UV Irradiation of Nevi: Impact on Performance of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy and a Convolution Neural Network.

Introduction: UV irradiation of nevi induces transient melanocytic activation with dermoscopic and histological changes. Objectives: We investigated whether UV irradiation of nevi may influence electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) or convolution neural networks (CNN). Methods: Prospective, controlled trial in 50 patients undergoing phototherapy (selective UV phototherapy (SUP), UVA1, SUP/UVA1, or PUVA). EIS (Nevisense, SciBase AB) and CNN scores (Moleanalyzer-Pro, FotoFinder Systems) of nevi were assessed before (V1) and after UV irradiation (V2). One nevus (nevusirr) was exposed to UV light, another UV-shielded (nevusnon-irr). Results: There were no significant differences in EIS scores of nevusirr before (2.99 [2.51-3.47]) and after irradiation (3.32 [2.86-3.78]; P = 0.163), which was on average 13.28 (range 4-47) days later. Similarly, UV-shielded nevusnon-irr did not show significant changes of EIS scores (V1: 2.65 [2.19-3.11]), V2: 2.92 [2.50-3.34]; P = 0.094). Subgroup analysis by irradiation revealed a significant increase of EIS scores of nevusirr (V1: 2.69 [2.21-3.16], V2: 3.23 [2.72-3.73]; P = 0.044) and nevusnon-irr (V1: 2.57 [2.07-3.07], V2: 3.03 [2.48-3.57]; P = 0.033) for patients receiving SUP. In contrast, CNN scores of nevusirr (P = 0.995) and nevusnon-irr (P = 0.352) showed no significant differences before and after phototherapy. Conclusions: For the tested EIS system increased EIS scores were found in nevi exposed to SUP. In contrast, CNN results were more robust against UV exposure.

Furbellow (Brown Algae) Extract Increases Lifespan in Drosophila by Interfering with TOR-Signaling.

Algal products are well known for their health promoting effects. Nonetheless, an in depth understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is still only fragmentary. Here, we show that aqueous furbelow extracts (brown algae, Saccorhiza polyschides) lengthen the life of both sexes of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster substantially, if used as nutritional additives to conventional food. This life prolonging effect became even more pronounced in the presence of stressors, such as high-fat dieting of living under drought conditions. Application of the extracts did not change food intake, excretion, or other major physiological parameters. Nevertheless, effects on the intestinal microbiota were observed, leading to an increased species richness, which is usually associated with healthy conditions. Lifespan extension was not observed in target of rapamycin (TOR)-deficient animals, implying that functional TOR signaling is necessary to unfold the positive effects of brown algae extract (BAE) on this important trait. The lack of life lengthening in animals with deregulated TOR signaling exclusively targeted to body fat showed that this major energy storage organ is instrumental for transmitting these effects. In addition, expression of Imaginal morphogenesis protein-Late 2 (Imp-L2), an effective inhibitor of insulin signaling implies that BAE exerts their positive effects through interaction with the tightly interwoven TOR- and insulin-signaling systems, although insulin levels were not directly affected by this intervention.

Impact of UV-irradiation on electrical impedance spectroscopy of benign nevi: study protocol for a prospective, controlled, clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical and histological changes of nevi after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation have been studied in detail. In contrast, the impact of UV irradiation on electrical impedance spectroscopy scores of nevi has not been investigated. However, for physicians, it is essential to know the extent to which changes in electrical impedance spectroscopy scores of nevi may be attributed to seasonal effects of UV irradiation. METHODS: This is a prospective, controlled, clinical study evaluating the impact of UV irradiation on the electrical impedance spectroscopy scores of benign nevi in 50 patients undergoing phototherapy. To this end, benign nevi of patients with a medical indication for phototherapy will be measured by electrical impedance spectroscopy before, during and after UV irradiation. At the same time, non-irradiated nevi of the same patient will be measured to account for changes over time that are independent of direct UV irradiation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the medical faculty of the University of Heidelberg (ethics approval number S-279/2017). The design and the final results of the study will be published and made available to the public. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00012456; Pre-results.

Photodynamic therapy--aspects of pain management.

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly effective and safe treatment method for actinic keratoses with an excellent cosmetic outcome and is commonly used for the therapy of large areas of photodamaged skin with multiple clinically manifest and subclinical lesions. However, the major drawback of photodynamic therapy is the pain experienced during the treatment that can be intense and sometimes even intolerable for patients, requiring interruption or termination of the process. Several strategies for controlling pain during photodynamic therapy have been studied but few effective methods are currently available. Therefore, this review puts the spotlight on predictors on pain intensity and aspects of pain management during photodynamic therapy.