Clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light combined with low-dose intralesional corticosteroids in treating noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy: A case series analysis

BACKGROUND

Mesotherapy is a popular cosmetic procedure for localized delivery of substances. However, due to the lack of standardized processes, there are potential risks of adverse reactions. Granulomas formation is one of the chronic reactions which impose significant physical and mental burdens on patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of combining intense pulsed light (IPL) with intralesional corticosteroids for treating noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy.

METHODS

This retrospective observational case series included patients who suffer from noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy and received combination of IPL and intralesional corticosteroids treatment between October 2021 and December 2022 at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China. The process and effect were analyzed and summarized.

RESULTS

Among the seven patients, five expressed extreme satisfaction with the efficacy, while two was slightly satisfied. The physicians believed that all patients had shown significant improvement. No adverse reactions or recurrences were observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Based on this analysis, the application of the combined treatment in patients suffering from noninfectious granuloma due to mesotherapy demonstrates good clinical efficacy and safety, making it worth considering as a treatment option.

CRISPR applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel and more precise therapeutic options beyond conventional treatments. In this regard, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems have emerged as highly promising tools for clinical gene editing applications. The CRISPR family encompasses diverse CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins that possess the ability to recognize specific target sequences. The initial CRISPR system consisted of the Cas9 protein and a single-guide RNA, which guide Cas9 to the desired target sequence, facilitating precise double-stranded cleavage. In addition to the traditional cis-cleavage activity, the more recently discovered Cas12 and Cas13 proteins exhibit trans-cleavage activity, which expands their potential applications in cancer diagnosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the functional characteristics of Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13. Furthermore, we highlight the latest advancements and applications of these CRISPR systems in cancer gene therapy and molecular diagnosis. We also emphasize the importance of understanding the strengths and limitations of each CRISPR system to maximize their clinical utility. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of CRISPR technology in cancer research, we aim to inspire further exploration and innovation in this rapidly evolving field.

Association Between Nasal Colonization of Staphylococcus aureus and Eczema of Multiple Body Sites

PURPOSE

Staphylococcus aureus is the critical pathogenic bacterium of eczema. The relationship between nasal colonization by S. aureus and eczema has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the associations between nasal colonization by S. aureus and eczema of multiple body sites, including persistent and ever-reported eczema. We further examined the associations between eczema and different subtypes of S. aureus, that is, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA).

METHODS

The real-world data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. The associations were calculated using survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression models and further calculated in subgroups stratified by demographic factors.

RESULTS

In total, 2,941 adults were included. The prevalence rate of S. aureus nasal carriage was significantly higher in adults with persistent hand eczema (51.0%) than in those with ever-reported hand eczema (23.3%) and never eczema (26.9%). S. aureus nasal colonization was associated with an approximately two-fold increased risk of persistent hand eczema (odds ratios ranges in different models: 2.86-3.06) without significant heterogeneity in the association by demographic factors. No significant associations between S. aureus nasal colonization and persistent eczema of other body sites or ever-reported eczema of multiple body sites (including hands) were observed. Furthermore, similar significant association between nasal colonization of MSSA and persistent hand eczema was seen; the association was much stronger (odds ratios ranges in different models: 4.64-6.54) for MRSA, although with borderline significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal colonization of S. aureus was associated with increased risk of persistent hand eczema. Our findings imply that preventive measures targeting S. aureus for the anterior nares should be considered in preventing and treating eczema.

The updates and implications of cutaneous microbiota in acne

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that profoundly impacts the quality of life of patients worldwide. While it is predominantly observed in adolescents, it can affect individuals across all age groups. Acne pathogenesis is believed to be a result of various endogenous and exogenous factors, but the precise mechanisms remain elusive. Recent studies suggest that dysbiosis of the skin microbiota significantly contributes to acne development. Specifically, Cutibacterium acnes, the dominant resident bacterial species implicated in acne, plays a critical role in disease progression. Various treatments, including topical benzoyl peroxide, systemic antibiotics, and photodynamic therapy, have demonstrated beneficial effects on the skin microbiota composition in acne patients. Of particular interest is the therapeutic potential of probiotics in acne, given its direct influence on the skin microbiota. This review summarizes the alterations in skin microbiota associated with acne, provides insight into its pathogenic role in acne, and emphasizes the potential of therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring microbial homeostasis for acne management.

Synthetic Circular gRNA Mediated Biological Function of CRISPR-(d)Cas9 System

Ever since the gene editing function was discovered in the CRISPR-Cas9 system, numerous applications and utilities were investigated in order to apply this technique to medical use. However, the clinical practice was limited by unsatisfactory efficiency and unacceptable off-target editing. Modifications from different aspects of the Cas9 protein and gRNAs were published that aimed to improve its function in one way or another. Under the inspiration of Jacob L. Litke and Samie R. Jaffrey, we propose a novel gRNA design that could achieve rapid circular gRNA assembly inside the cells. This circular design consists of the gRNA of interested flanked by Twister ribozymes. The function of this circular gRNA was proved in vitro in both CRISPR-dCas9 and CRISPR-Cas9 systems. It presented a remarkable reduction in the off-target rate in accompany with reduced efficiency. With future improvement in its efficiency, this tool broadens our understanding and possibility of the CRISPR application.

Effect of treatments on skin microbiota in patients with atopic dermatitis: a protocol for systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and skin microbiota dysbiosis shows an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Effects of treatment on skin microbiota for patients with AD have been evaluated in recent years; however, the results remained controversial across studies. This systematic review will summarise studies evaluating the effect of treatments on skin microbiota among patients with AD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry in November 2021; other data sources will also be considered, including searching specific authors and screening references cited in the enrolled articles. Interventional studies, which enrolled patients with AD receiving treatments and reported treatment-related skin microbiota changes, will be included. Our primary outcomes include skin microbiota diversity and treatment-related differential microbes; the secondary outcomes include microbiota functions and microbial interactions. Risk of bias assessment will be performed using Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials, risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions and methodological index for non-randomised studies. Two researchers will independently perform study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, with disagreements resolved by group discussions. Subgroup analyses will be performed according to different types of treatment for AD.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required for this systematic review. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication or conference proceedings.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021246566.