Evaluation of antiarthritic activity of ginkgolic acid against Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rat model

This study aimed to analyze the antiarthritic activity of ginkgolic acid against the Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. Arthritis was induced through an intradermal injection of CFA (0.1 mL) at the right hind footpad of adult Wistar Albino rats. Ginkgolic acid was administered orally at doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively, once daily via gavage for 25 days upon inducing arthritis. Indomethacin was administered orally at a dose of 3 mg/kg twice in a week which served as positive control group. The animals were sacrificed and subjected to biochemical and histopathological analysis upon completion of treatment. Ginkgolic acid was able to reverse the arthritic effect (p < 0.01) induced by CFA in a dose dependent manner. Swelling of paw, thymus and spleen index, serum biomarker levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) by the acid whereas the antioxidant enzyme activities were remarkably restored. The histopathological findings were in agreement with the biochemical results. The results indicate that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginkgolic acid can be credited to the antiarthritic effects, and it can be promoted as a potential agent for therapeutic use against osteoarthritis

LMP2-DC Vaccine Elicits Specific EBV-LMP2 Response to Effectively Improve Immunotherapy in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Cancer / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine based on latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2) modified dendritic cells (DCs) that boosts specific responses of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to LMP2 before and after intradermal injection in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).@*Methods@#DCs were derived from peripheral blood monocytes of patients with NPC. We prepared LMP2-DCs infected by recombinant adenovirus vector expressing LMP2 (rAd-LMP2). NPC patients were immunized with 2 × 10 @*Results@#We demonstrated that DCs derived from monocytes displayed typical DC morphologies; the expression of LMP2 in the LMP2-DCs vaccine was confirmed by immunocytochemical assay. Twenty-nine patients with NPC were enrolled in this clinical trial. The LMP2-DCs vaccine was well tolerated in all of the patients. Boosted responses to LMP2 peptide sub-pools were observed in 18 of the 29 patients with NPC. The follow-up data of 29 immunized patients from April, 2010 to April 2015 indicated a five-year survival rate of 94.4% in responders and 45.5% in non-responders.@*Conclusion@#In this pilot study, we demonstrated that the LMP2-DCs vaccine is safe and effective in patients with NPC. Specific CTLs responses to LMP2 play a certain role in controlling and preventing the recurrence and metastasis of NPC, which warrants further clinical testing.

Study on Testing Methods of Pen-injector's Dosing Accuracy / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#An accuracy test method is proposed to reduce the amount of reagents used in the test and reduce the cost of spot checks and self-tests.@*METHODS@#According to the requirements of dose accuracy test in standard atmospheric conditions in ISO 11608-1:2014, dose accuracy test is carried out for the same batch of reusable pen injector samples by using the test method proposed in this paper and the test method in relevant foreign research, and the data measured by the two methods are processed.@*RESULTS@#After experimental testing and analysis, the data measured by the two methods did not exceed the dose accuracy limit specified in the ISO standard. There was no significant difference between the two methods when the dose of 60 U and 30 U were tested, but there was significant difference when the dose of 1 U was tested.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Both methods can be used to evaluate dose accuracy, however, the method proposed in this paper can reduce the usage of drugs by 2/3, so it can reduce cost of supervised test.

El costo de la belleza: Comunicación de seis casos clínicos con infección por micobacterias atípicas secundario a inyecciones intradérmicas y reacción a un dermoimplante de origen desconocido / The cost of beauty: six cosmetological clinical cases due to atypical mycobacterial infection secondary to intradermal injections plus reaction to foreign dermal implant

Resumen Comunicamos seis casos de mujeres quienes, tras la aplicación mediante mesoterapia con plasma rico en plaquetas, así como de un material de relleno intradérmico de origen desconocido, desarrollaron una infección en los sitios de inyección asociada a Mycobacterium massiliense, así como granulomas con reacción a cuerpo extraño. Aunque los cultivos fueron negativos, se logró la identificación del microorganismo por extracción de ADN de tejidos blandos obtenido por biopsia y posterior secuenciación del producto obtenido. Debido a la gran similitud en los cultivos de M. massiliense con la especie relacionada Mycobacterium abscessus, y a que tienen diferente respuesta terapéutica, las técnicas moleculares de diagnóstico son una opción real a considerar para administrar en forma precoz el tratamiento específico contra el patógeno y evitar la progresión de la infección.

We report six cases of female patients who, after the application by mesotherapy with platelet-rich plasma, as well as of an intradermal filler material of unknown origin, developed infection at the injection sites associated to Mycobacterium massiliense, as well as granuloma with reaction to foreign body. Although the cultures were negative, the identification of the microorganism was achieved by extraction of soft tissue DNA obtained by biopsy and sequencing the obtained product, with which the therapy was redirected against the particular species. Due to the great similarity in the culture between M. massiliense with the related species M. abscessus, to the required time for its growth, and to the different therapeutic response of each strain, molecular diagnostic techniques are a real option to consider to administer in an early way the appropriate treatment against the pathogen and prevent infection progression.

Visual loss following cosmetic facial filler injection / Perda da visão após injeção de preenchimento facial para fins cosméticos

ABSTRACT Facial filler injection for soft-tissue augmentation, wrinkle reduction, and rejuvenation has recently become increasingly popular. This procedure is well accepted and widely performed because of its safety and excellent outcomes. However, complications may occur even in the most skilled hands. A 36-year-old female presented with immediate loss of vision in her right eye following the periocular injection of cosmetic hyaluronic acid facial filler into the glabellar region. The visual loss was accompanied by weakness of her left arm. Blindness may complicate cosmetic facial filler injection. The treating physician should have a firm knowledge of the facial vascular anatomy, and the patient should be aware of the potential blinding complications associated with facial filler injection.

RESUMO A injeção de preenchimento facial para o aumento de tecido mole, redução de rugas e rejuvenescimento tornou-se recentemente3 cada vez mais popular. Este procedimento é bem aceito e amplamente realizado devido à sua segurança e excelentes resultados. Porém, complicações podem ocorrer mesmo nas mãos mais habilidosas. Uma mulher de 36 anos apresentou perda da visão no seu olho direito imediatamente após uma injeção periocular de preenchimento facial à base de ácido hialurônico cosmético na região glabelar. A perda visual foi acompanhada de fraqueza no braço esquerdo. A cegueira pode ser uma complicação da injeção de preenchimento facial para fins cosméticos. O médico deve ter um sólido conhecimento da anatomia vascular da face e o paciente deve estar ciente das possíveis complicações associadas à injeção de preenchimento facial.

Remarks on the possibility of introducing the fractionated dose of the inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine in the Latin American Child Immunization Schedule

Abstract Given that the last notified case of poliomyelitis due to wild poliovirus type 2 was in 1999, in 2012, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the withdrawal of the type 2 component of oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the introduction of a bivalent OPV (bOPV) in all countries by 2016. WHO recommended also that the withdrawal should be preceded by the introduction of at least one dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) in routine immunization schedules. The introduction of IPV prior to the change of the bOPV in 2016 to trivalent OPV (tOPV) was based on the concept of ensuring that a substantial proportion of the population would be protected against type 2 polio after the removal of the type 2 OPV. However, the world's two producers of IPV (Bilthoven Biologicals and Sanofi) have faced problems in the production of this vaccine and therefore reported a reduction of the global supply of IPV. In response to the potential shortage of IPV, at a meeting held on March 10 2017, the SAGE and Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) urged the countries in the Latin American region to replace the routine administration of the full doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV-C) in the immunization schedule (administered by intramuscular route), administering a fraction of the full dose in two intradermal shots (IPV-f). The possibility of this strategy was analyzed by opinion leaders convened by the Paraguayan Society of Pediatrics with the support of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE) and Latin American Association of Pediatrics (ALAPE). This document presents the results of the discussion.

Machine-Learning Based Automatic and Real-time Detection of Mouse Scratching Behaviors

Scratching is a main behavioral response accompanied by acute and chronic itch conditions, and has been quantified as an objective correlate to assess itch in studies using laboratory animals. Scratching has been counted mostly by human annotators, which is a time-consuming and laborious process. It has been attempted to develop automated scoring methods using various strategies, but they often require specialized equipment, costly software, or implantation of device which may disturb animal behaviors. To complement limitations of those methods, we have adapted machine learning-based strategy to develop a novel automated and real-time method detecting mouse scratching from experimental movies captured using monochrome cameras such as a webcam. Scratching is identified by characteristic changes in pixels, body position, and body size by frame as well as the size of body. To build a training model, a novel two-step J48 decision tree-inducing algorithm along with a C4.5 post-pruning algorithm was applied to three 30-min video recordings in which a mouse exhibits scratching following an intradermal injection of a pruritogen, and the resultant frames were then used for the next round of training. The trained method exhibited, on average, a sensitivity and specificity of 95.19% and 92.96%, respectively, in a performance test with five new recordings. This result suggests that it can be used as a non-invasive, automated and objective tool to measure mouse scratching from video recordings captured in general experimental settings, permitting rapid and accurate analysis of scratching for preclinical studies and high throughput drug screening.

Combination Treatment of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Immature Dendritic Cell Vaccination for Augmentation of Local and Systemic Effects / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) presentation method for dendritic cell (DC) sensitization and evaluate its effect in combination with immunotherapy using an intratumoral injection of immature DCs (iDCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT-26 colon carcinoma cell was used as a cancer cell line. Annexin V staining and phagocytosis assays were performed to determine the appropriate radiation dose and incubation time to generate TAAs. BALB/c mice were used for in vivo experiments. Cancer cells were injected into the right legs and left flanks to generate primary and metastatic tumors, respectively. The mice were subjected to radiation therapy (RT) alone, intradermal injection of electroporated DCs alone, or RT in combination with iDC intratumoral injection (RT/iDC). Tumor growth measurement and survival rate analysis were performed. Enzyme-linked immunospot and cytotoxicity assays were performed to observe the effect of different treatments on the immune system. RESULTS: Annexin V staining and phagocytosis assays showed that 15 Gy radiation dose and 48 hours of incubation was appropriate for subsequent experiments. Maximum DC sensitization and T-cell stimulation was observed with RT as compared to other TAA preparation methods. In vivo assays revealed statistically significant delay in the growth of both primary and metastatic tumors in the RT/iDC group. The overall survival rate was the highest in the RT/iDC group. CONCLUSION: The combination of SBRT and iDC vaccination may enhance treatment effects. Clinical trials and further studies are warranted in the future.

Polydeoxyribonucleotides Improve Diabetic Wound Healing in Mouse Animal Model for Experimental Validation

BACKGROUND: Wound healing mechanisms is believed to have effects similar to wound healing disorders in diabetic patients, including abnormal inflammatory cells, angiogenesis disorders, and reduced collagen synthesis. Therefore, reestablishment of structural and promoted angiogenesis could be beneficial to promote wound healing process. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, we investigated whether the polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) that was self-production in Korea, could be useful as an intradermal injection for promoting wound healing. Also, we validate for wound healing effect of PDRN using healing-impaired (db/db) mice. METHODS: In this study, we confirmed the effects of PDRN by creating wound models in in vitro and in vivo model. Using an in vitro wound healing assay, we observed that PDRN stimulated closure of wounded monolayers of human fibroblast cells. PDRN (8.25 mg/ml) or phosphate-buffered saline (0.9% NaCl) was injected once daily into the dermis adjacent to the wound for 12 days after skin injury. RESULTS: Time course observations revealed that mice treated with PDRN showed accelerated wound closure and epidermal and dermal regeneration, enhanced angiogenesis. The wound area and depth decreased at 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after skin injury. Histological evaluation showed an increase of vascular endothelial growth factor, CD31, and collagen fibers in the PDRN group compared with the control group, indicating that PDRN was effective in the treatment of delayed wound healing caused by diabetes. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that our PDRN has a wound healing effect in transgenic animal models with cells and diabetes through angiogenesis.

Diagnosis and management of hypercalcemia associated with silicone-induced granuloma

SUMMARY Hypercalcemia associated with silicone-induced granuloma is a rare disease. Diagnosis can be tricky as it is established after ruling out other hypercalcemia-causing entities. In addition, management is customized depending on the patient's wishes and possible solutions. We present a male bodybuilder, in his thirties, with multiple silicone injections in his upper extremities, who developed hypercalcemia and urinary symptoms. Advanced laboratory tests ruled out various causes of hypercalcemia and CT imaging revealed nephrocalcinosis. A biopsy of the upper arm showed granulomatous tissue and inflammation. The patient necessitated two sessions of dialysis and corticosteroids were given to relieve symptoms and reverse laboratory abnormalities. Silicone-induced hypercalcemia should be on high alert because of the increasing trend of body contour enhancements with injections, implants and fillers. Treatment should be optimized depending on the patient's needs and condition.

RESUMO A hipercalcemia associada ao granuloma induzido por silicone é uma doença rara. O diagnóstico pode ser complicado, pois é estabelecido depois de eliminadas outras entidades que causam hipercalcemia. Além disso, o gerenciamento é personalizado, dependendo dos desejos do paciente e das possíveis soluções. Apresentamos um fisiculturista masculino, com trinta e poucos anos, múltiplas injeções de silicone nas extremidades superiores, que desenvolveu hipercalcemia e sintomas urinários. Testes laboratoriais avançados descartaram várias causas de hipercalcemia e a imagem da TC revelou nefrocalcinoses. Uma biópsia da parte superior mostrou tecido granulomatoso e inflamação. O paciente exigiu duas sessões de diálise e foram administrados corticosteroides para aliviar os sintomas e reverter as anormalidades laboratoriais. A hipercalcemia induzida por silicone deve estar em alerta elevado devido à crescente tendência de aprimoramentos do contorno corporal com injeções, implantes e enchimentos. O tratamento deve ser otimizado de acordo com as necessidades e condições do paciente.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Treatment with Botulinum Toxin in Patients with Recalcitrant and Persistent Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

BACKGROUND: There are few pharmacologic options to reduce erythema and flushing in patients with recalcitrant erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR). We previously reported two cases of refractory flushing and erythema of rosacea that were successfully treated with intradermal botulinum toxin injection, and additional research is needed to prove the efficacy and safety of this treatment. OBJECTIVE: To report the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injection as an aid in persistent erythema of rosacea patients. METHODS: A total of 20 Korean patients with recalcitrant ETR were enrolled to receive treatment by injection of botulinum toxin. Patients received one treatment of intradermal botulinum toxin injection and were assessed 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after treatment. The severity of erythema and telangiectasia was investigated by a non-treating physician, and the Erythema Index (EI) was assessed by mexameter at each visit. Patient satisfaction and any adverse events were also assessed at each visit. RESULTS: 17 patients completed all follow-up visits and were included in the analysis. Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin significantly reduced erythema severity and EI in ETR patients. Patients reported a satisfaction score of 2.94±0.56 at 8 weeks after treatment. Except for three patients who discontinued the study early due to inconvenience of facial muscle paralysis, 17 patients participating in the final analysis did not report side effects except injection pain at the time of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin can be used as an effective and relatively safe adjuvant agent for recalcitrant and persistent erythema of ETR patients.

Intradermal Injection of Botulinum Toxin: A Safer Treatment Modality for Forehead Wrinkles

Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A (BTXA) is commonly used for the treatment of forehead wrinkles. In practice, physicians often use an intradermal injection for this purpose, as they feel that there is a lower risk of adverse effects compared with intramuscular injection. However, there are no direct comparative studies between those two injection modalities. We conducted a 24-week long, double-blinded, split-face, pilot study of three participants to compare the efficacy and safety of intradermal or intramuscular injection of BTXA for the treatment of forehead wrinkles. Maximum improvement of wrinkles and the time to achieve maximum effect were similar for both methods. The brow level was lower on the intramuscular injection side throughout the follow-up period for all participants. Subjective satisfaction with wrinkles was similar on both sides, but patients felt more heaviness of the eyebrow on the intramuscular side. No serious side effects were noted. In conclusion, the anti-wrinkle effect of BTXA was not significantly different between intramuscular and intradermal injections. However, side effects such as eyebrow ptosis, and heaviness were more prominent after intramuscular injection.

Symmetrical Drug-Related Intertriginous and Flexural Exanthema: Two Cases and Brief Literature Review

It has been reported that there are a range of causative drugs related to symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE). The causative drugs reported so far include the following: antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin, chemotherapeutic agents, and biologics. In this study, we report two cases of SDRIFE and a review of the previous literature. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it demonstrates that intradermal injection of the Chinese herbal ball, and not its topical application, elicited a reaction that predicted the occurrence of SDRIFE. This finding is important for the diagnosis of SDRIFE in future studies. Our findings also provide evidence for a SDRIFE reaction after exposure to ranitidine and mosapride.

The effect of intradermal administration of inactive platelet-rich plasma on flap viability in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of inactive form of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the flap viability. Methods: Thirty six rats were used. Rats were divided into six groups then 9x3 cm random pattern skin flaps were elevated from dorsum of all rats. For precluding vascularization from the base, a silicone layer was placed under the flap in groups 2(only flap+silicone), 4(saline+silicone) and 6(PRP+silicone). In groups 1(only flap), 2(only flap+silicone) nothing was done except flap surgery. In groups 3(saline) and 4(saline+silicone), saline was applied intradermally , in groups 5(PRP) and 6(PRP+silicone), inactive form of PRP which obtained from different 16 rats was applied intradermally, into certain points of flaps immediately after surgery. After 7 days flap necrosis ratio was measured in all groups. Results: Mean necrosis rate in group 5(PRP) (16.05%) was statistically significantly lower than group 1(only flap) (31,93%) and group 3(saline) (30,43%) (p<0.001). Mean necrosis rate in group 6(PRP+silicone) (36.37%) was statistically significantly lower than group 2(only flap+silicone) (47.93%) and group 4(saline+silicone) (45.65%) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Intradermal inactive platelet rich plasma administration decreases flap necrosis so for skin application.

Efficacy of Topical Tranexamic Acid in Treatment of Melasma / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA), a plasmin inhibitor, has been used orally or via intradermal injection to treat melasma; however, there are limited studies regarding efficacy and safety of topical application of TXA. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical tranexamic acid in treatment of melasma. METHODS: We enrolled 25 female volunteers with melasma in a split-face trial lasting 10 weeks. Patients were instructed to apply cream containing tranexamic acid on only the right side of their face every night without application on the other side. The pigmentary index (PI) using API-100 and Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) were measured at 0, 5, and 10 weeks. Patient satisfaction questionnaires and safety evaluation by a dermatologist were performed at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients completed the study, and we noted reduction in both, mean MASI and PI scores. The mean MASI score was 7.75±5.10 at baseline, 6.72±4.25 at week 5, and 6.26±3.76 at week 10 p=0.008). The mean PI score on the right side of the face was 40.56±22.51 at baseline, 29.96±16.62 at week 5, and 26.88±15.97 at week 10. The PI on the right side of the face decreased by 26.1% (p<0.001) at week 5 and 33.7% (p<0.001) at week 10 compared to the baseline. Mean PI score on the unaffected side of the face was 40.56±22.60 at baseline, 37.48±17.79 at week 5, and 34.68±16.44 at week 10, although this reduction was not statistically significant (p=0.146). Only mild irritation occurred in two patients, no other serious adverse events were noted, and patients were generally satisfied with their results. CONCLUSION: Topical TXA can be considered a safe and effective option in the treatment of melasma.

Analysis of Current Status of the Community Health Nursing Practice Education

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to provide basic evidence to improve community health nursing practice education by analyzing the current status of actual operation, program outcomes and evaluation methods, and the level of achieving learning goals. METHODS: Data were collected through an e-mail survey from 155 professors teaching community health nursing in April 2016. Out of 45 responses in total, 42 cases were used for analysis (response rate 29.0%). RESULTS: Community health nursing practice was a 3-credit course in most of the schools (66.7%) and included a practice at public health centers without exception. The most common diagnosis classification system was OMAHA (81.0%). The core fundamental nursing skills evaluated during the practice were subcutaneous injection, vital signs, oral administration, and intradermal injection. Among the subjects of community health nursing practice, the area with the highest potential for achieving learning goals was primary health care provision (4.4/5) and the area with the lowest potential was disaster management (2.4/5). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that there would be active efforts to complement and improve several problems of the community health nursing practice among the community health nursing practice instructors for more effective and qualitative community health nursing practice.

Effects of intracutaneous injections of sterile water in patients with acute low back pain: a randomized, controlled, clinical trial

Intracutaneous sterile water injection (ISWI) is used for relief of low back pain during labor, acute attacks of urolithiasis, chronic neck and shoulder pain following whiplash injuries, and chronic myofascial pain syndrome. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of ISWI for relief of acute low back pain (aLBP). A total of 68 patients (41 females and 27 males) between 18 and 55 years old experiencing aLBP with moderate to severe pain (scores ≥5 on an 11-point visual analogue scale [VAS]) were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either ISWIs (n=34) or intracutaneous isotonic saline injections (placebo treatment; n=34). The primary outcome was improvement in pain intensity using the VAS at 10, 45, and 90 min and 1 day after treatment. The secondary outcome was functional improvement, which was assessed using the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) 1 day after treatment. The mean VAS score was significantly lower in the ISWI group than in the control group at 10, 45, and 90 min, and 1 day after injection (P<0.05, t-test). The mean increment in PSFS score of the ISWI group was 2.9±2.2 1 day after treatment, while that in the control group was 0.9±2.2. Our study showed that ISWI was effective for relieving pain and improving function in aLBP patients at short-term follow-up. ISWI might be an alternative treatment for aLBP patients, especially in areas where medications are not available, as well as in specific patients (e.g., those who are pregnant or have asthma), who are unable to receive medications or other forms of analgesia because of side effects.

Reação tipo corpo estranho a preenchimento facial com poliamida / Foreign body reaction to polyamide filling in the face

O uso de substâncias para preenchimento dérmico é crescente, e o número de complicações devido à sua utilização, significativo. Neste trabalho, relatamos um caso de granulomas de corpo estranho após preenchimento facial com gel de poliamida, chamado AqualiftTM, produto não encontrável nas bases de dados da literatura científica. São discutidos aspectos clínicos, terapêuticos e histopatológicos. Faz-se uma advertência relativa ao uso desta substância.

Dermal fillers are increasingly used, and the number of complications due to their use is significant. In this work, we report the case of foreign body granulomas due to the facial injection of a polyamide gel, named AqualiftTM, a product not found in scientific literature databases. Clinical, therapeutic and hystopathological aspects are discussed. A warning is made, concerning the use of this substance.

Histologic Evidence of New Collagen Formulation Using Platelet Rich Plasma in Skin Rejuvenation: A Prospective Controlled Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentration of human platelets contained in a small volume of plasma and has recently been shown to accelerate rejuvenate aging skin by various growth factors and cell adhesion molecules. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal injection of PRP in the human facial rejuvenation. METHODS: This study was a prospective, single-center, single-dose, open-label, non-randomized controlled clinical study. PRP injected to the upper site of this right infra-auricular area and all face. Saline was injected to the left infra-auricular area. Histopathological examinations were performed before PRP treatment, 28 days after the PRP, and saline (control) treatments. RESULTS: Twenty women ranging in age from 40 to 49 years (mean age, 43.65±2.43 years) were enrolled in the study. The mean optical densities (MODs) of collagen in the pre-treatment, control, and PRP-treated area were measured. They were 539±93.2, 787±134.15, 1,019±178, respectively. In the MOD of PRP, 89.05 percent improvement was found when MOD of PRP was compared with MOD of pre-treatment. The mean MOD of collagen fibers was clearly highest on the PRP side (p<0.001). The PRP-to-saline improvement ratio (89.05% to 46.01%) was 1.93:1. No serious side effects were detected. CONCLUSION: PRP increases dermal collagen levels not only by growth factors, but also by skin needling (the mesotherapy technique 'point by point'). PRP application could be considered as an effective (even a single application) and safety procedure for facial skin rejuvenation.

Efficacy of intracutaneous methylene blue injection for moderate to severe acute thoracic herpes zoster pain and prevention of postherpetic neuralgia in elderly patients / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intradermal injection of methylene blue for treatment of moderate to severe acute thoracic herpes zoster and prevention of postherpetica neuralgia in elderly patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-four elderly patients with herpes zoster were randomized to receive a 10-day course of intradermal injection of methylene blue and lidocaine plus oral valaciclovir (group A, 32 cases) and intradermal injection of lidocaine plus oral valaciclovir (group B).Herpes evaluation index, pain rating index, incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, and comprehensive therapeutic effect were compared between the two groups at 11, 30 and 60 days after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with that in group B, the time for no new blister formation, blister incrustation and decrustation, and pain relief was significantly shortened in group A (P<0.05) with also obviously lower pain intensity after the treatment. The incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was significantly lower in group A than in group B at 30 days (P<0.05), but not at 60 and 90 days after the treatment. The total clinical response rate was 93.8% in group A, much higher than that in group B (62.5%, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intradermal injection of methylene blue can effectively shorten the disease course, reduce the pain intensity and prevent the development of postherpetic neuralgia in elderly patients with herpes zoster.</p>