Upregulation of the Axonal Growth and the Expression of Substance P and its NK1 Receptor in Human Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Nerve fibers and sensory neuropeptides substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have been reported to be involved in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In the present study, we investigated the general innervation (using antibody against protein gene product 9.5, PGP 9.5), axonal growth (using antibody against growth associated protein, GAP-43), CGRP, and substance P with its receptor neurokinin 1 (NK1), in positive epicutaneous reactions to nickel sulphate from nickel-allergic patients, at the peak of inflammation, 72 hr after challenge with the antigen. There was an increased (p < 0.01) number of GAP-43 positive fibers in the eczematous compared with control skin, indicating an increased axonal growth already at 72 hr postchallenge. Double staining revealed a coexpression of CGRP and GAP-43 on dermal nerve fibers. There was no difference in the number of substance P and CGRP positive nerve fibers between eczematous and control skin. However, semiquantification analyses showed an increased expression of substance P positive inflammatory cells, being CD3, CD4, or CD8 positive, and NK1R positive inflammatory cells, being tryptase or CD3 positive. These results indicate a contribution of regenerating nerve fibers and substance P to the contact allergic reaction.     

Comparison of Preoperative and Postoperative Ocular Biometry in Eyes with Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantations

Purpose

To compare preoperative and postoperative ocular biometry in patients with iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (pIOLs): Artisan and Artiflex.

Materials and Methods

This study included 40 eyes with Artisan and 36 eyes with Artiflex pIOL implants. Anterior chamber depth (ACD) and axial length (AL) were measured by applanation ultrasonography (A-scan) and partial coherence interferometry (IOLMaster) preoperatively and 3 months after pIOL implantation.

Results

ACD measurements after Artisan or Artiflex pIOL implantation were smaller than preoperative measurements. Specifically, the difference after Artisan pIOL implantation was -1.07±0.17 mm by A-scan and -0.08±0.08 mm by IOLMaster. The difference after Artiflex pIOL implantation was -1.31±0.15 mm by A-scan and -0.05±0.07 mm by IOLMaster. After Artisan pIOL implantation, differences in AL measurements by A-scan were insignificant (difference: -0.03±0.15 mm), whereas postoperative AL measurements by IOLMaster were significantly longer than preoperative measurements (difference: 0.12±0.07 mm). After Artiflex pIOL implantation, AL measurements by both A-scan and IOLMaster were significantly longer than preoperative measurements (difference: 0.09±0.16 mm by A-scan and 0.07±0.10 mm by IOLMaster). In the Artiflex group, differences in AL measurements by A-scan correlated with the central thickness of the Artiflex pIOL.

Conclusion

ACD and AL measurements were influenced by iris-fixated phakic IOL implantation.     

Persistent inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm and hyphae growth on titanium by graphene nanocoating

ObjectivesCandida albicanscolonizes biomaterial surfaces and are highly resistant to therapeutics. Graphene nanocoating on titanium compromises initial biofilm formation. However, its sustained antibiofilm potential is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of graphene nanocoating to decrease long-term fungal biofilm development and hyphae growth on titanium.MethodsGraphene nanocoating was deposited twice (TiGD) or five times (TiGV) on grade 4 titanium with vacuum assisted technique and characterized with Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscope. The biofilm formation and hyphae growth of C. albicans was monitored for seven days by CFU, XTT, confocal, mean cell density and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Uncoated titanium was the Control. All tests had three independent biological samples and were performed in independent triplicates. Data was analyzed with one- or two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05).ResultsBoth TiGD and TiGV presented less biofilms at all times points compared with Control. The confocal and SEM images revealed few adhered cells on graphene coated samples, absence of hyphae and no features of a mature biofilm architecture. The increase in number of layers of graphene nanocoating did not improve its antibiofilm potential.SignificanceThe graphene nanocoating exerted a long-term persistent inhibitory effect on the biofilm formation on titanium. The fewer cells that were able to attach on graphene coated titanium were scattered and unable to form a mature biofilm with hyphae elements. The findings open opportunities to prevent microbial attachment and proliferation on implantable materials without the use of antibiotics.     

Contact investigations for outbreaks of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: advances through whole genome sequencing

The control of tuberculosis depends on the identification and treatment of infectious patients and their contacts, who are currently identified through a combined approach of genotyping and epidemiological investigation. However, epidemiological data are often challenging to obtain, and genotyping data are difficult to interpret without them. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) technology is increasingly affordable, and offers the prospect of identifying plausible transmission events between patients without prior recourse to epidemiological data. We discuss the current approaches to tuberculosis control, and how WGS might advance public health efforts in the future.     

RNA/DNA co-analysis from human skin and contact traces – results of a sixth collaborative EDNAP exercise

The European DNA profiling group (EDNAP) organized a sixth collaborative exercise on RNA/DNA co-analysis for body fluid/tissue identification and STR profiling. The task was to identify skin samples/contact traces using specific RNA biomarkers and test three housekeeping genes for their suitability as reference genes. Eight stains, a skin RNA dilution series and, optionally, bona fide or mock casework samples of human or non-human origin were analyzed by 22 participating laboratories using RNA extraction or RNA/DNA co-extraction methods. Two sets of previously described skin-specific markers were used: skin1 pentaplex (LCE1C, LCE1D, LCE2D, IL1F7 and CCL27) and skin2 triplex (LOR, KRT9 and CDSN) in conjunction with a housekeeping gene, HKG, triplex (B2M, UBC and UCE). The laboratories used different chemistries and instrumentation. All laboratories were able to successfully isolate and detect mRNA in contact traces (e.g., human skin, palm-, hand- and fingerprints, clothing, car interiors, computer accessories and electronic devices). The simultaneous extraction of RNA and DNA provides an opportunity for positive identification of the tissue source of origin by mRNA profiling as well as a simultaneous identification of the body fluid donor by STR profiling. The skin markers LCE1C and LOR and the housekeeping gene marker B2M were detected in the majority of contact traces. Detection of the other markers was inconsistent, possibly due to the low amounts and/or poor quality of the genetic material present in shed skin cells. The results of this and the previous collaborative RNA exercises support RNA profiling as a reliable body fluid/tissue identification method that can easily be combined with current STR typing technology.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of water-soluble complex of 1′-acetoxychavicol acetate with highly branched β-1,3-glucan on contact dermatitis

The anti-inflammatory effect on contact dermatitis of the water solubilized 1′-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (ACA) by complexation with β-1,3-glucan isolated form Aureobasidium pullulans black yeast is reported. It is well-known that ACA possesses a function to inhibit the activation of NF-κB by which genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors are regulated. However, because ACA is quite insoluble in water, its usefulness has been extremely limited. On the other hand, a triple-helical polysaccharide β-1,3-glucan can include hydrophobic compounds into intrastrand hydrophobic cavity and solubilize poorly water-soluble compounds. In this study, solubilization of ACA by complexation with highly branched β-1,3-glucan was achieved. The effect of anti-inflammatory response of water-soluble ACA complex with β-1,3-glucan was confirmed in vitro and in vivo.     

人工楔状缺损牙颈部硬组织应力分布的有限元接触分析

目的:分析人工楔状缺损患牙颈部硬组织的应力分布。方法:在下颌前磨牙沿釉牙本质界建立三角形缺损,设计楔状缺损模型,模拟紧咬和咀嚼运动中牙的受力情况,对下颌前磨牙颈部硬组织进行非线性接触分析。结果:模拟紧咬和咀嚼运动中牙的受力情况,釉牙本质界缺损的下颌前磨牙缺损区尖端均存在明显的拉应力集中,应力集中区沿釉牙本质界向方延伸,其中尤以侧方运动工作侧一点接触载荷下的应力集中最为明显,应力值最大。结论:釉牙本质界破坏改变了缺损区牙颈部的应力分布。     

Evaluation of contact precautions discharges in an acute care setting

The health care environment is increasingly discussed as a source of health care-associated infections. We evaluated patterns of discharges among patients on contact precautions (CP) and assessed correlation of CP discharges with health care acquisition of organisms requiring CP and evaluated the feasibility of targeting CP discharges for additional monitoring.     

Route-dependent systemic and local immune effects following exposure to solutions prepared from titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanoparticle titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂) is a white pigment widely used in foods, sunscreens, and other cosmetic products. However, it remains unclear whether exposure to nano-TiO₂ results in immunosuppressive effects or induces a contact hypersensitivity response. To address these data gaps, studies were conducted with the hypothesis that nano-TiO₂ exposure could alter immune responses. After 28 days of oral gavage, nano-TiO₂ (1.25–250?mg/kg in 0.5% methylcellulose) produced no significant effects on innate, humoral, or cell-mediated immune functions in female B6C3F1 mice. Furthermore, there were no effects on the weights of selected organs (spleen, thymus, liver, lung, and kidneys with adrenals). Following dermal exposure on the ears for 3 days, nano-TiO₂ (2.5–10% w/v in 4:1 acetone:olive oil) did not affect auricular lymph node cell proliferation, although an irritancy response was observed following treatment with 5% and 10% nano-TiO₂. Dermal sensitization (2.5–10%) on the back and subsequent challenge (10%) on the right ear with nano-TiO₂ produced no significant effects on percentage ear swelling in the Mouse Ear Swelling Test (MEST). However, when nano-TiO₂ was injected subcutaneously along the mid-line on top of the head at 125–250?mg/kg (in 0.5% methylcellulose), significant increases in auricular lymph node cell proliferation resulted. These results demonstrate that immune effects of nano-TiO₂ exposure are route-of-exposure dependent, and they suggest that irritancy and/or potential hypersensitivity responses may occur following parenteral exposure or dermal administration of nano-TiO₂ to compromised skin.