Screening of Autophagy-Related Prognostic Genes in Metastatic Skin Melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma refers to a common skin tumor that is dangerous to health with a great risk of metastasis. Previous researches reported that autophagy is associated with the progression of cutaneous melanoma. Nevertheless, the role played by genes with a relation to autophagy (ARG) in the prediction of the course of metastatic cutaneous melanoma is still largely unknown. We observed that thirteen ARGs showed relations to overall survival (OS) in the Cox regression investigation based on a single variate. We developed 2-gene signature, which stratified metastatic cutaneous melanoma cases to groups at great and small risks. Cases suffering from metastatic cutaneous melanoma in the group at great risks had power OS compared with cases at small risks. The risk score, T phase, N phase, and age were proved to be individual factors in terms of the prediction of OS. Besides, the risk scores identified by the two ARGs were significantly correlated with metastatic cutaneous melanoma. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated accurate predicting performance exhibited by the 2-gene signature. We also found that the immunization and stromal scores achieved by the group based on large risks were higher compared with those achieved by the group based on small risks. The metastatic cutaneous melanoma cases achieving the score based on small risks acquired greater expression of immune checkpoint molecules as compared with the high-risk group. In conclusion, the 2-ARG gene signature indicated a novel prognostic indicator for prognosis prediction of metastatic cutaneous melanoma, which served as an important tool for guiding the clinical treatment of cutaneous melanoma.

Accurate diagnosis of atopic dermatitis by combining transcriptome and microbiota data with supervised machine learning

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease in childhood whose diagnosis requires expertise in dermatology. Recent studies have indicated that host genes–microbial interactions in the gut contribute to human diseases including AD. We sought to develop an accurate and automated pipeline for AD diagnosis based on transcriptome and microbiota data. Using these data of 161 subjects including AD patients and healthy controls, we trained a machine learning classifier to predict the risk of AD. We found that the classifier could accurately differentiate subjects with AD and healthy individuals based on the omics data with an average F1-score of 0.84. With this classifier, we also identified a set of 35 genes and 50 microbiota features that are predictive for AD. Among the selected features, we discovered at least three genes and three microorganisms directly or indirectly associated with AD. Although further replications in other cohorts are needed, our findings suggest that these genes and microbiota features may provide novel biological insights and may be developed into useful biomarkers of AD prediction.

Task shifting in dermatology: Are nurses prepared and willing?

Background: The high burden of skin diseases and the shortage of dermatologists are significant challenges in providing care to millions of people with skin diseases. Task shifting to nurses is a viable option for the delivery of dermatologic care in resource-poor settings. Satisfactory knowledge and a positive attitude are crucial for nurses to undertake the task of managing common skin diseases. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of registered nurses and their attitude toward common skin conditions. Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a total of 187 nurses were included from a nurses training institute by total enumeration sampling. A knowledge questionnaire and five-point Likert type-attitude scale were developed, validated, and employed to collect data. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants after approval from the institute ethics committee. Results: The mean of the knowledge scores were 10.7 ± 2.2. Nearly two thirds (62%) of the subjects demonstrated a low level of knowledge, while the remaining 38% showed a moderate level. There was no participant in the high-knowledge category. A majority of the nurses demonstrated a favorable attitude toward learning and undertaking the task of managing common skin conditions. Conclusion: We observed a low level of knowledge on diagnosing and managing common skin conditions. We recommend incorporating the relevant concepts of common skin conditions in the nursing curriculum with an emphasis on continuing education.

Progress of different treatment modalities to limit the use of antibiotics in the treatment of acne

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting mainly teenagers. Its treatment procedure is complex, with a long duration of medication. Antibiotics are the most preferably prescribed drugs for the treatment of acne. The long-term use of antibiotics leads to various adverse effects such as the disruption of indigenous flora and resistance. Therefore, numerous therapeutic protocols such as antimicrobial stewardship have been proposed to limit the haphazard use of oral antibiotics. This review emphasizes different topical drugs, systemic alternative drugs, laser, and light therapy, as effective therapies for acne. This review also briefly reflects the efficacy of fire needle therapy—a traditional Chinese therapy—for acne.

Efficacy of Ayurvedic herbal gel in the management of Dandruff: A case study

Dandruff (Darunak)is the common skin disease affecting the scalp area with the presence of itching, hair fall, dryness of scalp and dander. It is affecting the half of the adult population of either gender worldwide. Even though the prevalence is so high, its etiology being varied the treatment modalities are also different. Although dandruff is not among those disease to cause severe illness or morbidity, but it has a lot of social concern which reflects individual’s confidence and self-esteem. This paper aims to present clinical case study presentation with diagnosis using advance technique of Trochoscopy and the management of dandruff with the topical application of Dashemani Kandughna gel which showed excellent results.

Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Psoriasis in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Western Nepal

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory and proliferative condition of the skin which poses a significant health problem in general population. It is clinically characterized by erythematous plaques covered by silvery white scales, associated with systemic manifestations in many organ systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal. All psoriasis patients who gave consent were clinically examined and proforma documentation including patient’s clinical and demographic details was studied. RESULTS: Fifty two psoriasis patients were studied. The median age was 40 years and male: female ratio was 1.7:1 with 33 (63.5%) male and 19 (36.5%) female psoriasis patients. The most common clinical type of psoriasis observed according to morphology was chronic plaque psoriasis 45 (86.54%) and according to involvement of anatomical site was nail psoriasis 33 (63.5%). This study showed that 30 (57.7%) had no symptoms of pruritus and pain and 29 (55.8%) of psoriatic cases had seasonal variation. The commonest treatment modality was a combination of oral and topical medication 29 (55.8%). CONCLUSION: Psoriasis is a common skin disorder associated with systemic manifestations seen by dermatologists. This study outlines the clinico-epidemiological profile of patients with psoriasis which can provide further guidance for taking appropriate measures in diagnosing, providing adequate treatment, and undertaking various preventive measures among psoriasis patients.

Management of Acne in Unani System of Medicine: A Case Report

Introduction: Acne is a common skin disorder of pilosebaceous gland. It caused due to excessive production of sebum, hyperkeratinisation and proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. Case presentation: This case report is of 38 years of female having severe problem of acne. She has no family history and her menstrual order was normal. Previously she had taken modern medicine orally and topically but did not relieve. Conclusion: The treatment with Majoon Ushbah orally and multicomponent powdered formulation applied topically proved to be effective. There was significant (p<0.05) reduction of Global Acne Grading Score (GAGS) nearly 81% as compared to baseline. VAS (Visual Analogue Scale)) indicated changes in appearance and symptoms at the end of study. There was significant improvement in DQLI (Dermatology Quality of Life Index). The tested drug proved to be effective in management of acne

O Impacto Psicossocial da Acne Vulgar / The Psychosocial Impact of Acne Vulgaris

A acne é uma afecção cutânea comum, que atinge cerca de 80% da população em alguma fase da vida. Além da parte estética, a acne abrange consequências psicológicas e sociais que podem afetar a qualidade de vida, saúde psíquica e a autoestima dos pacientes. O presente estudo de revisão narrativa bibliográfica, investigou os aspectos principais do impacto psicossocial em pessoas com acne vulgar. Constatou-se que vários danos são gerados para os acometidos por essa patologia, entre eles estão: ansiedade, fobia social, depressão, insegurança, timidez, sintomas obsessivos compulsivos e transtorno dismórfico corporal. Tendo em vista os resultados apontados, confirmou-se que o tratamento adequado e efetivo apresenta grande melhora no quadro dos pacientes. Diante dos malefícios que a acne promove para vida da população é necessário compreendê-la como uma doença e não apenas como uma disfunção estética. ---Acne is a common skin condition that affects about 80% of the population at some stage of life. In addition to the aesthetic part, acne includes psychological and social consequences that can affect the quality of life, mental health, and self-esteem of patients. The present study of a bibliographic narrative review investigated the main aspects of the psychosocial impact on people with acne vulgaris. It was found that several damages are generated for those affected by this pathology, including anxiety, social phobia, depression, insecurity, shyness, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body dysmorphic disorder. In view of the above results, it was confirmed that the adequate and effective treatment presents a great improvement in the patients' condition. In view of the harm that acne causes to the population's life, it is necessary to understand it as a disease and not just an aesthetic dysfunction.

Basal cell carcinoma trends in Thailand: a 10-year retrospective study of demographic, clinical and histopathological features

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer with globally increasing incidence. To date, the information regarding BCC in Thailand is limited.Objective: To evaluate the demographic, clinical, histopathological trends of BCC and other contributing factors.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the demographic, clinical and histological data of all BCC outpatients from January 2009 to December 2018.Results: From 278 BCC patients recruited to this study, most of them (71.6%) were older than 60 years old. The most common histological subtype was nodular BCC (63.3%). A statistically significant association was observed between histological variant and location of the tumor; H and M area were associated with nodular BCC, L area was related to superficial subtype (p-value < 0.001). Misdiagnosis of BCC was observed in 53 cases, mostly as melanocytic nevus (30.2%), and about quarter (26.4%) was made by board-certified dermatologists.Conclusions: Nodular BCC is significantly associated with H and M area, while superficial subtype is related to L location. Quarter of the patients already have large tumors at their first presentation. Misdiagnosis of BCC is not uncommon.