Differential Diagnostics of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome) in ICU: Case Reports

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a critical life-threating condition developing as the total detachment of epidermidis and characterized by severe pathological reactions of all body systems. The current article describes two cases of TEN with similar clinical and laboratory signs. In one case the diagnosis of TEN was subsequently refused.The objective: analysis of methods of clinical and differential diagnostics of conditions accompanied with massive epidermidis detachment in ICU patients.Results. The immunomorphological evaluation of skin specimen obtained from the patient with a torpid form of TEN showed linear IgG fixation in the intercellular space of stratum basale, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum and C3 fixation in the intercellular space of stratum basale.Conclusion. The complex of anamnesis data and pathomorphological evaluation of skin are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with atypical TEN.

Concentration of Antioxidant Compounds from Calendula officinalis through Sustainable Supercritical Technologies, and Computational Study of Their Permeability in Skin for Cosmetic Use

The growing interest in the cosmetic industry in using compounds of natural and sustainable origin that are safe for humans is encouraging the development of processes that can satisfy these needs. Chlorogenic acid (CHA), caffeic acid (CAF) and ferulic acid (FA) are three compounds widely used within the cosmetic industry due to their functionalities as antioxidants, collagen modifiers or even as radiation protectors. In this work, two advanced separation techniques with supercritical CO2 are used to obtain these three compounds from Calendula officinalis, and these are then evaluated using a computational skin permeability model. This model is encompassed by the COSMO-RS model, the calculations of which make it possible to study the behaviour of the compounds in the epidermis. The results show that both CAF and FA are retained in the stratum corneum, while CHA manages to penetrate to the stratum spinosum. These compounds were concentrated by antisolvent fractionation with super-critical CO2 using a Response Surface Methodology to study the effect of pressure and CO2 flow rate. CHA, CAF and FA were completely retained in the precipitation vessel, with concentrations between 40% and 70% greater than in the original extract. The conditions predicted that the optimal overall yield and enrichment achieved would be 153 bar and 42 g/min.

Experimentelle Studie: Beinwellextrakt fördert die Regeneration von beschädigter Epidermis

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Wundheilungseffekte lassen sich im Modell der restrukturierten humanen Epidermis durch Erzeugung reproduzierbarer Schäden und der Beobachtung der Regeneration der Hautzellen objektivieren. Methoden und Ergebnisse In einer kürzlich veröffentlichten Studie wurde der Effekt einer Creme mit einer Zubereitung aus den oberirdischen Pflanzenteilen von medizinisch genutztem Beinwell (Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman) auf künstlich erzeugte Schäden an der Epidermis mittels Licht- und Elektronenmikroskopie beobachtet. Bei Kontakt mit Beinwellcreme zeigte sich eine deutliche Beschleunigung der Regenerationsvorgänge gegenüber nicht-exponierten Kontrollen. Am 7. Tag zeigte sich in den Kontrollproben eine erste Differenzierung neu gebildeter Zellschichten zu Zellen des Stratum spinosum, in den Beinwell-behandelten Proben war dagegen dieses Stadium bereits am 4. Tag erreicht sowie am 7. Tag eine Differenzierung bis zum Stratum corneum. Schlussfolgerungen Die Untersuchung verfolgte die Frühphase der Regeneration der Epidermis nach künstlich induzierten Schäden im Vergleich mit unbehandelten Kontrollen. Die direkte Beobachtung einer beschleunigten Regeneration der Epidermis steht im Einklang mit der in kontrollierten Studien klinisch beobachteten schnelleren Abheilung von Schürfwunden durch medizinischen Beinwellkrautextrakt.

Identifying molecular pathways and candidate genes associated with knob traits by transcriptome analysis in the goose (Anser cygnoides)

Anser cygnoides has a spherical crest on the beak roof, which is described as knob. However, the mechanisms affecting knob morphology are unclear. Here, we investigated the phenotypic characteristics and molecular basis of knob-size differences in Yangzhou geese. Anatomically, the knob was identified as frontal hump in the frontal area of the skull, rather than hump of upper beak. Although the frontal hump length, and height varied greatly in geese with different knob phenotypes, little was changed in the width. Histologically, knob skin in large-size knobs geese have a greater length in the stratum corneum, stratum spinosum, and stratum reticular than that in small-size knobs geese. Moveover, the 415 differentially expressed genes were found between the large knobs and small ones through transcriptome profiling. In addition, GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis revealed 455 significant GO terms and 210 KEGG pathways were enriched, respectively. Among these, TGF-β signaling and thyroid hormone synthesis-signaling pathways were identified to determine knob-size phenotype. Furthermore, BMP5, DCN, TSHR and ADCY3 were recognized to involve in the growth and development of knob. Our data provide comprehensive molecular determinants of knob size phenotype, which can potentially promote the genetic improvement of goose knobs.

Immunoreactivities of AR, ERα, ERβ and aromatase in the nuptial pad of Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii) during pre-hibernation and the breeding period

There is a prominent local raised pad called nuptial pad on the forelimb of Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii), which is hypothetically concluded as an enhancement of the grip and a spreader of pheromone during the amplexus. In this study, we investigated the immunolocalization and protein expression levels of AR, ERα, ERβ and aromatase in the nuptial pad of R. dybowskii during pre-hibernation and the breeding period. Histologically, the annual development of the nuptial pad in R. dybowskii is manifested as the larger area of specialized mucous gland and the longer length of papillary epidermal projection during the breeding period. AR, ERα, ERβ and aromatase are present in the stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale and the secretory portion of specialized mucous glands during both periods. Western blotting results confirmed that AR, ERα and ERβ protein levels are higher during pre-hibernation than those during the breeding season. These results suggest that nuptial pad is the direct target organ of androgen and estrogen. Androgen may participate in the regulation of annual development and glandular function of nuptial pad, and estrogen may play an endocrine, autocrine or paracrine role during pre-hibernation and the breeding period.

Identifying Molecular Pathways and Candidate Genes Associated With Knob Traits by Transcriptome Analysis in the Goose (Anser Cygnoides)

Anser cygnoides has a spherical crest on the beak roof, which is described as knob. However, the mechanisms affecting knob morphology are unclear. Here, we investigated the phenotypic characteristics and molecular basis of knob-size differences in Yangzhou geese. The bony crest of konb was found in the frontal area of the skull, rather than hump of upper beak. Although the knob length, width, and height varied greatly in geese with different knob phenotypes, growth of the bony crest was mainly reflected in the length and height, but not the width. Histological analysis showed that knob skin in large-size knobs geese have a greater length in the stratum corneum, stratum spinosum, and stratum reticular. Transcriptome profiling revealed 415 differentially expressed genes involved in knob growth and development. In addition, GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis revealed 455 significant GO terms and 210 enriched KEGG pathways. We focused on the TGF-β-signaling and thyroid hormone synthesis-signaling KEGG pathways. Geese with larger knobs had increased ADCY3, TSHR, DCN, and BMP5 mRNA-expression levels, suggesting that both pathways (and the associated genes) mediate knob growth and development. Our data provide comprehensive molecular determinants of knob size, which can potentially be used to promote the genetic improvement of goose knobs to meet consumer preferences.

TCTP Promotes Hu Sheep Rumen Epithelial Development before Weaning

BackgroundHu Sheep is a world precious breed of sheep. Rumen is the most important digestive organ for ruminant animals. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in rumen development help us design better strategies to improve the production of sheep. Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a highly conserved protein that involves various cellular processes. However, its role in rumen epithelium development remains unknown.ResultsTCTP was expressed in stratum basale, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum of rumen epithelium. TCTP mRNA expression was extremely high on the day of birth, it then significantly decreased on day 15 and gradually increased until day 45 of age. TCTP protein expression remained in a relative low level from day 0 to day 15 of age, it then significantly increased on day 30 and gradually decreased until day 60. The ratio of Ki67 positive cell in stratum basale cell followed the similar pattern as the expression of TCTP. The papillae length decreased at first 15 days of postnatal life. Thereafter, the papilla undergo a period of growth from 538.1±17.3μm to 2211.1±56.6μm until 60 days of age. The phosphorylation of AKT is the highest on day 15 of age, then decreased until day 45. The ratio of acetate:propionate in rumen fluid decreased from day 30 to day 60 of age. ConclusionsTCTP participates in rumen papillae growth by promoting rumen stratum basale cell proliferation. We suggest that the translation of TCTP mRNA is regulated by AKT phosphorylation and the development of rumen papillae is associated with acetate:propionate ratio.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a Molluscipox DNA virus which infects keratinocytes of the epidermal stratum spinosum, producing distinctive small umbilicated papules on the skin. Its genome encodes a variety of proteins that suppress the host’s immune response. In children it is spread by skin contact, producing few or many lesions, while in sexually active adults it causes anogenital lesions. Molluscum is self-limiting within a few years in the immunocompetent, but those with pre-existing atopic eczema and immunosuppression, notably AIDS, commonly develop persistent diffuse eruptions with larger papules. Lesions can be removed mechanically or chemically. More severe infections can be treated with imiquimod or cidofovir.

Histomorphological differentiation of the skin of leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), and golden jackal (Canis aureus)

Background and Aim: Leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), and golden jackal (Canis aureus) are carnivores. Leopard and Bengal tiger are listed in the red list as vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources. Leopard cat and golden jackal are grouped under animals of least concern. A wide variation exists in the structure of the skin and pattern of hair follicles among domestic and wild mammals. Thus, the study aims to create a baseline data on the skin of leopard, leopard cat, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal and the data so obtained may form an indispensable tool in wildlife forensics. Materials and Methods: Skin samples of leopard (n=3), leopard cat (n=4), Bengal tiger (n=3), and golden jackal (n=4) were collected from the Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode. The samples were processed for paraffin embedding. Horizontal and vertical sections of 5 μm thickness were used for histological staining techniques. Observations on the layers and features of epidermis, hair follicle pattern and glands, namely, sweat and sebaceous were recorded. Results: Skin comprised an outer epidermis and an inner dermis. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium made up the epidermis. Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum were discernible in leopard, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal. In leopard cat, stratum basale, stratum spinosum, and stratum corneum were present. Compound hair follicles were a characteristic feature of all species. However, the pattern varied. In leopard, leopard cat and Bengal tiger, a single large primary guard hair was encircled by compound follicles. The number of surrounding compound follicles ranged between five to seven in leopard, two to five in leopard cat, and three to seven in Bengal tiger. Each compound follicle, in turn contained, one to two coarse primary hair follicles and several fine secondary hair follicles. Compound follicles arranged as clusters of three were a salient attribute in jackal. The central follicle was comparatively larger than the lateral ones. Each compound follicle comprised a single long, primary hair, and six to eight smaller secondary hairs. Conclusion: Histological variation in the skin of the leopard, leopard cat, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal was established. The data form a valuable basis for comparative histology of wild carnivores. Further, the data may be of value in the identification of the unknown skin samples of wild carnivores.