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Hirono, T, Ikezoe, T, Taniguchi, M, Tanaka, H, Saeki, J, Yagi, M, Umehara, J, and Ichihashi, N. Relationship between muscle swelling and hypertrophy induced by resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 359–364, 2022—Muscle swelling immediately after resistance exercise may be induced by metabolic stress. The accumulation of metabolic stress is considered to promote muscle hypertrophy after several weeks of resistance training (RT). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between muscle swelling immediately after the first session of RT and muscle hypertrophy after a 6-week RT using ultrasonography. Twenty-two untrained young men performed knee extension resistance exercise consisting of 3 sets with 8 repetitions at a load of 80% of one repetition maximum for 6 weeks (3 d·wk−1). Muscle thickness of the quadriceps femoris was measured using ultrasonography device at 3 anatomical sites (proximal, medial, and distal sites) of the middle, lateral, and medial part of the anterior thigh. The sum of the muscle thickness at 9 measurement sites was used for analysis. Acute change in muscle thickness immediately after the first session of RT was used as an indicator of muscle swelling. Chronic change in muscle thickness after the 6-week RT was used as an indicator of muscle hypertrophy. A significant increase in muscle thickness was observed immediately after the first session of RT (8.3 ± 3.2%, p < 0.001). After the 6-week RT, muscle thickness increased significantly (2.9 ± 2.6%, p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between muscle swelling and muscle hypertrophy (ρ = 0.443, p = 0.039). This study suggests that the greater the muscle swelling immediately after the first session of RT, the greater the muscle hypertrophy after RT.

To compare the characteristics of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition at specific anatomical sites of the foot detected by dual-energy computed tomography in patients with different stages of gout.This study included 101 patients with gout, 64 had early gout (3 years) and 37 had late gout (3 years). We retrospectively compared the total volumes of MSU crystals, the detection rates, and the morphology of MSU crystals at specific anatomical sites in the foot of the patients with different gout durations.The total volume of MSU crystals in patients with early gout was significantly smaller than that in patients with late gout (P 0.05). The detection rates and morphology of MSU crystals in the anterior calf tendons, ankle joints, tarsometatarsal joints, and metatarsophalangeal joints differed significantly between the patients with early and late gout (P 0.05). There were no significant differences in the detection rates of submillimeter MSU crystals at the other specific anatomical sites, except for the tendons of the anterior calf, the ankle joint, and the metatarsal joint (P 0.05). The submillimeter MSU crystal deposition was most common in the tendons of the posterior calf, the proportions in patients with early gout and late gout were 85.9% and 70.3%. Only submillimeter deposition existed in 52 patients (81.3%) with early gout and 11 patients (29.7%) with late gout at all sites of the foot.Dual-energy computed tomography detection of submillimeter MSU crystal deposits in the foot is of great significance for the diagnosis of gout, especially along tendons.

To directly compare and describe the differences between juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients and pediatric controls regarding features of the synovial and tenosynovial membrane on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist. T1-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI scans of 25 JIA patients with clinically active wrist arthritis and 25 children without a history of joint complaints nor any clinical signs of joint inflammation were evaluated by two readers blinded to clinical data. The synovium was scored at five anatomical sites based on thickening of the synovium (0–3 scale) and synovial enhancement (0–2 scale). Thickening and/or enhancement of the tenosynovium was scored at four anatomical sites using a 0–3 scale. Significantly higher scores for synovial thickening (median 4 vs. 1, p p p = 0.220). This study highlights the higher synovial thickening/enhancement scores on contrast-enhanced MRI of the wrist in JIA patients compared to pediatric controls. Tenosynovial thickening and/or enhancement was rarely present in both groups. In JIA patients, synovial thickening and enhancement were particularly present at three anatomical sites. These results substantially support rheumatologists and radiologists when navigating through MRI of the wrist in search for JIA disease activity.

Background: Localization of atopic dermatitis (AD) in exposed areas such as the hands, head, and neck has been considered as a negative factor impacting on dupilumab response, although a comparison of exposed versus unexposed areas is not currently available. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical response to dupilumab depending on the presence or persistency of AD skin manifestations in specific body areas. Methods: The study retrospectively collected clinical and demographic data of adult patients affected by moderate to severe AD. Based on the anatomical sites involved, 5 subcohorts of patients were identified. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in the study. Disease amelioration was detected during the study period, although baseline head/neck and hand localization was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of achieving an Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) ≤1. In addition, patients with head/neck persistency showed a significantly lower response when compared to patients without persistency of head/neck AD in terms of both mean EASI and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) reduction. Conclusion: AD localization in exposed areas at the baseline and AD persistency at the head/neck may have a negative impact on certain treatment response parameters to dupilumab therapy.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Use Lead-DBS software to analyze stereotactical surgical outcome of an operated population and demonstrate that small target deviations do not compromise the stimulation of desired structures, even with small amperages. METHODS: Image exams of patients submitted to deep brain stimulation for movement disorders treatment were processed in Lead-DBS software. Electrode stereotactic coordinates were subtracted from the planned target and those deviations, compared among different anatomical targets and sides operated firstly and secondly. We also quantified the frequency of relation between the activated tissue volume and the planned target through computer simulations. RESULTS: None of the 16 electrodes were exactly implanted at the planned coordinates. A stimulation of 3 mA reached 62.5% of the times the planned coordinates, rising to 68.75% with a 3,5 mA. No statistical significance was demonstrated in any comparison of laterality and anatomical sites. CONCLUSIONS: The simulation of small amperage fields could reach the intended target even when electrode placement is suboptimal. Furthermore, such a goal can be achieved without overlapping the volume of activated tissue with undesired structures. Software Lead-DBS proved to be a valuable complementary asset for surgical stereotactical result assessment.

The authors have presented the review of scientific literature on producing grafts intended for surgical reconstruction of ligament ruptures. The treatment of ligament ruptures in reconstructive plastic surgery could be performed by using synthetic grafts, autologous and allogenic grafts from tissue donors. Advantages of synthetic grafts include the possibility of their regular manufacturing under sterile conditions, and providing mechanical properties, high biocompatibility. However, synthetic implants significantly increase the risk of synovitis and other complications, they can not be replaced by the native tissue, and have no ability to regeneration. Autologous grafts have ideal tissue compatibility and quick biointegration, could be harvested from different anatomical sites, but commonly the graft harvesting is followed by donor site morbidity and potential risk of injury nerves, elongates operation time, bad cosmetic results. The use of autografts may be also limited by anatomical features of the patient. Allogenic ligament biomaterial could provide wide range of grafts, but in our days there is no standardized methods for ligament graft sterilization and long storage. Wellknown sterilization methods, such as ionized radiation and chemical treatment, gave controversial results. One could conclude that estimation of ligament graft viability must include a complex study of biomechanical properties, cell and fibers integrity.

BACKGROUND Acral skin tumours are common, but information in the literature regarding their incidence is scarce. AIM To investigate the clinical characteristics and differences in incidence of benign and malignant acral tumours by anatomical site. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of 802 patients with acral skin tumours confirmed by skin biopsy between January 2010 and December 2019. Age, sex, duration, symptoms and sites were obtained from medical records and photographs. RESULTS The mean age of onset was 43.8 years, the male/female ratio was 1 : 1.41, and the mean duration was 68.8 months. Most tumours were asymptomatic (66.7%). In total, 802 acral tumours were identified: 512 (63.8%) were benign and 290 (36.2%) were malignant. The most common benign tumours were benign melanocytic lesions (n = 239), and the most common malignant tumours were melanoma (n = 234). The most common site was the sole (n = 408). Benign melanocytic lesions, melanoma and epidermal cysts were more frequent on the foot, whereas pyogenic granuloma, glomus tumours, haemangiomas and mucous cysts were more frequent on the hand. Glomus tumours, fibromas, mucous cysts and osteomas were more frequent on the nail portion, and benign melanocytic lesions and epidermal cysts were more frequent on the non-nail portion. CONCLUSION This study reports the incidence of various benign and malignant acral tumours according to site, and we believe the results will be helpful in making a clinical diagnosis.

Currently little is known about the clients and conditions final-year physiotherapy students are exposed to in private practice settings. The aim of this study is to describe the clients and conditions encountered by final-year physiotherapy students during a six-week full-time private practice clinical placement. Client data of conditions were collected over 11 years (2008-2018) from final year physiotherapy students' client reports in a university clinic, Christchurch, New Zealand. Data for anatomical site and pathology were categorized using the Orchards Sports Injury Classification System 10 and descriptive analyses completed. Students saw a mean of 22 (SD 5) unique clients. The anatomical sites most encountered were the shoulder (97.4% of students), lumbar spine (96.3%), knee (95.8%) and ankle (91.2%). The pathologies most encountered were joint sprain (100%), muscle injury (90%), and tendon injury (88.4%). While final year physiotherapy students are exposed to a substantial number of clients encompassing major regions and condition types, this exposure is limited in scope. The findings offer a basis for discussion about what clinical exposure to clients and conditions might best support the transition from physiotherapy student to new graduate in private practice settings.

Generalized verrucosis is a clinical manifestation of human papillomavirus infection. Patients with generalized verrucosis present with over 20 verrucae distributed over various anatomical sites. The disorder occurs in association with several genetic syndromes with immunodeficiency, including GATA2 deficiency. We report a 12-year-old boy with GATA2 deficiency and generalized verrucosis that worsened after cyclosporine use following bone marrow transplant. Systemic treatment with acitretin and topical application of trichloroacetic acid, likely along with immune reconstitution, led to complete remission.

SummaryObjectivesTo assess biomechanical properties of the lip muscles and to investigate their relationship with sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and cephalometric variables.Materials and methodsDemographic information and BMI were collected from 83 study participants seeking orthodontic treatment at the University of Otago. Tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the lip muscles were measured thrice at four different anatomical sites using a digital palpation device. To estimate method error, a duplicate set of measurements in a subsample of 20 participants was taken a week later. Sagittal and vertical cephalometric classifications were based on ANB and FMPA angles, respectively. Data were analysed using mixed models.ResultsBiomechanical properties of lip muscles were remarkably consistent both within and between different recording sessions. The lower lip had higher tone and stiffness than the upper lip. Both the upper and lower lip stiffness and tone were higher in females than in males, whereas upper lip elasticity was higher in males. Thinner upper lips had higher tone and were stiffer than thicker upper lips, whereas thinner lower lips were less elastic than thicker lower lips. Muscle tone and stiffness of both the upper and lower lips were lower in Class III than in Class I and Class II individuals. The upper lip of hyperdivergent individuals was less elastic than that of normodivergent and hypodivergent individuals, and stiffer than that of hypodivergent individuals.ConclusionsThe biomechanical properties of perioral soft tissues can be reliably measured and vary with anatomical site, sex, and cephalometric measurements.

Background The prevalence of Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) variants in men and the association with tumor development has not been fully investigated. We estimated the prevalence of genital, anal, and oral HPV-16 infections in men through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Seven databases were searched and included studies that identified HPV-16 positive males, HPV-16 variants (lineages/sublineages), and indicated the sample's anatomical origin. This protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020178013). Results The database searches yielded 14 studies including 445 HPV-16 positive samples classified as lineage A (n = 390), lineage D (n = 43), lineage B (n = 10), and lineage C (n = 2) variants. Lineage A variants predominated among the anatomical sites and the diverse geographical regions. Conclusions HPV-16 lineages vary according to anatomical and geographical region. According to this preliminary evaluation of the current literature, we hypothesize that, similar to women, specific HPV-16 variants may also be associated to increased cancer risk in men.

Accessory splenic tissue, or a splenunculus, can occur at multiple anatomical sites. This entity can be mistaken for a neoplasm both radiologically and histologically. Diagnosis on core biopsy to the non-lymphoreticular specialist can be particularly challenging. We report a case of a tail of pancreas splenunculus and review the histological characteristics pertinent to making this diagnosis.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Quandt, Arnold, Talton, Miles, Mora, Arcury, Daniel. Musculoskeletal injury symptoms among hired Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2021;64(7):620-628, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23255. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited. Background - Although children 10–17 years can be hired to work in agriculture, little research has addressed possible musculoskeletal injuries. Children may be at particular risk for these injuries because of the repetitive and load bearing nature of work tasks. Existing research relies on child workers to self-report musculoskeletal injuries. Methods - In 2017, 202 Latinx child farmworkers ages 10–17 employed across North Carolina completed survey interviews. In 2018, 145 of these children (94 [64.8%] current farmworkers) completed a physical examination and second interview. The examination obtained findings for upper and lower extremity as well as back injuries. Results - Positive indicators for musculoskeletal symptoms were few in either current or former child farmworkers. The knee was most common site for positive indicators with 15.4% of children having at least one. Combining all anatomical sites, 29.0% of children had at least one positive indicator, with no significant difference between current and former farmworkers. Overall, boys had significantly more indicators of knee injuries than girls (21.3% vs. 4.1%), indicators of ankle injuries were found only in the youngest workers (9.5% of children 11–13 years), and significantly fewer current farmworkers had indicators of lower back injuries than former farmworkers (6.4% vs. 17.7%). Conclusions - Expectations of injuries come from previous studies using child farmworker self-reports, adult farmworker injury rates, and sports medicine pediatric findings. Hired child farmworkers may not perform activities as repetitious and load-bearing as children in sports training or adult farmworkers. Additional research using physical examination is needed to confirm these findings.

Los pacientes con dermatomiositis presentan un mayor riesgo de asociación con patología maligna subyacente, sin conocerse una causa precisa de esta relación. Son múltiples las posibles localizaciones anatómicas, entre las que se incluyen los ovarios, mamas, zona gástrica, zona colorrectal, sangre, pulmones y próstata. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 58 años que durante el estudio de pérdida anormal de peso manifestó debilidad muscular grave y alteraciones dermatológicas asociadas con el hallazgo de adenocarcinoma del colon transverso.

Warts are common benign epithelial hyperplasia due to infection with human papilloma viruses (HPV). Papilloma viruses are double stranded DNA viruses of the PAPOVA class with host and tissue specificity. They infect squamous epithelia of skin and mucous membrane causing cell proliferation. Currently, more than 150 types of HPV have been identified. Certain HPV types tend to infect skin at particular anatomical sites; however, warts of any HPV type may occur at any site. Here we present a case of 23yearold male with complaints of multiple warts on dorsum of right foot. Afterdetailed case taking and repertorization, Medorrhinum was given as similimum. Patient reported complete disappearance of warts within a period of 3 months. The aim of article is to show the scope of homoeopathy in the management of warts.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of histology-proven Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) in an Italian area. Background: NENs are a rare and poorly known disease and the global incidence and prevalence appear to be increasing over the past decades. Objective: The objectives of this study were to estimate the incidence and trends of NENs in a 250,000-inhabitant area in the North-East of Italy in the 1998-2018 period and to compare them with international data. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was based on the analysis of anonymous health administrative databases, linked with each other at individual patient level through an anonymous stochastic key. NENs were identified from the anatomical pathology database. : The standardized incidence rate (2010ESP and US2000) ± 95% CI per 100,000 were calculated, both annually and globally, for the whole period. Incidence was also calculated for specific anatomical sites and by gender. : Trends for the considered periods and sites were summarized through the annual percent change (APC) and average increase (cases per 100,000 per year). Results: In the 1998-2018 period, the standardized incidence rate of NENs in the area of Udine was 2.49 (APC 3.33). A total of 162 cases were observed (51.2% males). Differences in incidence and trend were observed between sexes. The obtained results were consistent with those reported in other countries, confirming a significant and steady increase in NENs incidence in the last twenty years. Conclusions: This study provides new epidemiological data on NENs in Italy. The observed sex differences deserve further investigations.

Background Laser hair reduction is one of the most common laser procedures in dermatology. Laser systems available are Ruby at 694 nm, Alexandrite (755 nm), Diode (810nm), and Nd:YAG (1064 nm). Recently, devices presenting a combination of wavelengths have shown to produce high effective hair reduction with no related risks. This study was conducted with the Soprano Ice Platinum (Alma Lasers, GMBH, Germany) that emits a combination of three wavelengths at 755, 810, and 1064 nm in a single pulse. Aims To establish the efficacy and safety of novel triple wavelength laser hair reduction technology in skin types IV to V. Patients and methods This was an investigator initiated, single-center, prospective clinical study conducted between December 2017 and June 2019 with a total of 25 patients (23 female and two male) above 18 years with skin types IV and V, areas included are face, beard, neck, chest, and others. Results Hair reduction was assessed using the physician GAIS (global esthetic improvement scale) score: no results 0% reduction, poor 0%-25% reduction, average 25%-50%, good 50%-75%, and excellent 75%-100%. All 25 patients (mean age 28 years, range 18-52 y/o) completed all six sessions of the study. Conclusion Objective clinical assessment of hair reduction using the physician GAIS score in 90 anatomical sites scores an excellent reduction in 95.5% areas and good reduction in 80% areas. This current study shows that a synergistic combination of three diode laser wavelengths used for hair removal (755, 810, 1064 nm) is effective and safe to use in subjects skin types IV and V for facial and body hair.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly morbid cancer with rising incidence and few approved standard therapies. The main anatomical sites of cholangiocarcinoma are intra-hepatic (iCCA), perihilar, an...

OBJECTIVES To evaluate bone height and thickness in the mandibular buccal shelf region and to compare differences between anatomical sites according to gender, side and vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) images of 94 subjects (51 females and 43 males) were previously obtained as part of preoperative planning for orthognathic surgery. METHODS Measurements were performed in three different regions of the mandibular buccal shelf: mesially, towards the central groove and distally to the second molars. Bone thickness measurements were obtained perpendicularly 3, 5 and 7 mm below the bone crest towards the mandible outer cortex. Bone height was measured 3 mm away from the bone crest perpendicularly to the outer cortex of the base of mandible. RESULTS There was an increase in bone thickness in the posterior and basal directions. The increase in bone thickness ranged from 1.8 to 7.1 mm. Greater bone height was found in the anterior direction. The increase in bone height ranged from 17.5 to 22.5 mm. Hypodivergent and Class III subjects showed significantly greater bone thickness (P

ObjectiveChlamydia and gonorrhoea are common sexually transmitted infections that infect the oropharynx, anorectum and urethra in men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to examine the pattern of infection at more than one site (multisite) for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among MSM.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for the first time between 2018 and 2019. We included MSM aged ≥16 years who had tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis at all three sites (oropharynx, anorectum and urethra). We compared infections that occurred at a single site (termed single-site infection) and those that occurred at more than one site (termed multisite infections).ResultsOf the 3938 men who were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, 498/3938 men (12.6%, 95% CI 11.5% to 13.6%) had chlamydia at any site, of whom 400/498 (80.3%, 95% CI 78.9% to 81.2%) had single-site chlamydia infection, and 98/498 (19.7%, 95% CI 16.2% to 23.1%) had multisite infections. A similar proportion of men had gonorrhoea at any site (447/3938, 11.4%, 95% CI 10.3% to 12.2%), but among these 447 men, single-site infection was less common (256/447, 57.3%, 95% CI 52.6% to 61.7%, pConclusionsThe markedly different pattern of site-specific infection for chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections among the same MSM suggests significant differences in the transmissibility between anatomical sites and the duration of each infection at each site.

Purpose To document time analysis of detailed workflow steps for the online adaptive magnetic resonance–guided radiation therapy treatments (MRgRT) with the ViewRay MRIdian system and to identify the barriers to and solutions for shorter treatment times. Methods and Materials A total of 154 patients were treated with the ViewRay MRIdian system between September 2018 and October 2019. The time process of MRgRT workflow steps of 962 fractions for 166 treatment sites was analyzed in terms of patient and online adaptive treatment (ART) characteristics. Results Overall, 774 of 962 fractions were treated with online ART, and 83.2% of adaptive fractions were completed in less than 60 minutes. Sixty-three percent, 50.3%, and 4.2% of fractions were completed in less than 50 minutes, 45 minutes, and 30 minutes, respectively. Eight-point-three percent and 3% of fractions were completed in more than 70 minutes and 80 minutes, respectively. The median time (tmed) for ART workflow steps were as follows: (1) setup tmed: 5.0 minutes, (2) low-resolution scanning tmed: 1 minute, (3) high-resolution scanning tmed: 3 minutes, (4) online contouring tmed: 9 minutes, (5) reoptimization with online quality assurance tmed: 5 minutes, (6) real targeting tmed: 3 minutes, (7) beam delivery with gating tmed: 17 minutes, and (8) net total treatment time tmed: 45 minutes. The shortest and longest tmean rates of net total treatment time were 41.59 minutes and 64.43 minutes for upper-lung-lobe-located thoracic tumors and ultracentrally located thoracic tumors, respectively. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first broad treatment-time analysis for online ART in the literature. Although treatment times are long due to human- and technology-related limitations, benefits offered by MRgRT might be clinically important. In the future, implementation of artificial intelligence segmentation, an increase in dose rate, and faster multileaf collimator and gantry speeds may lead to achieving shorter MRgRT treatments.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease is a medical condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract due to inappropriate immune response. This study aimed to assess the public awareness toward inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Saudi Arabia and to explore the relationship between level of awareness and different socio-demographic factors. Methodology: This was community based descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out in different regions of Saudi Arabia from November 2020 to January 2021. A total of 450 participants were involved. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire via Google Form. Results: Most of the participants (60.7%) were males. The mean knowledge score was found to be 26 ± 12.97. More than half of the participants (58%) had good awareness about IBD. Healthcare professionals were the main source of knowledge (49.6%). Level of awareness was significantly associated with age (p-value=0.000), marital status (p-value = 0.000), educational level (p-value = 0.000), occupation (p-value = 0.000), and monthly income (p-value = 0.000). Conclusion: More than half of the participants had good awareness about IBD. But still there were knowledge gaps regarding awareness about IBD types, the exact anatomical sites affected and certain complications such as liver disease. These gaps could be addressed in the form of community interventions such as campaigns and educational sessions, educational TV programs and social media pages or events in order to upgrade public awareness about IBD.

Objective: To investigate the number of performed computed tomography (CT) scans in emergency department at our institution during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in comparison to the same period of the previous year. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated CT imaging data in the emergency department in April to June timespan in the years of 2019 and 2020. Monthly admitted patient numbers, CT imaging case volumes, age and gender of the patients underwent CT scans at emergency department were noted and compared for each year. For the year 2020, among the CT performed patients who had suspicious and nonsuspicious symptoms for COVID-19 and who had positive reverse transcryptase polymerase chain reaction test were noted for each month. The Student t-test was used for comparison of variables in two groups. Results: In 2020, despite the decrease in total number of patients admitted to emergency department, CT utilization was increased more than 12 times compared to 2019. In comparison to 2019, the mean age of CT performed patients was significantly younger in 2020 (p

Summary Background To characterize the HPV diversity in the anal mucosa of men with different sexual behavior and HIV status by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methods Anal swabs from HIV-positive (n = 94; mean age, 38 years) and HIV-negative (n = 100; mean age, 37.5 years) men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV-negative men (predominantly men who have sex with women, MSW) (n = 99; mean age, 38.2 years) were analyzed by broad-spectrum PCR protocols combined with NGS. Findings Alpha HPV types (n = 74) were detected mainly in the MSM groups (HPV6, 11, and 43 were the most abundant types) compared with MSW (n = 16) (HPV11, 32, and 87 were among the most abundant). In contrast, beta HPVs were more abundantly detected among MSW (n = 45) than in the HIV-positive (n = 16) and HIV-negative (n = 26) MSM groups. Gamma HPVs were detected almost equally in HIV-positive MSM (n = 62), HIV-negative MSM (n = 58), and MSW (n = 57). In addition, 31 putative novel PV types were identified. Conclusions Our data show that beta and gamma HPV types are present in the anal mucosa, thus reinforcing the existing evidence that they can be detected at anatomical sites other than skin. Alpha and beta HPV distribution among these three groups appears to vary according to sexual behavior.

Introduction: The continuous availability of open micropores is crucial for a successful microneedle (MN) drug delivery strategy. However, micropore lifetime depends on intrinsic skin functional and anatomical characteristics, which vary significantly at different anatomical sites. Objective: This pilot study explored if differences exist in micropore closure timeframes at 3 anatomical sites – upper arm, volar forearm, and abdomen. Methods: Healthy subjects (n = 35) self-identifying as Asian (n = 9), Bi-/multiracial (n = 2), Black (n = 9), Latino (n = 6), and White (n = 9) completed the study. The upper arm, volar forearm, and abdomen were treated with MNs; skin impedance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at baseline and post-MN to confirm micropore formation. Impedance was measured for 3 days to evaluate micropore lifetime. Measurements of L*, which quantifies the skin lightness/darkness, were made using a tristimulus colorimeter. Micropore lifetime was determined by comparing baseline and post-MN impedance measurements, and micropore closure half-life was predicted using mathematical modeling. Results: Post-MN increase in TEWL and decrease in impedance were significant (p < 0.05), confirming successful micropore formation at all anatomical sites. When data were analyzed according to subject self-identified racial/ethnic groups, the mean micropore closure time at the abdomen (63.09 ± 13.13 h) was longer than the upper arm (60.34 ± 14.69 h) and volar forearm (58.29 ± 16.76 h). The predicted micropore closure half-life at anatomical sites was the abdomen (25.86 ± 14.96 h) ≈ upper arm (23.69 ± 13.67 h) > volar forearm (20.2 ± 11.99 h). Differences were not statistically significant between groups. Objective categorization by L* showed that the darker skin may be associated with longer micropore closure time at the abdomen site. Conclusions: Our results suggest that anatomical site of application may not be a source of significant variability in micropore closure time. These findings may help reduce the number of physiological parameters that need to be explicitly considered when developing drug products to support MN-assisted drug delivery strategies.

Background Strengthening weakened ligament tissues with injectable fillers to improve their supportive effect may achieve the aesthetic goal of face lifting. Objectives The aim of the study was to design an injectable technique for enhancing the true facial ligaments and dissect the ligaments to provide anatomical guidance for effective injection. Methods Six true facial ligaments were chosen as target anatomical sites for injection. Specimens were dissected, and 3-dimensional (3D) images were reconstructed to confirm the exact location of each injection site and to confirm that the proposed injection routes will not cause dangerous vascular damage. A total of 5 patients received the injections; 3D images were taken before and after the injections for comparison and clinical outcome assessments. Results The injection technique was designed to target 6 true facial ligaments, as follows. Site 1 targeted the temporal ligamentous adhesion region to lift the lateral ends of the eyebrows. Site 2 targeted the region of the lateral orbital thickening to lift the lateral canthus. Site 3 and site 4 targeted the zygomatic retaining ligaments and zygomatic cutaneous ligaments, respectively, to augment the soft tissues of the midface. Site 5 targeted the region of the maxillary ligament to lessen the nasolabial folds, and site 6 targeted the mandibular ligament to reduce the marionette line. Conclusions This site-specific injection technique targeting the true ligaments may lead to increased efficiency and accuracy of face rejuvenation and exert a lifting effect. Level of Evidence: 4

This research presents a novel methodology for deriving the total daily broadband solar UVA (320-400 nm) received by school teachers during their working day from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite solar noon UVA irradiance measurements for a Queensland sub-tropical site (27.5 oS, 152 oE). Daily UVA exposures are weighted to the anatomical human cheek (anterior infra-orbital region) for teachers wearing, and not wearing broad-brimmed hats. The method utilizes the OMI UVA irradiance data collected daily at high temporal resolution over 2005 to 2016 to derive the total daily UVA exposure to a horizontal plane. These horizontal plane exposures are scaled by factors to take into account the timing of outdoor activity. The relationship between exposures to a horizontal plane and those to a vertical plane and the protection provided by a broad-brimmed hat were assessed to evaluate the total daily UVA exposures to the cheek for classroom and physical education teaching staff expected to be outside at different periods of the day. The developed method enables the total daily UVA exposure to specific anatomical sites to be evaluated from the satellite solar noon irradiance at locations that do not have access to surface-based instrumentation capable of recording in the solar UVA waveband.

The objective of this article is to explain the biophysical principles underlying the design of the subepidermal moisture (SEM) scanner, commercially known as the ‘SEM scanner’. We also describe the mode of operation of the SEM scanner in monitoring tissue health and detecting subtle abnormal changes in tissue physiology in patients and anatomical sites at a risk of a pressure ulcer (PU: also known as a pressure injury). The technology of the SEM scanner was approved last year for sales in the US by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The SEM scanner detects changes in fluid contents of human skin and subdermal tissues, to a tissue depth of several millimetres, by measuring ‘capacitance’, an electrical property of the locally examined tissue site to store electric charge. The capacitance of tissues, called ‘biocapacitance’, is strongly affected by the amount of fluid (water) in the tissue. When the first cells die in a forming PU, inflammatory signalling causes the permeability of blood vessel walls to increase and oedema to develop. Simply, the scanner detects the early appearance of oedema, which is called ‘micro-oedema.’ Calculation of a ‘SEM-delta’ value, which compares biocapacitance measurements, acquired across several tissue sites, some of which are healthy and others where the PU may evolve, eliminates potential effects of systemic changes in tissue fluid contents and provides a consistent quantitative measure of the tissue health conditions at the monitored anatomical site. Here, we describe SEM scanner technology, how it operates and has been laboratory tested (in computer simulations, in silico) before commercial launch. We explain why targeting the physical biomarker of oedema leads to the documented success of the SEM scanner in the multiple published clinical trials, proving its ability to early detect PUs that form under intact skin.

Supplementary nucleic acid amplification tests for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are widely used to circumvent specificity problems often associated with extragenital sites. This study was prompted by our observations and concerns from local sexual health physicians over increased discrepancies between Roche cobas 4800 CT/NG (c4800) and our in-house supplementary NG-PCR (NG-duplex) for oropharyngeal samples, when compared with Abbott RealTime CT/NG (m2000) performed prior. Here, we investigated these differences. Three banks of NG-positive samples were used. Bank 1 (n = 344) were screened using m2000. Banks 2 (n = 344) and 3 (n = 400) were screened using c4800. Remnant nucleic acids from all banks were tested using NG-duplex as part of routine testing. Bank 2 samples were further tested using m2000, some selectively tested using Cepheid Xpert CT/NG. Bank 3 samples were further tested using cobas CT/NG (cobas 6800 system). Confirmatory rates were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher for m2000 compared with c4800, with oropharyngeal samples the key difference. However, we also showed that our NG-duplex failed to confirm some true-positive NG samples. Using an expanded gold standard, confirmatory rates for m2000 and c4800 exceeded 90% for all anatomical sites with the exception of c4800 for oropharyngeal specimens at 78%. The observed discrepancies were due to a combination of c4800 producing false-positive results for oropharyngeal samples as well as sensitivity issues related to the NG-duplex assay. The data highlight the ongoing need for NG supplemental nucleic acid testing for oropharyngeal samples but also emphasise the need for careful selection of supplementary methods.

Background Disuse is a cardinal sign of various neurological diseases like stroke, cerebral palsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Disuse leads to reduced mechanical loading of the skeleton, and a substantial and significant loss of bone mass quickly materializes. Several animal models have been proposed to investigate the pathogenesis of disuse-induced bone loss and to test new pharmaceutical targets to counteract it. As animal models may overcome several of the limitations in observational studies conducted in patients and allow for measurements not possible in humans, the primary objective of the present study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the available animal models of disuse-induced bone loss. Methods/design This is a protocol for a systematic review of animal models of disuse-induced bone loss. An exhaustive search will be performed on PubMed and Embase in order to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome will be the method of disuse induction. The secondary outcomes will be related to bone samples and anatomical sites investigated, methods used to analyze and quantify bone loss, and bibliographic information. The protocol adheres to the current guiding principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Extracted data will be analyzed with descriptive statistics, and all the methods used to induce disuse will be described in detail with a narrative synthesis. Discussion This systematic review will provide an overview of available animal models of disuse-induced bone loss and discuss the different methods used to quantify and analyze the bone loss. Since bone loss caused by disuse is a hallmark of various diseases from different medical specialties, this overview will be of great benefit for all researchers planning to conduct disuse animal studies in the future. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020157452.

Background Testicular ectopia is defined as a testis which is located away from the normal pathway of testicular descent and outside its ipsilateral hemiscrotum. Controversies have been raised about considering the abdominal and inguinal ectopic testes as undescended ones. Our purpose was to review our center’s experience with the diagnosis and management of testicular ectopia focusing on the inguinal ectopic testis. Retrospectively, we studied the clinical and surgical characteristics of a case series of testicular ectopia which was managed in our center during July 2001–June 2016. Results Out of 1132 patients with undescended testes, 44 cases (3.9%) had testicular ectopia. Twenty-three cases (mean age = 5.15 ± 5.79 years) fulfilled the criteria of inguinal ectopic testis. Clinically, testes were relatively mobile and superficial. Surgically, they were located in the superficial inguinal pouch, had relatively long spermatic cords, and commonly had average rather than small sizes. The other ectopic 21 cases (mean age = 10.56 ± 6.92 years) were perineal, anterior abdominal wall, femoral, prepubic, and transverse testes in 7 (33.3%), 4 (19%), 4 (19%), 3 (14.3%), and 3 (14.3%) cases, respectively. Congenital inguinal hernia was the commonest associated anomaly (22.7%). All cases were treated surgically with only 1 case of testicular atrophy (2.3%). Conclusions Testicular ectopia is rare with relatively delayed presentations. Different anatomical sites have been reported including the superficial inguinal pouch and anterior abdominal wall with variable complexities and controversies. The inguinal ectopic testis is the most controversial, but it might be characterized from other entities based on certain clinical and surgical criteria.

Differentiation of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT-VAs) which originate from the posterior right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), right coronary cusp (RCC) or near the His-bundle are still a challenge until now. This study was aimed to develop a stepwise electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithm to distinguish their locations. Seventy-five consecutive patients with VAs successfully ablated from the posterior RVOT (n = 57), near the His-bundle (n = 5) or RCC (n = 13) were enrolled in our study. Measurements with highest diagnostic performance were chosen to develop a diagnostic algorithm. Of all these ECG measurements, the R-wave amplitude in lead I and V2S/V3R index showed the best diagnostic performance to discriminate these anatomical sites. The optimal ECG discriminators were different combination of lead I and V2S/V3R index as follows: the posterior RVOT, Lead I R-wave amplitude0.65 mV and V2S/V3R index1.5 (96.2% sensitivity, 69.6% specificity); the near the His-bundle, lead I R-wave amplitude ≥0.65 mV and V2S/V3R index1.5 (100% sensitivity, 70% specificity); RCC, lead I R-wave amplitude0.65 mV and V2S/V3R index ≤1.5 (52.9% sensitivity, 93.1% specificity). Sequential algorithmic application of these criteria resulted in an overall accuracy of 83% in predicting site of OT-VA origin. A predominantly positive R-wave in lead I is seen in OT-VAs originated near the His-bundle. A stepwise ECG algorithm of combination with R-wave amplitude in lead I and V2S/V3R index could localize the origins of OT-VAs from the posterior RVOT, near the His-bundle and the RCC with a high accuracy.

Background Knowledge regarding the inpatient burden of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is limited. Objective To provide nationally representative estimates for hospitalization characteristics due to cSCC and determine predictors for increased length of stay (LOS) and cost of care. Methods/materials A retrospective cohort study of the 2009 to 2015 National Inpatient Sample. Weighted multivariate logistic/linear regression models were created to evaluate sociodemographic factors associated with cSCC hospitalization and to assess characteristics associated with cost of care and LOS. Results This study included 15,784 cSCC and 255,244,626 non-SCC inpatients (prevalence = 6.2/100,000 inpatients). On average, cSCC hospitalizations lasted 5.8 days and cost $66,841.00. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma most often occurred on the scalp (30.57%), face (21.08%), and lower limb (11.93%). Controlling for all other factors, cSCC inpatients presented to larger/urban/teaching hospitals and were most often older non-Hispanic white women. More chronic conditions/diagnoses/procedures and nonwhite race were associated with greater cost of care and LOS. Cost of care and LOS significantly differed between cSCCs of different anatomical sites. The most common procedures performed were skin grafts (27.96%), excisions (25.83%), and lymph node biopsies (11.39%). Conclusion This study highlights the substantial burden of inpatient cSCC in the United States. Further research is necessary to prevent cSCC hospitalizations and improve inpatient dermatologic care for cSCC.

Lymphomas are the tumors most frequently associated with the death or euthanasia of dogs in most parts of the world. In dogs, they almost always occur as disseminated (multicentric lymphoma), gastrointestinal (alimentary lymphoma), or nodal mediastinal (mediastinal lymphoma) diseases. However, other uncommon presentations can occasionally occur. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of these unusual types of lymphoma and demonstrate to veterinary pathologists how they present pathologically. From a total of 100 cases of lymphoma in dogs diagnosed between 1965 and 2017, 16 cases (16/100) were considered by us as non-traditional presentations of the disease: follicular lymphoma, (5/100), peripheral T-cell lymphoma, NOS (2/100), angiocentric lymphoma (2/100), intravascular large T-cell lymphoma (2/100), lymphomatoid granulomatosis (1/100), anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (1/100), hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (1/100), and chronic small B-cell lymphocytic lymphoma, intermediate type (1/100). We hope that the results presented here can help veterinary pathologists to recognize such cases of “atypical lymphoma” in their diagnostic routines. RESUMO: Linfomas são os tumores mais associados a morte ou eutanásia de cães na maior parte do mundo. Nessa espécie animal ocorrem quase sempre como uma doença disseminada (linfoma multicêntrico), gastrintestinal (linfoma alimentar) ou nodal mediastinal (linfoma mediastínico), entretanto, ocasionalmente, outras apresentações bem menos comuns podem ser encontradas. O objetivo deste artigo é estabelecer a prevalência desses pouco usuais tipos de linfoma e demonstrar aos patologistas veterinários como eles se apresentam anatomopatologicamente. De um total de 100 casos de linfoma em cães diagnosticados entre os anos de 1965 e 2017, 16 casos (16/100) foram considerados como apresentações não tradicionais da doença: linfoma folicular (5/100), linfoma de células T periférico inespecífico (2/100), linfoma angiocêntrico (2/100), linfoma intravascular de grandes células T (2/100), granulomatose linfomatoide (2/100), linfoma de grandes células anaplásicas (1/100), linfoma hepatoesplênico de células T (1/100) e linfoma linfocítico crônico de pequenas células B - tipo intermediário (1/100). Esperamos que os resultados aqui demonstrados auxiliem patologistas veterinários a reconhecerem tais casos de “linfomas atípicos” em suas rotinas diagnósticas.

Annotation. The aim of the study was to identify the predominant microorganisms that caused health care associated infections in the intensive care unit (for surgical patients) National Military Medical Center “Main Military Clinical Hospital” in 2018. Identification of microorganisms was carried out in the laboratory department (microbiological), clinic of laboratory diagnostics the same hospital, which has national accreditation for work with microorganisms of the III – IV class of pathogenicity. The results of 631 bacteriological examinations were analyzed, namely 240 samples of blood from 88 patients, 269 urine samples from 77 patients, 97 samples of endotracheal content/sputum, obtained from 16 patients and another 25 samples from other anatomical sites (the bile ductus drains, pleural fluids) from 8 patients. Statistical processing was performed using Microsoft Excel 2016. The significance of the difference was checked by the method of χ2. The number of samples without growth was 206 (33 %). There were founded that the leading microorganism was K. pneumoniae 105 (25 %) isolates, followed by P. aeruginosa with 80 isolates (19 %), P. mirabilis 19 (4 %), E. coli 18 (4 %). The fraction of gram-positive bacteria was 31 % (118 isolates). There is a prominent difference among predominant microorganisms that caused health care associated infections corresponding to the anatomic site infection (p˂0.05). In blood cultures the K. pneumoniae (26 %) were leading microorganism, while P. aeruginosa (24 %) was found predominant in the respiratory tract, and Enterococcus spp (23 %) were the main isolates from the urine. Any isolates of A. baumannii were cultured. Formalizing the process of bacteriological observation, careful selection of patients for research and collection of epidemiological information featuring health care associated infections in the intensive care unit will systematize the process of infection control and allow to apply a quality control system.

ObjectivesAs Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are the most commonly reported STIs in Belgium and the majority of women infected are asymptomatic, targeted screening of patients in specified risk groups is indicated. To prevent long-term complications and interrupt transmission, extragenital samples should be included. As this comes with a substantial extra cost, analysis of a pooled sample from vaginal and extragenital sites could be a solution. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of molecular testing for CT and NG in pooled versus single-site samples in a large cohort of female sex workers.MethodsWomen were sampled from three anatomical sites: a pharyngeal, a vaginal and a rectal swab. Each sample was vortexed, and 400 µL of transport medium from each sample site was pooled into an empty tube. NAAT was performed using the Abbott RealTime CT/NG assay on the m2000sp/rt system.ResultsWe included 489 patients: 5.1% were positive for CT; 2.0% were positive for NG and 1.4% were coinfected, resulting in an overall prevalence of 6.5% (95% CI 4.5% to 9.1%) for CT and 3.5% (95% CI 2.0% to 5.5%) for NG. From the 42 patients positive on at least one non-pooled sample, only 5 gave a negative result on the pooled sample, resulting in a sensitivity of 94% (95% CI 79% to 99%) for CT and 82% (95% CI 57% to 96%) for NG. The missed pooled samples were all derived from single-site infections with low bacterial loads. The possibility of inadequate self-sampling as a cause of false negativity was excluded, as 4/5 were collected by the physician. Testing only vaginal samples would have led to missing 40% of CT infections and 60% of NG infections.ConclusionsPooling of samples is a cost-saving strategy for the detection of CT and NG in women, with minimal decrease in sensitivity. By reducing costs, more patients and more extragenital samples can be tested, resulting in higher detection rates.

Hasta el momento, no se conoce con certeza si el virus SARS-CoV-2 se encuentra en la mucosa que recubre la trompa de Eustaquio, el oído medio o la mastoides; pero es bastante probable que si lo esté dada la relación de vecindad anatómica y fisiológica que existe con la mucosa de la naso y oro faringe, ubicaciones en las que claramente se ha documentado alta carga viral. Actualmente se encuentra en construcción científica la definición de los aspectos relacionados con la seguridad en la práctica integral otológica en el contexto de la pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Este documento pretende recopilar el conocimiento y las experiencias nacionales e internacionales relacionados con la pandemia para ser aplicados en el día a día en la práctica médica como especialistas. Es pertinente aclarar que el contenido de estos lineamientos deberá ser actualizado a medida que se conozca nueva información o evidencia puesto que ésta se encuentra en constante y rápida evolución.

Objective Our study aimed to assess the set-up errors for image-guided radiotherapy at a newly established tertiary radiation center in India and to establish the departmental protocol of clinical target volume–planning target volume (CTV–PTV) margins for different anatomical sites. Materials and Methods This study enrolled the first 200 patients who were treated with curative intent at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, from February 2019 to September 2019. Number of patients were 53, 26, 53, 11, 6, 47, and 4 for head and neck, brain, breast, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and craniospinal irradiation (CSI), respectively. The translational vectors for total 1,463 kV cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were collected from the treatment record. Results For the systematic error, the largest value is found for the thoracic subset on the X and Y directions, and for breast patients on Z axis, whereas the smallest values were found for CSI. For random error, the largest value was found for pelvic in the X, Y direction, and for breast subset on Z axis, whereas the smallest values on X and Z axes were found in the brain and for head and neck on the Y axis. Largest value for systemic error is smaller than 5 mm in all directions and for all anatomical subsets. The highest random error value is 5.07 mm in Y axis for pelvic subset. The largest values for CTV–PTV margin are found for thoracic subset and the smallest for CSI followed by the brain. Significant reduction of set-up error observed for the last hundred patients as compared to the first half of the patient population. Conclusion Use of thermoplastic cast along with breast board and respiratory motion management should be recommended to reduce set-up error for breast and thoracic subset. Six degrees of freedom robotic couch system can also further rectify the set-up error in image-guided radiotherapy.

Objectives To evaluate long term effectiveness and safety with the use of a combined radiofrequency and optical home hair removal device in all skin types and over both facial and body areas. Methods A combined intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) home device was used for hair removal. Two separate study designs were evaluated. In the first design, bilateral body areas were treated with 7 weekly procedures and then unilateral areas received up to 12 monthly maintenance treatments while the corresponding other side received no further therapy. For the second design, facial areas received 4 procedures in 2 to 5 days visits, followed by 2 weekly, and then 6 biweekly procedures. All patients in both study designs had hair count evaluations up to 12 months post their last procedure. The highest energy used was 4 J/cms. Results In the first design, 58 subjects participated of which 15% were skin types V-VI. A total of 188 anatomical sites were treated. Hair reduction at 6 and 12 months post the last procedure was 56% and 52% respectively for the maintenance side and 47% and 37% for the non-maintenance side. For the second design, 19 subjects had 59 facial sites treated. Fifteen percent were skin types V nVI. The overall hair reduction at the end of receiving their procedures was 45%. At 12 months post the last procedure, the hair reduction was 42%. Aside for transient mild erythema, there were no adverse effects noted. Conclusions Long term persistent hair reduction was achieved using an RF/IPL home-use hair reduction device. The combination of RF and optical energies allowed for the effective application of low energy usage. All skin types and both facial and body anatomical regions tolerated the procedures very well. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(5):498-503. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4741.

An effective medical response to a large-scale radiation event requires prompt and effective initial triage so that appropriate care can be provided to individuals with significant risk for severe acute radiation injury. Arguably, it would be advantageous to use injury rather than radiation dose for the initial assessment, i.e., use bioassays of biological damage. Such assays would be based on changes in intrinsic biological response elements, e.g., up- or down-regulation of genes, proteins, metabolites, blood cell counts, chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei, micro-RNA, cytokines, or transcriptomes. Using a framework to evaluate the feasibility of biodosimetry for triaging up to a million people in less than a week following a major radiation event, Part 1 analyzes the logistical feasibility and clinical needs for ensuring that biomarkers of organ-specific injury could be effectively utilized in this context. We conclude that the decision to use biomarkers of organ-specific injury would greatly benefit by first having independent knowledge of whether the person’s exposure was heterogeneous and, if so, what was the dose distribution (to determine which organs were exposed to high doses). In Part 2 we describe how these two essential needs for prior information (heterogeneity and dose distribution) could be obtained by using in vivo nail dosimetry. This novel physical biodosimetry method can also meet the needs for initial triage, providing non-invasive, point-of-care measurements made by non-experts with immediate dose estimates for 4 separate anatomical sites. Additionally, it uniquely provides immediate information as to whether the exposure was homogeneous and, if not, can estimate the dose distribution. We conclude that combining the capability of methods such as in vivo EPR nail dosimetry with bioassays to predict organ-specific damage would together allow effective use of medical resources to save lives.

Background Vitiligo is an acquired disease that involves low pigment variation in the skin. The use of cultured melanocytes for treatment of recalcitrant vitiligo has become a well-established treatment modality. In vitro cultured melanocytes present an effective autologous transplantation treatment modality for vitiligo. The present study investigated the in vitro culture of epidermal melanocytes sampled from multiple body parts, as well as the differences in total propagation time. Methods Skin specimens were collected from 30 participants (14 males and 16 females) who supplied normal colored skin sections from various regions of their body, including the face, chest, abdomen, buttock, and extremities. Subsequently, all of these specimens were treated with an identical melanocyte purification and culturing process. Results Melanocytes from the face demonstrated the most rapid growth and longest total propagation time. Melanocytes from the buttock, abdomen, and extremities displayed similar results to one another, and melanocytes from the chest and back had the slowest growth and shortest total propagation time. Conclusion Selecting the most favorable site to obtain epidermal melanocytes will reduce the required quantity of skin and culturing time, and maximize the growth and total propagation time of melanocytes. Therefore, care should be exercised when selecting the region of skin when culturing epidermal melanocytes.

OBJECTIVE Equations for predicting body surface area (BSA) produce flawed estimates, especially for individuals with obesity. This study aimed to compare BSA measured by a three-dimensional photonic scanner (3DPS) with BSA predicted by six commonly cited prediction equations and to develop new prediction equations if warranted. METHODS The 3DPS was validated against manual measurements by breadth caliper for body thicknesses measured at three anatomical sites on a mannequin. BSA was derived from 3DPS whole-body scans of 67 males and 201 females, aged 18 to 83 years, with BMI between 17.8 and 77.8 kg/m2 and varied races/ethnicities. RESULTS Width and depth measurements by 3DPS and caliper were within 1%, except for hip, with an error of 1.8%. BSA3DPS differed from BSA predicted by each equation (P

Background: The emergence of antibiotic resistance in Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) in both humans and companion livestock has been recognized to be an issue of public health concern. There are limited studies reported to evaluate the risk of transmission of antibiotic resistant CoNS from companion livestock to their human owners. Material & Methods: A random of 200 households, 100 each with or without companion livestock were included in the study (sub-grouped as Sgr Ia and Sgr Ib resp.). All the selected subjects were sampled from different anatomical sites, CoNS were identified by standard procedures and subjected to AST. Results: Out of a total 400 and 440 samples from Sgr Ia and Sgr Ib, 232 (58%) and 162 (37%) resp. showed positive isolation for CoNS with S.epidermidis as the most common isolated species. Two species of CoNS viz. S.scuiri and S.warneri were also isolated from Sgr Ia subjects alone. Methicillin resistance was found to be high among all the CoNS isolates. Resistance rates towards non -β lactam antibiotics were found to be significantly higher among Sgr Ia compared to Sgr Ib. Conclusion: The present study suggests that transmission of various species as well as resistance genes can be possible from companion livestock to their owners. Hence human population in rural community with companion livestock should be routinely monitored for acquisition of antimicrobial resistance so as to prevent the further spread to human community. How to cite this article: Jangra S, Sharma M, Chakravarti A, Chattopadhya D. Carriage Rate of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci in a Rural Human Population with or without Companion Livestock. J Commun Dis 2019; 51(4): 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.201930