of M. truncatula can be differentiated by flavonoids in terms of structures and contents. Our results provide instruction to utilise the shoot system of legume crops as fodder and herb medicine in the future.