Zernike Moment Based Classification of Cosmic Ray Candidate Hits from CMOS Sensors.

Reliable tools for artefact rejection and signal classification are a must for cosmic ray detection experiments based on CMOS technology. In this paper, we analyse the fitness of several feature-based statistical classifiers for the classification of particle candidate hits in four categories: spots, tracks, worms and artefacts. We use Zernike moments of the image function as feature carriers and propose a preprocessing and denoising scheme to make the feature extraction more efficient. As opposed to convolution neural network classifiers, the feature-based classifiers allow for establishing a connection between features and geometrical properties of candidate hits. Apart from basic classifiers we also consider their ensemble extensions and find these extensions generally better performing than basic versions, with an average recognition accuracy of 88%.

CNN-Based Classifier as an Offline Trigger for the CREDO Experiment.

Gamification is known to enhance users' participation in education and research projects that follow the citizen science paradigm. The Cosmic Ray Extremely Distributed Observatory (CREDO) experiment is designed for the large-scale study of various radiation forms that continuously reach the Earth from space, collectively known as cosmic rays. The CREDO Detector app relies on a network of involved users and is now working worldwide across phones and other CMOS sensor-equipped devices. To broaden the user base and activate current users, CREDO extensively uses the gamification solutions like the periodical Particle Hunters Competition. However, the adverse effect of gamification is that the number of artefacts, i.e., signals unrelated to cosmic ray detection or openly related to cheating, substantially increases. To tag the artefacts appearing in the CREDO database we propose the method based on machine learning. The approach involves training the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to recognise the morphological difference between signals and artefacts. As a result we obtain the CNN-based trigger which is able to mimic the signal vs. artefact assignments of human annotators as closely as possible. To enhance the method, the input image signal is adaptively thresholded and then transformed using Daubechies wavelets. In this exploratory study, we use wavelet transforms to amplify distinctive image features. As a result, we obtain a very good recognition ratio of almost 99% for both signal and artefacts. The proposed solution allows eliminating the manual supervision of the competition process.

Increased Association between Previous Pregnancies and Use of Chemical Relaxers in 74 Women with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a type of scarring alopecia exclusively seen in women of African descent. The etiology is unknown and epidemiologic studies including data on comorbidities in patients with CCCA are limited. Our primary objective was to identify possible etiologic and lifestyle associations in patients with CCCA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients diagnosed with CCCA between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2018, at a university dermatology outpatient clinic. Controls consisted of age-, sex-, and race-matched African-American women diagnosed with other hair loss conditions. Data from 74 cases and 96 controls were collected and analyzed via logistic regression. In addition, a phone survey was conducted in the CCCA cohort asking specific questions related to their condition and quality of life. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between CCCA and previous pregnancies as well as the use of chemical relaxers: patients with CCCA were 11.71 times more likely to have had a previous pregnancy (P < 0.001) and 12.37 times more likely to have used chemical relaxers in the past (P < 0.001). Association with uterine fibroids was found not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We identified an association between previous pregnancies and use of chemical relaxers in patients diagnosed with CCCA when compared to controls. These findings may help to plan prospective studies aiming at establishing a more concrete link between hormones and CCCA.

Increased Preauricular Wrinkles in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Compared to Age-Matched Controls: A Prospective Study of 64 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia affecting mainly postmenopausal females. Associated clinical signs include facial papules, glabellar red dots, depression of frontal veins, and lichen planus pigmentosus. Our objective was to establish the validity of increased preauricular lines as another clinical marker of FFA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two females with FFA were compared to 32 age-matched females with either androgenetic alopecia or chronic telogen effluvium. Bilateral images of the preauricular area were taken, and disease severity was calculated in all FFA patients using the FFA severity scale (FFASS). The average number of preauricular lines were determined and compared based on group, age, and severity. RESULTS: Patients with FFA had a significantly higher mean number of preauricular lines than controls (p = 0.002). Intergroup analysis among the FFA patients revealed no significant difference between FFASS and the number of wrinkles or the number of wrinkles in patients ≥60 years old. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Females with FFA have increased preauricular lines compared to age-matched controls regardless of age, and disease severity was not correlated to increased lines. Although the cause is unknown, atrophy and loss of elastic fibers in biopsies of the preauricular area in diseased patients may contribute. These findings reveal another potential clinical marker of FFA.

Skin changes in the obese patient.

Obesity is a worldwide major public health problem with an alarmingly increasing prevalence over the past 2 decades. The consequences of obesity in the skin are underestimated. In this paper, we review the effect of obesity on the skin, including how increased body mass index affects skin physiology, skin barrier, collagen structure, and wound healing. Obesity also affects sebaceous and sweat glands and causes circulatory and lymphatic changes. Common skin manifestations related to obesity include acanthosis nigricans, acrochordons, keratosis pilaris, striae distensae, cellulite, and plantar hyperkeratosis. Obesity has metabolic effects, such as causing hyperandrogenism and gout, which in turn are associated with cutaneous manifestations. Furthermore, obesity is associated with an increased incidence of bacterial and Candida skin infections, as well as onychomycosis, inflammatory skin diseases, and chronic dermatoses like hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, and rosacea. The association between atopic dermatitis and obesity and the increased risk of skin cancer among obese patients is debatable. Obesity is also related to rare skin conditions and to premature hair graying. As physicians, understanding these clinical signs and the underlying systemic disorders will facilitate earlier diagnoses for better treatment and avoidance of sequelae.

Occupational Retronychia: A Report of a Case in a UPS Employee.

Retronychia is a frequently misdiagnosed nail disorder characterized by proximal ingrowth of the nail into the proximal nail plate. Often presenting with chronic paronychia, retronychia is commonly misdiagnosed and treated ineffectively with antimicrobials. The main cause is repeated micro-trauma to the affected nail, therefore a thorough history of exposures and insults to the toenail is crucial in identifying the cause of this nail abnormality. Herein, we describe a case of a UPS employee who presented with a painful nail after dropping a package on her foot that was unresponsive to medical treatment for 2 years. This case highlights the importance of taking a thorough history and physical examination for diagnosing retronychia.

Propionibacterium (Cutibacterium) acnes Bacteriophage Therapy in Acne: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives.

Acne vulgaris is the most common dermatological disorder worldwide. It is a multifactorial disease that involves increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization of the pilosebaceous unit, Propionibacterium acnes (Cutibacterium acnes) colonization, and inflammation. The human skin microbiome hosts a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A delicate balance of these microorganisms is essential for the barrier function of the skin. Propionibacterium acnes represents nearly 90% of the human skin microbiome of healthy adults. Acne is a chronic recurrent disease that requires long-lasting treatment, which has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. New alternatives to traditional therapy are emerging, including antimicrobial peptides, natural engineered antibodies, and bacteriophages. Bacteriophages have been shown to play a role in human skin health and disease. There is evidence supporting phage therapy in many types of skin infections. P. acnes bacteriophages have been isolated and characterized. However, only a few in vitro studies have tested the ability of bacteriophages to kill P. acnes. Furthermore, there is no evidence on bacteriophage therapy in the treatment of acne in humans. In this review, we summarize the most recent evidence regarding P. acnes bacteriophages and the potential role of these bacteriophages in the treatment of acne. Further research on this field will provide the evidence to use phage therapy to decrease rates of antibiotic resistance and restore antibiotic susceptibility of P. acnes.

The Effects of Aloe vera on Wound Healing in Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Viability.

INTRODUCTION: Aloe vera is sometimes used as a folk remedy for minor wounds and burns, but its mechanisms of action in wound healing are unclear. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors evaluate the effects of A vera on wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro analyses of cell proliferation and migration were conducted on normal human primary skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes in growth media with A vera solution and preservatives at various concentrations. Growth media with preservatives but without A vera solution served as the control. RESULTS: Aloe vera had significant stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and migration of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Surprisingly, A vera also exhibited strong protective effects on preservative-induced keratinocyte death. Keratinocytes in the growth media with both the preservatives and A vera had dramatically higher viability than cells in the control media without A vera. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest A vera accelerates wound healing by promoting the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes and by protecting keratinocytes from preservative-induced death.

Chemical peels in the treatment of acne: patient selection and perspectives.

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disorder in adolescents and young adults. It carries a significant psychological and economic burden to patients and society. A wide range of therapeutic options are available, including topicals and systemic therapies. Chemical peeling is a skin resurfacing procedure intended to regenerate normal skin from the application of exfoliative agents. It has been used for the treatment of acne vulgaris and other skin disorders for decades. There are several chemical agents with variable mechanisms of action, usually classified as superficial, medium, and deep peels. When selecting the patient and the appropriate peel, the dermatologist individualizes therapy, and performs an extensive interview, including past medical history and physical exam. Several host factors can affect the outcome of this procedure, including current psychological state, medications, history of surgery, and immune system, among others. The physician must also be confident that the peel is safe and effective for the target patient. The Fitzpatrick skin type scale is a useful tool to classify patients based on skin color and ability to tan, but also can be used to evaluate preoperative risk of postpeel response and complications. Dark-skinned patients (Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI), including blacks, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino, are at higher risk of postinflammatory/postpeel hyperpigmentation. When treating these populations, deep chemical peels should be avoided, and preoperative preparation emphasized. There are many studies available in the literature supporting the use of superficial to medium depth peels as adjuvant therapy for acne vulgaris. This review article aims to present the most important factors when selecting a patient for a chemical peel, the evidence behind its safety and efficacy, and special considerations when choosing a specific agent.

Psychoneurocutaneous medicine: past, present and future.

Psychoneurocutaneous medicine is an important and rapidly growing field. It is an integrative science created to address the interaction between the mind, nervous system and skin. Four major fields are involved: psychiatry, psychology, neurology and dermatology. The history of psychoneurocutaneous medicine is old and fascinating. Even though it is a young science only established in the last century, allusions to the nervous system and diseases of the skin can be traced back thousands of years in the literature. Characteristically, the last two centuries were of special importance for the development of this field in Europe, lately in America, with great effort placed on research and publications. More recently, the creation of associations, work groups and the merging of subspecialties dedicated exclusively to study the psychological impact of skin disorders in subpopulations of patients have helped to give momentum to psychoneurocutaneous medicine. Further development of this field will shed light on the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of psychodermatologic disorders, enhancing the functionality and quality of life of patients. This paper presents a summary of the most influential facts in the history of psychoneurocutaneous medicine, its present and future perspectives.