Κυριακή 19 Φεβρουαρίου 2023

An evaluation of mechanical and biophysical skin parameters at different body locations

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Abstract

Background

Skin is the largest organ in the body, representing an important interface to monitor health and disease. However, there is significant variation in skin properties for different ages, genders and body regions due to the differences in the structure and morphology of the skin tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the use of non-invasive tools to discriminate a range of mechanical and functional skin parameters from different skin sites.

Materials and methods

A cohort of 15 healthy volunteers was recruited following appropriate informed consent. Four well-established CE-marked non-invasive techniques were used to measure four anatomical regions: palm, forearm, sole and lower lumbar L3, using a repeated measures design. Skin parameters included trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), pH (acidity), erythema, stratum corneum hydration and stiffness and elasticity using Myoton Pro (skin and muscle probe). Differences between body locations for each parameter and the intra-rater reliability between days were evaluated by the same operator.

Results

The results indicate that parameters differed significantly between skin sites. For the Myoton skin probe, the sole recorded the highest stiffness value of 1006 N/m (SD ± 179), while the lower lumbar recorded the least value of 484 N/m (SD ± 160). The muscle indenter Myoton probe revealed the palm's highest value of 754 N/m (± 108), and the lower lumbar recorded the least value of 208 N/m (SD ± 44). TEWL values were lowest on the forearm, averaging 11 g/m2/h, and highest on the palm, averaging 41 g/m2/h. Similar skin hydration levels were recorded in three of the four sites, with the main difference being observed in the sole averaging 13 arbitrary units. Erythema values were characterised by a high degree of inter-subject variation, and no significant differences between sites or sides were observed. The Myoton Pro Skin showed excellent reliability (intra-class correlation coefficients > 0.70) for all sites with except ion of one site right lower back; the Myoton pro muscle probes showed good to poor reliability (0.90–017), the corneometer showed excellent reliability (>0.75) among all the sites tested, and the TEWL showed Good to poor reliability (0.74–0.4) among sites.

Conclusion

The study revealed that using non-invasive methods, the biophysical properties of skin can be mapped, and significant differences in the mechanical and functional properties of skin were observed. These parameters were reliably recorded between days, providing a basis for their use in assessing and monitoring changes in the skin during health and disease.

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Multifunctional Two-Dimensional Bi2Se3 Nanodiscs for Anti-Inflammatory Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

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Publication date: Available online 17 February 2023

Source: Acta Biomaterialia

Author(s): Cong Zhang, Qingrong Li, Jie Shan, Jianghao Xing, Xiaoyan Liu, Yan Ma, Haisheng Qian, Xulin Chen, Xianwen Wang, Lian-Ming Wu, Yue Yu

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Downregulation of miR‐193a/b‐3p during HPV‐induced cervical carcinogenesis contributes to anchorage‐independent growth through PI3K/AKT pathway regulators

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Abstract

Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV and an accumulation of (epi)genetic alterations in host cell. Acquisition of anchorage-independent growth represents a critical hallmark during HPV-induced carcinogenesis, thereby yielding the most valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic targets. In a previous study, we found that miR-193a-3p and miR-193b-3p were involved in anchorage-independent growth. This study aimed to delineate the role of miR-193a/b-3p in HPV-induced carcinogenesis and to identify their target genes related to anchorage-independent growth. Cell viability and colony formation were assessed in SiHa cancer cells and HPV-16 and -18 immortalized keratinocytes upon miR-193a/b-3p overexpression. Both miRNAs reduced cell growth of all three cell lines in low-attachment conditions and showed a minor effect in adherent conditions. Online target predicting programs and publicly available expression data were used to find ca ndidate mRNAs targets of miR-193a/b-3p. Seven targets showed reduced mRNA expression upon miR-193a/b-3p overexpression. For 3 targets Western blot analysis was also performed, all showing a reduced protein expression. A direct interaction was confirmed using luciferase assays for 6 genes: LAMC1, PTK2, STMN1, KRAS, SOS2, and PPP2R5C, which are PIK3/AKT regulators. All 6 targets were overexpressed in cervical cancers and/or precursor lesions. Together with an oberserved downregulation of phosphorylated-AKT upon miR-193a/b-3p overexpression, this underlines the biological relevance of miR-193a/b-3p downregulation during HPV-induced cervical carcinogenesis.

In conclusion, downregulation of miR-193a-3p and miR-193b-3p is functionally involved in the acquisition of HPV-induced anchorage independence by targeting regulators of the PIK3/AKT pathway.

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Assessment of attenuation of varicella‐zoster virus vaccines based on genomic comparison

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Abstract

Live attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccines are used to prevent chickenpox and shingles. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that occur during the attenuation of parental strains are critical indicators of vaccine safety. To assess the attenuation of commercial VZV vaccines, genetic variants were comprehensively examined through high-throughput sequencing of viral DNA isolated from four VZV vaccines (Barycela, VarilRix, VariVax, and SKY Varicella). Whole-genome comparison of the four vaccines with the wild-type strain (Dumas) revealed that the sequences are highly conserved on a genome-wide scale. Among the 196 common variants across the four vaccines, 195 were already present in the genome of the parental strain (pOka), indicating that the variants occurred during the generation of the parental strain from the Dumas strain. Compared to the pOka genome, the vaccines exhibited distinct variant frequencies on a genome-wide and within an attenuation-related open reading frame (ORF). In particular, attenuation-associated 42 SNPs showed that Barycela, VarilRix, VariVax, and SKY Varicella are in ascending order regarding similarity with pOka-like genotypes, which in turn, might provide genomic evidence for the levels of attenuation. Finally, the phylogenetic network analysis demonstrated that genetic distances from the parental strain correlated with the attenuation levels of the vaccines.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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The prevalence and influencing factors of gag reflex in children aged 7‐14 years in the dental setting

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Abstract

Background

Gag reflex may occur in patients of all ages and often considered having a multifactorial etiology.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and influencing factors of gag reflex in Turkish children aged 7-14 years in the dental setting.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out among 320 children aged between 7-14 years. First, an anamnesis form which include sosyodemographic status, monthly level of income, children past medical, and dental experiences was filled by mothers. Children's fear levels were evaluated using the Dental Subscale of Children's Fear Survey Schedule(CFSS-DS) while mother's anxiety levels using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale(MDAS). The revised dentist section of gagging problem assessment questionnaire (GPA-R-de) were used for both children and mothers. Statistical analysis were done with SPSS program.

Results

The prevalence of gag reflex among children was 34.1%, among mothers was 20.3%. The association between child and mother gagging was found statistically significant (χ2=53.121, p<0.001). When the mother of the child gagged, the risk of child gagging increases 6.83 times (p<0.001). Higher CFSS-DS scores of children increase risk of gagging (OR=1.052, p=0.023). Children who were previously treated mostly in public hospitals significantly more likely to gag compared with private dental clinics (OR=10.990, p<0.001).

Conclusion

It was concluded that negative past dental experiences, previous dental treatments with local anesthesia, history of hospital admission, number and place of previous dental visits, dental fear level of children, and low education level and gagging of mother have an influence on the gagging of children.

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The ability of magnetic resonance imaging to predict lymph node metastases and the risk of recurrence in rectal cancer

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Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected lymph nodes in rectal cancer.

Method

We evaluated 806 rectal cancer patients consecutively operated on between 2015 and 2018 at Helsinki University Hospital. In total, 485 patients met the inclusion criteria of presenting with stage I–III disease and were intended for curative treatment at the time of diagnosis. The effect of MRI-detected clinical lymph node status (cN) on cumulative overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI-lymphnode negativity was 74.8%. Positive predictive value of lymph node metastasis was only 48.6%. In the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, OS (p = 0.989), DSS (p = 0.911), and DFS (p = 0.109) did not significantly differ according to MRI nodal status. However, cumulative disease-free survival significantly (p < 0.001) differed according to the histopathological lymph node metastasis status (pN).

Conclusions

MRI detected lymph node positivity appears insufficiently precise and cannot predict disease recurrence or survival. Therefore, it should not serve as an independent risk factor when considering neoadjuvant treatment options for rectal cancer patients.

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Risk and incidence of breast cancer in transgender individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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imageBackground and aims The risk of developing breast cancer in transgender individuals [male-to-female (MtF) or female-to-male (FtM)] is still inadequately quantified. We aimed to evaluate the impact of breast cancer in this population. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search and review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines through the PUBMED and SCOPUS databases. We identified six cohort studies (for both populations) plus 35 case reports. Incidence and breast cancer risk quantification were the main outcomes considered. Results FtM individuals had a higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 63.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 32.2–124.9] but a lower risk than cisgender women (SIR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.07–2.41). Similarly, MtF individuals were at higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men (SIR = 22.5; 95% CI, 5.54–91.8) and at lower risk than cisgender women (SIR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22–0.42). Conclusion In this systematic study and meta-analysis, we identified that FtM and MtF individuals are at substantially higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men, though at lower risk than cisgender women. These individuals, in the absence of defined guidelines for breast cancer prevention, should periodically undergo breast or chest examinations.
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Characterization of Hyaluronan Localization in the Developing Mammary Gland and Mammary Tumors

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AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is biochemically and biomechanically important for the structure and function of the mammary gland, which undergoes vast structural changes throughout pubertal and reproductive development. Although hyaluronan (HA) is a ubiquitous glycosaminoglycan (GAG) of the mammary gland ECM, extensive characterization of HA deposition in the mammary gland is lacking. Understanding physiologic HA metabolism is critical as this tightly controlled system is often hijacked in cancer. In the current studies, we characterize HA regulation throughout mammary gland development to better understand subsequent dysregulation of HA in mammary tumors. Using immunofluorescence (IF) imaging, we demonstrate that organized HA-rich septa exist in the mammary gland stroma throughou...
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LRRK2 Quantification in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes

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Abstract

Background

The alteration of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) kinase activity is thought to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis beyond familiar cases, and LRRK2 inhibitors are currently under investigation. Preliminary data suggest a relationship between LRRK2 alteration and cognitive impairment in PD.

Objective

To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) LRRK2 levels in PD and other parkinsonian disorders, also correlating them with cognitive impairment.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively investigated by means of a novel highly sensitive immunoassay the levels of total and phosphorylated (pS1292) LRRK2 in CSF of cognitively unimpaired PD (n = 55), PD with mild cognitive impairment (n = 49), PD with dementia (n = 18), dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 12), atypical parkinsonian syndromes (n = 35), and neurological controls (n = 30).

Results

Total and pS1292 LRRK2 levels were significantly higher in PD with dementia with respect to PD with mild cognitive impairment and PD, and also showed a correlation with cognitive performances.

Conclusions

The tested immunoassay may represent a reliable method for assessing CSF LRRK2 levels. The results appear to confirm an association of LRRK2 alteration with cognitive impairment in PD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

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Central odontogenic fibroma with amyloid: a diagnostically challenging case

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Odontogenic fibroma is a rare benign mesenchymal odontogenic tumor, with its histological diversity possibly posing diagnostic challenges. A case of the amyloid variant of central odontogenic fibroma, with epithelial cells in perineural and intraneural locations, is reported herein. The 46-year-old female patient had experienced discomfort related to her anterior right hard palate for approximately 25 years. Clinical examination revealed a depression in the anterior hard palate, and radiographic examination showed a well-defined radiolucent lesion with root resorption of the adjacent teeth. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
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