Comparative physiological, biochemical and transcriptomic analysis of hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.) roots and shoots identifies potential pathways and their molecular regulatory network during Fe and Zn starvation.

The combined effect of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) starvation on their uptake and transportation and the molecular regulatory networks is poorly understood in wheat. To fill this gap, we performed a comprehensive physiological, biochemical and transcriptome analysis in two bread wheat genotypes, i.e. Narmada 195 and PBW 502, differing in inherent Fe and Zn content. Compared to PBW 502, Narmada 195 exhibited increased tolerance to Fe and Zn withdrawal by significantly modulating the critical physiological and biochemical parameters. We identified 25 core genes associated with four key pathways, i.e. methionine cycle, phytosiderophore biosynthesis, antioxidant and transport system, that exhibited significant up-regulation in both the genotypes with a maximum in Narmada 195. We also identified 26 microRNAs targeting 14 core genes across the four pathways. Together, core genes identified can serve as valuable resources for further functional research for genetic improvement of Fe and Zn content in wheat grain.

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of phenolics isolated from fruits of Himalayan yellow raspberry (Rubus ellipticus).

Yellow Himalayan raspberry, a wild edible fruit, was analyzed for phenolic contents, and antioxidant, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Phenolics were extracted using 80 % aqueous solvents containing methanol, acidic methanol, acetone and acidic acetone. Our analysis revealed that the acidic acetone extracts recovered the highest level of total phenolics (899 mg GAE/100 g FW) and flavonoids (433.5 mg CE/100 g FW). Free radical scavenging activities (DPPH, ABTS, superoxide and linoleate hydroperoxide radicals) and ferric reducing activity were highest in the acetone and acidic acetone extracts. No metal chelating or antibacterial activity was detected in any of the extracts. Acetone and methanol extracts showed potent antiproliferative activity against human cervical cancer cells (C33A) with an EC50 of inhibition at 5.04 and 4. 9 mg/ml fruit concentration respectively, while showing no cytotoxicity to normal PBMCs cells. Therefore, the present study concluded that the yellow Himalayan raspberry is a potent source of phytochemicals having super antioxidant and potent antiproliferative activities.

Charcot-Marie-tooth disease and multiple malignant melanomas: a case report.

The incidence of malignant melanoma has reached more than 62,000 people this past year alone. Much is unknown about the genetic predisposition of this cancer. The authors present a 62-year-old woman with a history of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTD), diagnosed at age five, who has also developed multiple primary cutaneous malignant melanomas since 2003. The patient presented to the authors' clinic with a pigmented lesion on the left thigh, which was increasing in size and changing color. The patient was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in situ on biopsy. As both CMTD and malignant melanoma are neural crest derived disorders, this may suggest a shared underlying genetic defect. A gene locus of particular interest is 1p36, both previously recognized in the proposed pathogenesis of CMTD and malignant melanoma (MM).

Innovations in natural ingredients and their use in skin care.

Natural ingredients have been used traditionally for millennia and their application in topical creams, lotions and preparations within the traditional medicines and healing traditions of many cultures has been observed. Over the last 20 years, clinical and laboratory studies have identified the benefits of an array of natural ingredients for skin care. Consequently, a number of these ingredients and compounds are today being developed, used or considered not only for anti-aging effects, but also for use in dermatologic disorders. Certain ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera, have been identified as beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, respectively, due to their anti-inflammatory properties. For combating acne and rosacea, green tea, niacinamide and feverfew are considered efficacious. As to hyperpigmentation and antioxidative capabilities, licorice, green tea, arbutin, soy, acai berry, turmeric and pomegranate are among those plants and compounds found to be most beneficial. Additional research is needed to determine to confirm and elucidate the benefits of these ingredients in the prevention and management of skin disease.

Identifying transcripts associated with efficient transport and accumulation of Fe and Zn in hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.).

Wheat (T. aestivum L.) is the second most important staple food crop consumed in the form of various end-use products across the world. However, it contains lower concentrations of Fe and Zn leading to micronutrient deficiency in human beings where wheat is the sole diet. Therefore, increasing grain Fe/Zn content in wheat has become priority in wheat breeding programmes across the world. Understanding the molecular mechanism of Fe/Zn transport and accumulation in grains is required to expedite the breeding process. For this purpose, whole seedling transcriptome analysis was conducted in four wheat genotypes (CRP 1660, Sonora 64, Vinata, : high, and DBW17: low) differing in grain Fe/Zn content under controlled and Fe/Zn deficient conditions. Twenty eight key transcripts involved in phytosiderophore biosynthesis, Fe/Zn uptake and transport were identified. Expression analysis of 12 of the transcripts using qPCR was conducted in seedling stage and flag leaf which exhibited greater differential accumulation in CRP 1660 followed by Vinata, Sonora 64 and DBW 17 in both flag leaf and seedling. However, there was significantly higher differential accumulation of the transcripts in flag leaf as compared to seedling. In CRP 1660, transcripts pertaining to phytosiderophore biosynthesis like DMAS1-B, NRAMP2 and NAAT2-D showed greater accumulation. Additionally, corresponding miRNAs were also identified for these 28 transcripts. The findings will help in better understanding of molecular basis of Fe/Zn transport and accumulation in grain and subsequent utilization in breeding to improve Fe/Zn content in wheat grain.

Transcriptomic dataset reveals the molecular basis of genotypic variation in hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.) in response to Fe/Zn deficiency.

The datasets depicted in the paper are related to the original article entitled "Identifying transcripts associated with efficient transport and accumulation of Fe and Zn in hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.)" [1]. Four wheat genotypes i.e. Sonora 64, CRP 1660, Vinata, and DBW 17 were selected for RNA sequencing using Illumina HiSeq4000 platform. These genotypes were grown in Fe/Zn sufficient and deficient conditions in sand pot culture with intermittent administration of Hoagland solution. Pooled assembly was carried out for all of the four varieties subsequent to discarding low-quality reads, adaptor sequences and contamination resulting in approximately 315,904 clean transcripts of around 937 bp lengths and N50 of 1,294 bp. For the functional annotation of the identified transcripts databases like Pfam, KEGG pathway, Uniprot, PlnTFDB and wheat proteins were utilized. Differential expression calculation of transcripts was carried out by DESeq, an R package and real-time PCR study of 12 Fe/Zn metabolic pathway related transcripts was utilized for further revalidation of data. Elemental analysis of grain Fe and Zn was performed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The RNA-seq data of all the four wheat genotypes was uploaded on Sequence Read Archive (SRA: SUB6961770 and BioProject: PRJNA605909), enabling easy access to the researchers worldwide.

Basal cell carcinoma of the vulva presenting as unilateral pruritus.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignancy, which often occurs as a result of ultraviolet light on sun-exposed areas. A more rare location for the presentation of BCC is the non-sun-exposed genital area, where squamous cell cancer occurs frequently in the setting of human papilloma virus and chronic inflammatory lesions (i.e., lichen sclerosus et atrophicus). Consequently, such tumors may escape detection by the dermatologist and be mistaken by the gynecologist for an inflammatory condition. A delay in diagnosis can result in wider surgical margins and potential recurrences. We present a case of BCC of the vulva with involvement of the clitoris presenting with unilateral pruritus and treated as an allergic contact dermatitis with topical corticosteroids. The patient was treated with Mohs micrographic surgery in conjunction with topical imiquimod to spare surrounding tissue.

Multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers in a patient with epidermolytic hyperkeratosis on long-standing retinoid therapy.

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is a rare genetic disorder of keratinization. In childhood, patients are erythrodermic and have a compromised stratum corneum, replaced with generalized hyperkeratosis as the patients age. Treatment consists of topical emollients as well as, topical and oral retinoids. Ultraviolet (UV) light, often in combination with psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) is widely used as a therapeutic modality for a multitude of hyperproliferative disorders. Although not strictly indicated for epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, it has been utilized as experimental treatment, particularly in the days prior to retinoids. Psoralen ultraviolet A has also been implicated in the development of nonmelanoma skin cancers, especially, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Retinoids are well-known to protect against nonmelanoma skin. A patient with epidermolytic hyperkeratosis with multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers, previously treated with PUVA and long-standing oral retinoids is reported.

Comparison of filling agents for lip augmentation.

The authors discuss various filling agents currently available that can be used to augment the lips, correct perioral rhytides, and enhance overall lip appearance. Fillers are compared and information provided about choosing the appropriate agent based on the needs of each patient to achieve the much coveted "pouty" look while avoiding hypercorrection. The authors posit that the goal for the upper lip is to create a form that harmonizes with the patient's unique features, taking into account age and ethnicity; the goal for the lower lip is to create bulk, greater prominence, and projection of the vermillion.

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy: a case report.

A 12-month-old male presented with edematous purpuric plaques on the extremities (including the palms and soles), and violaceous targetoid macules on the hard palate and earlobes. The patient had an upper respiratory infection and conjunctivitis 10 days prior to the development of the skin lesions, and was vaccinated 3 weeks before this presentation. He was found to have increased IgA levels and increased ESR. Skin biopsies demonstrated leukocytoclastic vasculitis and IgA granular deposition on superficial dermal vessels. These findings are characteristic of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy, an entity that must be distinguished from other leukocytoclastic vasculitis, especially Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Advances in therapy for psoriasis: an overview of infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, alefacept, adalimumab, tazarotene, and pimecrolimus.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects approximately 2% of the US and European population. Over the last several years, one of the major focuses in psoriasis research has been the development of biologic therapies for this disease. The aim of these therapies is to provide selective, immunologically directed intervention with fewer side effects than traditional therapies. The goal of this article is to review the progress of the biologic agents which are available, or under investigation for clinical use: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, alefacept, and adalimumab. In addition, two other investigational therapies, oral tazarotene and oral pimecrolimus will be discussed. Clinical data for these agents, including the most recent phase II and/or III study results, will be discussed, as well as the most recent safety data.

Rickettsialpox: report of three cases and a review.

Rickettsialpox is a rare mite-borne rickettsiosis that is encountered in urban populations in the eastern United States and throughout the world. It is characterized clinically by an eschar, fever, and a papulovesicular eruption. Both of these cutaneous manifestations may be mimicked by infectious diseases that have been designated as bioterrorist agents by the United States Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention: the former by anthrax, and the latter by smallpox. It is thus important for clinicians to be familiar with rickettsialpox. We report 3 cases and review the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory findings, differential diagnosis, and management of this disease.

Biologic therapy for psoriasis--the first wave: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept.

Over the last several years, a new generation of therapies for psoriasis has been in development. These biologic therapies target the activity of T lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for the inflammatory nature of this disease. In this review, we present an update on the progress of the four biologic agents in the forefront: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept. The mechanism of each drug will be reviewed, as well as the most recent efficacy and safety data.

Biologic therapy for psoriasis: the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors infliximab and etanercept.

During the past several years, one of the major focuses in psoriasis research has been the development of novel biologic therapies for this disease. The aim of these therapies is to provide selective, immunologically directed intervention, with the hope that such specificity will result in fewer side effects than traditional therapies. In this 2-part review, we present an update on the progress of the 4 biologic agents that most likely will be the first available for clinical use: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept. The structure and mechanism of each drug will be reviewed, as well as the most recent clinical experience and safety data. The first article of this review will focus on the therapies that inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).

The Köbner phenomenon and psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects a large percentage of patients with psoriasis. Similar to the cutaneous disease of psoriasis, PsA displays an isomorphic response (ie, the propensity to develop at traumatized sites). In some patients, traumatized joints that subsequently develop PsA are the initial manifestation of psoriasis, preceding the skin disease by months to years. Dermatologists should screen patients with psoriasis for accompanying PsA and consider recently traumatized joints that remain arthritic to be a component of this disease.

Topical therapy for actinic keratoses, I: 5-Fluorouracil and imiquimod.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are evolving, malignant cutaneous neoplasms. AKs can be treated with physical or destructive methods and with topical therapies. This article is the first in a 2-part series that will review current topical therapeutic options for AKs. Several topical treatment options offer some significant benefit for the alleviation of these lesions. Therapies include 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, colchicine, and retinoids. The first part of this review will focus on topical 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod.

Topical therapy for actinic keratoses, II: Diclofenac, colchicine, and retinoids.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are evolving, malignant cutaneous neoplasms. AKs can be treated with physical or destructive methods and by topical therapies. This article is the second in a 2-part series of current topical therapeutic options for AKs and discusses topical diclofenac, colchicine, and retinoids. The first part focused on topical 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod.