bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The iris signal: blue periphery, tan collaret and freckles pattern – strong indicators for epidermal skin cancer in South‐Eastern Europe
Authors: Grigore M. , Furtunescu F. , Minca D. , Costache M. , Garbe C. , Simionescu O. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundEye and skin share the embryological origin. Both are established risk factors in epidermal skin cancer. There are few reports using iris colour classification scales, most of them analyse colour in general or are too complex to use in daily practice.ObjectivesTo investigate which iris colour pattern is associated with epidermal skin cancer in a S‐E European Caucasian population.MethodsA case–control study was conducted on 480 patients: 229 skin cancers patients and 251 controls (dermatological patients free of skin cancers) admitted in two medical clinics of Dermatology in Bucharest, between October 2011 and May 2014. High‐resolution iris photographs were taken for each patient. Three parameters of the iris were analysed individually and in association patterns for each patient: periphery, collaret and freckles.ResultsThe most frequent iris colour pattern associated with epidermal skin cancer was blue periphery with light brown collaret and freckles present. In terms of individual parameters, the strongest indicators for skin cancer patients were blue periphery and blue collaret.ConclusionsThe results of this study sustain the hypothesis that blue periphery with light brown collaret and freckles iris pattern is a reliable phenotypic marker for epidermal skin cancer. The results of this study differ from previous reports in which skin cancer risk was associated with a homogeneous blue iris. We account these differences in the characteristics of the recruited patients (S‐E European, skin type II and III). The assessment of iris colour patterns is an easy and inexpensive detection tool in skin cancer risk assessment.
5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia: an evidence‐based treatment update
Authors: Murad A. , Bergfeld W. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundTreatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is challenging, and its treatment regimen often mirrors other lymphocytic‐predominant cicatricial alopecia. 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor (5ARI) has been reported with some treatment success in severe cases of FFA.ObjectiveTo carry out evidence‐based analysis of articles published on treatment efficacy and safety of 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor for the treatment of FFA.MethodsArticles published on the use of 5ARI to treat FFA between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed, analysed and graded according to the American College of Physicians outcome study grading system.ResultsThere were two studies with moderate level of evidence that described the efficacy of 5ARI for the treatment of FFA. 5ARI was commonly used as adjunctive therapy with positive results in recalcitrant disease. Mild to moderate hair regrowth was reported in one grade 2 and three lower grade (one grade 3 and two grade 4) studies. There is limited evidence on the safety aspects of this medication in most studies that were analysed.LimitationsDatabase studies might not fully account for confounders and are subjected to variations in methodology and data collection.ConclusionThis review demonstrated that FFA patients treated with 5ARI could achieve either disease stability or reduction in the rate of progression in selected cases. A well‐designed randomized, double‐blind, controlled study would strengthen the role of 5ARI as part of treatment armamentarium for FFA.
Cytokine patterns in vitro, in particular IL‐5/IL‐8 ratio, to detect patients with nickel contact allergy
Authors: Summer B. , Ständer S. , Thomas P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatch test (PT) is the gold standard to reveal nickel (Ni) allergy. In vitro tests are under discussion. We aimed to establish a cytokine based in vitro assay to detect Ni sensitization.MethodsFrom 15 patients with positive (13f, 42–78 years) and 15 with negative PT to Ni (controls, 3f, 31–82 years) within a consecutive patient series, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained. Six‐day stimulation with three concentrations of NiSO4 was performed. Proliferative response (uptake of tritiated thymidine) and production of the cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐17A, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ (cytometric bead array) were assessed.ResultsTwelve of fifteen Ni PT‐positive patients also had positive LTT, and all control patients were PT and LTT negative. The mean SI differed between Ni allergics and controls (P < 0.01). Upon Ni stimulation, PBMC of the allergic patients showed (i) enhanced IL‐5 response (P < 0.0001) and (ii) reduced IL‐8 production (P < 0.01). The IL‐5/IL‐8‐ratio best distinguished allergics from non‐allergics in all three Ni concentrations with a sensitivity and specificity of 93%.ConclusionAssessment of the ratio of Ni‐induced IL‐5 and reduced IL‐8 production in vitro is a helpful tool for a better characterization of Ni‐allergic patients.
Dermatomyositis panniculitis: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 18 cases
Authors: Santos‐Briz A. , Calle A. , Linos K. , Semans B. , Carlson A. , Sangüeza O.P. , Metze D. , Cerroni L. , Díaz‐Recuero J.L. , Alegría‐Landa V. , Mascaró J.M. , Moreno C. , Rodríguez‐Peralto J.L. , Requena L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPanniculitis occurring in dermatomyositis is uncommon, with only a few cases described in the literature, most of them as case reports.ObjectiveThis report describes the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings in a series of 18 patients with panniculitis associated with dermatomyositis.MethodsIn each patient, we collected the clinical data of the cutaneous lesions as well as the characteristic clinical and laboratory findings. A series of histopathologic findings was recorded in the biopsy of each patient. A panel of antibodies was used in some cases to investigate the immunophenotype of the infiltrate. Data of treatment and follow‐up were also collected.ResultsOf the 18 patients, 13 were female and 5 were male, ranging in age from 13 to 74 years (median, 46.4 years). In addition to panniculitis, all patients presented pathognomonic cutaneous findings of DM and reported proximal muscle weakness prior to the diagnosis of panniculitis. Muscle biopsy was performed in 17 patients and MRI in one, all with the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathy. None of the patients presented any associated neoplasia. Panniculitis lesions were located in the upper or lower limbs. Histopathology showed a mostly lobular panniculitis with lymphocytes as the main component of the infiltrate. Most cases showed also numerous plasma cells and lymphocytes surrounding necrotic adipocytes (rimming) were frequently seen. Lymphocytic vasculitis and abundant mucin interstitially deposited between collagen bundles of the dermis were also frequent findings. Late‐stage lesions showed hyaline necrosis of the fat lobule and calcification. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that most lymphocytes of the infiltrate were T‐helper lymphocytes, with some B lymphocytes in the lymphoid aggregates and small clusters of CD‐123‐positive plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the involved fat lobule.ConclusionPanniculitis in dermatomyositis is rare. Histopathologic findings of panniculitis dermatomyositis are identical to those of lupus panniculitis. Therefore, the final diagnosis requires clinic–pathologic correlation.
Patient–dermatologist agreement in psoriasis severity, symptoms and satisfaction: results from a real‐world multinational survey
Authors: Griffiths C.E.M. , Augustin M. , Naldi L. , Romiti R. , Guevara‐Sangines E. , Howe T. , Pietri G. , Gilloteau I. , Richardson C. , Tian H. , Jo S.J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory disease, which often requires lifelong treatment. A strong partnership between the patient and healthcare practitioners should help to achieve effective treatment outcomes.ObjectiveTo assess concordance of views between patients with psoriasis and their treating dermatologists relative to psoriasis severity, presence of symptoms and satisfaction with disease control achieved.MethodsWe used data from the Growth from Knowledge (GfK) Disease Atlas real‐world evidence program, a syndicated, retrospective, cross‐sectional survey among dermatologists and their systemic therapy eligible patients with psoriasis, conducted across nine countries. Concordance was measured through patients and their dermatologist's identical answers to the same survey questions. Concordance was evaluated using percentage agreement between dermatologists and their patients, and Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic. The level of concordance was defined as ‘none’ (κ ≤ 0), ‘none to slight’ (0.01–0.20), ‘fair’ (0.21–0.40), ‘moderate’ (0.41–0.60), ‘substantial’ (0.61–0.80) and ‘almost perfect’ (>0.8). The analysis was conducted for the overall population and for each participating country.ResultsOverall, 524 dermatologists and 3821 patients with psoriasis were included in the survey. Concordance of patient and dermatologist perceptions of psoriasis severity was fair both at diagnosis, and at the time of the survey (61% agreement, κ = 0.326 and 55% agreement, κ = 0.370, respectively). Higher levels of concordance were reported when patients assessed their psoriasis as moderate‐to‐severe (using Investigator's Global Assessment/Physician's Global Assessment [IGA/PGA] 5‐point scale of 3 or 4). Concordance regarding symptoms ranged from fair to moderate (κ = 0.241–0.575). Satisfaction with psoriasis control was fair (39% agreement, κ = 0.213). Results showed different patterns of concordance across the participating countries although a low concordance was observed on the satisfaction with psoriasis control in all of them.ConclusionResults from this multinational real‐world survey indicate different perceptions between patients with psoriasis and their dermatologist with respect to psoriasis severity, symptoms and disease control.
Vehicles and Critical Raw Materials: A Sustainability Assessment Using Thermodynamic Rarity
Authors: Ortego Abel , Valero Alicia , Valero Antonio , Restrepo Eliette 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe changing material composition of cars represents a challenge for future recycling of end‐of‐life vehicles (ELVs). Particularly, as current recycling targets are based solely on mass, critical metals increasingly used in cars might be lost during recycling processes, due to their small mass compared to bulk metals such as Fe and Al. We investigate a complementary indicator to material value in passenger vehicles based on exergy. The indicator is called thermodynamic rarity and represents the exergy cost (GJ) needed for producing a given material from bare rock to the market. According to our results, the thermodynamic rarity of critical metals used in cars, in most cases, supersedes that of the bulk metals that are the current focus of ELV recycling. While Fe, Al, and Cu account for more than 90% of the car's metal content, they only represent 60% of the total rarity of a car. In contrast, while Mo, Co, Nb, and Ni account for less than 1% of the car's metal content, their contribution to the car's rarity is larger than 7%. Rarity increases with the electrification level due to the greater amount of critical metals used; specifically, due to an increased use of (1) Al alloys are mainly used in the car's body‐in‐white of electric cars for light‐weighting purposes, (2) Cu in car electronics, and (3) Co, Li, Ni, and rare earth metals (La, Nd, and Pr) in Li‐ion and NiMH batteries.
Antibiotics‐induced modulation of large intestinal microbiota altered aromatic amino acid profile and expression of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus of piglets
Authors: Gao Kan , Pi Yu , Mu Chun‐Long , Peng Yu , Huang Zan , Zhu Wei‐Yun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe evidence of gut microbiota‐mediated modulation of brain function has been widely recognized from studies using germ‐free rodents or animals with oral antibiotic‐induced microbiota depletion. Since the large intestine harbors greater numbers and more diverse of microbes than in the small intestine, large intestinal microbiota may play a crucial role in the modulation of brain function. In this study, a large intestinal microbiota‐targeted strategy was used to investigate the impact of large intestinal microbiota on brain function. Twelve piglets (12.08 ± 0.28 kg) fitted with a T‐cannula at the distal ileum were fed a standard diet and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 6) for ileal infusion of either saline or antibiotics. After 25 days of infusion, ileal and fecal microbiota, serum amino acids and neurotransmitters, and hypothalamic transcriptomics were analyzed. While the antibiotic infusion did not change the proximal ileal microbial composition, it markedly altered the fecal microbial composition and increased aromatic amino acid (AAAs) metabolism (p < 0.05), suggesting the infusion specifically targeted large intestinal microbes. Concentrations of AAAs were likewise decreased in the blood and hypothalamus (p < 0.05) by antibiotic infusion. Antibiotic infusion further decreased concentrations of hypothalamic 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine, in line with AAAs being their precursors. An up‐regulation in gene expressions of neurotransmitter transporters and synthetases was observed (q < 0.001). In conclusion, the distalileal‐antibiotic infusion altered neurotransmitter expression in the porcine hypothalamus and this effect occurred simultaneously with changes in both the large intestinal microbiota, and AAAs in the large intestine, blood and hypothalamus. These findings indirectly indicate that large intestinal microbiota affects hypothalamic neurotransmitter expressions.
image
Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 208.
Regulators of glucocorticoid receptor function in an animal model of depression and obesity
Authors: Kurek A. , Głombik K. , Detka J. , Basta‐Kaim A. , Kubera M. , Lasoń W. , Budziszewska B. 
Published: March 2018

Obesity is a disease that often co‐occurs with depression and there is some evidence to indicate that chronic stress in the perinatal period, in association with overactive glucocorticoids, can cause permanent changes that increase the risk of the development of both depression and obesity later in life. However, the mechanism responsible for the overly potent action of glucocorticoids in both depression and obesity is not known. The present study aimed to determine the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and the factors that affect GR function (FKBP51, Bag‐1 and HSP70) in a prenatal stress animal model of depression, a model of obesity and a model of both depression and obesity. Prenatal stress but not high‐fat diet (HFD) was found to decrease the GR concentration in the frontal cortex. The level of the Bag‐1M (46 kDa) isoform was also decreased in this structure but only in prenatal‐stressed animals that did not show depression‐like behaviour in the Porsolt test and were fed the standard diet. In the model of depression employed in the present study, decreases in MR expression and GR co‐chaperone (FKBP51) levels in the hippocampus were also observed and HFD intensified the prenatal stress‐induced changes in MR expression. The results obtained indicated that prenatal stress affected the expression of GRs, MRs and their co‐chaperones in the brain, although its effects were different in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. The decrease in MR density in the hippocampus and increased plasma insulin level appeared to be the most significant changes observed in the model of the co‐occurrence of depression and obesity, which could limit the neuroprotective effects associated with the activation of MR and be a marker of peripheral insulin resistance, respectively.
Effect of narrow‐band ultraviolet B on the serum of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in vitiligo patients
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan , El Taieb Moustafa , El Gamel Zeinab , El Saied Abdel Rahman 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundNarrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) is the gold standard in the treatment of vitiligo. 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH‐ vitamin D) might play a physiological role in photo‐induced melanogenesis in human skin so the association between vitamin D levels and vitiligo still needs to be investigated more thoroughly.Objectivewe aim to investigate the influence of cumulative doses of NB‐UVB phototherapy on vitamin D in patients with vitiligo and their correlation with NB‐UVB‐induced pigmentation.MethodsEighty patients of vitiligo and twenty number of age and sex matched controls were recruited in a case‐control study. Patients with vitiligo were treated with NB‐UVB twice weekly for 24 weeks. 25‐hydroxy vitamin D levels were measured at 0, 12, and 24 weeks in the cases and at 0 only in control by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) were calculated at 0 (baseline) and 24 weeks.ResultsThe mean baseline level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (at 0 week) was significantly lower in patients than the control group. Levels of 25(OH) vitamin D at 12 and 24 weeks showed significant improvement and Patients show significant reduction in VASI score after 24 weeks of therapy.ConclusionsCumulative doses of NB‐UVB therapy improve low vitamin D levels in patients with vitiligo, which might have a significant role in NB‐UVB‐induced repigmentation and may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy but further studies with larger sample size are needed to prove the complete mechanisms of NB‐UVB‐induced pigmentations and vitamin D in vitiligo.
Blunt cannula subcision is more effective than Nokor needle subcision for acne scars treatment
Authors: Gheisari Mehdi , Iranmanesh Behzad , Saghi Bita 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackground and aimA comprehensive study comparing two different modalities, Nokor needle subcision (NNS) and blunt cannula subcision (BCS), for treatment of acne scars, has not been reported previously. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of these two methods based on patient's and doctor's satisfaction measures, in addition to the late complications 3 months postsubcision.Method of interventionPatients had 18‐65 years old, with acne scars on both malar sides. They were treated at one malar side with NNS and with BCS at another side. They were monitored during the first week, at one and 3 months postintervention. Patient's and two dermatologist's satisfactions were compared during 3 months, for each modality and between modalities.ResultsFrom 34 patients, 29.4%, 55.9%, and 14.7% had mild, moderate, and severe acne scars, respectively. Ecchymosis, nodule formation post‐NNS, and edema after BCS were the complications. Patients were satisfied with BCS during 3‐month monitoring (P = .021), but not with NNS (P = .353). Physician‐1 was satisfied from the outcome of both BCS and NNS procedures (P = .044 and .006, respectively). However, physician‐2 was only satisfied with NNS at the month 3 than the month 1 (P = .002). All patients and physicians were significantly more satisfied with BCS than NNS (P = .000). Anyway, at the month 3, physician‐2 had no significant different points of view about applied methods (P = .25).DiscussionConsidering the complications and satisfaction rates, BCS was more efficient than NNS for acne scar treatment. Then, we suggest BCS as a good replacement for NNS.
Review and clinical experience exploring evidence, clinical efficacy, and safety regarding nonsurgical treatment of feminine rejuvenation
Authors: Gold Michael , Andriessen Anneke , Bader Alexandros , Alinsod Red , French Elizabeth Shane , Guerette Nathan , Kolodchenko Yegor , Krychman Michael , Murrmann Susan , Samuels Julene 
Published: March 2018

SummaryIntroductionThe use of energy‐based devices for the treatment of vaginal laxity, orgasmic dysfunction, and stress incontinence, such as minimally ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency, is gaining momentum. This review aims to answer clinical questions on the application of energy‐based devices for feminine genital rejuvenation.MethodsThe target group includes physicians involved in esthetic medicine and feminine genital rejuvenation. A literature review was conducted on technologies in use for feminine rejuvenation to explore their safety, efficacy, tolerability, patient satisfaction, and clinical usability. A panel of physicians with clinical experience conducting these types of treatment reviewed and discussed the results of the literature search and gave clinical evidence‐based recommendations.ResultsEnergy‐based devices may induce wound healing, stimulating new collagen, and elastin fiber formation. Radiofrequency treatment may also increase small nerve fiber density in the papillary dermis, improving nerve sensitivity, sexual function, including arousal and orgasmic dysfunction. Both minimally ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency has been shown to be effective when treating mild to moderate primary or secondary vulvovaginal laxity and associated secondary conditions. These treatments are reported to be safe, effective, and well tolerated with a rapid return to activities of daily living.ConclusionsAs this is an evolving medical field, clinical evidence often lacks robustness. Studies and clinical experience suggest that feminine genital rejuvenation using energy‐based devices seems an attractive option for patients with mild‐to‐moderate medical conditions. The treatment can be safely and effectively delivered by trained staff as part of the comprehensive care, that is, currently available to women.
Clinical evaluation of simultaneously applied monopolar radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy as a new method for noninvasive treatment of cellulite in postpubertal women
Authors: Fritz Klaus , Salavastru Carmen , Gyurova Magdalina 
Published: March 2018

SummaryIntroductionThis study investigates noninvasive cellulite treatments based on simultaneous application of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and targeted pressure energy to evaluate efficacy and safety and to see whether simultaneous application has any benefits in noninvasive cellulite treatments.MethodsThirty women with cellulite (fibrous/adipose/aqueous types) received 4 gluteofemoral treatments (~24 minutes; ~1000 cm2) using a simultaneous application of RF and targeted pressure energy. Clinical improvement was assessed using a pentile grading scale and satisfaction questionnaires. Hip/thigh circumference was measured. Ultrasonography and thermography observed changes in dermal/subcutaneous tissue composition and in gluteofemoral thermal profile. Evaluation at 3 months posttreatment was compared against the baseline.ResultsThe clinical improvement averaged 2.17 ± 0.95 (54% improvement). Cellulite was reduced in 93% of cases, while 73% of patients showed good/very good/excellent improvement, with most significant improvement seen in patients with moderately severe cellulite. Hips and thigh circumference decreased on average by 2.31 cm and 2.13 cm, respectively (P < .001). Patient satisfaction was very high, averaging 4.47 ± 0.57 points (1‐5 scale). Ultrasonography revealed smoothing and thickening (+0.28 ± 0.15 mm) of the dermis and an average reduction of 1.96 ± 1.60 mm in fat thickness (P < .05). Subjects with significant cellulite reduction had a more homogenous thermal profile at follow‐up as a result of therapy‐induced diminution of topographic skin defects. No adverse events were recorded.ConclusionThe application is effective and safe for treating cellulite. The level of clinical improvement after 4 sessions is comparable to results reported after 6‐20 sessions in studies on stand‐alone RF/laser/targeted pressure energy devices. The technology is promising and deserves further attention and research.