Fractional carbon dioxide laser versus combined fractional CO2 laser and platelet rich plasma in treatment of facial wrinkles: A comparative split face study.

BACKGROUND: Wrinkles are the most visible sign in skin aging and for which many people seek different aesthetic procedures. Treatment options varies from invasive to non-invasive procedures. Combining platelet rich plasma and fractional carbon dioxide laser (CO2 ) has been used frequently for showing promising results in treating photoaged skin generally and wrinkles specifically since the microscopic thermal zones created by the fractional laser facilitates the delivery of the plasma into the dermis which aids the process of collagen induction and skin rejuvenation. AIM OF THE WORK: To compare and assess the clinical efficacy of fractional CO2 laser alone versus combined fractional CO2 laser and platelet rich plasma in treatment of facial rhytides (in terms of size, depth, and overall appearance). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six female patients were selected and each face was split into 2 halves a control side (Laser + saline) and an experimental side (Laser + platelet rich plasma). Treatment plan was 1 laser session per month for a total of 4 sessions. Clinical objective evaluation was done by the Antera camera in addition to assessment by two blinded dermatologists. RESULTS: The combined treatment was as effective in improving wrinkles as fractional CO2 laser alone. Antera camera scores showed statistical significance in overall wrinkles measurements on each side equally. CONCLUSION: Both treatment modalities gave optimum cosmetic results with no significant difference noticed when compared with each other, although overall satisfaction with wrinkles and skin were statistically greater than the initial satisfaction scores.

Incidence, Molecular Detection, and Partial Nucleotide Sequencing of Some Viruses Causing Fig Mosaic Disease (FMD) on Fig Plants in Egypt.

Fig mosaic disease (FMD) is a viral disease that poses a significant danger to Egypt's fig-producing economy. During the two growing seasons 2017 and 2018, fig leaves and fruits displaying a variety of symptoms linked with fig mosaic disease (FMD) were collected and differentiated from the most famous fig-growing governorates in Egypt, Mersa Matruh, Ismailia, and Giza. Symptomatic samples were tested for the presence of fig mosaic virus (FMV), fig leaf mottle-associated virus 1 (FLMaV-1), fig leaf mottle-associated virus 2 (FLMaV-2), fig mild mottle-associated virus (FMMaV), fig latent virus 1 (FLV-1), fig fleck-associated virus (FFkaV), and fig cryptic virus (FCV) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with specific primers. Three viruses were detected in mixed infections and showed positive results. FMV was detected with infection rate 49% followed by FLMaV-2 with infection rate 21.8% and FLMaV-1 with infection rate 10.9%, respectively, whereas all tested samples were negative for the other viruses. According to the sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the Egyptian FMV isolate was closely related to other FMV isolates, particularly the Argentina ones (Acc. No. KP796424), with 99% identity. While FLMaV-1 showed more than 98% identity with reference isolate FLMaV-1 (Acc. No. LN873219), on the other hand, the isolate of FLMaV-2 showed 100% identity with reference FLMaV-2 isolate (Acc. No. FJ473383) based on phylogenetic analysis. Because fig output in Egypt is expanding, our findings suggest that greater attention should be paid to improving the phytosanitary condition of fig trees in Egypt.

Development of singleplex and multiplex real-time (Taqman®) RT-PCR assays for the detection of viruses associated with fig mosaic disease.

Singleplex and multiplex real-time (TaqMan®) RT-PCR assays were developed to detect seven fig-infecting viruses, i.e., fig leaf mottle-associated virus 1 (FLMaV-1), fig leaf mottle-associated virus 2 (FLMaV-2), fig mild mottle-associated virus (FMMaV), fig mosaic virus (FMV), fig latent virus 1 (FLV-1), fig cryptic virus 1 (FCV-1) and fig fleck-associated virus (FFkaV). The sensitivity of the newly developed TaqMan® assays was compared with the corresponding conventional RT-PCR (RT-PCR) using 10° to 10-6 serial dilutions of both cDNA and crude fig extracts. The results showed that the Taqman® RT-PCR assays were generally 102 to 103-fold more sensitive than the RT-PCR assays, except in the case of FLV-1 detection, where the two techniques had the same sensitivity. In the multiplex Taqman® RT-PCR, only a maximum of five viruses could be detected simultaneously in naturally infected fig trees, regardless of which combination of the virus-specific probes and primers were used. Both the RT-PCR and Taqman® RT-PCR assays were used in a large-scale survey of 100 field-grown fig trees in Egypt. The results showed the presence of all seven viruses under study, mostly occurring as mixed infections (63 %). The prevalence of infections observed in the tested samples were as follows: FMV (62 %), FFkaV (59 %), FLMaV-2 (32 %), FLV-1 (16 %), FLMaV-1 (14 %), FCV-1 (7%) and FMMaV (4%). FMV was invariably associated with diseased trees that presented mosaic-like symptoms. In the few cases where the mosaic-affected trees were found to be free of FMV, they were found to be infected with a mixture of two or more other viruses.

Differential Expression of CD3, TNF-α, and VEGF Induced by Olanzapine on the Spleen of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C.

Olanzapine is an antipsychotic drug effective in the treatment of stress-associated psychiatric illnesses, but its effect on the spleen remains unclear. Vitamin C is essential for the optimum function of the immune system. We aim to investigate the effect of Olanzapine on spleen structures and to assess the protective effect of vitamin C. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: group (I), a control; group (II), rats were given vitamin C at 40 mg/kg body weight; group (III), rats were given Olanzapine at 2 mg/kg body weight; and group (IV), rats were given vitamin C and Olanzapine at the same dose of group (II) and group (III) for one month. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) of the olanzapine treated group showed focal areas of cellular depletion and a decrease in the size of the white pulp. The red pulp was expanded and showed marked congestion and dilatation of blood sinusoids. Cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) was significantly reduced, however both tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly higher. The administration of vitamin C repaired structural and immunohistochemical changes via increased CD3 and decreased TNF-α and VEGF. Therefore, the oxidative and the inflammatory pathways may be the possible mechanisms underlying olanzapine immunotoxicity. Vitamin C exerted immune modulator and antioxidant effects against olanzapine.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma versus conventional therapy for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous leg ulcers drastically reduce the quality of life of affected patients. There is heightened interest in autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as one of the promising therapies for leg ulcers. AIM: Our aim was to compare the clinical efficacy of PRP in the management of chronic venous leg ulcers vs conventional treatment. PATIENTS/METHODS: In total, 40 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers were included in the study. Twenty patients were treated with autologous PRP weekly for 6 weeks (Group A), and 20 patients were treated with conventional treatment (compression and dressing) for 6 weeks (Group B). Treatment results were calculated by percentage of improvement in area of the ulcer. RESULTS: Compared to conventional therapy, a highly significant improvement in the ulcer size was observed post-PRP therapy (P-value = .0001). The mean change in the area of the ulcer post-PRP and conventional therapy was 4.92 ± 11.94 cm and 0.13 ± 0.27 cm, respectively, while the mean percentage improvement in the area of the ulcer post-PRP and conventional therapy was 67.6% ± 36.6% and 13.67% ± 28.06%, respectively. Subjective improvement in pain associated with the ulcer was noted by all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma is a safe nonsurgical procedure for treating chronic venous leg ulcers. Additional studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm or refute our findings.

Striae distensae: Immunohistochemical assessment of hormone receptors in multigravida and nulligravida.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae (SD), a type of dermal scarring, are psychologically disappointing. To date, information and scientific research behind the role of hormonal factors in the development of SD are still unclear. It is vital to understand striae to offer patients the best therapeutic options. OBJECTIVES: To investigate early alterations regarding the expression of estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors (estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in skin samples of multigravida (MG) and nulligravida (NG) cases and to compare them with normal controls. METHODS: This study included 30 subjects (10 MG and 10 NG cases with early SD and 10 healthy controls). Biopsies from SD lesions, perilesional normal skin of cases and normal skin of controls were examined immunohistochemically for ER, AR, and GR expression using immune peroxidase technique. RESULTS: Comparing MG and NG with controls, ER expression appeared reduced in MG and NG (P-value<.001), AR was elevated in MG (P-value<.05) with no considerable difference in NG (P-value>.05), while GR was elevated in both MG and NG (P-value<.05). On comparing perilesional skin with SD lesions in each of MG and NG groups, SD lesions revealed reduced ER expression in both groups (P-value<.05), whereas in MG group: AR expression was elevated with no difference detected regarding GR (P-value˃.05); meanwhile in NG, elevated expression in both AR and GR expression was noted (P-Value<.001) CONCLUSIONS: Striae distansae lesions demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of AR and GR and a declined expression of ER indicating their involvement in the development of early SD.

Comparative "Omics" of the Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex Highlights Differences in Genetic Potential and Metabolite Synthesis.

Species of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFC) cause a wide spectrum of often devastating diseases on diverse agricultural crops, including coffee, fig, mango, maize, rice, and sugarcane. Although species within the FFC are difficult to distinguish by morphology, and their genes often share 90% sequence similarity, they can differ in host plant specificity and life style. FFC species can also produce structurally diverse secondary metabolites (SMs), including the mycotoxins fumonisins, fusarins, fusaric acid, and beauvericin, and the phytohormones gibberellins, auxins, and cytokinins. The spectrum of SMs produced can differ among closely related species, suggesting that SMs might be determinants of host specificity. To date, genomes of only a limited number of FFC species have been sequenced. Here, we provide draft genome sequences of three more members of the FFC: a single isolate of F. mangiferae, the cause of mango malformation, and two isolates of F. proliferatum, one a pathogen of maize and the other an orchid endophyte. We compared these genomes to publicly available genome sequences of three other FFC species. The comparisons revealed species-specific and isolate-specific differences in the composition and expression (in vitro and in planta) of genes involved in SM production including those for phytohormome biosynthesis. Such differences have the potential to impact host specificity and, as in the case of F. proliferatum, the pathogenic versus endophytic life style.

Randomized split-face controlled study to evaluate 1550-nm fractionated erbium glass laser for treatment of acne vulgaris--an image analysis evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Novel and promising results in acne treatment with infrared lasers have been reported. The 1,550-nm erbium glass laser is one of the infrared lasers that may be useful in the treatment of acne. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an erbium glass laser in treatment of active acne and to study the effect of this type of laser on sebaceous glands. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with active acne lesions were treated using 1,550-nm (30-40 mJ) fractional erbium glass laser. Every patient received 4 sessions with a 2-week interval. Follow-up was done every 3 months for 1 year. The image analyzer computer system was used to measure the sebaceous gland size. RESULTS: A significant reduction (p < .0001) in the mean count of lesions was observed after treatment and in the follow-up period. A significant reduction in the size of sebaceous glands was also evident after laser treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment of active acne with the 1,550-nm erbium glass laser is effective. Papules, pustules, and nodules all respond well to therapy. The sebaceous gland size decreased significantly, which accounts for the long remission period.

Phytochemical and biological studies of Butia capitata Becc. leaves cultivated in Egypt

Objective: To study the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Butia capitata (B. capitata) leaf extracts along with phytochemical analysis of the proposed bioactive constituents.Methods:organic solvents and screened for their anti-inflammatory activities in tested animals and in-vitro antioxidant effect. An extensive phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts through paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), high pressure liquid chromatography and spectral analysis. GC-Mass, ultraviolet, hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, electron ionization-mass spectrometry, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation and heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation were carried out.Results:Results showed that different extracts possess promising antioxidant effect and Different successive extracts of B. capitata Becc. leaves were prepared with selective significant anti-inflammatory activity with variable degrees. The results of the phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts revealed the presence of volatile substances, lipoidal matter, α-tocopherol, free sugars, polysaccharides and flavonoidal compounds.Conclusions: B. capitata leaf extracts were shown to possess variable antioxidant effect, the most promising was methanol extract. Both polar and non polar extracts were proved to have anti-inflammatory activity, the non polar extract was superior in this respect. The bioactivity of the extracts was ascribed to the presence of flavonoids, sterols and α-tocopherol.

Dysregulation of angiogenic homeostasis in systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by tissue hypoxia and excessive fibrosis of skin and internal organs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible role of angiogenesis imbalance in the pathogenesis of SSc. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five SSc patients and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Assay of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endostatin was done for all patients and controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were subjected to modified Rodnan skin score (mRss), pulmonary function tests (PFTS) and skin biopsies for histopathological skin thickness score assessment. RESULTS: There was significant increase in the mean levels of serum VEGF and endostatin in SSc patients compared to controls (t = 4.07, P < 0.001). Mean values of serum endostatin was significantly increased in late compared to early stages of disease (t = 6.65, P < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between serum levels of endostatin, mRss and histopathological skin thickness score (r = 0.99, 0.94, respectively, P < 0.01). SSc patients with ischemic manifestations had significantly higher levels of serum endostatin compared to those without ischemic manifestations (t = 6.27, P < 0.001). SSc patients with restricted PFTS had significantly higher levels of serum endostatin compared to those without pulmonary manifestations (t = 4.3, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Angiogenic inhibitor (endostatin) is induced and outweighs angiogenic inducer (VEGF) in late stages of SSc. Increased serum endostatin is associated with skin sclerosis severity and pulmonary fibrosis and favors SSc disease progression.

Effect of Narrow Band Ultraviolet B Therapy versus Methotrexate on Serum Levels of Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-23 in Egyptian Patients with Severe Psoriasis.

Background. There is raised interest in the involvement of interleukin-(IL-)23/T-helper 17 cells (Th17) axis in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Objectives. To compare the effect of narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and methotrexate (MTX) therapy on serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in psoriatic patients. Methods. Thirty patients with severe plaque psoriasis were included: 15 patients received NB-UVB three times weekly (group I) and 15 patients received MTX 0.3 mg/kg per week (group II), both for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were investigated by ELISA technique and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was calculated. Results. After treatment, all patients showed a reduction in their PASI score, IL-17 and IL-23 serum levels with a nonsignificant difference between both therapeutic modalities (P value >0.05). A positive correlation was detected between the percent of reduction of IL-17, IL-23 and the percent of reduction of PASI score for patients receiving both treatments. No correlation was found between the percent of reduction of IL-17, IL-23 and duration of disease or age of all patients in this study. Conclusion. Interleukin-17 and IL-23 serum level may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis and therapeutic response of NB-UVB or MTX in treating psoriasis.

IgLONs form heterodimeric complexes on forebrain neurons.

IgLONs are a family of four GPI-anchored cell adhesion molecules that regulate neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis and may act as tumour suppressor genes. Recently we have proposed that two members of the IgLON family act as a heterodimeric complex termed DIgLON. Neurons isolated from chick forebrain co-express all six combinations of IgLONs and the intensity of fluorescence for each pair of IgLONs was highly correlated. Antibody-patching experiments on forebrain neurons show complex formation for IgLON pairs but not between unrelated GPI-anchored glycoproteins. Thus IgLONs are the first GPI-anchored family of glycoproteins shown to form heterodimeric complexes in the plane of the membrane.

DIgLONs inhibit initiation of neurite outgrowth from forebrain neurons via an IgLON-containing receptor complex.

IgLONs are a family of four GPI-anchored cell adhesion molecules that regulate neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis and may act as tumour suppressor genes. IgLONs are thought to function as monomers or homodimers and we have proposed that IgLONs also act as heterodimeric complexes termed Dimeric IgLONs or DIgLONs. Here we show that the initiation of neurite outgrowth is inhibited from a subset of chick embryonic day (E) 7 or 8 forebrain neurons when they are cultured on CHO cell lines expressing DIgLON:CEPU-1-OBCAM and DIgLON:CEPU-1-LAMP but not on CHO cells that express single IgLONs CEPU-1 or OBCAM. Surprisingly at the younger age of E6 forebrain neurons do not respond to DIgLONs. Since there is little difference in expression of IgLONs on the surface of chick forebrain neurons at these two ages we suggest IgLONs alone are not the receptor on the responding forebrain neurons. A DIgLON heterodimeric recombinant protein DIgLON:CEPU-1-OBCAM-Fc also blocked neurite outgrowth from E8 chick forebrain neurons. However, when IgLONs were removed from the surface of these E8 neurons they no longer responded to DIgLON:CEPU-1-OBCAM-Fc substrate, indicating that IgLONs form at least a component of the neuronal cell receptor complex involved in this inhibition of neurite outgrowth. Inhibitors pertussis toxin and Y27632 reversed the inhibition of neurite outgrowth on a DIgLON:CEPU-1-OBCAM and DIgLON:CEPU-1-LAMP substrate. This suggests the involvement of a G-protein coupled receptor and activation of Rho A. In summary we provide evidence that DIgLON:CEPU-1-OBCAM and DIgLON:CEPU-1-LAMP complexes regulate initiation of neurite outgrowth on forebrain neurons via an IgLON-containing receptor complex.

Value of entheseal ultrasonography and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of entheseal ultrasonography and serum COMP in the preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. METHODS: 60 psoriatic patients were divided into: 30 patients with psoriasis (group I) and 30 patients with psoriatic arthritis as control (group II). They underwent independent clinical and ultrasonographic examination of both lower limbs at the calcaneal insertions of Achilles tendons. Psoriatic arthritis disease activity and severity was assessed by modified DAS28 and Steinbrockers scores. Serum levels of COMP were measured for all patients by ELISA. RESULTS: On clinical examination, no entheseal abnormalities were detected in group I while they were present in 23.3% of group II with statistically significant difference between them (P < 0.001). Ultrasonographic entheseal abnormalities were detected in 33.3% of group I and in 46.7% of group II with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Serum COMP were significantly elevated in group I and II with no statistically significant difference between them (mean ± SD 5.9 ± 3 and 6.8 ± 12 respectively, P > 0.05). Entheseal ultrasound was more specific (67%) while serum COMP was more sensitive (87%) in the preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Serum COMP levels were significantly correlated with CRP in both groups and with DAS28 and Steinbrockers scores in group II (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Entheseal ultrasonography and serum COMP levels may be used complementary to each other for preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Serum COMP seems to be promising prognostic marker for psoriatic arthritis patients.