Downregulation of WNT8A, LRP5, LRP6 and FGF8 in Malay Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate Patients

Non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is a one of the most common birth defects occurs as a result of multi-factorial determinants such as genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factor has been studying widely across different population in identifying genes causing cleft defects. This study aims to validate the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and signalling molecules Wingless-type (Wnt) to the occurrence of cleft lip and/or palate among Malay population. Tissue skin was obtained from consented NSCL/P patients who underwent the cleft lip repair operation at the upper lip skin area and non NSCL/P individual was obtained from patient having traumatic injury at the lip area as a control. Expression pattern of FGF8, FGF10, Wnt8a, and LRP5/6 were tested and validated using Western Blot (WB) and quantitative Reverse Transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR). The fold change difference of FGF8 (0.614 ± 0.1012-fold), FGF10 (0.7188 ± 0.1017-fold) and Wnt8a protein (0.9051 ± 0.0142-fold) was downregulated by 1-fold in cleft lip (CL) tissues compared to the normal meanwhile LRP5/6 protein (1.2201 ± 0.1404-fold) was found upregulated by 1-fold. Validation testing confirmed that expression of FGF8 (p=0.014), Wnt8a (0.0762 ± 0.0227), LRP5 (0.3577 ± 0.1362) and LRP6 (0.3093 ± 0.2541) were significantly reduced in CL tissues compared to normal. This is the first study identified defective regulation of Wnt8a, LRP5, LRP6 and FGF8 in NSCL/P among Malays. These novel findings clearly explained the important role of growth factors FGF and Wnt signalling pathway in lip and palate formation during craniofacial development.

V-shaped radial forearm free flap is a new way to reduce the morbidity of the donor area

Background. Radial forearm free flap is one of the most frequently used in the head and neck reconstruction. A significant disadvantage is the appearance of the donor site. We have developed and introduced into clinical practice a V-shaped fabrication skin of the flap, which allows direct closure of the donor site and reduces morbidity. Aim. To assess the possibility of direct closure of the donor site and to reduce the morbidity of the donor site when performing the V-shaped fabrication of the skin area of the flap. Materials and methods. During the period from 2014 to 2020, the radial free flap was used in 43 cases. In 15 (35%) cases, a V-shaped fabrication of the skin area was used during flap harvest, which made it possible to carry out a direct closure of the donor site. The length of the skin area stretched from the top of the wrist, not reaching 34 cm to the elbow bend and varied from 715 cm, on average 12 cm. The width of the flap was determined by the elasticity of the forearm skin, was maximum in the middle third and varied from 2 up to 4 cm, averaging 3.3 cm. If necessary, the upper and lower edges of the skin area can be sutured together, as well as the entire medial edge of the flap. This technique increases the flap width by almost 2 times. This arrangement was applied in 8 cases. Results. When comparing the results of using the two techniques, the following data were obtained: "V-shaped" fabrication of the skin was used mainly in women (11/15 73%) for reconstruction limited defects in the retromolar region (5/15), soft (4/15) or hard palate (6/15). Most of the patients had localized T1-T2 (10/15) stage. None of the patients had any problems with the healing of the donor area. An excellent aesthetic result was obtained in all patients. In the group of standard harvest, the predominance of males was noted (17/28). Defects had a varied localization, most patients was with relapses after chemo-radiation treatment (10/28) or primary locally advanced T3-T4 stage process (6/28) 16, with a localized T1-T2 stage (11/28) 11, in one case, delayed reconstruction was performed. In all cases, the plastic of the donor site was performed with a split skin autograft. Partial necrosis of the donor site flap was observed in 9 patients (32%), in 4 cases with exposure of the flexor muscle tendon. Conclusion. As a result of the comparative analysis of the two methods, we concluded that the use of V-shaped fabrication of the skin area of the radial forearm flap allows to obtain better aesthetic results of the donor site, however, the use of this technique leads to a significant reduction in the length of the vascular pedicle and a decrease in the width of the flap.

Strategic administration of an appeasing substance to improve performance and physiological responses of Bos indicus feedlot cattle

This study was designed to evaluate the timing of administration of the bovine appeasing substance (BAS) on performance and physiological responses of Bos indicus feedlot cattle. Nellore bulls (n = 100) were ranked by initial body weight (BW; 341 ± 18.5 kg) and assigned to receive BAS (n = 50) or placebo (CON; n = 50) on d -2 of the experiment. Treatments (5 mL) were applied topically to the nuchal skin area of each bull. Bulls were loaded into commercial livestock trailers immediately after treatment administration, transported for 880 km, and unloaded on d -1 at a commercial feedyard. On d 0, bulls within each treatment were again assigned to receive, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, BAS or CON as previously described (25 bulls/treatment combination). Upon treatment administration on d 0, bulls were housed in 12 feedlot pens (3 pens/treatment) for a 108-d feeding period, which was divided into an adaptation (d 0 – 19), growing (d 20 – 60), and finishing (d 61 – 108) phases. Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured daily from d 0 to 108, whereas blood samples and hair from the tail switch were collected on d -2, 0, 19, 60, and 108. Administration of BAS prior to loading (d -2) improved ADG, FE, and DMI during adaptation and across the 108-d feeding period (P ≤ 0.08), resulting in greater (P = 0.03) hot carcass weight and dressing percentage upon slaughter on d 109. A treatment × day interaction was detected for serum glucose concentrations (P = 0.05), which was greater (P = 0.03) on d 60 of the feeding period in bulls receiving CON prior to loading. Administration of BAS at feedlot entry (d 0) improved DMI, ADG, and FE during adaptation (P ≤ 0.05), but it did not impact (P ≥ 0.18) performance and carcass traits during the 108-d feeding period. Bulls administered BAS prior to loading and at feedlot entry had less (P ≤ 0.05) mean serum cortisol concentrations across the 108-d feeding period (loading × feedlot entry interaction; P = 0.10), and greater (P ≤ 0.05) serum insulin concentration on d 60 (loading × feedlot entry × day interaction; P = 0.05). In summary, BAS administration prior to loading increased overall feedlot performance of Nellore bulls. These outcomes were noted in bulls that received or not a second BAS administration at feedlot entry, suggesting that the benefits of BAS are exploited when this substance is administered before transport to the feedlot.

A Novel Light Weight Approach For Identification of Psoriasis Affected Skin Lesion Using Deep Learning.

Psoriasis is a skin disorder which affects the people physically, mentally and emotionally. It is characterized as rough elevated scaly skin which is evident from surrounding skin area. There are various types of psoriasis which include plaque psoriasis, nail psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The common trend observed is that the people tend to face difficulties in differentiating and tracking the disorder which will worsen the situation of the affected skin. It is essential to keep track of the affected skin for the prognosis of the disorder. In this work, an attempt is made to identify the psoriasis affected area automatically using MobileNet machine learning model which will become an objective tool in accurate identification of the disorder which in turn helps in effective treatment of the disorder.

Sarcoptes sp. Infection in Turtledoves (Geopelia striata) at Banyuwangi

This study aimed to explain the case of ectoparasite infection and the life cycle of parasites in turtledoves (Geopelia striata). Sarcoptes sp. one of the ectoparasites belonging to the phylum Arthropods, the Arachnid class, and the order Acarina.Sarcoptes sp. can infect the skin of the host through direct contact with infected animals and the environment. Sarcoptes sp. infects by forming a lump under the skin and severe infection causes a crust to form on the skin and is accompanied by itching. Physical examination was carried out by means of inspection of the infected skin area. Subsequent examinations were carried out on the dead skin cells mixed with fresh manure macroscopically and microscopically. Macroscopic examination was done by observing the condition of the skin that is discraped. Microscopic examination using native examination. Based on the negative examination, it was found that there were Sarcoptes sp. mites on an objective microscope with a 40x magnification. Geopelia striata can be infected with Sarcoptes sp. through direct contact with sick animals. The incubation period of Sarcoptes sp. after infection from infected animals was 3-6 weeks.

Treatment of Nevus Spilus with dual-wavelength copper vapor laser

Introduction. Speckled lentiginous nevus or Nevus Spilus (NS) is a congenital or acquired melanocytic nevus. NS appears as dark hyperpigmented macules or papules interspersed in the lentigo-like hyperpigmentation patch. Surgical methods for removing NS, primarily on the skin with a thin dermis, are associated with the risk of disruption of its structure or scarring. The use of single wavelength laser irradiation allowed achieving pronounced bleaching of the NS area with such side effects as scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and relapses in some cases. Side effects could occur due to the lack of complete blood flow in the microvascular bed near the NS. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NS treatment with a dual-wavelength copper vapor laser (CVL). Description of patients and the method of the treatment. Two fair-skinned adult female patients with NS, of medium size and different location, asked to restore the natural colour of the skin in order to get rid of cosmetic defects. NS treatment was carried out using CVL (Yakhroma-Med model, P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences) during six procedures, an interval of 46weeks. For treatment, we used two-wavelength CVL radiation with average power in the range of 0.60.8W with a power ratio of 3:2 at wavelengths of 511 nm and 578 nm; exposure time: 0.20.3 s. The diameter of the light spot on the skin accounted for 1 mm. Both patients were satisfied with the result of the treatment due to the noticeable blanching of the pigmented skin area after the NS removal. During the following two years, no dark spots or scarring was observed at the NS removal site. Conclusion. Treatment of medium-sized NS using two-wavelength CVL radiation made it possible toeliminate the cosmetic defect without side effects.

In Vitro Evaluation of a Hypobromous Acid Hygiene Stabilized Solution in the Reduction of Bacterial Load Associated to Blepharitis Conditions

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the periocular skin area and it is characterized by eye itching, burning, dryness and irritation, with progression to chronic dry eye syndrome, where the eyelids margins of blepharitis patients are frequently colonized by bacteria.The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro bactericidal activity (BA) of a stabilized active bromine solution (MDI-102) at neutral pH for the potential use in the treatment and prevention of blepharitis.The time kill assays have been conducted both in clean and in dirty conditions (by using bovine albumin solution as the interfering substance) at different ranges of concentration.The results show the topical solution to be capable of inactivating, in less than 0.5 minutes, more than 99.9% of several bacterial species involved in the clinical manifestations of blepharitis: Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens. Dirty condition tests confirm the results shown without albumin (clean conditions).This study demonstrates that MDI-102 active bromine solution can markedly reduce (in vitro) the bacterial activity, responsible of clinical manifestation of blepharitis. Thus, MDI-102 can be considered a promising tool for the periocular area and eyelids cleaning for blepharitis patients.The use of this formulation may contribute in the long-term prevention and hygienic treatment of blepharitis condition. Furthermore, MDI-102 can be considered as an alternative to reduce the use and the abuse of topical antibiotics in the daily practice, which may contribute to the increase of resistance to the antibiotics in the clinical setting.

A real-world, non-interventional Indian study on clinical assessment of intense moisturizing formulation in dry skin disorders

<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Moisturizers account for the largest and important skin care product categories and are the backbone in the management of dry skin conditions associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis and ichthyosis. </p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multicentre, retrospective data analysis was done at 145 dermatology clinics across India in patients who were prescribed MaxRich®. Patients with history of xerosis with an identifiable causes like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and ichthyosis were included in study. Effectiveness data in terms of improvement in Dry Skin Area and Severity Index (DASI) Score compared to baseline and physician global assessment at the end of treatment for improvement in xerosis were captured.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was significant reduction in mean DASI score as compared to baseline at week 2 &amp; 4 (p&lt;0.01). As compared to baseline, a significant decrease in DASI score was observed by 47.7% and 82.4% at the end of week 2 and 4 respectively. As per physician global assessment, 458 patients (83.4%) noticed very good improvement in xerosis at the end of 4 weeks whereas 82 patients (14.9%) recorded moderate improvement. Similar results were also obtained for patient global assessment where 478 patients (87%) recorded very good improvement; 67 patients (12.2%) and 6 patients (1.1%) recorded moderate and mild improvement respectively. There were no adverse events reported with MaxRich®.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MaxRich®, an intense moisturizer was effective in improvement of DASI score associated with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and ichthyosis and can be considered as an adjunct therapy in the management of these skin disorders for better results.</p>

BLOOD CYTOKINE PROFILE AND LESION SITE REPAIR IN DYNAMICS OF EXPERIMENTAL THERMAL TRAUMA AFTER LOCAL AND SYSTEMIC MELATONIN ADMINISTRATION

Burn injuries are one of the key medical and social problems. Despite the significant achievements in combustiology, the slow healing and the appearance of infection are the key problems in burn patients, which lead to a longer hospitalization period, to reduction of life quality and to emotional disorders. Up to 70% of all complications after thermal trauma (TT) are connected with infection – first of all, pneumonia, infections of urinal tract. The forming of infectious complications, including sepsis, after TT is associated with excessive immunosuppressive reactions, as compensation for a long, stable proinflammatory response, in particular, owing to hyperproduction and effects of IL-10, IL-4, TGF-β. Aim: to study the influence of systemic and local usage of MT with original dermal film (DF) on reparation and serum cytokine concentration indicators in dynamics of experimental TT. The study was conducted using 84 rats – males of Wistar line, which were divided randomly into 4 groups: 1st group (n = 12) – intact monitoring, 2nd group (n = 30) – animals with TT, 3rd group (n = 21) – animals with TT and DF with MT use on the region of burn, 4th group (n = 21) – animals with TT and intraperitoneal injection of MT. To model TT of IIIA degree and relative area 3,5%, isolated skin area of interscapular area was immersed in distilled water at a temperature of 98-99 °С at 12 s. The DF with MT (at a concentration of 0.005 g/g) on 12 sm2 – area in 3rd group was used daily for 5 days. The MT was injected intraperitoneally daily at the dose of 10 mg/kg for 5 days. The wound area was calculated, the interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interferon-gamma (IFNγ) were determined in serum on 5th,10th and 20th day from the moment of TT induction in each group. During experimental TT in dynamic monitoring from 5th to 20th day the absolute and relative areas of wound defect are reduced, because of that the epithelization speed and its part of area reduction are progressively increasing, on 5th,10th and 20th day the concentration of TNFα and IL-4 in serum is increasing with maximum values on 10th day of monitoring. Local usage of MT in DF during TT accelerates the healing of burn wound and lowers the TNFα and IL-4 concentration in serum on 5th, 10th and 20th day. Intraperitoneal use of MT during TT accelerates the healing of burn wound and lowers the TNFα and IL-4 concentration in serum on 5th and 20th day. The reparation accelerating effect of MT during TT is more expressed in locale usage in DF rather than using intraperitoneal injection.

8 Effects of a Bovine Appeasing Substance Application at Weaning on Temperament and Growth of Bos Indicus Influenced Heifers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a synthetic analogue of the bovine appeasing pheromone (i.e. bovine appeasing substance; BAS) on growth and temperament of heifers. At weaning (d 0), 30 heifers (Aberdeen Angus ′ Nelore; 8 ± 1 mo) were stratified by body weight (199.8 ± 16 kg) and randomly assigned to receive a single dose of BAS (n = 15; SecureCattle; Nutricorp, Araras, SP, Brazil) or saline (CON; n = 15; saline 0.9% NaCl). Treatments (5 ml) were topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal on d0. Body weight was collected on d 0, 6, 15, 45, and 150. Chute score (1 to 5; 1 = calm, no movement; 5 = violent and continuous struggling) and chute entrance and exit score (1 to 3; 1 = slow; 3 = fast) were collected on d 0, 2, 6, 15, 45 and 150. Scores were averaged across 4 trained technicians. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Heifers assigned to BAS had greater (P &lt; 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) than heifers assigned to CON treatment from d 6 to 15 (2.35 and 1.88 kg/d ± 0.16) and from d 15 to 45 (1.79 vs. 1.56 kg/d ± 0.08). Heifers assigned to BAS had lower (P &lt; 0.01) chute entrance score on d 6, 15, and 45, and chute exit score on d 2 to 45 (P = 0.05) when compared to heifers assigned to CON. Additionally, heifers assigned to BAS tended (P = 0.08) to have lower chute score, from d 1 to 150 than heifers assigned to CON. The application of BAS at weaning improved heifers ADG, likely due to an improvement in temperament, suggesting that BAS application has calming effects in the beef cattle herd.