Serum growth arrest-specific protein 6 levels are elevated in adult-onset Still’s disease

We investigated the growth arrest-specific protein 6 in adult-onset Still’s disease. Serums were collected from 52 adult-onset Still’s disease patients with follow-up samples of 21 patients. The growth arrest-specific protein 6 levels in adult-onset Still’s disease were higher compared to those in the normal controls (25.37?±?7.71 vs. 19.86?±?5.01 ng/mL, p?<?0.001). However, growth arrest-specific protein 6 did not correlate with disease activity. Also, growth arrest-specific protein 6 was not decreased after activity was resolved in the follow-up. The growth arrest-specific protein 6 in adult-onset Still’s disease patients were higher than the normal controls. However, growth arrest-specific protein 6 was not correlated with disease activity.     

Discovery of a novel fibrous tissue in the spinal pia mater by polarized light microscopy

It is very well known that spinal meninges are composed of three layers, dura, arachnoid and pia mater, and that the main components of pia mater are collagen and reticular fibers. However, the distribution of those fibers has not been extensively investigated but just described as a mesh of fibers. In this study, we detected novel structures, which are composed of unidirectionally arranged fibers, in a rat spinal pia mater by using a polarized light microscope. They were seen as three parallel lines, one of which ran along a posterior spinal vein and the rest two of which ran along a pair of posterior spinal arteries. Histological analysis including Masson’s trichrome, picrosirius-red staining, Gordon & Sweet’s staining and immunohistochemistry with anti-collagen type 1 and 3 antibodies uncovered that they are mainly composed of collagen fibers and some reticular fibers. In addition, a putative primo vessel was detected in the novel fibrous tissue, which was proven out to be different from a blood vessel. In conclusion, we report a newly detected fibrous structure in the spinal pia mater, which may contribute to provide tensile force to the spinal meninges and to harbor the primo vascular system inside.     

A review of hydrolifting: A new modality for skin rejuvenation

Background: Hydrolifting is a newly developed modality of skin rejuvenation, which enhances overall facial volume augmentation and recovers skin thickness through multi-pass HA injection. Although it is commonly performed, only a few articles have reported on the rejuvenating effects of hydrolifting. Moreover, clear protocols and possible mechanisms of the procedure have not been elucidated. Objective: To define a novel technique for injecting HA and to clarify how to choose an appropriate HA filler based on the procedural purpose. Methods: This article is based on a review of the medical literature and the authors’ clinical experience in investigating and treating skin wrinkles with the hydrolifting method. Results: In hydrolifting, HA filler serves as a hydration source, dermal volumizer, and stimulator of dermal collagen and antioxidants. Hydrolifting is frequently indicated in minor wrinkles, minor volume depletion and rough skin texture. Conclusion: The hydrolifting method is a newly introduced antiaging treatment modality. It effectively covers the blind spots of conventional HA injection, such as infraorbital, perioral and hand dorsal wrinkles. However, further investigations are needed to reach a consensus on the basic concepts of treatment, choice of appropriate fillers and optimal technique in hydrolifting.     

Overweight and obesity as risk factors for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy

International Journal of Clinical Oncology - Previous studies have shown a relationship between the occurrence and recurrence of prostate cancer; however, this relationship remains controversial....