Note: Design and realization of a portable edge illumination X-ray phase contrast imaging system.

We discuss a portable edge illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging system based on compact piezoelectric motors, which enables its transportation to different environments, e.g., hosting different x-ray source technologies. The analysis of images of standard samples reveals an angular sensitivity of 270 ± 6 nrad, which compares well with the 260 ± 10 nrad reported for previous systems based on stepper motors, demonstrating that system portability can be achieved without affecting phase sensitivity. The results can also be considered a test of the performance of the piezoelectric motors, and as such could be of interest to researchers planning their use in other imaging systems.

Evaluation of microbubble contrast agents for dynamic imaging with x-ray phase contrast.

X-rays are commonly used as a means to image the inside of objects opaque to visible light, as their short wavelength allows penetration through matter and the formation of high spatial resolution images. This physical effect has found particular importance in medicine where x-ray based imaging is routinely used as a diagnostic tool. Increasingly, however, imaging modalities that provide functional as well as morphological information are required. In this study the potential to use x-ray phase based imaging as a functional modality through the use of microbubbles that can be targeted to specific biological processes is explored. We show that the concentration of a microbubble suspension can be monitored quantitatively whilst in flow using x-ray phase contrast imaging. This could provide the basis for a dynamic imaging technique that combines the tissue penetration, spatial resolution, and high contrast of x-ray phase based imaging with the functional information offered by targeted imaging modalities.

Monte Carlo model of a polychromatic laboratory based edge illumination x-ray phase contrast system.

A Monte Carlo model of a polychromatic laboratory based (coded aperture) edge illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging system has been developed and validated against experimental data. The ability for the simulation framework to be used to model two-dimensional images is also shown. The Monte Carlo model has been developed using the McXtrace engine and is polychromatic, i.e., results are obtained through the use of the full x-ray spectrum rather than an effective energy. This type of simulation can in future be used to model imaging of objects with complex geometry, for system prototyping, as well as providing a first step towards the development of a simulation for modelling dose delivery as a part of translating the imaging technique for use in clinical environments.

Medicine, material science and security: the versatility of the coded-aperture approach.

The principal limitation to the widespread deployment of X-ray phase imaging in a variety of applications is probably versatility. A versatile X-ray phase imaging system must be able to work with polychromatic and non-microfocus sources (for example, those currently used in medical and industrial applications), have physical dimensions sufficiently large to accommodate samples of interest, be insensitive to environmental disturbances (such as vibrations and temperature variations), require only simple system set-up and maintenance, and be able to perform quantitative imaging. The coded-aperture technique, based upon the edge illumination principle, satisfies each of these criteria. To date, we have applied the technique to mammography, materials science, small-animal imaging, non-destructive testing and security. In this paper, we outline the theory of coded-aperture phase imaging and show an example of how the technique may be applied to imaging samples with a practically important scale.

X-linked dominant protoporphyria: a new porphyria.

X-linked dominant protoporphyria (XLDPP) was first reported in the genetics literature in 2008. It has a phenotype very similar to erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), but is distinguished from EPP by higher concentrations of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (of which a high proportion is zinc-chelated), its apparently higher incidence of liver disease, and an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. Dermatologists should understand how XLDPP differs from EPP, in order to advise newly diagnosed patients correctly about the genetic implications and the long-term management strategy. We present a case series of XLDPP to introduce this condition to the dermatology literature.

Method for automatization of the alignment of a laboratory based x-ray phase contrast edge illumination system.

Here we present a general alignment algorithm for an edge illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging system, which is used with the laboratory systems developed at UCL. It has the flexibility to be used with all current mask designs, and could also be applied to future synchrotron based systems. The algorithm has proved to be robust experimentally, and can be used for the automatization of future commercial systems through automatic alignment and alignment correction.

Changing patterns of contact allergy in chronic inflammatory ear disease.

Chronic inflammatory ear disease comprises a wide range of conditions. Although contact allergy to topical medicaments is common in such conditions, the causes of these reactions have not been examined in a large series for over a decade. Our aim was to investigate the major sensitizers recorded in 179 patients over the last 17 years. Medicament contact allergic dermatitis was diagnosed in 45 patients (25%), of whom 34 (76%) demonstrated a relevant allergy to neomycin, 28 (62%) to framycetin, 11 (31%) to gentamicin, 8 (18%) to quinoline mix and 5 (11%) to caine mix. Of all neomycin-allergic patients, 28 (76%) were also allergic to framycetin and 12 (43%) to gentamicin. Comparing the first 60 patients (1985-94) to the most recent 60 (1998-2002) identified a significant recent reduction in the number of patients allergic to neomycin (P = 0.002) and framycetin (P = 0.050), with a non-significant reduction in the total number diagnosed as medicament-allergic (P = 0.066). We have therefore demonstrated a high frequency of medicament contact allergy in chronic inflammatory ear disease, supporting the routine use of patch testing in these patients. We have also shown a significant recent reduction in the number of such patients with allergy to neomycin and framycetin.

Aleukaemic leukaemia cutis presenting as a benign-appearing eruption.

A 68-year-old Caucasian male presented with a 5-week history of a widespread pruritic papular eruption. Histology from a papule on the left shoulder showed a dense dermal infiltrate of large mononuclear cells which were positive for leucocyte common antigen, KP1 and PGM1, with an MIB-1 proliferating fraction of 40%, diagnostic of acute monocytic (M5) leukaemia cutis. Full blood count revealed pancytopaenia but no blasts. Bone marrow aspirate showed reduced red cell precursors and 10% blasts, consistent with myelodysplastic syndrome (refractory anaemia with excess blasts). The patient was managed with a 3 unit transfusion of packed red cells, after which his skin eruption resolved within 6 weeks and his peripheral blood counts returned to normal. No chemotherapy was administered. In conclusion, leukaemia can present in the skin, the eruption may be nonspecific and it may precede systemic involvement by either myelodysplastic syndrome or acute leukaemia.

Human Ro60 (SSA2) genomic organization and sequence alterations, examined in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: The Ro 60 kDa protein (Ro60 or SSA2) is the major component of the Ro ribonucleoprotein (Ro RNP) complex, to which an immune response is a specific feature of several autoimmune diseases. The genomic organization and any sequence variation within the DNA encoding Ro60 are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the Ro60 gene structure and to assess whether any sequence alterations might be associated with serum anti-Ro antibody in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), thus potentially providing new insight into disease pathogenesis. METHODS: The cDNA sequence for Ro60 was obtained from the NCBI database and used for a BLAST search for a clone containing the entire genomic sequence. The intron-exon borders were confirmed by designing intronic primer pairs to flank each exon, which were then used to amplify genomic DNA for automated sequencing from 36 caucasian patients with SCLE (anti-Ro positive) and 49 with discoid LE (DLE, anti-Ro negative), in addition to 36 healthy caucasian controls. RESULTS: Heteroduplex analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from patients and controls spanning all Ro60 exons (1-8) revealed a common bandshift in the PCR products spanning exon 7. Sequencing of the corresponding PCR products demonstrated an A > G substitution at nucleotide position 1318-7, within the consensus acceptor splice site of exon 7 (GenBank XM001901). The allele frequencies were major allele A (0.71) and minor allele G (0.29) in 72 control chromosomes, with no significant differences found between SCLE patients, DLE patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The genomic organization of the DNA encoding the Ro60 protein is described, including a common polymorphism within the consensus acceptor splice site of exon 7. Our delineation of a strategy for the genomic amplification of Ro60 forms a basis for further examination of the pathological functions of the Ro RNP in autoimmune disease.

A candidate gene analysis of three related photosensitivity disorders: cutaneous lupus erythematosus, polymorphic light eruption and actinic prurigo.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is a common inherited photosensitivity disorder, which may predispose to several related but distinct conditions, including subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and actinic prurigo (AP). OBJECTIVES: To examine specific candidate genes for shared susceptibility alleles between these related phenotypes. METHODS: Eighty-five caucasian patients with annular SCLE or DLE were recruited, in addition to 102 first-degree relatives. The prevalence of PLE in both the patient and relative groups was determined by detailed interview and clinical examination. Eighty-five patients with pure PLE and 59 patients with AP were also recruited. Candidate genes were analysed by typing of single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL10 (-1082 G/A and -819 C/T), FCGR2A (131 R/H), SELE (128 S/R), ICAM1 (241 G/R and 469 E/K), IL1A (+ 4845 G/T), IL1B (-511 C/T and + 3954 C/T), IL1RN (+ 2018 T/C) and TNF (-308 G/A) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequence-specific primers and 5'-nuclease PCR. RESULTS: A significant association was found between SCLE and the rare TNF -308 A allele when compared with patients with DLE (P = 0.043), PLE (P = 0.001), AP (P < 0.001) and healthy controls (P < 0.001). However, there was strong linkage disequilibrium between TNF -308 A and the HLA A*01, B*08, DRB1*0301 haplotype. A negative association was also found between SCLE and the IL1B + 3954 T allele (P = 0.039), but the significance was lost on correction for multiple testing. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the association of SCLE with the rare TNF -308 A allele, which may be pathogenic or, alternatively, a marker allele for the extended HLA A*01, B*08, DRB1*0301 haplotype that is associated with a number of autoimmune conditions. Although many of the other loci that we chose failed to demonstrate an association, a candidate gene approach remains the most logical one, and the most likely to yield positive results in the future.

Photodermatoses in the elderly.

Several photodermatoses specifically affect the elderly, and many others continue into old age. Photodermatoses present unique challenges in diagnosis and management when considered in the context of the multiple pathologies and problems of polypharmacy in this age group. This article examines the idiopathic photodermatoses, which include chronic actinic dermatitis, specifically a disease of the middle-aged and elderly. Endogenous (metabolic) and exogenous (drug and chemical) photodermatoses, as well as photo-exacerbated dermatoses, also are discussed.

Bone mineral density of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

Reduced bone mineral density (BMD), the major risk factor for osteoporotic fracture, has been linked to palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, but no significant studies have examined BMD in chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP). In this study, in-patients with severe CPP had their BMD measured at the nondominant hip and lumbar spine using dual energy X-ray absorbtiometry. Ten male and 10 female Caucasian patients were recruited, with a mean age of 47 years (range 20--71 years). There were no significant differences in BMD between patients and controls. However, patients with psoriatic arthropathy in addition to CPP had a significantly lower mean lumbar spine Z-score (- 1.16) than those without arthropathy (+1.38, P = 0.015). Neither previous nor current treatment with systemic steroids, retinoids or methotrexate significantly affected BMD. We found no evidence that patients with CPP, despite risk factors, have a significantly low BMD, although the subgroup with joint involvement appear be at significantly higher risk of osteoporosis and may therefore require preventative treatment.

Polymorphic light eruption and the HLA DRB1*0301 extended haplotype are independent risk factors for cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Recent evidence suggests that polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is an inherited photosensitivity disorder which may predispose to cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE). In this study we examine the relative risk (RR) attributable to the presence of PLE, together with the effect of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in the development of cutaneous LE. Eighty-five Caucasian patients with annular subacute cutaneous LE (SCLE) and discoid LE (DLE) were recruited, together with 102 first degree relatives and 200 healthy local Caucasian controls. Symptoms suggestive of PLE were elicited in patients and relatives, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing determined by PCR-SSP. Standard association analysis and family transmission disequilibrium testing (TDT) were then used to compare the HLA frequencies between groups. We found a significant (P < 0.05) association of the HL4 A*01, B*08, DRB1*0301 extended haplotype with both SCLE and DLE and also significant association of DLE with the HLA A*03, B*07, DRB1*15 haplotype, with a possible protective effect in SCLE for HLA B*44 and DRB1*04 (P=0.002 and 0.001 respectively). Association was observed between PLE and cutaneous LE (P < 0.001), but not between PLE and any HLA allele. From these figures we estimate, for the general population, that the RR of developing SCLE given the presence of (a) PLE, (b) DRB1*0301 and (c) both PLE and DRB1*0301 is 3.37, 5.45 and 12.03, respectively. For DLE, equivalent RRs are 3.11, 2.15 and 6.94. In conclusion, these data imply the involvement of both PLE and HLA DRB1*0301 in the development of SCLE and DLE. They form a basis for examining the genetic architecture of photosensitivity, some aspects of which may be common to both cutaneous LE and PLE.

Ultraviolet therapy in lupus.

This review examines the use of ultraviolet (UV) therapy in lupus erythematosus (LE), a disorder usually associated with abnormally increased photosensitivity. In addition to the abnormal cutaneous response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, photo-aggravation of systemic disease activity in systemic LE (SLE) may also occur. However, courses of UVR exposure may also be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of various photodermatoses, and LE now appears to be included in that group. Thus, several studies have reported apparent benefits of phototherapy in both cutaneous and systemic LE, although the underlying mechanisms remain obscure and final confirmation of such efficacy is still awaited in continuing studies.