Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of combined oral and topical photoprotection with a standardized extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®) in a Moroccan population with xeroderma pigmentosum.

BACKGROUND: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal-recessive genodermatosis resulting from a DNA-repair defect syndrome. The purpose was to evaluate the prevention on new malignant lesions in patients taking a supplement with Fernblock® (Polypodium leucotomos extract [PLE]) and secondarily correlation with the photoprotective behavior. METHODS: A prospective, single-center and open cohort study was conducted over a 12-month period. The study was performed in Morocco. Optimal photoprotection behavior was recommended. Patients were instructed to take one capsule containing 480 mg of Fernblock® and 5 mcg vitamin D and to apply sunscreen with a SPF50+ and Fernblock® every 2 h during sun exposure. The demographic, clinical, and dermatoscopic patient data were collected at baseline (T0) and following visits at 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12) when it was assessed: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Patient/Guardian Global Assessment (PGA), Patient/Guardian Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Photographic and Adverse Events Registration. Pertinent statistical study was performed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients completed the study. Eleven patients (61%) finished the study without new lesions. Seven patients developed new lesions by the end of the study. Among them, only 30% showed an ideal photoprotective behavior. The lack of an optimal photoprotective behavior increased the probability of developing lesions by 2.5 times with 95% confidence interval. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, more than 60% of patients taking a supplement with Fernblock® did not develop new lesions, and furthermore, we detected that patients following almost ideal photoprotection were 2.5 times less likely to develop NMSC lesions.

On the anomalous Stark effect in a thin disc-shaped quantum dot.

The effect of a lateral external electric field F on an exciton ground state in an InAs disc-shaped quantum dot has been studied using a variational method within the effective mass approximation. We consider that the radial dimension of the disc is very large compared to its height. This situation leads to separating the excitonic Hamiltonian into two independent parts: the lateral confinement which corresponds to a two-dimensional harmonic oscillator and an infinite square well in the growth direction. Our calculations show that the complete description of the lateral Stark shift requires both the linear and quadratic terms in F which explains that the exciton possess nonzero lateral dipolar moment and polarizability. The fit of the calculated Stark shift permits us to estimate the lateral permanent dipole moment and the polarizability according to the disc size. Our results are compared to those existing in the literature. In addition the behavior of the optical integral shows that the exciton lifetime is greater than that under zero field which is due to the field-induced polarization.

[Maxillary cementoblastoma. A case report]. / Cémentoblastome maxillaire. A propos d'un cas.

Cementoblastoma is a rare benign odontogenic neoplasm. Its cause is unknown. It represents less 6 % of all odontogenic tumors. The aim of our work is to present a rare case of maxillary cementoblastoma involving an included central incisor. A 32-year old man consulted for a left maxillary swelling to projection under nostril. A panoramic radiographic examination revealed an included tooth 21 with a radiopaque lesion around its root. The computed tomography revealed the included tooth 21 with a process around its root. This process is well-defined, high-dense and is surrounded by a radiolucent halo. The treatment should consist of complete removal of the lesion with the tooth 21. Histological examination concluded to the diagnosis of a cementoblastoma. The cementoblastoma occurs most frequently in young persons and predominantly among men. The mandibular premolar and molar are the more frequently reached. The maxillary localization remains rare. This tumor occurs around the roots of the posterior and lower teeth. Radiographically, the lesion is well-defined and attached to the root of the tooth, radiopaque dense and surrounded by a radiolucent halo. The cementoblastoma evolves slowly and has the tendency to blow the cortical. The prognosis is good.