Adsorption of Ciprofloxacin on Clay Minerals in Argentinian Santa Rosa-Corrientes Soils.

The presence of antibiotics in soils is increasing drastically in last decades due to the intensive farming industry and excessive human consumption. Clay minerals are one of the soil components with great adsorption capacity for organic pollutants. The study of interactions between antibiotics and mineral surfaces will give us scientific knowledge of these pollutants through soils. In this work, we study the adsorption of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in the clay mineral fraction of soils from the Argentinian zone of Santa Rosa (Corrientes), in a collaborative research of experiments and atomistic modelling calculations of the intercalation of ciprofloxacin in the interlayer space of montmorillonite. Adsorption and desorption isotherms were performed and compared with different isotherm models. Additionally, enthalpy, entropy, and free energy were determined from equilibrium constants at a function of temperature. All these experiments and calculations lead to the conclusions that two adsorption types of ciprofloxacin are found on clay minerals: one weakly sorbed that is released during the desorption experiments, and other one strongly joined that remains in the soil.

Confocal microscopy can assess the efficacy of combined microneedling and skinbooster for striae rubrae.

Striae distensae or stretch marks are dermal scars characterized by flattening and atrophy of the epidermis. They develop particularly during adolescence but they can also appear in other situations such as pregnancy, the use of prolonged therapies with topical or systemic corticosteroids, Cushing's syndrome, Marfan's syndrome, prolonged use of lightening creams, cachexia, rapid weight loss or the use of androgenic and anabolic substances. Treatment options often take a long time, and the results are often disappointing, causing significant psychological distress in patients. We propose a completely innovative approach, combining the skinbooster technique with the microneedling technique. These minivasive methods work by inducing tissue remodeling and stimulating the synthesis of new collagen. Confocal microscopy can show and follow the skin changes made by these therapies, thus becoming an important and valid therapeutic monitoring tool for aesthetic dermatology.

Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens after Follicular Unit Transplantation: A Case Report.

Introduction: In the field of hair transplantation (HT) surgery, transplantation techniques from autologous tissue dominate. The most widely used techniques are follicular unit transplantation, also known as strip technique, and follicular unit extraction. Case Presentation: We report a case of an HT sequence of particular interest because of its unusual clinical presentation, chronic relapsing nature, and aggressiveness. The clinical presentation (fluctuating and communicating lesions in the occipital region), course, and symptomatology support the hypothesis of PCAS. Discussion: PCAS or folliculitis dissecans or Hoffmann's disease is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. We speculate that the mechanical extraction of follicular units was the trigger. This case underlines the need for further studies as cases of PCAS may increase concomitantly with the increase in HT.

Rapid determination of three textile surfactants in environmental samples by modeling excitation-emission second-order data with multi-way calibration methods.

The textile industry is an important potential source of environmental pollution due to the use of chemical products. Dyes, hydrolyzed dyes, and surfactants, among others, are chemical compounds present in wastewater of textile plant. Moreover, the anionic surfactants have toxic effects for various aquatic organisms even in low concentrations. The methodologies investigated to quantify surfactants, in general, consume a lot of analysis time and frequently use toxic or environmentally objectionable reagents. For these reasons, the objective of this work was to develop a quick and simple method to quantify surfactants without the use of expensive reagents and equipment, avoiding extraction and preconcentration stages. The proposed method is based on fluorescent spectroscopy measurements for the acquisition of second-order data in excitation-emission matrices and multivariate calibration techniques applied to the data. The unfolded partial least squares combined to residual bilinearization (U-PLS/RBL) algorithm was better than parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). U-PLS/RBL accurately quantified alkylnonylphenolethoxylated (APEO), dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (ADBS), and 2-phenoxy-ethoxylated fatty alcohol (AGFE) surfactants. The chemometric model obtained good analytical figures of merit: REP% between 5 and 13 and LOQ between 0.45 and 2.77 µg mL-1. This methodology had no significant difference compared with results obtained by a HPLC-FD reference technique, in addition with a considerable reduction in analysis time, reagent consumption, and therefore lower cost. For environmental applications, APEO, ADBS, and AGFE were quantify in textile wastewater treatment and in the receiving water body. The concentrations varied from 8.73 to 73.94 µg mL-1 in the textile wastewater and were not detected in the receiving water body.

Efficacy and Safety of Anti-TNF Biosimilars for Psoriasis in Pediatric and Geriatric Populations: A 72-Week Real-Life Study.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) and etanercept (ETA) biosimilars in elderly and children with psoriasis. Methods: A real-life retrospective observational study was conducted on pediatric (<18 years) and geriatric (≥65 years) psoriasis patients treated with anti-TNF biosimilar agents referring to the Psoriasis Unit of the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, from January 2018 to January 2022. At baseline, demographic characteristics (age and sex), data on psoriasis duration and severity (measured by Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI] and body surface area [BSA]), presence of psoriatic arthritis if applicable, comorbidities, and previous psoriasis treatments were recorded. Patients were monitored by regular follow-ups (week 12, 24, 48 and 72) through clinical and haematological assessments and adverse events (AEs) were registered. Results: A total of 11 children and 23 elderly psoriasis patients were enrolled. Concerning children, 6 (54.5%) were under ADA biosimilar and 5 (45.5%) under ETA biosimilar. ETA and ADA biosimilars were equally effective and safe for up to 72 weeks (mean PASI and BSA < 3). No significant AEs were reported, and none discontinued treatment. In the elderly, 15 (65.2%) were treated with ADA biosimilar and 8 (34.8%) with ETA biosimilar. ETA and ADA biosimilars were equally effective up to 72 weeks (mean PASI < 4 and mean BSA < 5%). AEs (mainly mild) were registered in 9 subjects (39.1%). Also, 4 (17.4%) patients discontinued biologicals for secondary lack of efficacy (3, 75%) or AEs (1, 25%). Conclusion: Our study found that ADA and ETA biosimilars are effective and safe for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in children and the elderly. No statistically significant efficacy and safety differences were found between ADA and ETA biosimilars in both children and the elderly. Geriatric patients displayed a higher discontinuation rate and side effects than the pediatric counterpart even if without approaching statistical significance.

No Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on Urethral Swab in Patients with Positive Nasopharyngeal Swab.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 infection has caused one of the worst pandemics that history has ever known. SARS-CoV-2 can lead to multiple organ failure, which is life-threatening. Viral RNA is found in the lung, intestine, testicle, kidney, etc., which suggests the virus can be transmitted also via routes besides respiratory droplets. The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in urethral swabs. METHODS: We enrolled ten patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who attended the Infectious Diseases Unit of the A.O.U. Federico II of Naples, from March 2020 to April 2020. One urethral swab and one rhino-oropharyngeal swab were collected from each patient during SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: All ten patients had a negative urethral swab for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, whereas the rhino-oropharyngeal swab was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. This finding demonstrates that, in our patients, the virus did not affect the urinary tract and therefore would not be found in the urine, and even more importantly, it would not be transmitted via urine. This result was independent of the stage of the disease. CONCLUSION: If confirmed in larger studies, this observation could be the key to understanding the role of SARS-CoV-2 in relation to the genitourinary system.

New evidence for the correlation of the p.G130V mutation in the GJB2 gene and syndromic hearing loss with palmoplantar keratoderma.

The GJB2 gene located on chromosome 13q12 and encoding the connexin 26 (Cx26) protein, a transmembrane protein involved in cell-cell attachment of almost all tissues, including the skin, causes autosomal recessive and sometimes dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. GJB2 mutations have also been identified in syndromic disorders exhibiting hearing loss associated with skin problems. Recently, a new mutation, p.G130V in the GJB2 gene has been reported as causative for Vohwinkel syndrome. In this case the p.G130V mutation was found in two patients (son and father) with palmoplantar keratoderma. The father also showed also skin constrictions of the 2nd and 3rd toes of the right foot. Here, we report on another family with palmoplantar keratoderma associated with a dominant form of hearing loss confirming the genotype-phenotype correlation between the mutation p.G130V and the skin abnormalities observed in syndromic disorders with hearing loss as described by [Snoeckx et al. (2005) Hum Mutat 26:60-65].

Atypical Manifestations in Classic Kaposi Sarcoma: Case Series of Two Patients HIV - Negative.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a tumour of endothelial, blood and lymphatic cells, caused by an infection with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). The skin lesions of KS, especially of the classical or Mediterranean variant (CKS), are represented by red-purple macules, plaques and nodules, localised mainly on the extremities. CASE REPORT: This case series intend to describe multifocal atypical kaposian manifestations in two HIV negative subjects, affected by CKS, treated with successful chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Although atypical manifestations are extremely rare events, we suggest an accurate, objective examination because a prompt diagnosis can lead to a vital intervention in the patient's health and sometimes to the identification of the disease itself.

A long-term gluten-free diet as an alternative treatment in severe forms of dermatitis herpetiformis.

BACKGROUND: A long-term gluten-free diet (GFD) as a first-choice treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) has been used successfully. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the possibility of treating all severe skin manifestations of DH by a GFD only. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with DH were subdivided in two groups: group A (18 patients) underwent a GFD and received dapsone; group B (54 patients) underwent a GFD. Patients were subdivided into slight, moderate and severe forms. RESULTS: A total of 88.9% of patients treated with dapsone and a GFD (group A) had remission of skin manifestations and the remaining 11.1% were improved. In group B, 87% of patients showed complete remission of skin manifestations after 18 months of a GFD; 13% showed improvement. With regard to severe forms, after an 18-month treatment, 70.4% of patients in group B; 66.6% in group A. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that a GFD, if administered steadily and for a long period, can be a valid treatment for severe forms of DH. Dapsone can be useful to control the inflammatory phase of the disease.

Tolerability and camouflaging effect of corrective makeup for acne: results of a clinical study of a novel face compact cream.

BACKGROUND: A novel face compact cream (FCC) containing a new patented formulation was recently developed to provide acne patients with cosmetic camouflage for their lesions and to have beneficial effects on the multifactorial components of the disease. This pilot investigation aimed to evaluate the real-life tolerability, potential for comedogenicity and covering effect provided by this FCC. METHODS: This single-center study evaluated the FCC applied once daily for 28 days in 20 females with facial acne. Tolerability was assessed by rating skin reactions on a scale from 1 =absent to 4 =evident. Comedogenicity potential was evaluated by determining the number of facial acne lesions before and after use of the FCC. The covering effect was rated in ten patients 30 minutes after application on a scale from 1 =none to 5 =excellent. Patients rated their opinions on the FCC on day 28 using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Assessment of tolerability on days 0, 14, and 28 showed that skin reactions, including erythema, edema, dryness, desquamation, tight feeling, itching, and burning, were absent in all patients. The FCC was noncomedogenic and provided a significant 15.8% reduction in facial acne lesions after 28 days (P<0.001). The FCC provided a good covering effect 30 minutes after application in 80% of patients. All patients (100%) were satisfied with the FCC, with 90% agreeing that the FCC was effective and 80% stating that the FCC improved their skin. CONCLUSION: The FCC was positively perceived, well tolerated, noncomedogenic, and provided an effective covering of acne in this small group of female patients with 1 month of follow-up.

High-resolution color-Doppler ultrasound for the study of skin growths.

UNLABELLED: High-resolution (17 MHz) color-Doppler ultrasound (US) is used in the evaluation of normal and pathological skin. To analyze retrospectively the sonographic pattern of healthy skin and of some skin lesions using Doppler US and to compare the results with dermoscopy examination and histology to identify specific patterns of ultrasound for differentiating benign from malignant lesions. To select among them the Melanomas to describe their US pattern, the presence and morphology of vascular signal and to compare their thickness at US with the Breslow index. After signing informed consent in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki in 1964 and its subsequent amendments, 104 patients with skin lesions were retrospectively studied. Patients were evaluated with clinical dermatological examination and Doppler US, and underwent surgical excision with subsequent histological analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: the difference between variables was analyzed with statistical Chi square test or Fisher's when appropriate. The strength of the relationship between variables was analyzed with Pearson's r coefficient. The sensitivity and specificity of US tests were also calculated. Sixty-five malignant lesions and 39 benign lesions were identified at Doppler US. In the 34 melanomas, typical US and vascular patterns were identified depending on the thickness of the lesion and a strong correlation between the latter and Breslow index was confirmed. Doppler US is a valuable diagnostic tool for the study of skin and for pre-excision characterization of skin lesions.

Differential modulation of Ku70/80 DNA-binding activity in a patient with multiple basal cell carcinomas.

Ku70/80 nonhomologous end-joining activity is essential for resolving random DNA double-strand breaks, and the Ku70/80 protein complex has been proposed as "caretaker" of genomic stability. We studied the Ku70/80 heterodimer activity in a patient affected by multiple basal cell carcinomas with a personal history of moderate exposure to ionizing radiation. The Ku70/80 DNA-binding activity was analyzed, by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, in five tumor biopsies from different sites and at distinct clinical stages, and in three matched normal skin samples from the same patient. As control normal tissues from healthy individuals were also tested. The five basal cell carcinomas were classified as "non aggressive" and "aggressive" on the basis of morphologic parameters and expression of the molecular markers bcl-2, Ki67/MIB1, and p53. A 62% increase in the Ku70/80 DNA-binding activity was found in normal skin from the patient, compared to unexposed individuals (p<0.0001). The nuclear activity of the heterodimer was further increased in nonaggressive basal cell carcinomas compared to both matched normal skin from the patient (31%, p=0.0001) and tissues from healthy controls (73%, p=0.0001). Strikingly, the two aggressive basal cell carcinomas tested showed very low Ku70/80 DNA-binding activity with a reduction of 87% compared to normal skin from the patient (p<0.0001) and 64% compared to controls (p=0.001). Although these results are limited to only one patient, together with other recent studies they support the hypothesis that downregulation of the nonhomologous end-joining pathway may be associated with tumor progression.

Anasarca caused by Cryptococcus neoformans after heart transplantation.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. The infection predominantly strikes patients with cell-mediated immunodeficiency, that is, patients with organ transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, AIDS, and those receiving steroids or immunosuppressants. We describe a patient with skin lesions and anasarca secondary to intestinal infection from Cryptococcus neoformans after heart transplantation. We based diagnosis on histologic examination of the cutaneous lesions and of the duodenal mucosa. This case demonstrates that in immunosuppressed patients with anasarca of unknown origin, a diagnosis of intestinal opportunistic infection also should be considered.

Guess what! Multiple pilomatricomas and Steiner disease.

An 18-year-old male adolescent was referred to our department for the presence of multiple skin nodules since the age of 9 years. At the age of 22 months the patient was diagnosed as having myotonic dystrophy (Steinert's disease). So far, nine lesions like these have been excised and histologically analysed, two located on the left arm, one on the neck and one on the scalp. A skin examination revealed three nodular lesions, two localised on the scalp (Fig. 1) and one on the trunk (Fig. 2); the lesions ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 cm, and were hard on palpation and asymptomatic, with elevated, smooth and teleangiectatic borders and a central invagination filled with whitish, firm, granular material. The lesions were all excised. The histological examination of all the biopsy specimens revealed basophilic cells at the periphery, and islets of shadow cells with an unstained central area at the site of lost nucleus (Fig. 3). The shadow cells were surrounded by a granulomatous infiltration composed mainly of giant cells.

A retrospective study on HIV and syphilis.

In the early 1990s a reduction in the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occurred, although recent years have seen an increase. The aim of this study was to examine epidemiological and clinical features of syphilis cases in patients with HIV infection. We reviewed the charts of HIV-infected patients referring to our centre in the period 2002-2011. Fifty of the 402 consecutive HIV-positive patients (12.4%) received a diagnosis of syphilis. An increasing trend in the number of syphilis cases was observed within the period of the study. Most patients with syphilis (64%) presented a latent syphilis of unknown duration. About half of these received a concomitant diagnosis of HIV infection. Men who have sex with men (MSM) were the largest group. In the years 2002-2011, the incidence of syphilis in HIV-infected patients increased in our centre, notably among MSM. There is an urgent need for campaigns aiming to prevent STIs.

Non-AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma: A single-institution experience.

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes and potential prognostic factors in patients with non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). METHODS: Patients with histologically proven non-AIDS-related KS treated with systemic chemotherapy were included in this retrospective analysis. In some cases, the human herpes virus 8 status was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The patients were staged according to the Mediterranean KS staging system. A multivariable model was constructed using a forward stepwise selection procedure. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant, and all tests were two-sided. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases were included in this analysis. The average age at diagnosis was 70 years, with a male/female ratio of approximately 2:1. Eighty-four percent of the cases had classic KS. All patients received systemic chemotherapy containing one of the following agents: vinca alkaloid, taxane, and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. Ten patients (31.5%) experienced a partial response, and a complete response was achieved in four patients (12.4%) and stable disease in sixteen cases (50%). Two patients (6.2%) were refractory to the systemic treatment. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.7 mo, whereas the median overall survival was 28.5 mo. At multivariate analysis, the presence of nodular lesions (vs macular lesions only) was significantly related to a lower PFS (hazard ratio: 3.09; 95%CI: 1.18-8.13, P = 0.0133). CONCLUSION: Non-AIDS-related KS appears mostly limited to the skin and is well-responsive to systemic therapies. Our data show that nodular lesions may be associated with a shorter PFS in patients receiving chemotherapy.