Physical and methodological perspectives on the optical properties of biological samples: A review

The optical properties of biological systems can be measured by imaging and microscopy methodologies. The use of X-rays, γ-radiation and electron microscopy provides information about the contents and functions of the systems. The need to develop imaging methods and analyses to measure these optical properties is increasing. On the other hand, biological samples are easily penetrated by a high-energy input, which has revolutionized the field of tissue optical properties and has now reached a point where light can be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. To this end, developing methodologies would allow the in-depth study of optical properties of tissues. In the present work, we review the literature focusing on optical properties of biological systems and tissues. We have reviewed the literature for related articles on biological samples’ optical properties. We have reported on the theoretical concepts and the applications of Monte Carlo simulations in the studies of optical properties of biological samples. Optical properties of biological samples are of paramount importance for the understanding of biological samples as well as for their applications in disease diagnosis and therapy. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Patch tests in children: A review of 13 years of experience in comparison with previous data

The true prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children remains unknown. Our aim was to compare the results of patch tests in children with suspected ACD between two different periods of time and identify possible changes in emerging allergens. We compared contact allergens, gender, age distribution, and personal history of atopic dermatitis (AD), in correlation with the positivity of patch tests, between two equal periods of time (232 children tested during 1980-1993, period A, and 255 children during 1994-2007, period B) in the same region and in the same institution. Patch test positivity was 47.8% in period A, and 60% in period B (p = 0.083). The most common allergens in period A were: nickel sulfate (16.3%), cobalt chloride (8.6%), fragrance mix (7.3%), potassium dichromate (4.3%), and thimerosal only (1.7%). In period B, the allergen distribution was as follows: nickel sulfate (21.56%), thimerosal (18.03%), cobalt chloride (12.9%), potassium dichromate (9.4%), and fragrance mix (4.7%). Girls were more likely to have a positive patch test compared with boys, with reactions in 53% of girls and 39% of boys in period A (p = 0.003), and 61% of girls and 58% of boys in period B (p = 0.691). Twenty-nine per cent of patients with positive results had a personal history of AD in period A and 44% in period B (p = 0.015). Differences in the positivity of allergens between different time periods reflect changes in habits, of allergens exposure or preventive measures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Tacrolimus 0.1% vs mometasone furoate topical treatment in allergic contact hand eczema: A prospective randomized clinical study

Background: Tacrolimus is a macrolide immunosuppressant that has been demonstrated to inhibit T-lymphocyte activation without the sideeffects of corticosteroids. The safety profile of tacrolimus makes it a promising therapeutic option for dermatitis. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the therapeutic ability of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment in patients with chronic hand eczema and positive patch tests. Methods: Thirty adults with chronic hand eczema and positive patch test reaction to relevant contact allergens were treated with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment or mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment in a single-centre, randomized comparative study. Results: The scores of the evaluated clinical parameters (erythema, infiltration, vesiculation, desquamation, presence of cracks and itching) did not differ between Groups A and B at any of the four time points (p>0.05).On the other hand, in both groups, a significant difference was detected in all parameters between baseline and Day 90 recorded values. Conclusions: Tacrolimus is a promising alternative therapy for contact dermatitis patients as it is effective from the first month of treatment, well tolerated and offers similar therapeutic results to topical corticosteroid therapy

Adults’ Stress Response to Unexpected Oral and Arithmetic Tasks in Supine Position

To study the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) response before and after mental stress test in healthy adolescents and adults, is the aim of this study. Twenty healthy adults (aged 23–46 years) entered the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), after informed consent signing. The procedure was modified: (a) the participants’ position was supine as ANS system changes were to be assessed, (b) the interviewers were entering and departing from the session room. Salivary cortisol (marker of HPA axis response) samples were collected at the end of the baseline and 20 min after TSST. ANS of the heart was measured with CNS Task Force Monitor in supine position and was recorded during relaxation (15 min) and after TSST. The sympathovagal balance (LF/HF ratio) for each phase was computed. Evaluations were conducted with R. The HPA axis disturbance between baseline and 20 min after TSST was significant (g = 0.545 [0.092, 0.999]) and in adolescents (whereas, the mean intervals of the sinus rhythm RR parameter were found largely changed (g = 0.834 [0.340, 1.327]). The sympathovagal balance component of heart rate variability LF/HF ratio was founded unchanged (g = 0.215 [−0.211, 0.641]). RR changes were not correlated to salivary cortisol concentrations at any phase. Mean RRIs and salivary cortisol levels were significantly increased, although HPA axis showed medium size effect. However, the systems effectively counterbalance the perturbation, since the LF/HF ratio does not change. Our findings suggest further research in stress effect on HPA and ANS cross-talk and dynamics. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Adiponectin and Its Effects on Acute Leukemia Cells: An Experimental and Bioinformatics Approach

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy. It is known that deregulation of adipokine pathways is probably implicated in the ontogenesis of ALL. The present work aims at investigating the role of adiponectin and its effects on an ALL cell line. The CCRF-CEM cells were used as a model. Cells have been treated with adiponectin, with different concentrations up to 72 h. Cytotoxicity and cell cycle distribution were investigated for all concentrations using flow cytometry. Selected concentrations were also used for additional microarray analysis, using a small gene set of cancer-related genes. Lower and higher adiponectin concentrations did not produce an inhibition of proliferation, as well as an increase in cell death. It was found that adiponectin regulated differentially genes, such as CD22, CDH1, IFNG, LCK, MSH2, SPINT2, and others. At the same time, it appeared that adiponectin-related gene expression was more active on chromosomes 18 and 1. Machine learning classification algorithms showed that several genes were grouped together indicating common regulatory mechanisms. The present study showed that adiponectin is able to induce gene differential expression in leukemic cells in vitro, suggesting a possible role in the progression of leukemia. It is also an indication that more studies are required in order to further understand the role of adiponectin and adipokines in general in the role of human neoplasms. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Time-dependent effects in chronic urticaria: A time-series perspective of omalizumab treatment

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU, or CU) is a disease that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. It is a chronic disease and requires a specialized approach to diagnosis and treatment. In recent years, the disease has been of great interest due to the existence of new targeted therapeutic approaches. Aim: The present study aims at analyzing CU score concerning time, as a time-series. The authors have attempted to model the investigated time-series to unravel possible causative relationships. Methods: 108 patients (25Males/83Females) admitted to our department were diagnosed with CU. CU was estimated on a score basis, which was used to define disease severity. Urticaria score was assessed on the basis of Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7). The mean CU score, the mean CU score rate concerning the first month at diagnosis as well as the monthly CU score rate were calculated. Results: Gender is a factor that influences CU score with time. In addition, there was a significant find-ing that time-series differ with the administration of monotherapy or complementary therapy. Conclusion: We have found that females are more prone to CU, while omalizumab monotherapy has more beneficial results as compared to the application of concurrent and maintenance therapies. Further, patients with co-morbidities were more likely to interrupt treatment. Finally, and most significantly, it was shown that monthly CU score rate manifested an oscillatory pattern, which was modelled with the sum of sines functions, highlighting a relative immunological pattern. © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers

Omalizumab in the treatment of chronic urticaria: The effect of drug co-administration and co-morbidities

Background: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is a disease presenting typical wheals characterized by itching, angioedema or both. Although CU is, by appearance, a relatively “simple” disease, yet it has a devastating effect on those suffering due to its immense social implications. Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of omalizumab in the treatment of CSU. In particular, gender, co-administration of drugs and comorbidities were taken into account. Materials and Methods: 108 patients (25 Males/83 Females) admitted to our department were diagnosed with CSU and were treated for 30 months. CSU was estimated on a score basis, which was used in order to define disease severity. The mean total CSU score and the mean CSU score of the first trimester, as well as the first semester, were calculated. Patients were treated with omalizumab, and in several cases, with co-administration of dapsone, cyclosporine and anti-histamines. Results: Females manifested significantly higher scores as compared to males. Further on, patients who relapsed manifested significantly higher scores during the whole time course, as well as at the end of the first semester. Conclusion: Females are more prone to CSU. Although CSU scores in patients with remission, relapse and poor response manifested no significant difference at diagnosis, relapsed patients manifested higher CSU scores in the first semester. Therefore, the first semester of treatment is probably critical for the final patient outcome. Further studies are necessary in order to understand the mechanisms of CSU for better treatment and prognosis. © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers