Effect of an aperture in atomic gravimetry.

There is a continuous interest in shrinking the dimensions of portable atomic gravimeters. This inevitably ends up truncating the Gaussian wings of the excitation laser beams whose effect has not been properly quantified yet. The diffraction pattern created from this aperture creates ripples in the wavefront in both the phase and the intensity. We calculate the shift in the measured value of an atomic gravimeter introduced by the phase variations in the wavefront. Fortunately, this shift has a Gaussian decay with the aperture size. For extended clouds, we observe a reduction of the effect thanks to an averaging over transverse positions with different values of the shift. Surprisingly, we found that the intensity variations also introduce an important correction to the photon recoil, which contributes at about the same level as the previous shift in the measurement of the gravitational acceleration. Our results should help decide how small an apparatus can be to guarantee a particular accuracy.

Guidelines for inhaled sedation in the ICU.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sedation is used in intensive care units (ICU) to improve comfort and tolerance during mechanical ventilation, invasive interventions, and nursing care. In recent years, the use of inhalation anaesthetics for this purpose has increased. Our objective was to obtain and summarise the best evidence on inhaled sedation in adult patients in the ICU, and use this to help physicians choose the most appropriate approach in terms of the impact of sedation on clinical outcomes and the risk-benefit of the chosen strategy. METHODOLOGY: Given the overall lack of literature and scientific evidence on various aspects of inhaled sedation in the ICU, we decided to use a Delphi method to achieve consensus among a group of 17 expert panellists. The processes was conducted over a 12-month period between 2022 and 2023, and followed the recommendations of the CREDES guidelines. RESULTS: The results of the Delphi survey form the basis of these 39 recommendations - 23 with a strong consensus and 15 with a weak consensus. CONCLUSION: The use of inhaled sedation in the ICU is a reliable and appropriate option in a wide variety of clinical scenarios. However, there are numerous aspects of the technique that require further study.

Impact of plasmapheresis on severe COVID-19.

The clinical course of COVID-19 may show severe presentation, potentially involving dynamic cytokine storms and T cell lymphopenia, which are leading causes of death in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma exchange therapy (PLEX) effectively removes pro-inflammatory factors, modulating and restoring innate and adaptive immune responses. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of PLEX on the survival of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on the cytokine release syndrome. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm syndrome were selected to receive 2 sessions of PLEX or standard therapy. Primary outcome was all-cause 60-days mortality; secondary outcome was requirement of mechanical ventilation, SOFA, NEWs-2 scores modification, reduction of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and hospitalization time. Twenty patients received PLEX were compared against 40 patients receiving standard therapy. PLEX reduced 60-days mortality (50% vs 20%; OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.071-0.880; p = 0.029), and this effect was independent from demographic variables and drug therapies used. PLEX significantly decreased SOFA, NEWs-2, pro-inflammatory mediators and increased lymphocyte count, accompanied with a trend to reduce affected lung volume, without effect on SatO2/FiO2 indicator or mechanical ventilation requirement. PLEX therapy provided significant benefits of pro-inflammatory clearance and reduction of 60-days mortality in selected patients with COVID-19, without significant adverse events.

Parental TB associated with offspring asthma and rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Infections in early life are associated with asthma and allergies in one-generation settings; however, the link between parental infection and offspring phenotype is rarely investigated. We aim to study the association of parental TB before conception of the offspring with offspring asthma and rhinitis.METHODS: We included 2,965 offspring born in 1985-2004 and registered in the Norwegian prescription database to 1,790 parents born after 1960 with a history of TB, and included in the Norwegian TB registry. Offspring asthma (n = 582) and rhinitis (n = 929) were defined based on diagnosis, type of medication and prescribed medication ≥1 year. Associations of parental TB <8 years, ≥8 years but before offspring´s birth year and after birth (reference category) with offspring asthma and rhinitis were analysed using logistic regression.RESULTS: Asthma risk was higher in persons with parental TB in childhood (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.20-2.50) or later preconception (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.00-1.91) than in persons with parental TB after offspring´s birth; this was significant only in the maternal line (childhood: OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.13-3.37; later preconception: OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.08-2.80). Associations with rhinitis were not identified.CONCLUSIONS: Parental childhood TB was associated with higher asthma risk in future offspring. We speculate that TB impacts maternal immunity and dysregulates the offspring´s type 2 immunity, and that TB-induced epigenetic reprograming of immune defences are transferred to the offspring.

Synthesis and design of Ag-Fe bimetallic nanoparticles as antimicrobial synergistic combination therapies against clinically relevant pathogens.

The inappropriate use of antibiotics and the inadequate control of infections have led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. In recent years, metallo-pharmaceutics and metallic nanoparticles have been proposed as potential alternative antimicrobials due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Moreover, recent findings have shown that combinations of transition metal compounds can exhibit synergistic antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the synthesis and design of bimetallic nanoparticles is a field worth exploring to harness the interactions between groups of metals and organic complex structures found in different microbial targets, towards the development of more efficient combinatorial antimicrobials composed of synergistic metals. In this study, we present a green synthesis of Ag-Fe bimetallic nanoparticles using an aqueous extract from the leaves of Gardenia jasminoides. The characterization of the nanoparticles demonstrated that the synthesis methodology produces homogenously distributed core-shell Ag-Fe structures with spherical shapes and average diameter sizes of 13 nm (± 6.3 nm). The Ag-Fe bimetallic nanoparticles showed magnetic and antimicrobial properties; the latter were evaluated against six different, clinically relevant multi-drug-resistant microbial strains. The Ag-Fe bimetallic nanoparticles exhibited an antimicrobial (bactericidal) synergistic effect between the two metals composing the bimetallic nanoparticles compared to the effects of the mono-metallic nanoparticles against yeast and both Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria. Our results provide insight towards the design of bimetallic nanoparticles, synthesized through green chemistry methodologies, to develop synergistic combinatorial antimicrobials with possible applications in both industrial processes and the treatment of infections caused by clinically relevant drug-resistant strains.

3-Methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone and 3-dimethylamino benzoic acid as substrates for the development of polyphenoloxidase and phenoloxidase activity by zymograms.

In the present study, a sequential staining process of polyphenoloxidase and phenoloxidase enzymes was designed by the zymography technique. As a first step, electrophoresis was carried out under native conditions, and later, first staining was carried out with a revealing solution of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazoline hydrazone (MBTH)-3-dimethylamino benzoic acid (DMAB) that allowed the visualization of polyphenoloxidase enzymes, and later and using the same gel, we proceeded to the differential staining of phenoloxidase, adding a solution of H2O2. The technique was standardized using commercial enzymes of laccase (T. versicolor) and horseradish. The technique was used to identify polyphenoloxidases (laccases) and phenoloxidases (lignin peroxidase) of crude extracts obtained from the growth of the basidiomycete Lentinus strigosus on Pinus radiata. The technique showed great sensitivity to detect the different enzymatic activities (1.56 Activity Unit/mL minimum) in the same gel without interference between the enzymes and the solutions used. On the other hand, the efficiency of the technique was compared with the substrates that are commonly used for the detection of this type of activities such as 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and guaiacol, observing greater sensitivity and minimal interference, so that the present method will allow in the same gel, and visualize polyphenoloxidase and phenoloxidase activities simultaneously facilitating expression studies.

Therapeutic Applications of Cannabinoids in Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure.

A large number of cannabinoids have been discovered that could play a role in mitigating cardiac affections. However, none of them has been as widely studied as cannabidiol (CBD), most likely because, individually, the others offer only partial effects or can activate potential harmful pathways. In this regard, CBD has proven to be of great value as a cardioprotective agent since it is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule. Thus, we conducted a review to condensate the currently available knowledge on CBD as a therapy for different experimental models of cardiomyopathies and heart failure to detect the molecular pathways involved in cardiac protection. CBD therapy can greatly limit the production of oxygen/nitrogen reactive species, thereby limiting cellular damage, protecting mitochondria, avoiding caspase activation, and regulating ionic homeostasis. Hence, it can affect myocardial contraction by restricting the activation of inflammatory pathways and cytokine secretion, lowering tissular infiltration by immune cells, and reducing the area of infarct and fibrosis formation. These effects are mediated by the activation or inhibition of different receptors and target molecules of the endocannabinoid system. In the final part of this review, we explore the current state of CBD in clinical trials as a treatment for cardiovascular diseases and provide evidence of its potential benefits in humans.

Isolation and Selection of Streptomyces Species from Semi-arid Agricultural Soils and Their Potential as Producers of Xylanases and Cellulases.

The Mezquital Valley (MV), Mexico, is a semi-arid region whose main economic activity is agriculture, this zone is characterized by the use of wastewater for crop irrigation. This condition has increased the amount nutrients in soils, organic carbon content and native microorganisms. The Streptomyces species are a group of saprophytic bacteria that represent between 20 and 60% of the total microbial population in soils, capable of producing metabolites of commercial importance. In this work, Streptomyces species were isolated from agricultural soils of the MV and was evaluated the production of endoglucanases (CMCase) and xylanases (Xyl) in Solid-State Cultivation (SSC). From soil samples, 73 possible strains of Streptomyces species were isolated for their ability to produce CMCase and Xyl in SSC. The study also included its characterization by morphological characteristics. Of the isolated microorganisms, 38 strains were selected as strong enzyme producers according to the measurement of the halo generated in plate and by growth on barley straw as only carbon source. Two different sizes of barley straw particle were tested, finding that the greatest enzymatic activity was observed in particle size 12. Three strains of Streptomyces species were chosen which presented the best catalytic capacities, a maximum of 100.69 AU Xyl/gram dry matter (gdm), 82 AU Xyl/gdm and 26.02 AU CMCase/gdm for strains 30, 28 and 12, respectively. The strains were identified by ribosomal gen16s sequence and identified as S. flavogriseus, S. virginiae and S. griseoaurantiacus. It is the first report of endogluconase and xylanolytic activity by S. virginiae isolated from a semi-arid soil.

Cardiorespiratory effects of epidurally administered ketamine or lidocaine in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy surgery: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Analgesic and hemodynamic effects of ketamine in subanesthetic doses during surgical anesthesia and postoperative, are due to the action on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR). AIMS: To evaluate the intraoperative cardiorespiratory effects provided by ketamine compared to lidocaine, both administered epidurally, in bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Thirty-six dogs of different breeds were used in a randomized, prospective, and blinded clinical trial. Two groups were formed: GKET (ketamine 3 mg/kg, n=18) and GLIDO (lidocaine 4 mg/kg, n=18). Animals were premedicated with acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg intravenous. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 5 mg/kg intravenous. Anesthetic maintenance was performed with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Every 5 min during surgery, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), esophageal temperature (°C), oxygen saturation (SPO2), end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored. RESULTS: Cardiorespiratory variables during anesthesia were within normal ranges. Heart rate was significantly higher at 5 (108 ± 12 vs 95 ± 11) and 10 (110 ± 11 vs 97 ± 11) min in GKET compared to GLIDO after the start of surgery (P=0.03 and P=0.01, respectively). Mean arterial pressure was higher in GKET, (100 ± 23, 105 ± 35, and 103 ± 35 mmHg) in comparison with GLIDO (66 ± 7, 74 ± 10, and 67 ± 9 mmHg) at 20, 25 and 30 min (P=0.01, P=0.004, and P=0.002, respectively). Mild hypothermia at 25 (36.5 1.3C) and 30 (36.5 1.4C) min in the GKET was recorded. CONCLUSION: Epidural administration of ketamine provides better hemodynamic stability, compared to the use of epidural lidocaine.

Efficacy of endoscopic removal in the treatment of subglottic ductal cysts. / Eficacia de la escisión endoscópica en el tratamiento de los quistes ductales subglóticos.

INTRODUCTION: Subglottic cyst is a rare cause of airway obstruction, and there is a lack of evidence about the best treatment in the literature. This report describes our experience with endoscopic removal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients undergoing endoscopic removal of subglottic cyst at our healthcare facility between 2014 and 2019 was performed. Clinic and demographic data regarding gestational age, intubation, comorbidities, surgical procedures, first symptoms, endoscopic findings, treatment, and follow-up were collected. RESULTS: Four patients were identified. Two out of four (50%) were preterm, and all patients were intubated during their neonatal period. Median age and weight at diagnosis were 6.5 months (6-8) and 5.9 kg (3.6-7). Median time between last intubation and diagnosis was 119.5 days (71-171). Biphasic stridor and progressive respiratory distress were the most common clinical symptoms. Airway obstruction of at least 50% was found during upper airway endoscopy in all patients. Endoscopic removal was performed as a first-line treatment in 3 patients, and as a second-line treatment in 1 patient. Median intubation time after treatment and hospital stay were 13.5 hours (0-48) and 7 days (6-9). All four patients are free of disease, with a median follow-up of 17.5 months (6-42). CONCLUSION: Subglottic cyst is a rare cause of post-extubation stridor. Endoscopic removal seems to be a feasible and effective treatment with a low recurrence rate.

INTRODUCCION: Los quistes ductales subglóticos adquiridos (QDSA) son una causa rara de obstrucción de la vía aérea, sin consenso en la literatura en cuanto al tratamiento más eficaz. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de los QDSA. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes tratados en nuestro centro por QDSA en los últimos 5 años. Se recogieron los antecedentes de intubación, la clínica presentada, el tratamiento realizado, la evolución postquirúrgica, el seguimiento en consulta y los controles endoscópicos. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 4 pacientes, con unas medianas de edad y peso de 6,5 meses (6-8) y 5,9 kg (3,6-7), respectivamente. Todos presentaron antecedentes de intubación por intervenciones quirúrgicas, siendo prematuros 2 de ellos. La mediana entre la última intubación y el diagnóstico fue de 119,5 días (71-171). La clínica consistió en estridor bifásico con mejoría postural presentando una ocupación de la luz traqueal de más del 50% en la endoscopia diagnóstica. Se realizó escisión endoscópica (EE) al diagnóstico en 3 de los pacientes y como técnica de rescate en el cuarto por recidiva tras tratamiento con drenaje y dilatación con balón. La mediana de tiempo de intubación postquirúrgico fue de 13,5 horas (0-48) y la estancia hospitalaria de 7 días (6-9). Tras un seguimiento mediano de 17,5 meses (6-42) no se ha presentado ninguna recidiva. CONCLUSION: Los QDSA son una causa poco frecuente de estridor post-extubación. La EE permite un tratamiento eficaz con baja tasa de recidiva.

Effect of a Resistance Training Program on Sarcopenia and Functionality of the Older Adults Living in a Nursing Home.

IMPORTANCE: There are currently few evidence about resistance training as a treatment for sarcopenia in the nursing home setting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a resistance training program on the sarcopenia and functionality of the elderly living in a nursing home. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A blinded longitudinal intervention study conducted in elderly people living in a nursing home from August to November 2016. Participants included a convenience sample of 19 older adults. INTERVENTION: We prescribed a resistance exercise program three times a week for 12 weeks. The scheme was two to three sets with eight to 15 repetitions per exercise. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was an increase in muscle strength and an improvement in physical performance of the elderly people living in nursing homes. RESULTS: 19 older adults between 77.7 ± 8.9 years old, completed the 12 week resistance exercise program achieving a significant increase in muscle strength to 5.7 Kg (p = 0.0001) as well as nutritional intake for the first four weeks (p = 0.001); we found an improvement in physical performance (p = 0.0001) in balance (p = 0.0001), chair stand (p = 0.036) and gait speed (p = 0.0001). Of the 47.4% that reached sarcopenia degree, in the end it was 33.3%. A relationship with nutritional status (p = 0.004) and age (p = 0.019) was found with the initial and final handgrip strength (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The resistance training program improves the functionality (muscle strength and physical performance), with the benefit of the decrease in severe sarcopenia.

Systemic phenotype of sarcoidosis associated with radiological stages. Analysis of 1230 patients.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the association between Scadding radiological stages of sarcoidosis at diagnosis and the disease phenotype (epidemiology, clinical presentation and extrathoracic involvement) in one of the largest cohorts of patients with sarcoidosis reported from southern Europe. METHODS: The SARCOGEAS-Study Group includes a multicenter database of consecutive patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis according to the WASOG 1999 criteria. Extrathoracic disease at diagnosis was defined according to the 2014 instrument and the clusters proposed by Schupp et al. RESULTS: We analyzed 1230 patients (712 female, mean age 47 yrs.) who showed the following Scadding radiologic stages at diagnosis: stage 0 (n = 98), stage I (n = 395), stage II (n = 500), stage III (n = 195) and stage IV (n = 42). Women were overrepresented in patients presenting with extrathoracic/extrapulmonary disease, while the diagnosis was made at younger ages in patients presenting with BHL, and at older ages in those presenting with pulmonary fibrosis (q values <0.05). Multivariable adjusted analysis showed that patients presenting with pulmonary involvement (especially those with stages II and III) had a lower frequency of concomitant systemic involvement in some specific extrathoracic clusters (cutaneous-adenopathic/musculoskeletal, ENT and neuro-ocular/OCCC) but a higher frequency for others (hepatosplenic), in comparison with patients with extrapulmonary involvement (stages 0 and I). The presence of either BHL or fibrotic lesions did not influence the systemic phenotype of patients with pulmonary involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The key determinant associated with a differentiated systemic phenotype of sarcoidosis at diagnosis was interstitial pulmonary involvement rather than the individual Scadding radiological stage.

Reacción granulomatosa en paciente con melanoma metastásico tratado con ipilimumab: primer caso descrito presentando clínica cutánea únicamente / Granulomatous Reaction in a Patient With Metastatic Melanoma Treated With Ipilimumab: First Case Reported With Isolated Cutaneous Findings

Las reacciones granulomatosas "sarcoidosis-like" secundarias a ipilimumab afectarán simultáneamente a múltiples órganos y característicamente se presentarán semanas o meses después de haber iniciado el tratamiento. Paciente varón de 67 años, quien consulta por reacción cutánea granulomatosa a nivel de tronco, extremidades y rostro. Esta se presentó 18 meses después de haber iniciado tratamiento con ipilimumab, medicamento pautado por el diagnóstico de un melanoma metastásico. Reportamos reacción granulomatosa de presentación exclusivamente cutánea, como efecto adverso medicamentoso tardío secundario al tratamiento con ipilimumab. Así mismo resaltamos la necesidad de realizar en los pacientes tratados con ipilimumab un seguimiento prolongado

Granulomatous sarcoidosis-like reactions affecting multiple organ systems at one time have infrequently been described within weeks to months after initiation of Ipilimumab. We present the first case of a 67-year-old man with isolated cutaneous granulomatous reaction involving the trunk, extremities, and face after eighteen months of treatment with ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma. This case documents the eruption of isolated cutaneous granulomatous reaction as a late treatment-related adverse effect of ipilimumab, highlighting the importance of adequate, prolonged follow-up

Granulomatous Reaction in a Patient With Metastatic Melanoma Treated With Ipilimumab: First Case Reported With Isolated Cutaneous Findings. / Reacción granulomatosa en paciente con melanoma metastásico tratado con ipilimumab: primer caso descrito presentando clínica cutánea únicamente.

Granulomatous sarcoidosis-like reactions affecting multiple organ systems at one time have infrequently been described within weeks to months after initiation of Ipilimumab. We present the first case of a 67-year-old man with isolated cutaneous granulomatous reaction involving the trunk, extremities, and face after eighteen months of treatment with ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma. This case documents the eruption of isolated cutaneous granulomatous reaction as a late treatment-related adverse effect of ipilimumab, highlighting the importance of adequate, prolonged follow-up.

In vivo antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles produced via a green chemistry synthesis using Acacia rigidula as a reducing and capping agent.

INTRODUCTION: One of the main issues in the medical field and clinical practice is the development of novel and effective treatments against infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. One avenue that has been approached to develop effective antimicrobials is the use of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), since they have been found to exhibit an efficient and wide spectrum of antimicrobial properties. Among the main drawbacks of using Ag-NPs are their potential cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells and the latent environmental toxicity of their synthesis methods. Therefore, diverse green synthesis methods, which involve the use of environmentally friendly plant extracts as reductive and capping agents, have become attractive to synthesize Ag-NPs that exhibit antimicrobial effects against resistant bacteria at concentrations below toxicity thresholds for eukaryotic cells. PURPOSE: In this study, we report a green one-pot synthesis method that uses Acacia rigidula extract as a reducing and capping agent, to produce Ag-NPs with applications as therapeutic agents to treat infections in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Ag-NPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, selected area electron diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible, and Fourier transform infrared. RESULTS: We show that Ag-NPs are spherical with a narrow size distribution. The Ag-NPs show antimicrobial activities in vitro against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a clinical multidrug-resistant strain of P. aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. Moreover, antimicrobial effects of the Ag-NPs, against a resistant P. aeruginosa clinical strain, were tested in a murine skin infection model. The results demonstrate that the Ag-NPs reported in this work are capable of eradicating pathogenic resistant bacteria in an infection in vivo. In addition, skin, liver, and kidney damage profiles were monitored in the murine infection model, and the results demonstrate that Ag-NPs can be used safely as therapeutic agents in animal models. CONCLUSION: Together, these results suggest the potential use of Ag-NPs, synthesized by green chemistry methods, as therapeutic agents against infections caused by resistant and nonresistant strains.

Pterygium inversum unguis secondary to gel polish.

BACKGROUND: Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is characterized by the abnormal adherence of the hyponychium to the ventral surface of the nail plate. It can be both unsightly and painful, resulting in morbidity for patients. Gel polish is a popular nail cosmetic that has been reported to cause several complications. PIU may be another adverse outcome. OBJECTIVE: To highlight a newly recognized adverse effect of a popular beauty technique. METHODS: This retrospective and prospective case series reports 17 women who developed PIU after gel polish use. All study-related activities occurred at a University of Miami dermatology outpatient clinic. RESULTS: All 17 subjects developed PIU after two to five years of gel polish application. Nine of 17 patients reported using both UVA and LED light to cure gel polish. Of the remaining eight, five used LED light only and three did not know or could not remember. All but two patients had a resolution of PIU a few weeks after switching from gel polish to regular polish manicures. CONCLUSION: While it remains undiscerned whether PIU is related to chemicals present in the gel polish or to the application and/or removal process of such, patients and dermatologists should be aware of the potential risks of gel manicures.

Optical coherence tomography for the investigation of frontal fibrosing alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a cicatricial alopecia that affects the frontotemporal hairline, eyebrows and body hair. OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique useful in understanding skin architecture and vascularization. OBJECTIVE: To describe structural and vascular findings in FFA using OCT. METHODS: This was a case-control study conducted from the months of December 2016-February 2017. The study was IRB approved and conducted at the University of Miami Hospital outpatient dermatology hair and nail clinic in Miami, FL. Four patients with biopsy proven FFA, and three healthy age and sex-matched controls participated. OCT scans were taken on cicatricial alopecic band, inflammatory hairline, eyebrow, uninvolved scalp, facial papules, glabellar red dots and arm. The same body regions were evaluated in controls. RESULTS: Patients and controls were women aged 42-66. Results reveal epidermal thickness is increased in the inflammatory hairline (0.13 mm) and decreased in the alopecic band (0.08 mm) compared to controls (0.10 mm). Attenuation coefficient increased the inflammatory hairline and decreased in the alopecic band compared to controls. Vascular flow in the alopecic band is decreased compared to inflammatory scalp and controls in the superficial levels, but increased at deeper levels as compared to controls. Inflammatory tissue is consistently more vascular at all levels (P < 0.01). Vascular flows in each stage are significantly different than one another (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increased vascular flow of the deep plexus in cicatricial stages can be a consequence of superficial tissue ischaemia or fibrosis. It is difficult to establish if the increased flow in the inflammatory stage is due to neovascularization as seen in other ischaemic diseases or is the result of the inflammatory response. OCT may be a useful non-invasive tool in imaging FFA. Not only can the technology assist in monitoring disease activity in a non-invasive manner, but it may elucidate new pathophysiologic findings.