Multiplex cytokine analysis of dermal interstitial blister fluid defines local disease mechanisms in systemic sclerosis.

Clinical diversity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) reflects multifaceted pathogenesis and the effect of key growth factors or cytokines operating within a disease-specific microenvironment. Dermal interstitial fluid sampling offers the potential to examine local mechanisms and identify proteins expressed within lesional tissue. We used multiplex cytokine analysis to profile the inflammatory and immune activity in the lesions of SSc patients

Randomised single centre double-blind placebo controlled phase II trial of Tocovid SupraBio in combination with pentoxifylline in patients suffering long-term gastrointestinal adverse effects of radiotherapy for pelvic cancer: The PPALM study.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical data suggest that combined gamma-tocotrienol with pentoxifylline ameliorates radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal damage. AIM: To test whether gastrointestinal symptoms arising after radiotherapy, and persisting after maximal medical therapy, can be improved using Tocovid SupraBio 200 mg and pentoxifylline 400 mg orally twice daily for one year. Patients stratified by severity of symptoms, and randomised to active treatment or matched placebo were assessed after 12 months. The primary end point was improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms measured using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, bowel subset score. Changes in bio-markers of fibrosis were assessed. RESULTS: 62 patients, median age 66, 34(55%) treated for prostate, 21(34%) gynaecological, 6(10%) anal and one(1%) rectal cancer were recruited; 40(65%) randomised to treatment, 22(35%) to placebo, 39 months (median) after radiotherapy completion. Gamma tocotrienol was not detected in serum in 41% of treated patients, despite good compliance with study medication. Treatment was completed in 28(70%) and 17(77%) patients in the treatment and placebo groups respectively. No improvement in symptom scores nor in quality of life was identified. Thirteen serious adverse events occurred. A transient ischaemic attack, was possibly related to pentoxifylline, others were assessed as unlikely to be related to treatment. Levels of EGF, PDGF and FGF were significantly reduced and consistent trends in reduced inflammation were seen during treatment but were not sustained once treatment ended. SUMMARY: This single centre study closed prematurely and therefore data interpretation is of necessity limited. No clinical benefit was demonstrated. However, biochemical data suggest that this intervention does have anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects

Multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis reveals multiple introductions in Spain of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. Pruni, the causal agent of bacterial spot disease of stone fruits and almond

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni is the causal agent of the bacterial spot disease of stone fruits, almond and some ornamental Prunus species. In Spain it was first detected in 2002 and since then, several outbreaks have occurred in different regions affecting mainly Japanese plum, peach and almond, both in commercial orchards and nurseries. As the origin of the introduction(s) was unknown, we have assessed the genetic diversity of 239 X. arboricola pv. pruni strains collected from 11 Spanish provinces from 2002 to 2013 and 25 reference strains from international collections. We have developed an optimized multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) scheme targeting 18 microsatellites and five minisatellites. A high discriminatory power was achieved since almost 50% of the Spanish strains were distinguishable, confirming the usefulness of this genotyping technique at small spatio-temporal scales. Spanish strains grouped in 18 genetic clusters (conservatively delineated so that each cluster contained haplotype networks linked by up to quadruple-locus variations). Furthermore, pairwise comparisons among populations from different provinces showed a strong genetic differentiation. Our results suggest multiple introductions of this pathogen in Spain and redistribution through contaminated nursery propagative plant material

Honey, a Gift from Nature to Health and Beauty: A Review

Benefits of honey are contributed by the composition of its elements such as glucose, fructose, glucose oxidase, vitamins and phenolic compounds. For health, honey can be used to treat wounds due to the antibacterial activity conferred by the hydrogen peroxide produced by glucose oxidase in honey. Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, deodorizing and tissue regeneration activities in honey also help in the wound healing process. It can also be an alternative sweetener for diabetic patients to ensure compliance to a healthy diet. Moreover, honey exerts several effects such as lowering low density lipids and increasing high density lipids, thus reducing risk of atherosclerosis. In terms of beauty, honey can be used on skin and hair. It moisturizes skin through its natural humectant properties contributed by high contents of fructose and glucose. Honey treats acne on the skin due to its antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory action and tissue repair. The hair can benefit from honey in such a way that the hair has abundance, and becomes easier to comb. However, there have not been as many studies regarding the use of honey in skin in comparison to its use for health. Therefore, future studies on honey could research its use, action and benefits in both cosmetics and dermatology

Delivering in‐school interventions to improve dietary behaviours amongst 11‐ to 16‐year‐olds: A systematic review

Childhood obesity is a global health concern, which has both short‐and long‐term health consequences for the individual, and is a potential burden on health care services and the wider economy. The school environment is a setting where changes can be applied to dietary behaviours, as schools have direct and intensive contact with children. This systematic review evaluated school‐based interventions designed to improve dietary behaviours among adolescents (11‐to 16‐year‐olds). The aims were to review types of interventions delivered, dietary behaviours targeted, and interventions' effectiveness in improving dietary behaviour and associated intervention components. Twenty‐nine school‐based interventional studies with this population were identified for review. The data were synthesized by identifying and comparing individual studies' results, intervention components, and characteristics.Interventions appeared more effective when they involved peers, used educational media to deliver health messages, increased availability of healthy foods in school,and incorporated computer‐based individualized feedback with normative information on eating behaviours. A limitation of the review was the lack of description in cer-tain reviewed studies and the nonfeasibility of conducting a meta‐analysis owing to study heterogeneity. Future interventions with this population could consider including the aforementioned components, gender‐specific feedback, and both short‐and long‐term follow‐ups as change may not be apparent immediately and to determine if changes are sustained