Excavations at the Boland Site, 1984-1987: A Preliminary Report

Research Report No. 9, Research Laboratories of Archaeology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Reports in this series discuss the findings of archaeological excavations and research projects undertaken by the RLA between 1984 and present

Covering the Beatles: Tribute, Tradition, and Transformation

This thesis focuses on cover songs as they relate to the music of The Beatles. Before and after the 1969 break-up of the band, the number of Beatles songs that have been covered by artists of various genres and in different eras is immeasurable. The implications of the cover song phenomenon of the 20th century crosses musical, cultural, political, and global borders. From the view of cover songs, this thesis will analyze The Beatles\u27 continued influence on popular music, and the way their music has become a template, or pedagogical device for composers and songwriters in the postmodern era

Position statement : topical calcineurin inhibitors in atopic dermatitis

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease in both adults and children. Whilst topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream, have proven efficacy for the treatment of AD, it is important to involve experts to obtain their opinion on its optimal treatment. Objective Methods Using a modified Delphi approach, this project aimed to generate consensus amongst experts on the use of TCIs in the treatment of AD, with a focus on the differentiation between tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. Six expert dermatologists from different European countries participated in this project based on their experience with AD and its treatment, which was evaluated by literature analysis and expert opinion. Consensus amongst the experts was generated using a modified Delphi approach, consisting of three distinct phases, during which a web meeting (June 2017), two online rounds of blinded Delphi voting (July-September 2017) and a face-to-face meeting (November 2017) were conducted. The consensus statements concerned two main topics: (i) Background of AD; and (ii) TCIs in AD. Hot topics in the treatment of AD not supported by meta-analysis, clinical trials or large observational studies were also discussed based on clinical experience. Results Conclusion In total, 25 consensus statements were defined and validated: eight statements on the general background of AD and 17 statements on the use of TCIs in AD, including their mechanism of action and therapeutic indications in AD, efficacy in adult and paediatric AD patients, pharmacokinetics, incidence of adverse events and safety concerns. Hot topics on the use of TCIs for the treatment of AD included cream vs. ointment, dosages, TCIs contact allergy, burning sensation management, superinfection and vaccination concerns. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are a suitable therapy for AD, and selection of the specific TCI should be based on factors which differentiate tacrolimus from pimecrolimus.Peer reviewe

The Inclining Importance of Soil Health

This film discusses the importance of soil health, especially its value as an investment in the future of our land. We visited two farms to discuss how they care for their soil; both share the struggle of their farms being located on a hill, making soil preservation more challenging.1_102n7b0

Treatment resistant atopic dermatitis: challenges and solutions

Brian B Johnson, Abigail I Franco, Lisa A Beck, James C Prezzano Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing–remitting inflammatory disease that can be challenging to treat. Patients with mild disease are usually managed well with good skin care practices including moisturization and appropriate bathing along with intermittent use of topical therapies such as topical corticosteroids and/or topical calcineurin inhibitors during flares. Patients with frequent flares may benefit from proactive application of topical therapies twice a week to the most troublesome areas. Patients with severe disease often present significant treatment challenges. Systemic therapies are usually required for severe AD but have varying degrees of success and can be associated with side-effect profiles that require counseling and close monitoring. Phototherapy has been shown to have success in treating moderate-to-severe AD, but several factors can limit its utility and efficacy including cost and access. New therapies are in development targeting specific pathways relevant for AD. Dupilumab was the first biologic treatment approved in North America, Europe, and Japan for adults with moderate-to-severe AD. Although this treatment can lead to rapid improvement in the majority of patients, there are inadequate responders. In this review, we discuss the clinical challenges and treatment options for moderate-to-severe refractory AD. Keywords: atopic dermatitis, eczema, treatment resistance, topical therapy, systemic therapy, biologic

A Single Center, Prospective, Randomized, Blinded Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Topical Tripeptide/Hexapeptide Anhydrous Gel When Used Pre- and Post- Hybrid Fractional Laser for the Treatment of Acne Scars

BackgroundAcne scarring remains a significant problem. Laser therapy has produced varying results with deeper ablative therapies occasionally associated with side effects including delayed healing, infection, scarring, erythema, acne, milia, edema and dyspigmentation.ObjectiveCan adjuvant topical therapy impact the healing process and outcome of patients treated with fractional laser for acne scarring?Methods and materialsTen patients were randomized to receive either Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology®- RSN or a bland moisturizer. Patients underwent two laser procedures one month apart with Hybrid Fractional Laser. The topical was applied twice daily for 2 weeks prior to the first laser procedure, and through completion of the study. Seven study visits occurred over a 90-day period. Measurements were conducted in lesional and non-lesional areas - transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, photography, Goodman and Baron qualitative scale, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and patient questionnaires - to assess functional recovery and aesthetic outcomes in the scarred areas. One patient from each cohort consented to biopsy before the procedures and 90 days after the first procedure.ResultsReduced TEWL scores in the RSN group were evident at all time points with statistically significant reductions occurring 4 days after first and second procedures indicating more efficient fluid conservation at a critical point in the healing trajectory. Erythema index demonstrated a consistent decrease in the RSN cohort over the control from day 4 through day 90 on lesional and non-lesional skin. Acne scar assessment scores improved in the RSN cohort compared with the control at all time points. Biopsy results showed early elastin regeneration in the RSN biopsy with controlled non-hypertrophic collagen formation evident.ConclusionThe use of RSN pre- and post- laser resurfacing significantly decreased postprocedural TEWL and erythema, and increased aesthetic improvement in acne scars and patient satisfaction, when compared with bland moisturizer