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ABSTRACT Enzyme-mediated in situ functionalization of cotton fibers was studied using laccase. Caffeic acid and morin were used as reactive phenolic substrates for laccase and further employed to the modification of fiber surfaces. Laccase-mediated oxidation and polymerization reactions of caffeic acid were monitored by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. During the wetting process, initial cationization of fiber surfaces using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) followed by enzymatic treatment with phenolic substrates resulted ineffective polymer grafting evidenced by high color stability. Changes of fiber surface properties by polymer grafting, such as morphology and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, were tested using scanning electron microscopy and gravimetric absorption tests. An acceptable level of color resistance to washing stress was obtained on caffeic acid treated samples, and a high level of rubbing resistance was obtained on samples treated with both caffeic acid and morin. Regarding the ultraviolet protection test, the cationized and enzymatically functionalized samples showed a very good protection grade (ultraviolet protection factor = 25). Finally, the antioxidant activity test of the modified fibers presented an improvement for radical scavenging potential due to the phenolic compounds incorporated to cotton fibers by laccase-mediated catalysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45801. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Triamcinolone acetonide intralesional injection (TAIL) has been used for the treatment of keloids, but only with limited success. Interferon-α (IFN-α) is the most widely used IFN, and has mainly antiviral, antiproliferative, and antitumoral functions. A few studies have evaluated the efficacy of IFN-α2b in controlled trials for the treatment of keloids. Objective To compare the efficacy and side-effects of keloid treatment using IFN-α2b and TAIL, and TAIL only. Methods Twenty lesions (combined TAIL + IFN-α2b group) and 20 control lesions (TAIL-only group) were studied in 19 patients (14 women and five men). The age range was 7–51 years (mean age, 24.6 years). Both groups were treated with TAIL every 2 weeks. The combined TAIL + IFN-α2b group was treated with intralesional injection of IFN-α2b, twice a week. Lesion measurements were made using thread, glue, and alginate. Results Statistically significant decreases in depth (81.6%, P = 0.005) and volume (86.6%, P = 0.002) were observed in lesions of the combined TAIL + IFN-α2b group. In the TAIL-only group, the decreases in depth (66.0%, P = 0.281) and volume (73.4%, P = 0.245) were less statistically significant. The main side-effects were fever and flu-like symptoms, mild pain, and inflammation at the injection site. Conclusions Intralesional IFN-α2b is an effective and safe treatment for keloids. Although the recurrence rate is as yet unknown, more than 80% improvement was noted in the majority of cases. Hence, adjuvant intralesional IFN-α2b should be considered, particularly for patients who have a history of failed corticosteroid injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the use of simple plastic tube insertion in treating congenital ingrown toenails of a 3-month-old boy. The baby has undergone with plastic tube insertion on the lateral nail plate to avoid the permanent destruction of the nail beds. The scheme shows that infants with this kind of illness have hereditary congenital condition.