Purpose
Acne scars are common in patients with moderate to severe acne. Isotretinoin is the first‐line treatment for those patients, but whether oral isotretinoin can improve acne scar is not clear. ...Picosecond lasers (FxPico) has been reported to improve acne scars. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of low‐dose isotretinoin with or without FxPico treatment for acne scars.
Materials and Methods
A total of 48 patients with acne scars were enrolled and were randomly assigned to receive low dose oral isotretinoin or not. For all the patients in both treatment groups, one side of face were randomly assigned to be treated with picosecond laser. Assessments, including photos, échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné (ECCA) and Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score, the number of lesions, melanin and erythema indexes, transepidermal water loss were assessed at 0, 1, 2, and 3 month. Side effects, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and satisfaction were recorded before and after the study.
Results
A total of 44 patients completed the study (24 received oral low dose isotretinoin and 20 did not). Low dose oral isotretinoin treated group showed significant improvement on ECCA (from 112.5 50–180 to 105 50–160), GAGS score (from 12.6 ± 3.3 to 10.1 ± 3.0), the count of papules (from 4.3 ± 3.7 to 1.0 ± 1.5) than the blank group, and higher improvement were noticed after isotretinoin combined with FxPico. All the side effects were temporary and tolerable, no adverse effects were observed. Higher DLQI and patients' satisfaction were achieved by oral isotretinoin alone and isotretinoin combined with FxPico.
Conclusions
This is the first paper showing the improvement of scars by early low dose‐isotretinoin intervention with or without the combination of picosecond laser. Early intervention with oral low‐dose isotretinoin is effective for the treatment and prevention of acne scars, the combined therapy with FxPico can achieve better outcome.
Background and Purpose
Parvalbumin (PV)‐positive neurons are a type of neuron in the lateral globus pallidus (LGP) which plays an important role in motor control. The present study investigated the ...effect of histamine on LGPPV neurons and motor behaviour.
Experimental Approach
Histamine levels in LGP as well as its histaminergic innervation were determined through brain stimulation, microdialysis, anterograde tracing and immunostaining. Mechanisms of histamine action were detected by immunostaining, single‐cell qPCR, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording, optogenetic stimulation and CRISPR/Cas9 gene‐editing techniques. The effect of histamine on motor behaviour was detected by animal behavioural tests.
Key Results
A direct histaminergic innervation in LGP from the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) and a histamine‐induced increase in the intrinsic excitability of LGPPV neurons were determined by pharmacological blockade or by genetic knockout of the histamine H1 receptor (H1R)‐coupled TWIK‐related potassium channel‐1 (TREK‐1) and the small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel (SK3), as well as by activation or overexpression of the histamine H2 receptor (H2R)‐coupled hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel (HCN2). Histamine negatively regulated the STN → LGPGlu transmission in LGPPV neurons via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), whereas blockage or knockout of H3R increased the intrinsic excitability of LGPPV neurons.
Conclusions and Implications
Our results indicated that the endogenous histaminergic innervation in the LGP can bidirectionally promote motor control by increasing the intrinsic excitability of LGPPV neurons through postsynaptic H1R and H2R, albeit its action was negatively regulated by the presynaptic H3R, thereby suggesting possible role of histamine in motor deficits manifested in Parkinson's disease (PD).
Histaminergic fibres from the TMN project to the LGP and release histamine in a paracrine form through its terminal varicosities. Histamine promotes locomotor behaviour in animals by bidirectionally modulating the intrinsic excitability of LGPPV neurons: Postsynaptic H1R and H2R increase the intrinsic excitability of LGPPV neurons, whereas presynaptic H3R negatively modulates this effect.
This study examines the impact of farmers' cooperatives participation and technology adoption on their economic welfare in China. A double selectivity model (DSM) is applied to correct for sample ...selection bias stemming from both observed and unobserved factors, and a propensity score matching (PSM) method is applied to calculate the agricultural income difference with counter factual analysis using survey data from 396 farmers in 15 provinces in China. The findings indicate that farmers who join farmer cooperatives and adopt agricultural technology can increase agricultural income by 2.77 and 2.35%, respectively, compared with those non-participants and non-adopters. Interestingly, the effect on agricultural income is found to be more significant for the low-income farmers than the high-income ones, with income increasing 5.45 and 4.51% when participating in farmer cooperatives and adopting agricultural technology, respectively. Our findings highlight the positive role of farmer cooperatives and agricultural technology in promoting farmers’ economic welfare. Based on the findings, government policy implications are also discussed.
Patients with acne usually develops acne scars subsequently, early intervention of scars is crucial in acne management. 1927nm fractional thulium fiber laser (TFL) is effective in scars improvement ...and chemical peels with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) can be applied for the treatment of acne. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of TFL monotherapy versus the concomitant application of TFL and 30% SSA on acne and acne scars.
Thirty-three patients with acne and acne scars were enrolled, and two sides of the face were randomly divided to receive either TFL and SSA chemical peeling or TFL. Four sessions of TFL treatments were applied with 4-week intervals for both sides, SSA combined treatment side received eight SSA chemical peels with 2-week intervals additionally. GAGS, ECCA score, the number of acne lesions, melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and side effects were recorded at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 18. Satisfaction of patients was recorded on both sides at the end of the study.
Thirty patients completed the study. Both control group (TFL monotherapy) and SSA group (TFL combined with SSA chemical peeling) significantly improved GAGS and ECCA score. SSA group showed higher efficacy in terms of GAGS and ECCA score, acne lesion count, TEWL, MI, EI, and satisfaction than control group. All the side effects were temporary and tolerable, no adverse effects were observed.
Both TFL and the TFL combined with 30% SSA chemical peeling are safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of acne and acne scars, though the combined group has higher efficacy.
The objective of this study was to investigate whether the conjugation of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) could enhance the anti-tumor efficiency of photodynamic therapy ...(PDT) in epidermoid carcinoma cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Cell viability, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, transwell invasion assay, and migration assay, respectively. Singlet oxygen generation was detected by the singlet oxygen sensor green reagent assay. Our results showed that PDT with 5-ALA and GNPs-conjugated 5-ALA (5-ALA-GNPs) significantly suppressed cell viability, increased cell apoptosis and singlet oxygen generation in both HaCat and A431 cells, and PDT with 5-ALA and 5-ALA-GNPs had more profound effects in A431 cells than that in HaCat cells. More importantly, 5-ALA-GNPs treatment potentiated the effects of PDT on cell viability, cell apoptosis, and singlet oxygen generation in A431 cells compared to 5-ALA treatment. Further in vitro assays showed that PDT with 5-ALA-GNPs significantly decreased expression of STAT3 and Bcl-2 and increased expression of Bax in A431 cells compared with PDT with 5-ALA. In addition, 5-ALA-GNPs treatment enhanced the inhibitory effects of PDT on cell invasion and migration and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activities in A431 cells compared to 5-ALA treatment. In conclusion, our results suggested that GNPs conjugated to 5-ALA significantly enhanced the anti-tumor efficacy of PDT in A431 cells, which may represent a better strategy to improve the outcomes of patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
ObjectivesDense comedones are common in patients with acne vulgaris, and promoting treatment can prevent the progression of acne lesions. However, the efficacy‐time conflict makes the treatment ...challenging and the medication options are limited by the side effects.Materials and methodsThirty‐five patients with symmetrical dense comedones were enrolled and the two sides of the face were randomly assigned to receive 30% supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) combined with CO2 laser or CO2 laser monotherapy at an interval of 2 weeks for six treatment sessions. Comedones count, porphyrin index (PI), texture index (TI), melanin index, erythema index, hydration index (HI), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and side effects were recorded at each visit till the 12th week.ResultsThirty‐one patients completed the study. Comedones on the combined‐SSA side were reduced more after six treatments, that the mean reduction rate of the combined‐SSA side was 85.76%, and that of the CO2 laser‐treated side was 62.32% (Pbetween < 0.001). Combining SSA also showed a better effect on reducing PI and TI than CO2 laser singly (Pbetween < 0.001). TEWL and HI between the two sides showed no significant differences after treatments. No permanent or severe side effects were observed on both side.ConclusionsThe treatment combined CO2 laser with 30% SSA dealt with the efficacy‐time conflict while significantly reducing comedones and improving skin texture in 12 weeks and no serious adverse reactions occurred.LimitationsIt is a single‐center study and the number of subjects was small.
Severe reduction in the β‐cell number (collectively known as the β‐cell mass) contributes to the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent pharmacological studies have suggested that ...increased pancreatic β‐cell proliferation could be due to specific inhibition of adenosine kinase (ADK). However, genetic evidence for the function of pancreatic β‐cell ADK under physiological conditions or in a pathological context is still lacking. In this study, we crossed mice carrying LoxP‐flanked Adk gene with Ins2‐Cre mice to acquire pancreatic β ‐cell ADK deficiency (Ins2‐Cre±Adkfl/fl) mice. Our results revealed that Ins2‐Cre+/‐Adkfl/fl mice showed improved glucose metabolism and β‐cell mass in younger mice, but showed normal activity in adult mice. Moreover, Ins2‐Cre±Adkfl/fl mice were more resistant to streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycaemia and pancreatic β‐cell damage in adult mice. In conclusion, we found that ADK negatively regulates β‐cell replication in young mice as well as under pathological conditions, such as STZ induced pancreatic β‐cell damage. Our study provided genetic evidence that specific inhibition of pancreatic β‐cell ADK has potential for anti‐diabetic therapy.
Objectives
Tattoo removal is in high demand, and many types of lasers can be used for tattoo removal. Macrophages play an important role in the persistence of tattoos. However, comparative studies of ...the efficacy of tattoo removal with different lasers versus the relationship between the destruction of pigment particles or recruitment of macrophages after laser treatment are lacking.
Materials and Methods
Tattoo models were established on the rat dorsal surface and randomly treated with 1064 nm nanosecond, 1064 nm picosecond, 755 nm, and 595 nm lasers for one session. Clinical photographic evaluation, melanin index, hematoxylin and eosin staining, identification of macrophages by CD68 staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted at different time points.
Results
Regardless of the pulse duration, all lasers included were effective for the removal of black tattoos, with 1064 nm lasers having the best efficacy, followed by 755 and 595 nm lasers. The diameter of the pigment particles and recruitment of dermal macrophages correlated with the efficacy of tattoo removal.
Conclusions
In this study, the 1064 nm lasers were found to be the most effective for black tattoo removal. However, there was no significant difference between the 1064 nm picosecond and the nanosecond lasers. Macrophage recruitment plays an essential role in pigment metabolism during laser‐tattoo removal.
Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease. Ferroptosis plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered ...an important factor in ferroptosis. Studies have demonstrated that salidroside has a potential therapeutic effect on AD. The intrinsic effect of salidroside on ferroptosis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects and pharmacological mechanisms of salidroside on alleviating neuronal ferroptosis in Aβ
1−42
-induced AD mice and glutamate-injured HT22 cells.
Methods
HT22 cells were injured by glutamate (Glu), HT22 cells transfected with siRNA Nrf2, and Aβ
1−42
-induced WT and Nrf2
−/−
AD mice were treated with salidroside. The mitochondria ultrastructure, intracellular Fe
2+
, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation of HT22 cells were detected. Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione disulfide, and superoxide dismutase were measured. The novel object recognition test, Y-maze, and open field test were used to investigate the protective effects of salidroside on Aβ
1−42
-induced WT and Nrf2
−/−
AD mice. The protein expressions of PTGS2, GPX4, Nrf2, and HO1 in the hippocampus were investigated by Western blot.
Results
Salidroside increased the cell viability and the level of MMP of Glu-injured HT22 cells, reduced the level of lipid peroxidation and ROS, and increased GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein expressions. These changes were not observed in siRNA Nrf2 transfected HT22 cells. Salidroside improved the ultrastructural changes in mitochondria of HT22 cells and Aβ
1−42
-induced AD mice, but not in Aβ
1−42
-induced Nrf2
−/−
AD mice. Salidroside increased protein expression levels of GPX4, HO1, and NQO1 and decreased protein expression of PTGS2 in Aβ
1−42
-induced AD mice but not in Aβ
1−42
-induced Nrf2
−/−
AD mice.
Conclusions
Salidroside plays a neuroprotective role by inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis in Aβ
1−42
-induced AD mice and Glu-injured HT22 cells, and its mechanism is related to activation of the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway.
Graphical Abstract
A reconfigurable antenna with radiation pattern and polarization reconfiguration capabilities is investigated in this communication. The antenna consists of a central dielectric resonator antenna ...(DRA) and two parasitic DRAs made of a liquid solution with low dielectric loss. Utilizing the flowing of liquid, the existing of parasitic DRA can be changed to produce different patterns. An omnidirectional pattern can be realized when only the central DRA radiates, while a unidirectional pattern can be obtained using the parasitic DRAs. Furthermore, the polarization of the antenna with unidirectional radiation can be changed by forming different parasitic DRAs, which can be realized via liquid flowing. Based on this principle, three different radiation states, namely, omnidirectional radiation and unidirectional radiation with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">x </tex-math></inline-formula>- or <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">y </tex-math></inline-formula>-polarization, can be obtained. To verify the design, a prototype of the antenna operating at 2.4 GHz was simulated, fabricated, and measured. The measurement results indicate that the antenna provides effective impedance matching over the band of interest as well as radiation pattern and polarization reconfiguration capabilities.
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