Epithelial Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Protects From Mucus Production by Inhibiting ROS-Triggered NLRP3 Inflammasome in Asthma.

Background: Despite long-standing recognition in the significance of mucus overproduction in asthma, its etiology remains poorly understood. Muc5ac is a secretory mucin that has been associated with reduced pulmonary function and asthma exacerbations.

Objectives: We sought to investigate the immunological pathway that controls Muc5ac expression and allergic airway inflammation in asthma.

A comparison of the cuticular properties of argasid and ixodid ticks: Ornithodoros moubata (Argasidae) vs. Amblyomma hebraeum and Ixodes pacificus (Ixodidae).

Ticks (Chelicerata, Ixodida) are blood-feeding ectoparasites believed to have evolved at least about 120 millions of years ago and found worldwide. However, many aspects of their unique life cycle and anatomy, including their mechanical properties, remain to be understood. Here, we compared the mechanical properties of the cuticle of the argasid tick Ornithodoros moubata to those of two species of ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum and Ixodes pacificus that we explored in our earlier studies of the tick exoskeleton.

A comparison of the cuticular properties of the female ticks Ixodes pacificus and Amblyomma hebraeum (Acari: Ixodidae) throughout the feeding period.

The mechanical properties of the cuticle of Ixodes pacificus (Ip) are compared to those of Amblyomma hebraeum (Ah) from our earlier work. The 10-fold size difference between the species is expected to lead to significant differences in mechanical properties, because cuticular stretch depends on high internal hydrostatic pressure during the rapid phase of engorgement. We demonstrate here: (1) The cuticle of partially fed Ip is less stiff and viscous than that of Ah.

Molluscum contagiosum in immunocompromised patients: AIDS presenting as molluscum contagiosum in a patient with psoriasis on biologic therapy.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common, self-limited cutaneous infection in immunocompetent individuals. However, in immunocompromised individuals the infection often has an atypical presentation and can be difficult to eradicate, making both the diagnosis and treatment challenging. Due to advancements in the management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cancer, there is a growing population of immunosuppressed individuals, signaling the need for dermatologists to recognize and manage related skin diseases.