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.     

Disappointing results and low tolerability of photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid in psoriasis. A randomized, double-blind phase I/II study

BACKGROUND: Based on good results in the treatment of superficial skin tumours, since the early 1990s topical photodynamic therapy with aminolaevulinic acid (ALA PDT) has been used for disseminated, inflammatory dermatoses including psoriasis. However, there is still a lack of well-documented trials. OBJECTIVE: A prospective randomized, double-blind phase I/II intrapatient comparison study was conducted in 12 patients to investigate whether topical ALA PDT is an effective treatment for chronic plaque-type psoriasis. METHODS: In each patient three psoriatic plaques were randomly treated with a light dose of 20 J/cm(2) and 0.1%, 1% and 5% ALA, respectively. Treatment was conducted twice a week until complete clearance or for a maximum of 12 irradiations. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by weekly determination of the psoriasis severity index (PSI). RESULTS: The mean percentage improvement was 37.5%, 45.6% and 51.2% in the 0.1%, 1% and 5% ALA-treated groups, respectively. Irradiation had to be interrupted several times because of severe burning and pain sensation. CONCLUSION: Topical ALA PDT did not prove to be an appropriate treatment option for plaque-type psoriasis due to disappointing clinical efficacy, the time-consuming treatment procedure and its unfavourable adverse event profile.     

Inhibition of angiogenesis by antibody blocking the action of proangiogenic high-molecular-weight kininogen

Summary.  Previously we demonstrated that domain 5 (D5) of high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) inhibits neovascularization in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and further found that kallikrein cleaved HK (HKa) inhibited FGF2-and VEGF-induced neovascularization, and thus was antiangiogenic. In this study, we sought to demonstrate whether uncleaved HK stimulates neovascularization and thus is proangiogenic. The chick chorioallantoic membrane was used as an in ovo assay of angiogenesis. Low-molecular-weight kininogen stimulates angiogenesis, indicating that D5 is not involved. Bradykinin stimulates neovascularization equally to HK and LK and is likely to be responsible for the effect of HK. A murine monoclonal antibody to HK (C11C1) also recognizes a similar component in chicken plasma as detected by surface plasmon resonance. Angiogenesis induced by FGF2 and VEGF is inhibited by this monoclonal antibody and is a more potent inhibitor of neovascularization induced by VEGF than an integrin α_vβ₃ antibody (LM 609). Our postulate that C11C1 inhibits the stimulation of angiogenesis by HK was confirmed when either C11C1 or D5 completely inhibited angiogenesis in the CAM induced by HK. Growth of human fibrosarcoma (HT-1080) on the CAM was inhibited by GST-D5 and C11C1. These results indicate HK is proangiogenic probably by releasing bradykinin and that a monoclonal antibody directed to HK could serve as an antiangiogenic agent with a potential for inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and other angiogenesis-mediated disorders.     

The relationship between maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal intensive care environment

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and organization of maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal unit. BACKGROUND: The relationship between maternal needs and priorities appears to be an under studied area in neonatal nursing. METHODS: A quantitative survey was carried out based on 209 mothers with premature infants. Two self-assessment schedules were used: critical care maternal needs inventory (J. Leske, Heart and Lung 15, 27-42) and a ranking scale. The data were analysed with multivariate analysis. FINDINGS: Data analysis revealed clear priorities in maternal needs. In particular the need for accurate infant related information was a priority for 93% of the mothers. Good communication practices with professionals were also valued. The mothers displayed altruistic behaviour, and self-related needs took second place. It is proposed that maternal needs demonstrate a hierarchical organization. CONCLUSION: It is important for nurses to consider the individual needs of the mothers, simply because the satisfaction of these needs is essential for maternal well-being.     

Changes in immunologic response in tonsillectomized children. I. Immunosuppression in recurrent tonsillitis.

The possible immunoregulatory role of the tonsils was studied by determining immunoglobulins IgG, A, M, E and factors C'3, C'4 and PFB of the complement system before and after tonsillectomy. The synthesis in vitro of IgG and IgM by lymphocytes stimulated with pokeweed mitogen was also measured. There were statistically significant differences between pre and post-operative levels of serum IgG, IgA and IgM, which decreased after surgery. Practically no change in the mean values of IgE and no significant differences in the levels of serum C'3, C'4, and PFB, were found. The in-vitro synthesis of both immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) by lymphocytes increased significantly after tonsillectomy. Our results suggest that not only does tonsillectomy have no counterproductive effect on the immune system, but that, on the contrary, it seems to improve the immune response, since it appears to unblock the suppression to which the immune system was subject.