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Methods Mol Biol 2019 ;1894:313-322

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.

Nanoparticles can enter the body via the lungs, the digestive tract, and the skin. The pulmonary effects of nanoparticles and the underlying mechanisms may be investigated by histopathological examination, immunostaining, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and so on. BAL is a simple, fast, and inexpensive method that is commonly used to investigate the immune cells and acellular components in the lungs, which reflect the health state of the lungs. Read More

Drug Deliv Transl Res 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Tissue Engineering Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaccob Latiff, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Skin substitutes are one of the main treatments for skin loss, and a skin substitute that is readily available would be the best treatment option. However, most cell-based skin substitutes require long production times, and therefore, patients endure long waiting times. The proteins secreted from the cells and tissues play vital roles in promoting wound healing. Read More

Radiol Phys Technol 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Physics, Iwate Medical University, 2-1-1 Nishitokuta, Yahaba, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan.

To measure integral doses in image-guided radiation therapy, we developed an integral condenser dosimeter comprising a disposable USB-A mini-substrate with a 0.1-µF condenser and a silicon X-ray diode (Si-XD), a microcomputer (mbed) dock, and a personal computer (PC). The Si-XD is a high-sensitivity photodiode selected for detecting X-rays. Read More

Int Urol Nephrol 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Children's Hospital Canastel, University of Oran, Oran, Algeria.

Purpose: To report current results of vaginoplasty using the mucosa of the prepuce, and creating labia minora by penile skin in children with disorders of sex development (DSD).

Methods: In 10 years, we have performed 22 vaginoplasties using the described technique of vaginoplasty, 21 patients with 46, XX DSD and 1 ovotesticular DSD. The assessment of the results of this technique of vaginoplasty was undertaken in several stages: (a) The evaluation of the cosmetic result. Read More

Radiol Med 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care Center, Ospedale Sacro Cuore don Calabria, via Don Sempreboni 5, 37034, Negrar, Verona, Italy.

Purpose: To evaluate the differences between conventional fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and hypofractionated (HypoRT) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in elderly women affected by early-stage breast cancer (BC) in terms of RT-related acute/late side effect.

Materials And Methods: Between October 2011 and July 2015, 80 consecutive elderly BC patients were treated with IMRT for 5 weeks (40 patients) or HypoRT-VMAT for 3 weeks (40 patients). Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 70 years, early BC (pT1-2 pN0-1), no prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy and non-metastatic disease. Read More

Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China.

The purpose of this study was to examine the protective effects of intracellular homogeneous melanin produced by Lachnum YM156 (LIM) against ultraviolet B (UVB) induced damage in mice. The possible structural formula of the LIM was concluded based on elemental analysis, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry (MS). The LIM was modified by arginine to improve its water solubility and biological activities. Read More

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Center for Malignant Diseases, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, 1834111, Afula, Israel.

Introduction: In a previous study, we found that co-administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with cetuximab was associated with increased skin toxicity. Both these drugs can induce hypomagnesemia. The aim of this study was to retrospectively explore the possible influence of PPI drugs on cetuximab skin toxicity and the potential synergistic effect of hypomagnesemia. Read More

Int J Colorectal Dis 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Division of General Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan Medical School, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.

Background: The importance of the defunctioning stoma on minimizing anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery is well established. However, a defunctioning stoma can substantially impact on quality of life (QoL). Circumferential purse-string approximation (PSA) and linear skin closure (LSC) are the most commonly performed surgical technique for reversal of stoma. Read More

J Spine Surg 2018 Sep;4(3):654-657

Department of Neurosurgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

The Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) is a closed degloving injury caused by traumatic separation of the subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia, without a break in the overlying skin. We present two cases that demonstrate a previously unrecognised association of the MLL with thoracolumbar spine fractures. The lesion is frequently missed, or its significance is overlooked, on initial evaluation. Read More

JAAD Case Rep 2019 Jan 4;5(1):7-11. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon.

Cureus 2018 Oct 8;10(10):e3428. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences/Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS.

In human, sporotrichosis infection commonly manifests as skin lesions through direct inoculation. It is rarely associated with ocular manifestation via a zoonotic transmission. We describe a young lady who presented with acute left eye granulomatous conjunctivitis who had a history of exposure to her sick cat diagnosed with sporotrichosis infection. Read More

J Clin Imaging Sci 2018 15;8:46. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

Endoscopic intervention is well validated for the control of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). In cases of refractory bleeding, transarterial embolization is a safe and effective alternative. Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) commonly known as Onyx is an inherently black liquid embolic approved for use in cerebrovascular arteriovenous malformations and is increasingly used as an embolic agent in multiple peripheral and visceral territories. Read More

J Clin Imaging Sci 2018 15;8:44. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Department of Radiology, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, USA.

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder secondary to neural crest cell developmental abnormalities. It is predominantly described as an auditory-pigmentary syndrome with diverse patient presentation, typically involving congenital sensorineural hearing loss and pigmentation abnormalities of the skin, hair, and iris. Other developmental abnormalities that may be associated with this syndrome are Hirschsprung's disease and a myriad of cardiovascular congenital defects. Read More

Inflamm Regen 2018 7;38:31. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

1Laboratory of Microenvironmental and Metabolic Health Science, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan.

The skin represents one of the tissues that are most profoundly influenced by alterations in the quality of lipids (lipoquality). Lipids not only constitute cellular membranes, but also serve as bioactive lipid mediators and essential components of the skin barrier. Phospholipase A (PLA) enzymes supply fatty acids and lysophospholipids from membrane phospholipids, thereby variably affecting cutaneous homeostasis. Read More

Oncol Lett 2018 Dec 1;16(6):7212-7222. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Department of Medical Oncology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer often live long lives following treatment and face many life events. No detailed studies of cancers in AYAs have described the epidemiology, treatment outcome, and social status in Japan. The present study defined AYAs as those aged 15-29 years old based on the US National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Read More

Front Plant Sci 2018 29;9:1747. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018. Read More

Front Immunol 2018 28;9:2779. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil.

Sand flies bite mammalian hosts to obtain a blood meal, driving changes in the host inflammatory response that support the establishment of infection. This effect is partially attributed to components of sand fly saliva, which are able to recruit and activate leukocytes. Our group has shown that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) favors survival in infected cells by reducing inflammatory responses. Read More

Pharmaceut Med 2018 17;32(6):413-427. Epub 2018 Nov 17.

3MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Introduction: Developing countries can improve their pharmacovigilance systems by analysing their own medication safety data.

Objective: The aims of this study were to characterize Uganda's reported adverse drug reaction (ADR) onsets in 2012-2015 that were registered on VigiBase by 31 December 2017, to document delays in international visibility and the influence of covariates on this delay from ADR onsets in 2013 + 2014, to examine data quality, and to illustrate analytical approaches for safety data, particularly for patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods: International delay was defined as elapsed time from complete ADR onset date to entry date on VigiBase, with covariates examined using Cox proportional hazards regression. Read More

Egypt J Neurol Psychiatr Neurosurg 2018 27;54(1):38. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

3Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Aswan University Hospital, Aswan, Egypt.

Background: Sympathetic skin response (SSR) is a technique to assess the sympathetic cholinergic pathways. Sympathetic dysfunction may participate in the development of pain, which is the major complaint in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to assess the autonomic dysfunction in patients with (SSc) and (RA) using SSR as a simple neurophysiologic test. Read More

Natl J Maxillofac Surg 2018 Jul-Dec;9(2):222-224

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Large defect of the lip and buccal mucosa created due to wide resection of the cancer is difficult to reconstruct and always a challenge. Such defects are complex as there is loss of outer skin, muscle, soft tissue, and inner mucosal lining. We report the use of submental artery island flap (SAIF) in the reconstruction of a large defect of oral commissure and buccal mucosa in a 70-year-old female with the diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma. Read More

Nat Commun 2018 Dec 13;9(1):5293. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, 10032, NY, USA.

We used allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and a mouse multistage cutaneous carcinogenesis model to probe recruitment of bone marrow-derived epithelial cells (BMDECs) in skin tumors initiated with the carcinogen, dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), and promoted with 12-O-tetradecanolyphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). BMDECs clustered in the lesional epithelium, expressed cytokeratins, proliferated, and stratified. We detected cytokeratin induction in plastic-adherent bone marrow cells (BMCs) cultured in the presence of filter-separated keratinocytes (KCs) and bone morphogenetic protein 5 (BMP5). Read More

Nat Commun 2018 Dec 13;9(1):5301. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.

Human skin constructs (HSCs) have the potential to provide an effective therapy for patients with significant skin injuries and to enable human-relevant drug screening for skin diseases; however, the incorporation of engineered skin appendages, such as hair follicles (HFs), into HSCs remains a major challenge. Here, we demonstrate a biomimetic approach for generation of human HFs within HSCs by recapitulating the physiological 3D organization of cells in the HF microenvironment using 3D-printed molds. Overexpression of Lef-1 in dermal papilla cells (DPC) restores the intact DPC transcriptional signature and significantly enhances the efficiency of HF differentiation in HSCs. Read More

J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2018 Dec;16(12):1500-1537

Mastocytosis is a group of heterogeneous disorders resulting from the clonal proliferation of abnormal mast cells and their accumulation in the skin and/or in various extracutaneous organs. Systemic mastocytosis is the most common form of mastocytosis diagnosed in adults, characterized by mast cell infiltration of one or more extracutaneous organs (with or without skin involvement). The identification of KIT D816V mutation and the emergence of novel targeted therapies have significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment of systemic mastocytosis. Read More

J Neurosci 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain

TRPM8 is a polymodal, non-selective cation channel activated by cold temperature and cooling agents that plays a critical role in the detection of environmental cold. We found that TRPM8 is a pharmacological target of tacrolimus (FK506), a macrolide immunosuppressant with several clinical uses, including the treatment of organ rejection following transplants, treatment of atopic dermatitis and dry eye disease. Tacrolimus is an inhibitor of the phosphatase calcineurin, an action shared with cyclosporine. Read More

J Ayurveda Integr Med 2018 Dec 10. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Trans Disciplinary University, No.74/2, Jarakabandekaval Post Attur, Via Yelahanka, Bangalore, 560 064, Karnataka, India.

Non-healing diabetic foot has always demanded more attention from the surgeon due to the distinct problem it possesses. There is a constant need for the evolvement in the management and this case is one such attempt. A 62-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes mellitus since 10 years presented with a non-healing foot ulcer since 1 month. Read More

Cir Esp 2018 Dec 10. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Profesor titular, Universidad de Zaragoza, jefe Unidad de Mama, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, España.

Introduction: The use of bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is increasing. Radiotherapy increases complications; however, its uses have been extended. We evaluate the profile of the complications and long-term failure of reconstruction through a comparative analysis with a cohort without radiotherapy. Read More

Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018 Dec 10. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan-Jinbo Joint Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200302, China. Electronic address:

Collagen is one of the most abundant and important proteins in the human body. Human collagen type III (hCOL3A1) belongs to the fibril-forming collagens and is widely distributed in extensible connective tissue like skin, internal organs, or the vascular system. It plays key roles in wound healing, collagen fibrillogenesis, and normal cardiovascular development in human. Read More

Res Social Adm Pharm 2018 Dec 7. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10 Victoria St S A, Kitchener, N2G 1C5, ON, Canada; Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network (OPEN), School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10 Victoria St S A, Kitchener, N2G 1C5, ON, Canada.

Background: Pharmacists have been shown to be beneficial for inclusion in emergency department (ED) services; however, little has been done to assess these benefits with pharmacists having even wider scopes of practice, including limited prescribing authority.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the proportion of ED visits that can potentially be managed by pharmacists, the most prevalent conditions within these cases, and the factors associated with patients presenting with such cases to the ED.

Methods: This was a retrospective quantitative cohort study using administrative databases from 2010 to 2017. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2018 Dec 10. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España.

Eur J Mass Spectrom (Chichester) 2018 Dec 13:1469066718815380. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

3 Pierre Fabre Dermo-cosmétique, Pharmacology Unit, Toulouse, France.

The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, is the most important skin barrier against exogenous physical and chemical effects, in addition to protecting against dehydration. Ceramides are integral parts of the intercellular lipid lamellae of the stratum corneum and play an important role in the barrier function of mammalian skin. Ceramides are sphingolipids consisting of sphingoid bases linked to fatty acids by an amide bond. Read More

Foods 2018 Dec 12;7(12). Epub 2018 Dec 12.

School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.

The tannin and polysaccharide profiles and therefore sensory properties of wine are influenced by fruit maturity at harvest, and practices employed during winemaking. This study investigated the extent to which commercial winemaking supplements (skin and seed tannins, and mannoprotein (MP)) can enhance the mouthfeel properties of red wine, in particular, wine made from grapes harvested before commercial ripeness (early-harvest). Supplements were added to wines made from Shiraz grapes harvested at 20. Read More

Cells 2018 Dec 12;7(12). Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy.

Skin undergoes continuous renewal throughout an individual's lifetime relying on stem cell functionality. However, a decline of the skin regenerative potential occurs with age. The accumulation of senescent cells over time probably reduces tissue regeneration and contributes to skin aging. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018 Dec 11;15(12). Epub 2018 Dec 11.

School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia.

This research aimed to identify systemic housing-level contributions to infectious disease transmission for Indigenous Australians, in response to the Government program to 'close the gap' of health and other inequalities. A narrative literature review was performed in accordance to PRISMA guidelines. The findings revealed a lack of housing maintenance was associated with gastrointestinal infections, and skin-related diseases were associated with crowding. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 Dec 11;19(12). Epub 2018 Dec 11.

School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.

The rhizoma of , a Chinese medicinal plant, has long been used as a cosmetic for the whitening and hydrating of the skin in ancient China. In order to investigate the antimelanogenic components of the rhizoma of , we performed an antimelanogenesis assay-guided purification using semi-preparative HPLC accompanied with spectroscopic analysis to determine the active components. Based on the bioassay-guided method, 24 compounds were isolated and identified from the ethyl acetate layer of methanolic extracts of , and among these, 5-[3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)allyl]ferulic acid () and -4-pentylcyclohex-3-ene-1,2-diol () were new compounds. Read More

Antioxidants (Basel) 2018 Dec 11;7(12). Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.

Skin cancer is among the most common cancer types accompanied by rapidly increasing incidence rates, thus making the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches a necessity. Recent studies have revealed the potential role of decosahexaenoic acid ester of phloridzin (PZDHA) in suppressing proliferation of liver, breast, and blood cancer cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic potential of PZDHA in an in vitro model of skin cancer consisting of melanoma (A375), epidermoid carcinoma (A431), and non-tumorigenic (HaCaT) cell lines. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2018 Dec 8;10(12). Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion Unviersity, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA.

Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with a relatively low survival rate. Immune-based therapies have shown promise in the treatment of melanoma, but overall complete response rates are still low. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of plasmid IL-12 (pIL-12) delivered by gene electrotransfer (GET) to be an effective immunotherapy for melanoma. Read More

Materials (Basel) 2018 Dec 8;11(12). Epub 2018 Dec 8.

School of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.

Titanium dioxide and vanadium oxides have been applied extensively in industrial and medical fields. The objective of this study was to develop various composite structures of titanium and vanadium oxide (Ti-V-O) coatings on pure titanium through high-temperature annealing and laser texturing oxidation, separately; additionally, surface morphologies, tribological and hydrophilic properties, and antibacterial and biocompatibility abilities of these Ti-V-O coatings were evaluated. TiV alloy thin films were deposited on pure titanium and then annealed to form Ti-V-O coatings through thermal oxidation and laser texturing oxidation. Read More

Mar Drugs 2018 Dec 8;16(12). Epub 2018 Dec 8.

3B's Research Group, I3Bs⁻Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Avepark⁻Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.

Collagen is one of the most widely used biomaterials, not only due its biocompatibility, biodegradability and weak antigenic potential, but also due to its role in the structure and function of tissues. Searching for alternative collagen sources, the aim of this study was to extract collagen from the skin of codfish, previously obtained as a by-product of fish industrial plants, and characterize it regarding its use as a biomaterial for biomedical application, according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Guidelines. Collagen type I with a high degree of purity was obtained through acid-extraction, as confirmed by colorimetric assays, SDS-PAGE and amino acid composition. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 Dec 10;19(12). Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Division of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic recurrent skin disease dominated by T-helper 2 inflammation. Momelotinib (MMB) is a novel JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor suppressing the signal transduction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies indicated that JAK inhibitor could play a therapeutic role in AD disease. Read More

Molecules 2018 Dec 10;23(12). Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Institute of Tropical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China.

As a folk medicine, L. is used effectively to treat inflammatory conditions and skin diseases. However, its mechanism of action is not well understood, limiting its medical use. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018 Dec 10;15(12). Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.

There have been many public health recommendations for avoiding UV radiation exposures. This is primarily due to concerns about skin cancer and especially melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. However, UV radiation is also known as the primary source of vitamin D and other compounds needed for good health. Read More

Nanomaterials (Basel) 2018 Dec 7;8(12). Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Department of Chemical and Instrumental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of El Salvador, Ciudad Universitaria, 3026 San Salvador, El Salvador.

Pranoprofen (PF)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), prepared using a high-pressure homogenization method, have been optimized and characterized to improve the biopharmaceutical profile of the drug. The optimized PF-NLCs exhibited physicochemical characteristics and morphological properties that were suitable for dermal application. Stability assays revealed good physical stability, and the release behavior of PF from these NLCs showed a sustained release pattern. Read More

Pharmaceutics 2018 Dec 7;10(4). Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Instrumental Cosmetics, Applied Research, L'Oréal, 94550 Chevilly-Larue, France.

This study aimed at investigating the effect of electrical current profile upon the iontophoretic transport of (i) ascorbic acid (AA) and (ii) ellagic acid (EA), into porcine skin in vitro, and the impact of the physicochemical properties of both actives on their mechanism of transport when formulated in cosmetic compositions. The experiments were performed using a proprietary iontophoretic device containing a roller to apply the formulation. Three current profiles were tested: (i) galvanic direct current (DC), (ii) square unipolar pulse current (SPC), and (iii) galvanic direct current (DC) + pulse current (PC). Read More

Sensors (Basel) 2018 Dec 7;18(12). Epub 2018 Dec 7.

iTEAM, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain.

With technological advancement, implanted medical devices can treat a wide range of chronic diseases such as cardiac arrhythmia, deafness, diabetes, etc. Cardiac pacemakers are used to maintain normal heart rhythms. The next generation of these pacemakers is expected to be completely wireless, providing new security threats. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 Dec 7;19(12). Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.

Animal models play important roles in investigating the pathobiology of cancer, identifying relevant pathways, and developing novel therapeutic tools. Despite rapid progress in the understanding of disease mechanisms and technological advancement in drug discovery, negative trial outcomes are the most frequent incidences during a Phase III trial. Skin cancer is a potential life-threatening disease in humans and might be medically futile when tumors metastasize. Read More

Pharmaceutics 2018 Dec 7;10(4). Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.

The aims of this study were to assess, in vitro, the possibility of administering propranolol transdermally and to evaluate the usefulness of the dermatopharmacokinetic (DPK) method in assessing the transport of drugs through stratum corneum, using propranolol as a model compound. Four chemical enhancers (decenoic and oleic acid, laurocapram, and R-(+)-limonene) and iontophoresis at two current densities, 0.25 and 0. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Dec;97(49):e13550

Head of the Central Laboratory of Hebei University, Hebei province, China.

Rationale: Primary extra-nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PE-NHL) arising in the region of the buttocks is rare. After reviewing the literature from the last 20 years, we found only 3 reported lymphomas originating from soft tissue of the buttocks. In our case, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was performed for the first time, both before and after treatment, to determine the initial stage of PE-NHL and the curative effects of treatment. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Dec;97(49):e13483

Department of Radiotherapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.

Objective: To analyze the clinical outcome and prognostic factors of N3 nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs), provide a basis for rational treatment and improve the cure rate.

Methods: A total of 110 patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of N3 (NPC 2008 stage in China) NPC from our hospital were retrospectively included in the study conducted from April 2007 to July 2011. All patients received intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Dec;97(49):e13404

Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Oriental Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea.

Rationale: Bee venom has been reported to demonstrate antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental studies, but there remain questions regarding the clinical use of bee venom, especially for scleroderma. This case report shows the successful outcome of bee venom acupuncture for circumscribed morphea in a patient with systemic sclerosis, which is considered to be a rare condition.

Patient Concerns: A 64-year-old Korean woman had circular white areas (3 and 1 cm diameter) with severe itch in the right lateral iliac crest. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Dec;97(49):e13353

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.

Rationale: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene, coding for peroxisomal membrane transporter adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) protein. The disease is characterized by accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in tissues. Adult adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and the cerebral inflammatory form of ALD are the main phenotypes presenting various symptoms. Read More