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The common blue nevus is a benign, localized collection of dermal melanocytes. To date, removal required excisional surgery to eliminate pigment that usually extends into the reticular dermis. We report the successful long-term elimination of common blue nevi on the nasal skin of two patients whose lesions were treated with the laser emission of 694 nm energy from the Q-switched ruby laser.
Fluoro-Ruby (FR) was injected into the substantia nigra (SNc) to label dopaminergic axons and terminals in the caudate putamen (CPu) of rats 7 days prior to a neurotoxic d-amphetamine (AMPH) exposure. Three days after AMPH exposure, a massive loss in the TH immunoreactive (TH(+)) axons and terminals was seen in the CPu. The FR-labeled (FR(+)) axons and terminals in the CPu were greatly diminished with those remaining being enlarged or swollen after AMPH. Fluoro-Jade C (FJ-C) labeling was used to verify AMPH-induced axonal and terminal degeneration. This study demonstrates that fluorescent anterograde tract tracers can be used to show the subsequent axonal and terminal degeneration after systemic exposures to toxins and provides direct evidence that CPu axons and terminals from SNc dopaminergic neurons can be destroyed after neurotoxic exposure to AMPH.
Many fluorescent retrograde tracers are commercially available for neuroanatomical studies. They have been used with varying success in different models and can be very effective in the study of the facial nerve and nucleus. We compare the tracers Fast Blue (FB), Fluoro-ruby, Fluoro-emerald, Fluoro-Gold (FG), and DiI in the rat facial nucleus after application to the buccal division of the nerve. There were no significant differences between counts of cells on the left and right sides of the brain stem with any of the tracers. FB produced a lower sample variation than the other tracers, and together with DiI, demonstrated greater axonal labelling when applied to the surface of the epineurium. FB and FG resulted in strong retrograde labelling of the facial nucleus after only 2 days from injection. All the tracers produced adequate cell labelling after 1 week from nerve application. This labelling persisted for up to 8 weeks for most tracers except FG, which did not produce satisfactory labelling at 8 weeks.
Zinc is found in synaptic vesicles in a large number of glutamatergic systems. Its involvement in neurotransmission and neurological disorders has been suggested. There are methods for tracing these circuits, but they do not fill the dendritic tree. In this study, extracellular selenite injections in vivo were combined with intracellular injection of fluorochromes in fixed tissue to reveal the morphology of these zinc-rich neurones. Intraperitoneal and intracerebral injections of sodium selenite alone or intracerebral injections of selenite combined with bisbenzimide were made in the visual cortex of the rat in order to locate the somata of zinc-rich neurones. After 24 h of retrograde transport, animals were killed and fluorescent markers were injected intracellularly into fixed slices to show neuronal morphology: (a) Lucifer Yellow (LY) followed by biocytin, (b) LY coupled to biocytin or (c) micro-ruby (MR) (dextranamines bound to rhodamine and biotin). Double-labelled somata (selenite+fluorochrome) were plotted. Details of the dendritic morphology were then revealed by incubation in avidin-biotin complex and development in 3,3'-diaminobenzidine and H(2)O(2). Camera lucida drawings showed that zinc-rich neurones in layers II-III involved in cortico-cortical visual projections were typical pyramidal neurones. This technique is noteworthy for its analysis of the morphology (and connections) of zinc-rich neurones.
The long-pulsed ruby laser is a faster, more effective method for the removal of unwanted hair compared to older, temporary techniques like shaving, waxing, and chemical depilation. It is the only laser approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. Patients experience minimal pain and side effects, observe immediate hair growth delay, an increase in vellus hairs, and have the potential for permanent hair removal. Although treatment sessions can be lengthy, the laser is easy to operate and the cooled handpiece allows patients to easily tolerate long sessions.
Star Ruby grapefruit [Citrus paradisi (Macf.)] were harvested in November, February, and May, treated with ultraviolet C (UV-C) light at 0.5, 1.5, or 3.0 kJ.m(-)(2), and then stored at 7 degrees C and 90-95% relative humidity (RH) for 4 weeks with 1 additional week at 20 degrees C and approximately 80% RH. Untreated fruits were used as control. UV-C irradiation at 0.5 kJ.m(-)(2) effectively reduced decay development as compared to nontreated fruit without causing damage. Irradiation at dosages >0.5 kJ.m(-)(2) did not further improve decay control and caused rind browning and necrotic peel, the extent of damage depending on treatment dosage and harvest date. The percentage of damaged fruit after irradiation at the higher UV-C dosages was significantly higher in fruit harvested in November; differences between fruits harvested in February and May were negligible. After UV-C irradiation, the phytoalexins scoparone and scopoletin accumulated in flavedo tissue, their amounts depending on harvest date and UV-C dosage. Both phytoalexins showed similar accumulation patterns, although the concentrations of scoparone were much lower than those of scopoletin. Phytoalexin levels increased in most samples as the treatment dosage increased. No detectable levels of scoparone and scopoletin could be found in nonirradiated fruit. The influence of UV-C treatments on soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of juice was negligible.
Cv. Star Ruby grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) were subjected to a 3-min dip in water at room temperature (20 degrees C) or at 50 degrees C with or without 25, 50, or 100 mg/L azoxystrobin (AZX). Then, the fruits were subjected to cold quarantine at 2 degrees C and 90-95% relative humidity (RH) for 3 weeks and then stored for 5 weeks at 8 degrees C and approximately 85% RH and for another 2 weeks at 20 degrees C and 80% RH to simulate a 2-week marketing period (SMP). No AZX residues were detected in the albedo and pulp following treatments at 20 or 50 degrees C, the total amount of residues being recovered from the flavedo tissue. There was a relationship between the AZX uptake in fruit and the amount of fungicide employed at 20 or 50 degrees C. When AZX was applied to the fruit at 25 mg/L at 20 degrees C, the residue level averaged 0.11 mg/kg (active ingredient, whole fruit basis). This residue concentration increased by 50 and 75% when the application rate increased from 25 to 50 or 100 mg/L, respectively. A similar pattern of accumulation was detected in fruit subjected to treatments at 50 degrees C. However, treatments at 50 degrees C produced residue levels higher than the treatments at 20 degrees C, with increases ranging from 63 to 84%, for the same concentration. Storage conditions did not affect the amount of AZX residues in the fruit. Treatment at 50 or 100 mg/L at 20 degrees C reduced the incidence of moderate to severe chilling injury (CI). Water dips at 50 degrees C reduced the incidence and severity of CI to a very low extent, with no additional advantages when hot water was used in combination with AZX. Treatments with 50 or 100 mg/L of AZX at 20 degrees C produced beneficial effects in decay control similar to those of 25 mg/L AZX at 50 degrees C or hot water alone. Better results were achieved with 50 or 100 AZX at 50 degrees C, providing complete control of decay during cold storage and with negligible decay after SMP. It was concluded that when AZX was applied at 50 degrees C, low doses of fungicide and minimal residue levels in fruit were required to control the postharvest decay of grapefruit. This treatment does not impair fruit quality and offers very interesting prospects for large scale application, due to the reduced potential toxicity of AZX to nontarget organisms and to the environment.
The bioactivity of Israeli Jaffa blond (Shamouti) fresh orange and Israeli Jaffa red Star Ruby (Sunrise) grapefruit juices was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The contents of bioactive compounds of these juices were determined. The influence of bioactive compounds on plasma lipids and plasma antioxidant activity in rats fed cholesterol-containing and cholesterol-free diets was assessed. Significant differences in the contents of dietary fibers were not found. The contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in fresh orange and grapefruit juices were 962.1 +/- 27.2 and 906.9 +/- 27.1; 50.1 +/- 3.3 and 44.8 +/- 3.2; and 69.9 +/- 5.6 and 68.7 +/- 5.5 microg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant potential measured by the scavenging activity against nitric oxide, the beta-carotene-linoleate model system (beta-carotene), and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diamonium salt assays was higher in orange juice but not significantly. A high level of correlation between contents of total polyphenols and flavonoids and antioxidant potential values of both juices was found. Diets supplemented with orange and to a lesser degree with grapefruit juices improved plasma lipid metabolism only in rats fed added cholesterol. However, an increase in the plasma antioxidant activity was observed in both groups. In conclusion, fresh orange and grapefruit juices contain high quantities of bioactive compounds, which guarantee their high antioxidant potential, and the positive influence on plasma lipid metabolism and plasma antioxidant activity could make fresh orange and grapefruit juices a valuable supplement for disease-preventing diets.
When separating protein mixtures on 2-D gels for proteomics purposes, fluorescent staining is superior in sensitivity and linear response as compared to Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) and silver staining, respectively. We have compared the quality of mass spectra for proteins obtained from gels stained with CBB and SYPRO Ruby (SR) and found significant differences. These differences can be seen both in inferior signal/noise ratios and number of peptides detected with the fluorescent stain.
The strawberry blossom weevil, Anthonomus rubi, is a major pest of strawberries in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. As part of a project to develop noninsecticidal control methods, the pheromone system of this species was investigated. Comparison of volatiles produced by field-collected, overwintering individuals of each sex led to identification of three male-specific compounds--(Z)-2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)ethanol, (cis)-1-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)cyclobutaneethanol, and 2-(1-methylethenyl)-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-ol (lavandulol)--in amounts of 6.1, 1.2, and 0.82 microg/day/ male. The first two compounds are components of the aggregation pheromone of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, grandlure II and grandlure I, respectively. Grandlure I was the (1R,2S)-(+) enantiomer and lavandulol was a single enantiomer, although the absolute configuration was not determined. Trace amounts of the other two grandlure components (Z)-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)acetaldehyde (grandlure III) and (E)-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)acetaldehyde (grandlure IV) were also detected. (E,E)-1-(1-Methylethyl)-4-methylene-8-methyl-2,7-cyclo-decadiene (germacrene-D), a known volatile from strawberry plants, Fragaria ananassa, was collected in increased amounts in the presence of pheromone-producing weevils. Male weevils only produced pheromone on F. ananassa and not on scented mayweed, Matracaria recutita, or cow parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris, although these are known food sources. In field trials using various combinations of synthetic grandlures I, II, III, and IV and lavandulol, significantly more weevils were caught in traps baited with blends containing grandlure I and II and lavandulol than in those baited with blends without lavandulol or unbaited controls. Addition of grandlure III and IV had no significant effect on attractiveness. Horizontal sticky traps were found to be more effective than vertical sticky traps or standard boll weevil traps. In mid-season females predominated in the catches, but later more males than females were trapped.
BACKGROUND: The treatment of medium-sized (1.5-20 cm diameter) congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) has been the concern of dermatologists for decades. Although many techniques have been described and utilized, no single treatment has emerged as applicable under all circumstances. METHODS: The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) at 694 nm, a wavelength well absorbed by melanin relative to other optically absorbing structures in skin, causes highly selective destruction of pigment-laden cells. In addition, the 20-nanosecond pulse duration produced by this laser approximates the thermal relaxation time for melanosomes, thereby confining the energy to the targeted cells. RESULTS: In the present report, treatment using the QSRL resulted in complete clinical removal of a biopsy-documented medium-sized compound CMN with no recurrence after 5 years. In contrast to other therapeutic modalities, complications such has hypertrophic scarring, dyspigmentation, or atrophy were not observed.
BACKGROUND: Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation (MIH) is a benign condition that may persist for years despite abrogation of therapy. The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) has been successful in removing such lesions from the skin. To date there is no documentation of QSRL or any laser being used to treat lingual hyperpigmentation associated with minocycline therapy. OBJECTIVE: Long-term follow-up results are reported for the use of QSRL to treat lingual hyperpigmentation. The literature is reviewed comparing the use of different laser systems on MIH. METHODS: A 26-year-old woman with pigment changes of the tongue and buccal mucosa due to long-term minocycline therapy was treated with four consecutive sessions with QSRL (694 nm, 20-nsec pulse duration, and 6.5 mm spot size) at 3.6-4.0 J/cm2. RESULTS: A 90% resolution was achieved after three treatments. After the final treatment the lesions were completely gone. There were no side effects reported. No new pigment was detected at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Treatment with the QSRL is a safe and effective strategy for treating hyperpigmentation of the tongue associated with minocycline therapy.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acquired dermal melanocytosis (ADM; acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules) is known for its recalcitrance compared with Nevus of Ota, and we assume that one of the reasons is a higher rate and degree of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) seen after laser treatments. METHODS: Topical bleaching treatment with 0.1% tretinoin aqueous gel and 5% hydroquinone ointment containing 7% lactic acid was initially performed (4 to 6 weeks) to discharge epidermal melanin. Subsequently, Q-switched ruby (QSR) laser was irradiated to eliminate dermal pigmentation. Both steps were repeated two to three times until patient satisfaction was obtained (usually at a 2-month interval for laser sessions). This treatment was performed in 19 patients with ADM. Skin biopsy was performed in six cases at baseline, after the bleaching pretreatment, and at the end of treatment. RESULTS: All patients showed good to excellent clearing after two to three sessions of QSR laser treatments. The total treatment period ranged from 3 to 13 (mean of 8.3) months. PIH was observed in 10.5% of the cases. Histologically, epidermal hyperpigmentation was observed in all specimens and was dramatically improved by the topical bleaching pretreatment. CONCLUSION: QSR laser combined with the topical bleaching pretreatment appeared to treat ADM consistently with a low occurrence rate of PIH and lessen the number of laser sessions and total treatment period and may also be applied to any other lesions with both epidermal and dermal pigmentation.
A ruby laser has been developed to remove unwanted hair. Melanin within the hair is used as a natural chromophore. It is postulated that photothermal damage destroys the hair itself and also key cells surrounding the hair follicle to prevent regrowth. A prospective study of laser depilation in 116 patients or 175 sites was performed over a period of 18 months. All the patients had tried other methods of hair removal and found them to be unsatisfactory. Hair counts (follicles/cm2) were used to judge the outcome. The mean follow-up time was 23.25 weeks (range 12-76 weeks). After a mean number of treatments of 1.92 (range 1-20) there was a 56.4% reduction in hair density. Comparing pre- and post-treatment hair density, there was a highly significant reduction (paired t-test: P < 0.00001). Laser removal of hair is now a realistic treatment option.
Normal-mode ruby laser (NMRL) irradiation of skin has now become an acceptable method of producing depilation. However, side effects, which include superficial burning and changes in skin pigmentation, still occur and, although temporary, can be distressing to the patient. This paper reports a method by which the skin can be protected (or preconditioned) from damage during NMRL treatment by pre-heating to a lower, non-damaging level prior to irradiation. Using the black-haired mouse (C57B1/10) as an animal model, an appropriate 'preconditioning' temperature was established by exposing the mouse skin to a range of temperatures, taking biopsies and staining the skin immunohistochemically for heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) expression within the keratinocyte cells. Increased HSP 70 expression is stimulated by exposure to environmental stressors such as heat, so it was hypothesised that its increased expression conveyed increased cellular protection. The appropriate temperature (45 degrees C for 15 min) allowed for the superficial skin cells to be protected (as assessed by maximal HSP 70 staining) but undamaged (as assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining), leaving the target hair-producing cells unprotected. Eight mice (16 flanks) were then exposed to this preconditioning temperature (eight of the flanks being growing-hair sites and eight resting-hair sites) and 5 h later exposed to a laser fluence known to cause mild skin damage and depilation (6J/cm2). This exposure was to both the preconditioned and the adjacent non-preconditioned sites. A statistically significant reduction in skin damage (P <0.001), as measured by the time taken to heal and noted both clinically and histologically, was seen in the preconditioned sites in resting-hair regions but not in growing-hair regions. Depilation, established over an 8 week period, was successful in growing-hair regions within both preconditioned and non-preconditioned sites, but complete hair regrowth had occurred in preconditioned and non-preconditioned sites within resting-hair regions by 5 weeks. The latter finding was consistent with work already reported suggesting that NMRL-assisted depilation in this animal model is not successful for hairs in the telogen phase. Successful preconditioning of mouse skin prior to laser exposure appears to reduce NMRL-induced skin side effects. In addition, the technique does not appear to adversely affect successful depilation.
A 19-year-old man sustained a bilateral coagulation of the macula caused accidentally by a ruby laser rangefinder mounted on a tank. Five days later vision was OD 0.7, OS 0.05; there was a distinct disk of coagulation of the retinal pigment epithelium with clumping of melanin granula, more in the left eye than in the right, and subretinal hemorrhage on the left. Visual improvement corresponded to the asymmetric morphologic findings: Within two months visual acuity in the right eye recovered to 1.0. In the left eye there was a temporary increase to 0.3, then permanent deterioration of vision to 0.05 OS. The macula of the left eye showed massive lipofuscein aggregation in the subretinal space. Fluorescein angiography after two months showed some hyperfluorescence, more in the left than in the right eye, but no fluorescein extravasation. The vision in the left eye is still 0.05 one year after the accident.
BACKGROUND: Monobenzylether of hydroquinone is used worldwide to remove residual pigment in patients with vitiligo universalis. Because of the side effects reported with this drug, the use of monobenzylether of hydroquinone has been restricted in The Netherlands. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of a combination therapy consisting of topical 4-methoxyphenol (4-MP) cream and Q-switched ruby (QSR) laser in 16 patients with vitiligo universalis. METHODS: In a retrospective study, patient record forms were evaluated. Data were collected regarding history as well as physical and histologic examination. The patients came to the institute for a follow-up visit after a treatment-free period of 2 to 36 months. RESULTS: Thirteen patients received both therapies. Three patients only used the cream. None of the areas was treated by the cream and QSR laser at the same time. In 11 of the 16 patients (69%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 41%-89%) total depigmentation was achieved using the 4-MP cream. Onset of depigmentation was between 4 and 12 months. Four of the 5 patients who did not respond to the 4-MP cream had successful depigmentation with the QSR laser. Mild burning or itching was reported with the cream in 4 cases (25%). Of the 11 patients who responded to the 4-MP cream, 4 had recurrence of pigmentation (relapse rate of 36%; 95% CI, 11%-69%) after a treatment-free period of 2 to 36 months. In 9 of the 13 patients (69%; 95% CI, 39%-91%) total depigmentation was achieved after QSR laser therapy. Onset of depigmentation was between 7 and 14 days after the treatment. Three of the 4 unresponsive patients showed total depigmentation after application of the 4-MP cream. No side effects were observed. Of the 9 patients who responded to QSR laser therapy, 4 had recurrence of pigmentation (relapse rate of 44%; 95% CI, 14%-79%) after a treatment-free period of 2 to 18 months. These patients had a negative Koebner phenomenon. CONCLUSION: Depigmentation therapy using a 4-MP cream and/or QSR laser therapy is an effective and safe method to remove disfiguring residual pigment in patients with vitiligo universalis. Patients should be warned that repigmentation may occur, even after total depigmentation has been achieved.
BACKGROUND: Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (Hori's nevus) is a dermal pigmented lesion commonly seen in middle-aged women of Asian descent. The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) has been used successfully to treat a variety of benign pigmented lesions. Multiple, sequential treatments are typically required for complete clearance of the dermal pigmented dermatoses. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of QSRL in the treatment of Hori's nevus and the beneficial effect of epidermal ablation using the scanned carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser before QSRL. METHODS: A total of 13 women from Thailand with Hori's nevus were randomly treated with the scanned CO(2) laser followed by QSRL on one side of their face, and QSRL alone on the other side. The same fluence of QSRL was used on both sides in individual patients. The treatment response was objectively evaluated by measuring the melanin index using a Mexameter (Courage & Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Köln, Germany), and subjectively assessed by the patients before treatment and 3 and 16 months after treatment. Adverse sequelae of the treatment and the patients' tolerance were also evaluated at the same follow-up visit. RESULTS: The 3- and 16-month posttreatment melanin index was significantly decreased compared with that of pretreatment on both treated sites and this corresponded to the patients' subjective evaluations. The response rate, defined as "the percentage of reduction in melanin index," was significantly higher on the sides treated with scanned CO(2) laser followed by QSRL, compared with the sides irradiated with QSRL alone at both follow-up visits. At the 3-month follow-up, the most common adverse effect was hypopigmentation, found in 15% (2 of 13) of the patients on the sites treated with QSRL alone, and on the sites treated with scanned CO(2) laser followed by QSRL (8%, 1/13). Erythema was observed in 15% (2/13) of the patients only on the sites that received combination treatment. However, no adverse sequelae were observed at the 16-month posttreatment follow-up. CONCLUSION: Epidermal ablation with scanned CO(2) laser before the use of the pigment-specific laser may be an effective technique for increasing therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of dermal pigmented dermatoses.