Acquired ichthyosis with systemic lupus erythematosus: both dermatoses in a single skin biopsy specimen

Acquired ichthyosis (AI) in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare dermatologic finding, with only 7 previously published cases worldwide. We report a 25-year-old black woman with AI associated with SLE. A skin biopsy specimen from the lower extremity showed histologic changes consistent with both ichthyosis vulgaris and SLE, a unique finding that has not been previously reported. We also review the world literature on AI and SLE.

Core-shell nanostructured nanoparticle films as chemically sensitive interfaces

This paper reports the results of an investigation of vapor molecule sorption at different types of nanostructured nanoparticle films. Core-shell nanoparticles of two different core sizes, AU2-nm and Au5-nm, and molecular linkers of two different binding properties, 1,9-nonanedithiol and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid, are utilized as building blocks for constructing chemically sensitive interfaces. The work couples measurements of two different transducers, interdigitated microelectrodes and quartz crystal microbalance, to determine the correlation of the electronic resistance change and the mass loading with vapor sorption. The responses to vapor sorption at these nanostructured interfaces are demonstrated to be dependent on the core size of nanoparticles and the chemical nature of linking molecules. The difference of molecular interactions of vapor molecules at the nanostructured interface is shown to have a significant impact on the response profile and sensitivity. For the tested vapor molecules, while there are small differences for the sorption of nonpolar and hydrophobic vapor molecules, there are striking differences for the sorption of polar and hydrophilic vapor molecules at these nanostructured interfacial materials. The implication of the findings to the delineation of design parameters for constructing core-shell nanoparticle assemblies as chemically sensitive interfacial materials is also discussed.

Paraventricular nucleus injections of peptide YY and neuropeptide Y preferentially enhance carbohydrate ingestion

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) injected into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is known to elicit a powerful feeding response in satiated, brain-cannulated rats. The present experiment investigates the effect of peptide YY (PYY), a structurally-related peptide, on feeding behavior and, in addition, the effects of both PYY and NPY on the pattern of macronutrient selection. Injection of PYY directly into the PVN, in doses ranging from 7.8 to 235 pmol/0.3 microliters, caused a strong, dose-dependent stimulation of feeding behavior, as well as a small stimulation of drinking behavior, in satiated rats. The mean latency to eat was 9.3 min, with substantial feeding occurring within 30 min of the injection. At low doses, the increase in feeding was seen predominantly during the first hr. At the highest dose, in contrast, food intake continued to increase progressively over the next few hr. such that by 4 hr postinjection food intake was more than 20 g over vehicle baseline. In 1 hr tests with 3 pure macronutrient (protein, fat and carbohydrate) diets simultaneously available, PYY and NPY (78 pmol/0.3 microliters) both elicited a strong and selective increase in carbohydrate consumption, with little or no effect on protein or fat consumption. These results suggest that hypothalamic receptors sensitive to PYY and NPY may participate in the control of carbohydrate consumption.

Isopropyl alcohol metabolism after acute intoxication in humans

Two cases of acute overdose with isopropyl alcohol are reported. Blood concentrations of the alcohol and its major metabolite, acetone, were measured during the metabolism phase of the alcohol, and acetone was elevated thirty-seven hours later in one case. Isopropyl alcohol disappeared from the blood at a rate following first-order kinetics in both cases. Blood half-live were estimated at 155 and 187 minutes in the two patients, respectively.