The efficacy and safety of low- versus high-fluence fractional picosecond Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser in the treatment of acne scars: A randomized split-face comparison study.

BACKGROUND: Differences in clinical efficacy based on the fluence of fractional picosecond laser treatment for acne scars are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of low-fluence versus high-fluence fractional picosecond Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser treatment in acne scar patients. METHODS: In this 12-week, investigator-blinded, randomized, split-face study, 25 patients with moderate-to-severe acne scars received three sessions of high-fluence laser treatment (1.0 J/cm2 ) on one side of their face and low-fluence (0.3 J/cm2 ) on the other side every 4 weeks. Patients were assessed using acne scar counts, the scar global assessment (SGA), and the ECCA scar grading scale every 4 weeks. The histological analysis compared the acne scars obtained before and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: At their last visit, 88.00% and 92.00% of the subjects achieved >30% reduction in scar counts on the low- and high-fluence sides, respectively, without a significant difference between the two sides. On both sides, the scar counts, SGA, and ECCA score significantly improved 4 weeks after the last treatment. Although the high-fluence side showed a greater reduction in scar counts (-66.73%) than the low-fluence side (-62.13%), the two sides had no significant difference in the grading scores. The high-fluence side showed significantly more severe pain and higher side-effect scores immediately and 4 weeks after treatment. Histological analysis revealed a significantly increased collagen, elastin, and vimentin expression after treatment on the low-fluence side. CONCLUSIONS: The low-fluence setting demonstrated comparable efficacy and superior safety in treating acne scars compared with the high-fluence setting.

Alterations in epidermal stem cells within the pilosebaceous unit in atrophic acne scars.

BACKGROUND: Atrophic acne scarring is a common sequela of inflammatory acne, causing significant problems for affected patients. Although prolonged inflammation and subsequent aberrant tissue regeneration are considered the underlying pathogenesis, the role of epidermal stem cells, which are crucial to the regeneration of pilosebaceous units, remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine the changes occurring in epidermal stem cells in atrophic acne scars. METHODS: Changes in collagen, elastic fibre and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR expression were analysed in normal skin and inflammatory acne lesions at days 1, 3 and 7 after development. The expression of epidermal stem cell markers and proliferation markers was compared between normal skin and mature atrophic acne scar tissue. RESULTS: In acne lesions, inflammation had invaded into pilosebaceous units over time. Their normal structure had been destructed and replaced with a reduced amount of collagen and elastic fibre. Expression of stem cell markers including CD34, p63, leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor (LGR)6 and LGR5, which are expressed in the interfollicular epidermis, isthmus and bulge of hair follicles, significantly decreased in atrophic acne scar tissue compared to normal skin. Epidermal proliferation was significantly reduced in scar tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that as inflammatory acne lesions progress, inflammation gradually infiltrates the pilosebaceous unit and affects the resident stem cells. This disruption impedes the normal regeneration of the interfollicular epidermis and adnexal structures, resulting in atrophic acne scars.

Spontaneous resolution of spinoglenoid ganglion cyst: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous resolution of a spinoglenoid notch ganglion cyst (SGC) without surgical treatment has been rarely reported; however, we have encountered this phenomenon occasionally. Therefore, we aimed to describe a case series of consecutive patients with SGC in whom it spontaneously resolved without surgical treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-confirmed SGC in whom it resolved without surgical treatment between January 2011 and March 2023. We included patients without abnormally increased signal intensity or muscle atrophy due to denervation from suprascapular neuropathy on MRI. Resolution of the SGC was confirmed via MRI or ultrasound at the follow-up visit, and suprascapular neuropathy was assessed using electromyography and nerve conduction studies when needed. For functional assessments, the visual analog scale for pain and active range of motion of the shoulder were used to compare pre and postresolution follow-ups. RESULTS: Eleven men and 1 woman with a median age of 54.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 37.0-65.3) were included in this study. The SGCs resolved spontaneously at a median of 13.2 months with an IQR of 8.2-23.0 after initial evaluation using MRI. The SGCs were multiloculated cysts with superior labrum anterior and posterior II-IX lesions, with a median diameter of 2.5 cm (IQR 2.0-2.8). The median visual analog scale for pain (pre-resolution 5.0 [IQR 4.0-7.0] vs postresolution 1.0 [IQR 0.0-1.0], P = .002) and internal rotation at the back (preresolution 8.0 [IQR 7.0-10.3] vs postresolution 7.5 [IQR 7.0-8.0], P = .034) were significantly improved after the resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment may not be necessary in all cases of SGC. Nonsurgical treatment may be a viable option in the absence of suprascapular nerve involvement or superior labrum anterior and posterior-related physical findings.

Postoperative assessment of the individualized humeral component retroversion in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty-a novel method applying CT scans without an elbow.

BACKGROUND: Humeral component retroversion (HcRV) can be customized to match native humeral retroversion (RV) during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). However, assessing postoperative individualized HcRV using computed tomography (CT) scans without an elbow can be challenging. Therefore, we developed a new method to obtain the HcRV and evaluated its reliability. METHODS: A total of 106 patients underwent RTSA using a single implant, in which the humeral component was implanted based on the preoperative humeral RV (Pre_HRV) using a bilateral CT scan of the elbow. Intraoperatively, a retroversion guide with version hole at 10° intervals was used; Pre_HRV was converted to 5° increments and applied for humeral component implantation. The axis of intertubercular sulcus (ITS) was defined as the line perpendicular to the intertubercular line, and the angle between the axis of ITS and the trans-epicondylar axis was defined as the bicipital groove rotation (BGR). ITS orientation was defined as the angle between the axis of ITS and the central axis of the humeral head. Since the BGR does not change, the postoperative implanted HcRV (Post_HcRV)f is calculated as the BGR minus the value of the postoperative ITS orientation. An agreement analysis was performed between Post_HcRV and both the intraoperatively applied humeral RV (I_HRV) and Pre_HRV, as well as between the pre- and postoperative ITS orientations. The humeral component's insertional errors were also evaluated. RESULTS: All radiologic measurements exhibited excellent inter- and intra-observer reliabilities. The reliabilities between Post_HcRV and both I_HRV and Pre_HRV, as well as between pre- and postoperative ITS orientations, showed excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.953, 0.952, and 0.873, respectively). The humeral component was inserted within 5° in 86.8% of the planned humeral RV cases. CONCLUSIONS: The HcRV measured using the BGR and ITS orientations achieved good accuracy for restoring the planned humeral RV using a retroversion guide with the forearm axis. Therefore, this new radiological measurement method can aid orthopedic surgeons in confirming Post_HcRV on CT scans without an elbow.

Comparison of postoperative nausea and vomiting between Remimazolam and Propofol in Patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery: a prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam is a recently approved, ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine. However, few studies have investigated remimazolam in relation to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study aimed to compare the effects of remimazolam and propofol on PONV in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. METHODS: Patients (n = 206) aged 19-65 years who were scheduled for oral and maxillofacial surgery were randomized into two groups, the remimazolam (R) and propofol group (P). In the R group (n = 94), remimazolam was used to induce anesthesia at 12 mg/kg/h and to maintain anesthesia at 1-2 mg/kg/h. In the P group (n = 95), anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol (target effect-site concentration: 3-5 µg/ml). In both groups, remifentanil was administered at a target effect-site concentration of 2.5-4 ng/ml. The primary outcome was the overall incidence of PONV during the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included the severity of nausea, use of rescue antiemetics, severity of postoperative pain, use of rescue analgesia, and quality of recovery. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV during the first 24 h after surgery was 11.7% and 10.5% in the R group and P group, respectively, and there was no significant difference in the severity of nausea (P > 0.05). Ten patients in the R group and ten patients in the P group required rescue antiemetics during the first 24 h after surgery (P = 0.98). No inter-group differences were observed in terms of postoperative pain score, use of rescue analgesia, and quality of recovery (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, remimazolam did not increase the incidence and severity of PONV compared with propofol. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0006965, Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea. Registration date: 26/01/2022.

Comparison of Posttreatment Stability Between Mandibular Setback Surgery-Early and Conventional Surgery in Class III Patients: A 4.6-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aims to compare long-term stability between the mandibular setback surgery-early (MSE) approach, involving minimal orthodontics, and the mandibular setback conventional surgery (MCS) approach, involving sufficient orthodontics, in Class III patients with mandibular prognathism. METHODS: Among 210 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery, a total of 40 subjects were enrolled based on standardized inclusion criteria: only mandibular surgery, <5 mm setback difference between right and left of the mandible, orthodontics with fixed appliances, and more than 2 years of follow-up after treatment. These patients were allocated to the MSE (n = 20) and MCS groups (n = 20) according to the duration of presurgical orthodontics. Changes in cephalometric measurements were compared between the MSE and MCS groups before surgery (T0), 1 month after surgery (T1), at the end of treatment (T2), and posttreatment retention (T3). RESULTS: The MSE and MCS groups had a mean presurgical orthodontic duration of 2 and 9.5 months, respectively. From T1 to T2, the MSE group showed a significantly larger forward movement of the mandible than the MCS group (2.1 versus 0.7 mm; P < 0.001). In addition, from T2 to T3 (average 4.6 years), the MSE group presented anterior relapse of 0.6 mm in the mandible, but there were no statistically significant intergroup differences. CONCLUSION: Although the MSE group showed greater postsurgical forward mandibular relapse than the MCS group, the two groups exhibited similar skeletal and dental stability during the posttreatment retention.

Depolymerized Chitosan-g-[Poly(MMA-co-HEMA-cl-EGDMA)] Based Nanogels for Controlled Local Release of Bupivacaine.

This study is designed to formulate and characterize chitosan-based nanogels that provide the controlled delivery of anesthetic drugs, such as bupivacaine (BPV), for effective postoperative pain management over prolonged periods of time. Drug carriers of chitosan/poly (MMA-co-HEMA-cl-EGDMA) (CsPMH) nanogels were prepared by varying the composition of comonomers such as MMA, HEMA, and redox initiator CAN. The nanogels were then characterized using FTIR, TGA, SEM, and TEM. The CsPMH nanogels showed greater encapsulation efficiencies from 43.20-91.77%. Computational studies were also conducted to evaluate the interaction between the drug and CsPMH nanoparticles. Finally, BPV-loaded nanoparticles were used to examine their in vitro release behavior. At pH 7.4, all the drug carriers displayed the "n" value around 0.7, thus the BPV release follows anomalous diffusion. Drug carrier 7 demonstrated a steady and sustained release of BPV for approximately 24 h and released about 91% of BPV, following the K-P mechanism of drug release. On the other hand, drug carrier 6 exhibited controlled release for approximately 12 h and released only 62% of BPV.

Clinical and Histological Effects of Topical Epidermal Growth Factor on Acne and Acne Scars.

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory lesions of acne leave scars which greatly affect patients' quality of life. Treatment options targeting both acne and acne scars are still lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor ointment (EGFO) on acne and acne scars. METHODS: The study design was 12-week, prospective, split-face, single-blinded. The 36 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris applied EGFO on one side of the face and the vehicle ointment on the other side twice daily. The patients were assessed every 4 weeks by acne lesion and scar counts, investigator's global assessment for acne (IGA) and scar (SGA), and the ECCA scar grading scale. Biopsies were performed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Acne and acne scars were significantly improved on EGFO-treated sides, while control sides were not. Acne lesion and scar counts were significantly reduced after 4 weeks, while IGA, SGA, and ECCA grade significantly decreased after 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of keratin 16, NF-κB p65, IL-1α, and IL-8, and increased expression of TGF-ß1, elastin, and collagen type 1, 3 after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: EGFO can be a treatment option targeting acne and acne scars.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging assessment of the infraspinatus and teres minor in massive rotator cuff tear and its significance in clinical outcome after rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Teres minor (TM) muscle hypertrophy in large to massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs) has been considered a compensatory change to atrophy of the infraspinatus (ISP). However, few reports have assessed its relation to the prognosis after rotator cuff repair. METHODS: A total of 139 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of large to massive RCTs involving the ISP between January 2013 and December 2015 were retrospectively investigated. Occupational ratios of the ISP (OR_ISP) and TM (OR_TM) were measured by sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Rotator cuff healing was evaluated by MRI 1 year postoperatively, and functional outcomes using the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and Constant score and external rotator (ER) strength by isokinetic muscle performance test (IMPT) were measured. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients completed the MRI and IMPT at 1 year postoperatively, and functional scores were measured at least 2 years postoperatively. Of these, the repaired tendon had not healed in 34 patients (29%). There was a highly negative correlation between OR_ISP and OR_TM both pre- and postoperatively (Pearson correlation = -0.52 and -0.54, respectively). Preoperative OR_ISP was significantly higher in the healed than in the healing failure group (0.47 ± 0.10 vs. 0.41 ± 0.12, P = .02); however, postoperative OR_ISP and pre- and postoperative OR_TM were not. The preoperative OR_ISP cutoff value for healing was 0.46. For functional outcomes, only postoperative OR_ISP showed a statistical correlation with SST, Constant score (P = .04 and .03, respectively), and ER strength (P = .02). CONCLUSION: TM muscle hypertrophy in large to massive RCT appears to be a compensatory change in the progression of atrophy of the ISP muscle and was not a significant indicator of either better healing of the repaired rotator cuff tendon or better function. Only preoperative OR_ISP was an independent prognostic factor affecting rotator cuff healing after repair of large to massive RCTs.

Significance of the acromiohumeral distance on stress radiography for predicting healing and function after arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: A decreased acromiohumeral distance (AHD) is commonly detected in patients with massive rotator cuff tears (mRCTs). Most studies evaluating fixed humeral elevation have used preoperative or postoperative standardized radiography and not stress radiography. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive role of the preoperative AHD measured using stress radiography (AHD_stress) in rotator cuff healing and function after arthroscopic repair of mRCTs. METHODS: The data of 113 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of mRCTs were analyzed. Postoperative cuff integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging at 1 year, and shoulder function was evaluated at a mean of 34.9 ± 17.8 months (range, 24-92 months) postoperatively. Forty-seven patients showed healing failure. Propensity score matching (1-1) was performed between the healed group and healing failure group. Thirty-eight patients in each group were matched in the final analysis. The AHD and AHD_stress were defined as the shortest distances from the inferior acromion to the superior humerus on standard anteroposterior radiography and stress radiography (5.4-kg weight applied inferiorly in a neutral position), respectively. The AHD difference (AHD_diff) was defined as the difference between the AHD and AHD_stress values. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine cutoff values for significant variables. RESULTS: No difference in the mean preoperative AHD was found between the healed group (7.5 ± 2.0 mm) and healing failure group (6.9 ± 2.2 mm, P = .234). The AHD_diff value was significantly higher in the healed group (4.4 ± 2.1 mm) than in the healing failure group (3.0 ± 2.0 mm, P = .002; cutoff, 3.2 mm). Patients with an AHD_diff value ≥ 3.2 mm showed a lower healing failure rate (28.9% vs. 71.1%, P < .001) and higher functional scores than patients with an AHD_diff value < 3.2 mm. The AHD_diff value was higher in patients with an American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score ≥ 80 (4.9 ± 1.9 mm) than in those with an ASES score < 80 (3.1 ± 2.1 mm, P = .024). Among patients with healing failure, only the postoperative AHD showed a significant difference between those with an ASES score ≥ 80 (7.0 ± 2.5 mm) and those with an ASES score < 80 (4.8 ± 2.1 mm, P = .009; cutoff, 4.8 mm). CONCLUSION: A reducible AHD, which increased by ≥ 3.2 mm under stress radiography, can be a favorable predictor of rotator cuff healing and function after arthroscopic repair of mRCTs. Our findings suggest that this new and simple radiologic parameter should be considered preoperatively and would be helpful to determine appropriate treatment strategies.

Effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty according to the administration method: a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The ideal method of administering tranexamic acid (TXA) for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate TXA efficacy according to 3 administration methods after RTSA. METHODS: Overall, 102 patients who underwent RTSA using a single implant between September 2016 and November 2018 were randomized to the following groups according to the TXA administration method: intravenous (n = 34; 1 g + 0.9% normal saline 100 mL), topical (n = 33; 2 g + 0.9% normal saline 50 mL), and combined groups (n = 34). Patients were enrolled in 4 tertial referral hospitals for prospective multicenter studies. The primary outcome was a hemoglobin decrease in 24 hours postoperatively; secondary outcomes were total drain volume, transfusion rate, and calculated total blood loss. RESULTS: Demographic data, including preoperative hemoglobin levels, were not different among the 3 groups, but the average age was higher in the combined group (P = .038). Hemoglobin decrease (1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 2.0 ± 1.1 g/dL, P = .769), total drain volume (209.2 ± 147.6 vs. 167.2 ± 102.0 vs. 166.0 ± 118.7, P = .270), and total blood loss (701.1 ± 352.3 vs. 656.5 ± 285.6 vs. 699.0 ± 248.7 mL, P = .810) were not significantly different among the 3 groups (all P > .05). The transfusion rate was higher in the intravenous group (n = 4), whereas only 1 patient had transfusion in the topical group and none in the combined group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = .084). CONCLUSION: Blood loss did not differ among TXA administration methods after RTSA. However, considering the risk of complication in intravenous TXA, topical TXA after RTSA may be safer, even for patients with normal risk for venous thromboembolic complication.

Effects of Initiation Time of Glycemic Control on Skin Collagen Recovery in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes damages the collagen in the skin. No study has investigated the relationship between the treatment initiation time and the degree of collagen recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the initiation time of glycemic control on collagen recovery and to determine the basic molecules mediating the process. METHODS: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were divided into five groups: normal controls (C), those with untreated diabetes (DM), and those with diabetes treated with daily insulin injections from 7 weeks (7W), 10 weeks (10W), and 13 weeks (13W) after diabetes induction. The levels of collagen and several molecules were compared among skin tissues collected at 14 weeks. RESULTS: The amounts of total collagen, collagen 1, and collagen 3 were significantly lower in DM than in C. Among the treated groups, recovery reaching normal levels was only observed in 7W and 10W. The earlier the treatment began, the greater was the collagen recovery. Similar to that of collagen, the expression of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) significantly decreased in DM compared with that in C. Higher recovery of TGF-ß1 and VEGF was detected in groups with earlier treatment, whereas the IGF-1R level was identically elevated in all treated groups. The results suggest that these molecules affect collagen recovery at different time points during glycemic control. CONCLUSION: The initiation time of glycemic control is expected to have a considerable effect on collagen recovery in the diabetic skin through modulation of TGF-ß1, VEGF, and IGF-1R.

Combination of platelet rich plasma in fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment increased clinical efficacy of for acne scar by enhancement of collagen production and modulation of laser-induced inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) which contains large amounts of growth factors has been tried to enhance therapeutic efficacy of laser treatment for acne scar with unknown underlying mechanism. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism of increased clinical efficacy of PRP when combined with fractional laser treatment for treating acne scars. METHODS: Subjects with mild to moderate acne scars were treated with two sessions of fractional CO2 laser therapy given with and without co-administration of PRP. Skin biopsy specimens were obtained at baseline, 1, 3, 7, and 28 days for investigation of molecular profiles associated with skin changes produced by laser plus PRP treatment. RESULTS: The PRP treatment increased clinical efficacy with decreased severity of adverse effects such as erythema, swelling and oozing. Productions of TGFß1 and TGFß3 proteins were more highly elevated on the PRP-treated side of the face compared to the control side at day 28. Furthermore, PRP-treated side showed significant increase of c-myc, TIMP, and HGF expression. Experimental fibroblast culture model was also used. PRP administration after laser irradiation increased expressions of p-Akt, TGFß1, TGFß3, ß-catenin, collagen 1, and collagen 3 in both dose-dependent and time dependent manners in fibroblast. Moreover, we acquired clinical and histological data through randomized control clinical trial. CONCLUSION: Taken together with human study results combined with the data from cell experiments we suggest that PRP treatment increased fibrogenetic molecules induced by fractional CO2 laser, which have association with clinical effect. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:302-310, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Structural basis for differential activities of enantiomeric PPARγ agonists: Binding of S35 to the alternate site.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor and plays important roles in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and inflammation. Many PPARγ agonists bind to the canonical ligand-binding pocket near the activation function-2 (AF-2) helix (i.e., helix H12) of the ligand-binding domain (LBD). More recently, an alternate ligand-binding site was identified in PPARγ LBD; it is located beside the Ω loop between the helices H2' and H3. We reported previously that the chirality of two optimized enantiomeric PPARγ ligands (S35 and R35) differentiates their PPARγ transcriptional activity, binding affinity, and inhibitory activity toward Cdk5 (cyclin-dependent kinase 5)-mediated phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser245 (in PPARγ1 numbering; Ser273 in PPARγ2 numbering). S35 is a PPARγ phosphorylation inhibitor with promising glucose uptake potential, whereas R35 behaves as a potent conventional PPARγ agonist. To provide a structural basis for understanding the differential activities of these enantiomeric ligands, we have determined crystal structures of the PPARγ LBD in complex with either S35 or R35. S35 and R35 bind to the PPARγ LBD in significantly different manners. The partial agonist S35 occupies the alternate site near the Ω loop, whereas the full agonist R35 binds entirely to the canonical LBP. Alternate site binding of S35 affects the PPARγ transactivation and the inhibitory effect on PPARγ Ser245 phosphorylation. This study provides a useful platform for the development of a new generation of PPARγ ligands as anti-diabetic drug candidates.

Remifentanil reduced the effects of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes via autophagy.

PURPOSE: Excess reactive oxygen species are detrimental to wound repair. Remifentanil decreases reactive oxygen species generation and inflammatory response; however, its effects on oxidative cell injury are not completely understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of remifentanil on human keratinocytes under hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and the correlation of these effects with autophagy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) were randomly assigned to four groups: control, hydrogen peroxide, remifentanil pretreatment + hydrogen peroxide, and 3-methyladenine + remifentanil pretreatment + hydrogen peroxide. The MTT assay was performed to analyze cell viability. Apoptotic cell death was measured by Hoechst staining. A scratch assay was used to measure cell migration. The role of autophagy was ascertained by autophagosome staining and western blot analysis of autophagy-related proteins. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the hydrogen peroxide group showed decreased cell viability, which was improved by remifentanil pretreatment. Hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptotic cell death and delayed cell migration were also improved by remifentanil pretreatment. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of autophagy-related proteins significantly increased in the remifentanil pretreatment + hydrogen peroxide group compared with that in the hydrogen peroxide group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that remifentanil pretreatment ameliorates hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury in human keratinocytes. In addition, our results show that the antioxidative effect of remifentanil against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury was mediated by autophagy.

Comparison between Er:YAG laser and bipolar radiofrequency combined with infrared diode laser for the treatment of acne scars: Differential expression of fibrogenetic biomolecules may be associated with differences in efficacy between ablative and non-ablative laser treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fractional Er:YAG minimizes the risk associated with skin ablation. Infrared diode laser and radiofrequency have suggested comparable improvements in acne scar. We compared the clinical efficacy of Er:YAG laser and bipolar radiofrequency combined with diode laser (BRDL) for the treatment of acne scars. Moreover, acute molecular changes of cytokine profile associated with wound healing have been evaluated to suggest mechanisms of improvement of acne scar. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-four subjects with mild-to-moderate acne scars were treated in a split-face manner with Er:YAG and BRDL, with two treatment sessions, 4 weeks apart. Objective and subjective assessments were done at baseline, 1, 3, 7 days after each treatment and 4 weeks after last treatment. Skin biopsy specimens were obtained at baseline, 1, 3, 7, 28 days after one session of treatment for investigation of molecular profile of acute skin changes by laser treatment. RESULTS: Investigator's Global Assessment representing the improvement degree shows 2.1 (50%) in fractional Er:YAG and 1.2 (25%) in BRDL. Er:YAG induced the later and higher peak expression of TGFßs and collagenases, whereas BRDL induced earlier and lower expression of TGFß and collagenases, relatively. PPARγ dropped rapidly after a peak in Er:YAG-treated side, which is associated with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) expression. We observed higher expression of TIMP after Er:YAG treatment compared with BRDL by immunohistochemistry, which may be associated with the expression of upregulation of collagen fibers. CONCLUSION: The superior efficacy of Er:YAG to BRDL in the treatment of acne scars may be associated with higher expression of collagen which is associated with differential expression of TGFßs, collagenases, PPARγ, and TIMP. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:341-347, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Effect of Phloroglucinol, A Component of Ecklonia cava Extract, on Hepatic Glucose Production.

Phloroglucinol is a phenolic compound that is one of the major compounds in Ecklonia cava (brown alga). It has many pharmacological activities, but its anti-diabetic effect is not yet fully explored. In this study, we investigated the effect of phloroglucinol on the control of blood glucose levels and the regulation of hepatic glucose production. Phloroglucinol significantly improved glucose tolerance in male C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) and inhibited glucose production in mouse primary hepatocytes. The expression of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase mRNA and protein (G6Pase), enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, were inhibited in liver tissue from phloroglucinol-treated mice and in phloroglucinol-treated HepG2 cells. In addition, phloroglucinol treatment increased phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α in HepG2 cells. Treatment with compound C, an AMPKα inhibitor, inhibited the increase of phosphorylated AMPKα and the decrease of PEPCK and G6Pase expression caused by phloroglucinol treatment. We conclude that phloroglucinol may inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis via modulating the AMPKα signaling pathway, and thus lower blood glucose levels.

The Cell Shape-determining Csd6 Protein from Helicobacter pylori Constitutes a New Family of L,D-Carboxypeptidase.

Helicobacter pylori causes gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric cancer. Its high motility in the viscous gastric mucosa facilitates colonization of the human stomach and depends on the helical cell shape and the flagella. In H. pylori, Csd6 is one of the cell shape-determining proteins that play key roles in alteration of cross-linking or by trimming of peptidoglycan muropeptides. Csd6 is also involved in deglycosylation of the flagellar protein FlaA. To better understand its function, biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterizations were carried out. We show that Csd6 has a three-domain architecture and exists as a dimer in solution. The N-terminal domain plays a key role in dimerization. The middle catalytic domain resembles those of l,d-transpeptidases, but its pocket-shaped active site is uniquely defined by the four loops I to IV, among which loops I and III show the most distinct variations from the known l,d-transpeptidases. Mass analyses confirm that Csd6 functions only as an l,d-carboxypeptidase and not as an l,d-transpeptidase. The d-Ala-complexed structure suggests possible binding modes of both the substrate and product to the catalytic domain. The C-terminal nuclear transport factor 2-like domain possesses a deep pocket for possible binding of pseudaminic acid, and in silico docking supports its role in deglycosylation of flagellin. On the basis of these findings, it is proposed that H. pylori Csd6 and its homologs constitute a new family of l,d-carboxypeptidase. This work provides insights into the function of Csd6 in regulating the helical cell shape and motility of H. pylori.

Noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 impairs virus control in a mouse model.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an economically important pathogen that causes development of mild to severe clinical signs in wild and domesticated ruminants. We previously showed that mice could be infected by BVDV. In the present study, we infected mice intraperitoneally with non-cytopathic (ncp) BVDV1 or ncp BVDV2, harvested the blood and organs of the infected mice at days 4, 7, 10 and 14 postinfection (pi), and performed immunohistochemical analyses to confirm BVDV infection. Viral antigens were detected in the spleens of all infected mice from days 4 through 14 and were also found in the mesenteric lymph nodes, gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), heart, kidney, intestine, and bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) of some infected mice. In ncp BVDV2-infected mice, flow cytometric analysis revealed markedly fewer CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes and lower expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (I-A/I-E) than those in ncp BVDV1-infected mice. Production of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 was higher in the plasma of ncp BVDV2-infected mice than that in that of ncp BVDV1-infected mice. Our results demonstrate that ncp BVDV1 and ncp BVDV2 interact differently with the host innate immune response in vivo. These findings highlight an important distinction between ncp BVDV1 and ncp BVDV2 and suggest that ncp BVDV2 impairs the host's ability to control the infection and enhances virus dissemination.

Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment for Acne-related Post-inflammatory Erythema.

Post-inflammatory erythema is a common result of acne inflammation and is cosmetically unacceptable without effective treatment. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) has potential for treatment of post-inflammatory erythema. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment. A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 25 patients treated with 2 sessions of radiofrequency at 4-week intervals and 27 patients treated with oral antibiotics and/or topical agents. Efficacy was assessed through an investigator's global assessment of photographs, and the analysis of erythema with image analysis software and photometric devices. Histological changes resulting from the treatment were evaluated by skin biopsy. FMR treatment resulted in significant improvements in erythema with no severe adverse effects. Histological study revealed a reduction in vascular markers and inflammation. FMR is a safe and effective treatment for post-inflammatory erythema, with potential anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenetic properties.