W.J. Willis

K−p → Σ± π ∓ (π0) from 594 to 820 MeV/c

Data on K−p interactions yielding charged sigma hyperons are presented. The cross sections and angular distributions are explained by Λ (1670) and Λ(1690) resonances. The Σ(1660) found in production experiments shows little or no coupling to the KN system.

Amide 1 Expression in Psoriasis and Lichen Planus using Synchrotron Infrared Microspectroscopy

Psoriasis vulgaris and, Lichen planus are cutaneous inflammatory conditions that usually exhibit distinctive morphology. Ten psoriasis vulgaris and, ten Lichen planus patients (mean age, 45xa0±xa010.27xa0years) with confirmed histopathological diagnoses were analyzed. In the current study synchrotron infrared (IR) microspectroscopy was used to differentiate between these two conditions based on their lymphocytic proteins analyses. It was found that β-sheets protein structure, known to represent cell apoptosis, were expressed significantly in Lichen planus conditions than that of the psoriasis vulgaris when analyzed against the established normal control groups of five patients of comparable age and, genders (Pxa0=xa00.001, 0.03 respectively). Also, the amide 1 protein type within the epidermis of Lichen planus were expressed in significant proportions as compared to psoriasis vulgaris (Pxa0<xa00.001). On the contrary, the amide 1 protein structural types were found clustered in psoriasis vulgaris in different IR spectra than that in Lichen planus as observed in a number of patients during this study. These observations indicated that the concentration of amide 1 protein in psoriasis vulgaris varies to that of Lichen planus. In conclusion, both psoriasis vulgaris and, Lichen planus have different types of epidermal and, dermal protein structures and, this information can be of clinical diagnostic and therapeutic use for these cutaneous inflammatory conditions in near future.

Biochemical Changes Observed After PUVA Versus PUVA Plus Methotrexate Therapy in Mycosis Fungoides Using Synchrotron Infrared Microspectroscopy

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma in which the distinction between early stage MF and other inflammatory dermatosis remains difficult. Twenty patients of early stage MF and nine patients with psoriasis and lichen planus were included in this study. Ten MF patients were treated with psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) and the other 10 MF patients were treated with PUVA plus methotrexate (MTX) until complete clinical remission. Synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy (SIRM) found that MF lesions were biochemically different compared to inflammatory diseases. After treating MF with either therapeutic modality, the lymphocytic count decreased significantly in both the epidermis and dermis (Pxa0<xa00.001) but no biochemical changes were observed in the remaining lymphocytes after treatment, indicating the disease process was slowed by treatment but not eradicated. In conclusion SIRM is a promising method for distinguishing MF from other inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and lichen planus. A significant reduction in lymphocyte count indicated that PUVA therapy is an effective treatment for early stage MF, and MTX could be reserved for more advanced cases that are not PUVA responsive. However, SIRM evidence of persistent disease suggests that maintenance therapy is recommended after clinical remission.