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Abstract Advanced-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is usually a fatal malignancy despite optimal use of currently available treatments. In this preclinical study of novel CTCL therapy, we performed in vitro and ex vivo experiments to determine the efficacy of combination treatment with a panel of BET bromodomain inhibitors (BETi) (JQ1, OTX015, CPI-0610, I-BET762) and HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) (SAHA/Vorinostat, Romidepsin). BETi/HDACi combinations were synergistic (combination index <1) against cell viability and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Apoptosis was uniformly enhanced. From a mechanistic standpoint, proliferative drivers c-Myc, Cyclin D1, NFkB, and IL-15Rα were reduced. Inhibitory CDKN1A was increased. CDKN1B, IL-7R, IL-17Rα, STAT3, and STAT5 alterations varied. There were significant increases in extrinsic apoptotic pathway death receptors and ligands (FasL, DR4, DR5, TRAIL, and TNFR1). At clinically tolerable levels of single agents, Romidepsin (1 nM) + OTX015 (125 nM) induced the greatest apoptosis (60%_80%) at 96 hours. Ex vivo studies of leukemic CTCL cells obtained from patients with Sezary syndrome also showed higher levels of apoptosis (about 60%-90%) in response to combination treatments relative to single agents. In contrast, combination treatment of normal CD4+ T cells induced only minimal apoptosis (<10%). Our findings show that the mechanism of action of BETi/HDACi therapy in CTCL involves induction of both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis with reduced proliferative drivers and enhanced expression of apoptotic extrinsic pathway death receptors and ligands. Relative to single agents, the superior anti-CTCL effects of BETi/HDACi combinations in vitro and ex vivo provide a rationale for clinical trials exploring their efficacy as therapy for CTCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the three most common cutaneous disorders, affecting approximately 50 million people in the US and many more throughout the world. Objective: We designed a pilot program to explore how patients may interact with cell phone technology to supplement medical care beyond patient reminders that would encompass education, interaction, and data capturing. Methods: Twenty-four patients completed a 3-month study in which participants received daily text message reminders for the first 2 weeks of the study, then once weekly thereafter, to take their oral medication or apply topical therapy either once or twice daily. Results: Over a 3-month time period, patients become less responsive to text message reminders over time. Our survey data demonstrated a very high satisfaction with the program, helping patients follow their acne treatment recommendations (mean score 4.31 out of 5) and results demonstrated the mobile application device was easy to use (mean score 4.56 out of 5). Limitations: Small sample size of the patient population. Conclusion: Patients find this approach acceptable and helpful, and it is a viable method for counseling patients. Based on our results, for future randomized controlled studies, we suggest maximizing messaging during the first month of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This demonstrated that 16S rRNA gene PCR displays substantial benefit in terms of time to diagnosis of NTM, which can represent significant improvement in patient morbidity and mortality.1 Here we report the use of a newly developed 16S rRNA gene PCR to diagnose a longstanding case of cutaneous I M. haemophilum i in an immunocompromised patient. Added diagnostic value of 16S rRNA gene pan-mycobacterial PCR for nontuberculous mycobacterial infections: a 10-year retrospective study. [Extracted from the article]

Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) is an endocrine syndrome with variable phenotypic expression and important systemic associations and sequelae, including obesity, insulin resistance, infertility, risk of endometrial cancer, and possible risk of cardiovascular events. PCOS is recognized as a condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors and distinct manifestations in all stages of life, including the prenatal period, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Identification of this disorder in childhood and adolescence has received growing attention, in part because of emerging evidence of the benefit of early intervention, but the diagnosis and management of PCOS in children and adolescents can be challenging. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations of PCOS in children are reviewed to enhance identification and evaluation of patients suspected of having this disorder. When a diagnosis of PCOS is suspected in a child but cannot be confirmed, a provisional diagnosis is strongly recommended so as to prompt ongoing monitoring with an emphasis on important early interventions such as obesity reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical innovation is crucial to advancing our field, and physicians have the potential to play a leading role due to their daily patient care experiences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interest in, and barriers to participating in innovation. Two surveys were conducted; the first cross-sectional survey was conducted among attendees of the Advancing Innovation in Dermatology Forum in Feburary 2019. The second survey was conducted among trainees (resident/fellows) and faculty dermatologists at Brown, Emory, Iowa, Stanford, and Vanderbilt Universities between June and November 2019. Demographic data were collected, as well as factors involved with identifying problems, developing solutions, training in innovation, and perceived barriers to innovation. In the first survey, the greatest perceived benefits include bringing joy to one's work and increasing professional fulfillment with work. Innovation was also perceived to decrease burnout. In the second survey of academic centers, faculty more commonly expressed interest in identifying problems (p = 0.04), and was also more confident in their ability to generate solutions to these problems as compared to trainees (p < 0.01). Major barriers to participating in innovation processes included lack of time and lack of training or education in innovation. Both trainees and faculty groups noted a lack of knowledge in creating prototypes, understanding regulatory approval for medical products, and inexperience with pitching to investors or obtaining funding. These cross-sectional needs assessment surveys found a strong interest in innovation coupled with a lack of education in innovation processes. These findings suggest an urgent need and opportunity for providing formal training to empower dermatologists with the tools to lead innovation within our field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Cancer Institute's Skin Cancer Intervention across the Cancer Control Continuum model was developed to summarize research and identify gaps concerning skin cancer interventions. We conducted a mapping review to characterize whether behavioral interventions addressing skin cancer prevention and control from 2000 to 2015 included (1) technology, (2) environmental manipulations (policy and/or built environment), and (3) a theoretical basis. We included 86 studies with a randomized controlled or quasi-experimental design that targeted behavioral intervention in skin cancer for children and/or adults; seven of these were dissemination or implementation studies. Of the interventions described in the remaining 79 articles, 57 promoted only prevention behaviors (e.g., ultraviolet radiation protection), five promoted only detection (e.g., skin examinations), 10 promoted both prevention and detection, and seven focused on survivorship. Of the 79 non-dissemination studies, two-thirds used some type of technology (n=52; 65.8%). Technology specific to skin cancer was infrequently used: UVR photography was used in 15.2% of studies (n=12), reflectance spectroscopy was used in 12.7% (n=10), and dermatoscopes (n=1) and dosimeters (n=2) were each used in less than 3%. Ten studies (12.7%) targeted the built environment. Fifty-two (65.8%) of the studies included theory-based interventions. The most common theories were Social Cognitive Theory (n=20; 25.3%), Health Belief Model (n=17; 21.5%), and the Theory of Planned Behavior/Reasoned Action (n=12; 15.2%). Results suggest that skin cancer specific technology and environmental manipulations are underutilized in skin cancer behavioral interventions. We discuss implications of these results for researchers developing skin cancer behavioral interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) of the skin is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) but often represents a diagnostic challenge. The adult literature suggests that histopathology rarely dictates management decisions, but the clinical utility of skin biopsies in pediatric patients with suspected acute GVHD is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency with which skin biopsy leads to a definitive diagnosis of acute GVHD and changes the management of acute GVHD in the pediatric population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of histopathology results and the associated impact on clinical management based on chart review of pediatric patients who underwent skin biopsy for cutaneous eruptions suspicious for acute GVHD from 1995 to 2016. Results: Among 27 pediatric HSCT patients, skin biopsy yielded definitive diagnoses (GVHD or otherwise) in only 15% (4/27) of cases. Overall, dermatology consultation was associated with clinical management changes in 78% (21/27) of cases. A change in management was definitively based on skin biopsy results in only 7.4% (2/27) of cases. The mean duration of time between dermatology consultation and return of biopsy results was 4.8 days (range 1‐17). Conclusions: Our results suggest that skin biopsy of pediatric HSCT patients with findings concerning for acute skin GVHD rarely yields a definitive diagnosis or change in management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender‐related price inequalities for over‐the‐counter dermatologic products such as shampoos and conditioners, razors, deodorants, and lotions remain prevalent in the marketplace. This trend has also been found to apply to topical minoxidil, a common treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. Objective: We sought to identify the gender‐related price discrepancies of facial moisturizers, which are routinely recommended by dermatologists. Methods: Three online retailers (Amazon, Target, and Walmart) were surveyed for available facial moisturizers in October 2018. Facial moisturizers were classified as men's, women's, or gender‐neutral based on three specific marketing variables: language, container color/graphics, and container curvature/shape. Results: In total, 110 facial moisturizers were included in this analysis. Of the 54 facial moisturizers evaluated for men, 47 (87%) contained the word "men" within the marketing language, while only three of 56 (5.4%) facial moisturizers targeted at women were explicitly labeled "for women." No statistically significant difference was found between the number of facial moisturizers listed as fragrance‐free, SPF‐containing, anti‐aging, or those labeled as sensitive, hypoallergenic, or dermatologist recommended between the two groups. However, facial moisturizers marketed to women were on average $3.09 more per ounce than those marketed to men. A two‐tailed t test revealed a statistically significant difference between the price per ounce of facial moisturizers for men ($6.20) and those for women ($9.29) (P = 0.013). Conclusion: Facial moisturizers marketed to women were found to be significantly more expensive than comparable facial moisturizers marketed to men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]