The dependency on beta 2 integrins in neutrophil recruitment to the skin in the Arthus reaction was examined using alpha L, alpha M and beta 2 knockout mice. Then, we evaluated the effect of isoflurane on neutrophil recruitment to the skin. In addition, the effects of isoflurane on neutrophil

binding to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), one of the beta 2 integrin ligands, were studied in vitro using cell adhesion assays.

Neutrophil recruitment to the skin in the Arthus reaction model was totally dependent on beta 2 integrins, as beta 2 knockout mice completely abolished it. However, the defect of only one of the beta 2 integrins was not sufficient to abolish neutrophil recruitment. Isoflurane reduced neutrophil

recruitment to the skin by approximately 90 %. Also, isoflurane inhibited neutrophil adhesion to beta 2 integrin ligand LY3023414 chemical structure ICAM-1.

We demonstrated that (1) neutrophil recruitment to the skin was totally dependent on beta 2 integrins, and (2) isoflurane significantly impaired neutrophil recruitment. Based on the previous studies on the contribution of other adhesion molecules in neutrophil recruitment, it is likely that isoflurane at least partially affects on beta 2 integrins in this model.”
“VP7 is a major group-specific protein of the bluetongue virus (BTV), and is therefore a candidate for use as a diagnostic reagent. In this study, BALB/c mice were immunized with BTV16, and the lymphocyte hybridoma technique and indirect ELISA screening method were employed to obtain two U0126 strains of hybridoma cells secreting specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to BTV16. Eukaryotic recombinant

plasmids coding for 10 segments of BTV16 separately were transfected into BHK-21 cells, respectively, followed by immunofluorescence, showing that two MAbs only reacted with BTV-VP7. Western blot analysis showed the same result. Indirect immunofluorescence results indicated that two of the MAbs present different response spectrums with BTV1 similar to 24 serotypes. These results indicate that these MAbs may be good candidates for a specific diagnostic method and functional exploration of the VP7 protein.”
“Aim: To disclose GSK3326595 concentration potential risk factors for sustaining a fractured clavicle in the newborn.

Method: A retrospective case-control analysis of women who gave birth to an infant with a fractured clavicle during a four-year period (2003-2006) was performed. A control group of newborns who did not sustain a fractured clavicle was formed (2: 1) matched for maternal age, parity and gestational age at delivery.

Results: The rate of fractured clavicle was 0.35%. Heavier newborns’ birth weight (3632.9 +/- 376.1 g vs 3429.5 +/- 513.0 g, P < 0.05) and the use of oxytocin (91.3% vs 69.5%, P < 0.05) were associated with the occurrence of fractured clavicle during birth.

37, p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, disease

duration was significantly related with AoD, AoS and beta index (respectively, RR = 3.28, p = 0.002; RR = 3.03, p = 0.004; RR = 2.39, p = 0.02). Conclusion. We observed that elastic properties of the aorta alter in patients with sarcoidosis. We also have demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between aortic elastic properties and the disease duration.”
“There are few studies reporting the association between hepatitis C virus P005091 inhibitor (HCV) infection and disautonomia. We have evaluated the autonomic cardiovascular function in 12 patients with sensory small-fiber polyneuropathy infected by HCV. The mean age was 49 13 years old. The mean infection time was 9.6 years in six (50%) patients. Thermal and pinprick hypoesthesia was observed in distal legs in all

patients. Autonomic symptoms were referred by eight (66.7%) patients. Among patients with abnormal autonomic cardiovascular test, five (41.7%) showed abnormal results in two or more tests. Valsalva maneuver was abnormal in seven (58.3%) patients. We can consider that there is an association of both parasympathetic and sympathetic efferent cardiovascular dysfunction in this group of patients.”
“Research interests in studying the biochemical FK506 ic50 nature of selenium have increased and the importance of this element as an essential micronutrient in many organisms has been well recognized. Selenium occurs in proteins in the form of the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (SeCys or Sec). In this review, we describe the speciation analysis of the fish-specific selenoproteins and non-proteinous selenium compounds, and the nutritional bioavailability of selenium from seafood materials. Selenium is essential to fish and shellfish. The selenoproteomes

(sets of SeCys-containing proteins) of fish are greater in number than those of mammals (25 selenoproteins in humans); HDAC assay at 30-37 selenoproteins, the selenoproteomes of fish are among the largest known. The same core selenoprotein families are found in mammals and fish. In addition, fish have several species-specific selenoproteins [fish 15 kDa selenoprotein-like protein (Fep15), selenoprotein J and selenoprotein L] that are missing in mammals. Actually, not only proteinous selenium species like selenomethionine (SeMet) and SeCys derivatives, but also many non-proteinous organic ones were detected in fish and shellfish samples. Although the selenium contents in seafood are higher than in terrestrial foodstuffs, little is known about the chemical forms of organoselenium species in seafood. The nutritional bioavailability of selenium from seafood appears to be dependent on the fish and shellfish species and/or place where they are produced; some seafood gives rise to a high bioavailability of selenium, which is comparable to that of wheat and beef. Fish and shellfish materials are major dietary sources of selenium for the Japanese population (similar to 60% of daily intake).

A 34-year-old woman on long-term hemodialysis, with secondary HPT, presented with a 9-month history of persistent neck pain. Radiographs of the cervical spine revealed an expansive osteolytic lesion in the posterior arch of the second cervical vertebra. MR imaging revealed an expansive mass on C2 affecting the vertebral body, odontoid process, right pedicle, laminas, and spinous process; there were no signs of spinal edema. A CT-guided needle biopsy of the lesion showed destruction of trabecular bone, infiltration of the fibroblastic cells,

and abundant osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells with hemorrhage and hemosiderin pigment, and the diagnosis of brown tumor was made. Cervical pain disappeared within a few days of parathyroidectomy, and rapid remineralization of C2 was evident within a Selleck cancer metabolism inhibitor few months. BT must always selleck screening library be considered in the context of hyperparathyroidism and osteolytic lesions. Vertebral BT can be particularly devastating due to medullar compression symptoms. Regression or complete disappearance of these lesions after parathyroidectomy is common, but prompt surgical decompression is necessary in case of medullar compression symptoms.”
“In this paper, we report the design, fabrication, and measurement of a metamaterial absorber

that is constructed of a periodic array of tetra-arrow resonators (TARs) printed on a dielectric material backed by a metal ground. The TAR absorber can operate at three different resonant modes. By adjusting geometry parameters of the structure, we can obtain a dual-band, polarization-insensitive, wide-angle thin absorber or a single band but ultra-miniature absorber that corresponds to three different resonant modes. Waveguide experiments are conducted to verify the proposed designs

effectively. The measurement results show that all three absorptivity peaks come near to perfection. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3638118]“
“We sought to characterize risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and the postpartum period in primiparous women in China.

We www.selleckchem.com/products/PD-173074.html enrolled 10,098 women from the seven regions of China a parts per thousand yen28 weeks’ gestation from September 2007 to May 2009 and administered the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire to estimate the presence of different types of UI during late pregnancy (37 to 42 weeks’ gestation) and at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. We also collected details of pregnancy and childbirth and demographic data. McNemar’s test, multinomial logistic regression models, and binary logistic regression models were used.

Multivariable analysis revealed six independent risk factors for SUI: age, more frequent exercise, alcohol consumption, higher body mass index, larger waist circumference, and history of constipation. For those with no UI in late pregnancy, 3.7% and 3.0% developed new cases at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum, respectively.

Pharmacists in the community pharmacies recruited patients who presented with a prescription or requested a refill for one of the medications.

The call center was used to collect patient data. Patients provided data on medication use, completed the chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ), and were encouraged to call the center to report health problems. After 30 days, patients were called to determine whether they experienced any adverse events while taking their medication and the CRQ was readministered.

Main outcome measure: Knowledge gained on the feasibility of the model using pharmacists to assess drug safety.

Results: SB273005 A total of 67 (6.7%) of a possible 995 patients contacted the call center about participating in the study. Approximately one-half (n = 28) of the 55 pharmacies had one or more patients contact IPI-549 concentration the center about the study. A total of 41 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were enrolled. Six (15%) patients reported an adverse effect, including one serious adverse event (acute glaucoma).

Conclusion: This study provides limited evidence that community pharmacies and a pharmacist-staffed call center can be used to assess medication safety; however, a number of issues need to be examined to determine whether the approaches can be sufficiently effective.”
“Honey bees perform robustly in different conditioning paradigms. This makes them

excellent candidates for studying mechanisms of learning and memory at both an individual and a population level. Here we introduce a novel method of honey bee conditioning: APIS, the Automatic Performance Index System. In an enclosed walking arena where the interior is covered with an electric grid, presentation of odors from either end can be combined with weak electric shocks to form aversive associations. To quantify behavioral responses, we continuously SN-38 chemical structure monitor the movement of the bee by an automatic tracking system. We found that escapes from one side to the other, changes in velocity as well as distance and time spent away from the punished odor are suitable parameters to describe the bee’s learning capabilities.

Our data show that in a short-term memory test the response rate for the conditioned stimulus (CS) in APIS correlates well with response rate obtained from conventional Proboscis Extension Response (PER)-conditioning. Additionally, we discovered that bees modulate their behavior to aversively learned odors by reducing their rate, speed and magnitude of escapes and that both generalization and extinction seem to be different between appetitive and aversive stimuli. The advantages of this automatic system make it ideal for assessing learning rates in a standardized and convenient way, and its flexibility adds to the toolbox for studying honey bee behavior.”
“Objective: To evaluate literature describing medication adherence surveys/scales to gauge patient behaviors at the point of care.

8; 95% CI, 1.41-24.07) and with lower blood pressure at hospital admission (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56-0.93 for each

mm Hg). Patients brought by EMS had trends toward a lower door-to-neuroimaging time and a higher frequency of thrombolysis therapy (13% in EMS users vs 5% in patients arriving by their own means; P = .10). Our data demonstrate that in a Brazilian population with acute ischemic stroke, the patients with selleckchem more severe stroke, those with atrial fibrillation, and those with lower blood pressure at hospital presentation were more likely to use EMS. EMS use was associated with trends toward a lower door-to-neuroimaging time and a higher frequency of thrombolysis therapy.”
“Objectives: The present study is aimed at figuring out the status of new-born hearing screening program being conducted in India, estimate the use of different screening instruments used and tests practiced, study the role of various professionals involved and document the current practices of audiologists IPI-145 ic106 in the country.

Method: A questionnaire on “”Newborn Hearing Screening Survey”" was sent to 185 institutions

(165 medical colleges and 20 Speech and hearing centers) all over India and the information gathered was subjected to appropriate analyses.

Results: On a 16.75% return rate of the questionnaire, almost half of the colleges have their annual birthing census more than 2000. The majority of sites (57.13%) report an average length of stay for a vaginal delivery to be more than

24 hours with 78.94% also reporting of a NICU of Level II/III type. Only 38.09% of the medical colleges have Ro-3306 a universal Newborn Hearing screening program (NBHS) in comparison to 80% of the Speech and Hearing centers. Again 43.8% of the medical colleges who conduct NBHS program have an audiologist and majority of them work towards screening. Almost 63% of the speech and hearing centers use physiological tests like ABR, OAE or their combination to screen newborns. Both medical and speech and hearing organizations prefer that the audiologist inform and even give a written material regarding the results of the tests to the parents. Only 62.65% of the institutions refer less than 11% of their clients for further testing at the time of discharge. In 50% of the medical colleges the results of a test are reported to the parents and primary care physicians/doctors and in 37.5% of the speech and hearing centers the results are informed to the parents.

Conclusions: While keeping in mind the incidence of hearing impairment in the neonatal population of India, the results of this survey warrant the need for an urgent implementation of universal neonatal hearing screening in all the health care facilities in the country, at large. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The potential impact of stem cell technology on medical and dental practice is vast.

serpens was attested through immunocytochemistry analysis. Gold particles were observed in all cellular

compartments, including the cytoplasm, plasma membrane, flagellum, flagellar membrane and flagellar pocket. find more Interestingly, some gold particles were visualized free in the flagellar pocket, suggesting the release of the cruzipain-like molecule. The antigenic properties of the cruzipain-like molecules of P. serpens were also analyzed. Interestingly, sera from chagasic patients recognized both cellular and extracellular antigens of P. serpens, including the cruzipain-like molecule. These results point to the use of P. serpens antigens, especially the cruzipain-like cysteine-peptidases, as an alternative vaccination approach to T. cruzi infection.”
“The purpose of this study was to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and associated factors in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP). The HRQOL of patients with CNP was assessed by the Short Form-36 questionnaire in this cross-sectional study. To evaluate the psychological factors related to HRQOL, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Chinese Health Questionnaire, and Beck Anxiety Inventory selleck kinase inhibitor were used. The scores for the eight subscales of Short Form-36 were all lower

than the Taiwanese age-matched normative values (rho < 0.001). The two most strongly affected subscales were the role-physical subscale and the bodily pain subscale; both scores were below half the score of the age-/sex-matched normative values. The physical components summary score, a summary measure, was moderately correlated with age (rho=-0.43), education level (rho=0.37) and Beck Anxiety Inventory score (rho =-0.36). The mental components www.selleckchem.com/products/ly3023414.html summary score was moderately to highly correlated with the Chinese Health Questionnaire score (rho=-0.72), the neuroticism domain of Eysenck Personality

Questionnaire (rho = -0.52) and Beck Anxiety Inventory score (rho = -0.41). The HRQOL of patients with CNP was worse than that of normal subjects across all domains. Furthermore, patients with a neurotic personality, minor psychiatric morbidity and higher anxiety status showed poor mental health, as measured by the Short Form-36. We found that patients with CNP had multiple physical and mental health problems in terms of. The mental health of patients with CNP was strongly associated with various psychological factors. Comprehensive assessment of the physical and mental functioning of patients with CNP can improve the management and care of these patients.”
“A novel 96-microwell-based spectrophotometric assay has been developed and validated for the determination of rosuvastatin calcium (ROS-Ca) in tablets. The formation of a colored charge-transfer (CT) complex between rosuvastatin calcium (ROS-Ca) as n-electron donor and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) as a pi-electron acceptor was investigated, for the first time.

Treg and CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were selected using magnetic microbeads. The proliferative profiles, cytokine secretion, and differential expressions of apoptosis-related proteins in Treg and CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were compared SRT2104 datasheet using [H-3]-thymidine incorporation, Luminex assay and flow cytometry when treated with various low doses of gamma-ray.

Results: A dose-dependent reduction of proliferation in response to irradiation which paralleled the induction of apoptosis existed in Treg and CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells. Treg were more radiosensitive to low-dose irradiation (0.94 Gray [Gy]) than effector T cells. The interferon-gamma

(IFN gamma) was significantly upregulated and interleukin 10 (IL-10) was significantly downregulated in irradiated Treg. An enhanced immune response to low dose gamma ray existed in the peripheral blood in patients with advanced HCC. Higher levels of active caspase-3, CD95, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax) expression were observed in Treg compared to CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells. In addition, gamma

irradiation activated CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells to express CD25.

Conclusions: These studies revealed that Treg were more radiosensitive than CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells to low dose irradiation. Higher expressions of apoptosis-related proteins such as caspase-3, CD95 and Bax were observed LDK378 nmr in Treg when compared to CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells. Our results suggest that treatment with low doses of gamma irradiation may be a viable strategy to enhance immune response in patients with advanced HCC.”
“Deep in the heart of Ohio, scientists

Taselisib cost from across the Midwest gathered in October to share their latest findings and highlight the strength of RNA research in the heartland. Represented were researchers from Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. With over 220 participants, the 2008 annual Rustbelt RNA Meeting (RRM) was the largest gathering of this group in its 10-year history. The success of this year’s RRM lies on the extraordinary efforts of organizers Dawn Chandler (Ohio State University) and Girish Shukla (Cleveland State University).”
“In this work, the ferrimagnetic nickel-zinc ferrite nanopowder was synthesized via citrate-ethylene glycol processing, followed by the preparation of the epoxy-based nanocomposite. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), alternative gradient force magnetometer (AGFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the sample calcined at 1000 degrees C for 1 h had the best crystallinity, and the calculated crystallite size of this sample was similar to 105 nm. The rheological properties and the magnetoviscous effect of the nanocomposites were studied by a standard rotating rheometer.

Independent predictors of treatment default were alcohol abuse (OR 3.22, 95 %CI 1.93-5.38), unemployment (OR 3.05, 95%CI 1.84-5.03), MDR-TB (OR 2.17, 95%CI 1.35-3.50), urban residence (OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.00-3.42) and previous incarceration (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.05-3.03). Of the defaulters, 29.4% died during followup (median survival 342.0 days). Cox regression analysis revealed that unemployment was associated with all-cause and TB-related mortality among defaulters (respectively HR 4.58, 95 %CI 1.05-20.1 and HR 11.2, 95%CI 1.58-80.2). HIV infection (HR 51.2, 95%CI MI-503 6.06-432), sputum smear positivity (HR 9.59, 95%CI 1.79-51.4), MDR-TB (HR 8.56, 95%CI 1.81-40.4) and previous TB (HR 5.15, 95%CI 1.64-16.2)

were predictors of TB-related mortality.

CONCLUSION: The main risk factors for treatment default can be influenced. Interventions to reduce default should therefore concentrate on socially disadvantaged patients and prevention of alcohol abuse, with special attention given to MDR-TB patients.”
“The role of fusion of lumbar motion segments for the treatment of axial low back pain (LBP) from lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) without any true deformities or instabilities remains controversially debated. In an attempt to avoid previously published and fusion-related negative

side effects, motion preserving technologies such as total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) have been introduced. The adequate extent of preoperative DDD for TDR remains unknown, the number of previously published studies is scarce and the limited data available reveal contradictory results. The goal of LDC000067 this current analysis was to perform a prospective histological, X-ray and MRI investigation of the index-segment’s degree of DDD and to correlate these data with each

patient’s pre- and postoperative clinical outcome parameters from an ongoing prospective clinical trial with ProDisc II (Synthes, Paoli, USA).

Nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) changes were evaluated according to a previously selleck kinase inhibitor validated quantitative histological degeneration score (HDS). X-ray evaluation included assessment of the mean, anterior and posterior disc space height (DSH). MRI investigation of DDD was performed on a 5-scale grading system. The prospective clinical outcome assessment included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores as well as the patient’s subjective satisfaction rates.

Data from 51 patients with an average follow-up of 50.5 months (range 6.1-91.9 months) were included in the study. Postoperative VAS and ODI scores improved significantly in comparison to preoperative levels (p < 0.002). A significant correlation and interdependence was established between various parameters of DDD preoperatively (p < 0.05). Degenerative changes of NP tissue samples were significantly more pronounced in comparison to those of AF material (p < 0.001) with no significant correlation between each other (p > 0.05).

0001); however, this relationship was not linear. Simulation Selleckchem MG 132 analysis of the reallocation of livers from low MELD patients to high MELD using a two-tiered regional sharing approach (MELD 15/25) resulted in 88 fewer deaths annually at estimated cost of $17 056 per quality-adjusted life-year saved. The results suggest that broader sharing of liver allografts offers a cost-effective strategy to reduce the mortality from end stage liver disease.”
“Evaluation of: Balin M, Celik A, Kobat MA. Circulating soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 levels are associated with proximal/middle segment of the LAD lesions in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Clin. Res. Cardiol. 101(4), 247-253

(2011). In search of developing therapeutic agents to attenuate the process of atherogenesis and finding a novel biomarker of coronary artery disease, the study of soluble LOX-1 (s-LOX-1) has gained a great attention. The contributory role of LOX-1 in atherogenesis is now supported by several lines

of evidence. In this context, a recent paper by Balin et al. presents new information on the possible role of s-LOX-1 in the identification of proximal/middle segment left anterior descending lesions. We have attempted to summarize the role of s-LOX-1 in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and discuss the impact of the aforementioned paper in current arena of research on s-LOX-1.”
“Study Design. Clinical trial.

Objective. To compare the efficacy of a commercially available stimulating

pedicle probe with a custom-made probe for the detection of pedicle wall breaches during screw insertion for the surgical correction selleck kinase inhibitor of scoliosis.

Summary of Background Data. Stimulus triggered electromyography has been used to detect small breaches in the walls of the spinal pedicles during pedicle screw insertion. We routinely use a reusable, custom-made clip that can be attached to the screw, pedicle probe, or other instruments. Commercial systems are available in which the instrument is electrically instrumented to deliver current.

Methods. In five patients (173 pairs of tests), we compared the this website threshold current required to trigger an electromyographic response during testing of the pedicle. Each track or screw was tested with both the custom-made and the commercial probe and the threshold current recorded.

Results. Both systems were able to detect pedicle wall breaches using triggered electromyography. The threshold current recorded was not significantly different between the two systems (P > 0.1, paired t test) nor was the difference (0.16 mA) clinically significant.

Conclusion. No difference was found between the thresholds detected with either system. There is however, a significant difference in the costs of the two probe systems.”
“Composite tissue allotransplantations (CTAs) have clinically shown little, if any, evidence of chronic rejection.

Histologically, cutaneous

diseases with eosinophilic infiltrates can be differentially diagnosed. Follicular mucinosis, mycosis fungoides and other cutaneous T-cell lymphomas are the most important differential diagnoses both clinically and histopathologically. It should be kept in mind particularly that the initial lesions of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma resemble EPF.”
“Background: Exposure to peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid induces an inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity. Blockers of complement and coagulation have improved ultrafiltration in animal models of PD. Citrate is a clinically established anticoagulant that also blocks complement activation.

Objective: The aim of the present P005091 order study was to evaluate the effects on ultrafiltration of a gradual substitution of citrate for lactate in an experimental model of PD.

Methods: selleckchem Fractions (0, 5, 10, and 15 mmol/L) of the 40 mmol/L lactate buffer of filter-sterilized 2.5% glucose PD fluid were replaced by citrate. The modified fluids were compared in a rat model

of single PD fluid exposure through an indwelling catheter. The initial kinetics of citrate and ionized calcium were evaluated in separate, single, short time dwell experiments. “” Results: Replacing 10 and 15 mmol/L of the lactate buffer by sodium citrate significantly increased osmotic ultrafiltration ( by 24.7% +/- 7.7% at 10 mmol/L), net ultrafiltration, and glucose retention at 4 hours of dwell time in the rat

model. Osmotic ultrafiltration was significantly correlated to citrate concentration and glucose concentration. Citrate was rapidly eliminated from the peritoneal cavity, concentrations falling to Ulixertinib in vitro less than half in 1 hour and concentrations of calcium ions concomitantly normalized.

Conclusions: Substituting citrate for lactate induced a dose-dependent increase in ultrafiltration. Mechanisms probably involve the relation between diffusion and ultrafiltration, leading to increased glucose retention. The increase in ultrafiltration was quantitatively important at a citrate concentration (10 mmol/L) that is compatible with clinical applications of citrate.”
“We compared the clinical efficacy of various psoriasis treatments among: (i) topical application of calcipotriol ointment twice daily (group I); (ii) topical application of calcipotriol ointment twice daily and narrowband ultraviolet B NB-UVB phototherapy once a week (group II); (iii) topical application of heparinoid ointment twice daily and NB-UVB phototherapy more than twice a week (group III); and (iv) topical application of calcipotriol ointment twice daily and NB-UVB phototherapy more than twice a week (group IV). Ten patients were randomly selected for each group and treated by the indicated regimens for 12weeks.