Critical study of hair growth analysis with computer-assisted methods

BACKGROUND: Computer-assisted image analysis has been proposed for human hair growth studies. METHODS: The performances of Trichoscan, a commercially available automated system combining epiluminiscence microscopy with digital image analysis, developed for office-based hair growth measurements, have been evaluated comparatively on the same skin sites using standardized photographic equipment and calibrated processing for contrast-enhanced phototrichogram (CE-PTG) analysis. This reference method has been validated with scalp biopsies and histological examination of serial sectioning. RESULTS: Besides edge effects, hair fibres escaped the Trichoscan analysis for various reasons including, but not limited to, thickness, pigmentation, closeness and crossing. CONCLUSION: Most of these problems have been identified in the late 1980s and remain largely unsolved by the processing software that was evaluated in 2004. Therefore claims promoting the Trichoscan method for accurate hair measurements in clinical trials on scalp and body hair are not supported by the present investigation. The speed at which the analysis is performed is outweighed by the errors in signal detection. Therefore we suggest that improvements must be clearly documented before Trichoscan is established for quantified diagnostic purposes and detailed hair cycle monitoring during hair trials.     

Alpha-adrenoreceptor reagents. 4. Resolution of some potent selective prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonists

The resolution of three 2-substituted derivatives of idazoxan is described. The enantiomers show large separations in activity in a variety of in vitro and in vivo tests, and the active isomers are all potent and selective antagonists at the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor. The significance of these results in relation to those published on the enantiomers of idazoxan and to those on optically active alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonists is discussed.     

Clinical and molecular findings in IPEX syndrome.

IPEX (immunodysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X linked syndrome) is a rare disorder which usually results in death in early infancy or childhood. Clinical awareness remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, and provided that the diagnosis is entertained, mutation analysis for FOXP3 gene mutations can be confirmatory. Two new patients in whom IPEX was diagnosed retrospectively are reported.     

An alternative to aorto-uni-iliac EVAR and femoro-femoral crossover in a patient having an aorto-iliac aneurysm with an occluded external iliac artery.

INTRODUCTION: An endovascular procedure for excluding an aorto-iliac aneurysm whilst simultaneously preserving one internal iliac artery is described in a patient with complex iliac pathology. REPORT: The procedure involved the use of Advanta V12 covered stents to bridge the gap between the contralateral limb of the main body of a custom-made Zenith stent graft and the internal iliac artery on the side of an external iliac artery occlusion. DISCUSSION: Minimal modifications to the standard design of modular stent grafts make it possible to treat high risk patient with complex pathology with minimal morbidity.     

Outcome of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for varicose veins: medium-term results assessed by ultrasound surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate medium-term success after a technique for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for superficial chronic venous disease. DESIGN: A prospective study in a single unit with ultrasound surveillance after treatment. MATERIALS: Results after 1189 treatment sessions for 807 venous saphenous veins and related tributaries or non-saphenous tributaries in 489 patients. METHODS: Univariate life table analysis determined primary and secondary success rates. Multivariate Cox regression analysis detected covariates that affected outcome. RESULTS: Primary and secondary success rates at 36 months for all veins were 52.4% (95%CI 46-58%) and 76.8% (95%CI 71-82%). Cox regression analysis for primary success for all veins showed significantly worse results for saphenous veins compared to tributaries (HR 3.72 - 95%CI 1.9 to 7.3). Cox regression for all saphenous veins showed independently worse results for patients less than 40 years age (HR 2.16 - 95%CI 1.27-3.66), small compared to great saphenous veins (HR 1.58 - 95%CI 1.11-2.24), veins greater than 6mm diameter compared to smaller veins (HR 2.22 - 95%CI 1.40-3.50), liquid compared to foam sclerotherapy (HR 2.20 - 95%CI 1.28-3.78), lower volumes of sclerosant compared to volumes greater than 12 ml (HR 0.51 - 95%CI 0.33-0.81) and highly diluted compared to concentrated sclerosant (HR 2.05 - 95%CI 1.21-3.46) with worse results using highly diluted or undiluted 3% sclerosant compared to a 1.5% concentration. There were no significant differences for primary success for saphenous veins for date of procedure, sex, side, primary or recurrent varicose veins, or commercial type of sclerosant. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy gives satisfactory results if it is accepted that treatment may need to be repeated to achieve secondary success. Results provide a basis for further research to explore factors that might affect outcome. Younger patients with larger diameter saphenous veins may warrant alternative forms of treatment, particularly for small saphenous reflux.