Search

Skin is one of the outermost parts of the human body and is frequently exposed to various diseases. Healthcare professionals have endeavored to treat these conditions. However, the conventional methods often fall short in effectively distinguishing between diseases that visually present with similar characteristics and appearances. Therefore, Deep Learning was developed to facilitate image classification using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model. Although CNN has achieved success in the form of high accuracy in image detection, research continues for the development of sustainable technology. Deep Learning has led to the discovery of the Vision Transformer (ViT) which is considered a popular new discovery model with intelligence that rivals CNN in object detection, offering greater accuracy and performance. This paper compares ResNet152 as one of the best models in CNN with ViT in classifying skin diseases. This comparison applies the HAM10000 dataset with a large number of images reaching 10,015 images divided for training, testing, and validation processes. In the process of applying the model to the selected dataset, ViT achieved 98.28% accuracy, while the classification accuracy of ResNet152 was 96.70%. Other metrics also proved ViT's superiority over ResNet152. However, ViT has major drawbacks in computation time and potential overfitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Asociación Colombiana de Dermatología y Cirugía Dermatológica is the property of Asociacion Colombiana de Dermatologia y Cirugia Dermatologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Informatica (03505596) is the property of Slovene Society Informatika and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Data on the association between the development of autoimmune diseases and COVID-19 vaccination are limited. To investigate the incidence and risk of autoimmune connective tissue disorders following mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. This nationwide population-based study was conducted in South Korea. Individuals who received vaccination between September 8, 2020-December 31, 2021, were identified. Historical prepandemic controls were matched for age and sex in 1:1 ratio. The incidence rate and risk of disease outcomes were compared. A total of 3,838,120 vaccinated individuals and 3,834,804 controls without evidence of COVID-19 were included. The risk of alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, primary cicatricial alopecia, psoriasis, vitiligo, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, sarcoidosis, Behcet disease, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, dermato/polymyositis, and bullous pemphigoid was not significantly higher in vaccinated individuals than in controls. The risk was comparable according to age, sex, type of mRNA-based vaccine, and cross-vaccination status. Possible selection bias and residual confounders. These findings suggest that most autoimmune connective tissue disorders are not associated with a significant increase in risk. However, caution is necessary when interpreting results for rare outcomes due to limited statistical power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the clinical effect of psychiatric nursing-based vancomycin in patients with staphylococcus aureus infectious skin disease. A retrospective analysis was performed on 100 patients with staphylococcus aureus infectious skin disease admitted to our hospital from March 2019 to July 2020. Al patients received psychiatric nursing and were divided into control group (mupiroxine) and experimental group (vancomycin) according to the treatment mode, with 50 patients in each group. The effective rate of treatment, adverse reactions, disappearance time of dermatological clinical symptoms, and recurrence after one course of treatment were compared between the two groups. The effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions and the disappearance time of clinical symptoms in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After one course of treatment, the number of patients with recurrence in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Vancomycin might be a boon for patients with staphylococcus aureus infectious skin diseases, with good effectiveness and safety profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin lesions detection and classification is a prominent issue and difficult even for extremely skilled dermatologists and pathologists. Skin disease is the most common disorder triggered by fungus, viruses, bacteria, allergies, etc. Skin diseases are most dangerous and may be the cause of serious damage. Therefore, it requires to diagnose it at an earlier stage, but the diagnosis therapy itself is complex and needs advanced laser and photonic therapy. This advance therapy involves financial burden and some other ill effects. Therefore, it must use artificial intelligence techniques to detect and diagnose it accurately at an earlier stage. Several techniques have been proposed to detect skin disease at an earlier stage but fail to get accuracy. Therefore, the primary goal of this paper is to classify, detect and provide accurate information about skin diseases. This paper deals with the same issue by proposing a high-performance Convolution neural network (CNN) to classify and detect skin disease at an earlier stage. The complete methodology is explained in different folds: firstly, the skin diseases images are preprocessed with processing techniques, and secondly, the important feature of the skin images are extracted. Thirdly, the pre-processed images are analyzed at different stages using a Deep Convolution Neural Network (DCNN). The approach proposed in this paper is simple, fast, and shows accurate results up to 98% and used to detect six different disease types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An optimized RBFN with grab cut segmentation was developed to detect the types of skin diseases. • Various skin disease images are collected and pre-processed using two various approaches such as resizing and BW-Net. • Using grab-cut segmentation, divide the diseased region in the pre-processed images. • Extract the features from the segmented images using a hybrid SHC model, which includes segmentation-based fractal texture analysis, Hu moment invariants and colour co-occurrence matrix. • These features are further proceeded for the classification process using a radial basis function network. The prediction accuracy is improved by selecting the optimal learning parameter values using red fox optimization. Skin disorder is emerging as a dreadful disease because of drastic climatic changes prevailing all over the globe. Automated detection and classification of skin diseases in humans is essential for improving their living standards. However, existing skin disease prediction algorithms are expensive, time consuming and have poor performance. To overcome these drawbacks, a hybrid feature extraction with an optimized classifier was proposed to detect various skin diseases. Images of different skin diseases were gathered and pre-processed using BW-Net, a process that can recognize characteristics in both homogeneous and heterogeneous data. Then, the RO1 was segmented using the grab cut segmentation approach. The segmented images were subjected to the hybrid SHC model in order to facilitate feature extraction. Using Hu moment invariants, a colour co-occurrence matrix, and segmentation-based fractal texture analysis (SFTA), one may extract features like colour, shape, and texture from segmented images. Finally, the extracted features are trained and classified for different skin types using the optimized Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN) algorithm. The hyperparameter such as the learning rate in the classifier was tuned optimally with the use of the Red Fox Optimization (RFO) algorithm. The proposed optimised RBFN detects the exact type of skin disease based on extracted features. The proposed model is validated using three different datasets including the ISIC database which provides 94.2% recall, 5.79% FNR, 91.63% kappa, 98.02% accuracy and 17.95 sec execution time. Thus, the proposed optimized deep learning classifier and hybrid feature extraction model effectively detect skin disease with more accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is a skin cancer that spreads quickly and has serious risks. Early diagnosis is essential, but since the symptoms of skin lesions in the early stages are vague and similar, they can be difficult for specialists to detect. Therefore, machine learning-based alternative diagnostic methods can be developed in addition to existing ones. This study proposes a new deep learning model, a modified lightweight vision transformer (ViT) architecture, and a hybrid framework developed with an integrated deep learning model and an Ensemble Learning (EL) model for the early-stage diagnosis of skin lesions. The proposed deep learning model was developed based on convolution layers and transformers. The model is called multi-head attention block depthwise separable convolution network (MABSCNET). The proposed hybrid framework was developed by combining modern deep learning and EL models pre-trained with the ImageNet dataset along with the MABSCNET model. In the experimental process, the effectiveness of the proposed methods was evaluated on the ISIC 2020 dataset. Additionally, additional experiments were conducted on ISIC 2018 and a Kaggle dataset to analyze the proposed hybrid framework's classification performance. Image enhancement techniques were used in the datasets. In the ISIC 2020 dataset, the MABSCNET model reached 78.63 % accuracy, the ViT model obtained 76.50 %, and the hybrid framework reached 92.74 % accuracy. Moreover, the proposed hybrid framework achieved 100 % on the ISIC 2018 dataset and 94.24 % on the Kaggle dataset. • MABSCNET, a new deep learning model based on CNN and transformer, was developed. • Hybrid methods have been developed with the MABSCNET model and traditional machine learning algorithms. • Metaheuristic algorithms were used to determine the most appropriate hyperparameters of traditional machine learning algorithms. • A hybrid framework with deep and ensemble learning models is proposed. • The datasets used in the experimental process were optimized using image enhancement techniques such as CLAHE and Hypercolumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic skin conditions have become a significant global healthcare issue, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigates the medicinal properties of ABBA Herbal Ointment, derived from the wild plant Cymbopogon schoenanthus ssp. proximus. Introduced in 2001, this ointment contains natural ingredients such as Aloe vera, jojoba oil, and calendula, extracted from desert medicinal plants. It has demonstrated swift and conclusive efficacy in treating chronic skin conditions. Clinically verified and patented in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Patent Number: GC 0001218), its therapeutic potential is supported by extensive research conducted by three French laboratories. The traditional method is used to produce the ointment from the plant extract. To make the ointment, the extracted plant chlorophyll was homogenised with olive oil and natural beeswax. To further validate the therapeutic potential of the ointment, in vitro occlusive tests were performed to assess its efficacy on human skin, with results observed after 48 hours. In this study, 24 volunteers participated, of which two discontinued. The topical application of the ointment shows no side effects, and further trials demonstrate its beneficial effects in managing chronic skin diseases. ABBA Herbal Ointment, derived from the rare wild plant C. schoenanthus ssp. proximus, shows significant potential as an effective treatment for chronic dermatological conditions. The study supports the ointment's efficacy and safety, aligning with the goal of developing novel therapeutic approaches for chronic skin diseases. • ABBA Ointment, derived from the rare wild plant Cymbopogon schoenanthus , shows significant efficacy in treating chronic skin conditions without any observed side effects. • Clinical trials and occlusive patch testing demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of ABBA Ointment in managing chronic skin diseases, making it a promising alternative to expensive therapies. • The study underscores the potential of ABBA Ointment as a natural, versatile, and cost-effective intervention for individuals suffering from persistent dermatological conditions, offering a valuable addition to the field of herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Increased intestinal permeability, known as leaky gut syndrome, occurs when the intestinal lining of the gastrointestinal tract has been damaged. The influx of unwanted material in the bloodstream can induce an immune response releasing proinflammatory cytokines that have been thought to be correlated with dermatologic conditions. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the role of leaky gut in dermatological conditions. Methods: PubMed and Embase were systematically searched through September 2020 for clinical studies that measured intestinal permeability in participants with a dermatological condition. RESULTS: We identified 20 studies including participants with dermatitis herpetiformis, atopic dermatitis/eczema, systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, bullous pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris/foliaceus. Atopic dermatitis was the most well studied. Studies utilized a range of measures of intestinal permeability, including sugar excretion tests and serum markers. For all disorders reviewed, except bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris/foliaceus, there was evidence of increased intestinal permeability in the disease state compared with controls. LIMITATIONS: The range of methodology across clinical studies makes it difficult to draw conclusions across results. In addition, studies tended to be small, and only one study included an intervention to target leaky gut syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: We have found preliminary evidence of a relationship between leaky gut and certain dermatological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious, worldwide disease that affects the skin of mammals, including humans. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei , however, the information available in wild mammal populations in the world, and particularly in Colombia is limited. Here, we document a new case of sarcoptic mange in an Andean porcupine (Coendou quichua) from the Andean region of Colombia. We morphologically and molecularly confirmed the mite as S. scabiei and documented the histopathology associated with scabies, and show the different stages of the life cycle of S. scabiei from the Andean porcupine skin samples. Our review of reports of additional cases of scabies in wild mammal species in South America showed 15 species, mostly carnivores, artiodactyls, and rodents. Considering the limited information in Colombia, it is urgent to evaluate the risk of this condition on mammals which would contribute to the epidemiological knowledge and the potential implications of sarcoptic mange in the ecology and conservation of wild mammals in the country. [Display omitted] • Mange in an Andean porcupine. • Cases of sarcoptic mange in South American mammals. • Morphological, histopathologic and genetic data of Sarcoptes scabiei in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study presents a novel model based on convolutional neural networks. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits high reliability and achieves an accuracy rate of 96%. • This research proposes a non-invasive and effective diagnostic method. The method meets the clinical demand for rapid and accurate analysis of skin lesions, highlighting its significance in improving patient outcomes. • The study demonstrates innovative applications that incorporate advanced optical imaging technology to non-invasively acquire images of skin lesions and analyze them accurately, improving the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. Melanocytic nevi (MN), warts, seborrheic keratoses (SK), and psoriasis are four common types of skin surface lesions that typically require dermatoscopic examination for definitive diagnosis in clinical dermatology settings. This process is labor-intensive and resource-consuming. Traditional methods for diagnosing skin lesions rely heavily on the subjective judgment of dermatologists, leading to issues in diagnostic accuracy and prolonged detection times. This study aims to introduce a multispectral imaging (MSI)-based method for the early screening and detection of skin surface lesions. By capturing image data at multiple wavelengths, MSI can detect subtle spectral variations in tissues, significantly enhancing the differentiation of various skin conditions. The proposed method utilizes a pixel-level mosaic imaging spectrometer to capture multispectral images of lesions, followed by reflectance calibration and standardization. Regions of interest were manually extracted, and the spectral data were subsequently exported for analysis. An improved one-dimensional convolutional neural network is then employed to train and classify the data. The new method achieves an accuracy of 96.82 % on the test set, demonstrating its efficacy. This multispectral imaging approach provides a non-contact and non-invasive method for early screening, effectively addressing the subjective identification of lesions by dermatologists and the prolonged detection times associated with conventional methods. It offers enhanced diagnostic accuracy for a variety of skin lesions, suggesting new avenues for dermatological diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, are highly prevalent worldwide and impose a significant financial and emotional burden on affected individuals and the healthcare system. Throughout history, there has been a keen interest in utilizing natural and herbal remedies to address various ailments, including skin conditions. Curcumin, a natural phenolic compound derived from the plant Curcuma longa L. (commonly known as turmeric), has garnered attention in this regard. While turmeric contains several bioactive compounds, curcumin is considered the most bioactive. In recent years, the use of curcumin as an oral supplement or topical ointment has gained popularity in the treatment of diverse diseases. This study aims to review the beneficial effects of curcumin on skin diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis, as well as explore its potential mechanisms of action. Curcumin exhibits several advantageous effects, including the activation of specific growth factors, reduction of pro-inflammatory production, strengthening of the immune system, mitigation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antimicrobial activity. Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of curcumin as a supplement for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatologists play a critical role in diagnosing and managing nutritional deficiencies as they often present with cutaneous findings. Traditionally, nutritional dermatoses are taught in the context of developing countries, famine, population displacement, and poor health care access; however, in the United States, common risk factors include chronic liver disease, alcoholism, psychiatric disease, bariatric surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, and hemodialysis. Additionally, nutritional dermatoses may be underdiagnosed in the United States and result in increased morbidity and utilization of hospital resources. There is a need for providers in developed nations to identify these deficiencies, and this review aims to meet that practice gap and provide relevant context to these diseases for dermatologists. This 2-part review series will focus on the epidemiology, impact, appearance, and diagnostic modalities for micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc, selenium, copper, and vitamins A and C in part 1. The companion review will focus on the B-complex vitamins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disease that affects up to 3.2% of the United States population. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in psoriasis management and care and provides recommendations based on the available evidence. The treatment of psoriasis with topical agents and with alternative medicine will be reviewed, emphasizing treatment recommendations and the role of dermatologists in monitoring and educating patients regarding benefits as well as risks that may be associated. This guideline will also address the severity assessment methods of psoriasis in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Delta power in the left hemisphere was found to be lower in panic disorder patients with skin disease compared to the group without skin disease. • Panic disorder severity scale (PDSS) scores were found to be higher in panic disorder patients with skin diseases than in the group without skin diseases. • EEG findings were not affected by medication since none of the participants received medication. Anxiety is commonly observed together with skin diseases and can aggravate them, while skin diseases can increase anxiety. The relationship of skin diseases observed in panic disorder with quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) findings has not been investigated yet. The aim of this study is to compare the absolute alpha and delta power of panic disorder patients with and without skin disease. 246 panic disorder patients, 19 of whom had skin disease and 227 of whom did not have skin disease, were included in the study. Panic disorder severity scale (PDSS) scores of patients were recorded, and QEEG recording was performed. Absolute alpha and delta power and PDSS scores were compared between the two groups. It was found that the absolute delta power in the left hemisphere was lower and PDSS scores were higher in the patients with skin diseases compared to the control group. In the patients with skin disease, decreased delta power in the left hemisphere may cause impairment in the processing of positive emotions and may cause trait anxiety. Trait anxiety may increase susceptibility to skin diseases by disrupting cutaneous homeostasis resulting from the prolonged sympathetic nervous system activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving multiple organ systems and affecting approximately 2% of the world's population. In this guideline, we focus the discussion on systemic, nonbiologic medications for the treatment of this disease. We provide detailed discussion of efficacy and safety for the most commonly used medications, including methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin, and provide recommendations to assist prescribers in initiating and managing patients on these treatments. Additionally, we discuss newer therapies, including tofacitinib and apremilast, and briefly touch on a number of other medications, including fumaric acid esters (used outside the United States) and therapies that are no longer widely used for the treatment of psoriasis (ie, hydroxyurea, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil, thioguanine, and tacrolimus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Asociación Colombiana de Dermatología y Cirugía Dermatológica is the property of Asociacion Colombiana de Dermatologia y Cirugia Dermatologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Psoriasis is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory disease that affects approximately 1% of children, with onset most common during adolescence. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in psoriasis management and provides evidence-based recommendations. Attention will be given to pediatric patients with psoriasis, recognizing the unique physiology, pharmacokinetics, and patient-parent-provider interactions of patients younger than 18 years old. The topics reviewed here mirror those discussed in the adult guideline sections, excluding those topics that are irrelevant to, or lack sufficient information for, pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biologic therapies can be highly effective for the treatment of severe psoriasis, but response for individual patients can vary according to drug. Predictive biomarkers to guide treatment selection could improve patient outcomes and treatment cost-effectiveness. We sought to test whether HLA-C*06:02 , the primary genetic susceptibility allele for psoriasis, predisposes patients to respond differently to the 2 most commonly prescribed biologics for psoriasis: adalimumab (anti–TNF-α) and ustekinumab (anti–IL-12/23). This study uses a national psoriasis registry that includes longitudinal treatment and response observations and detailed clinical data. HLA alleles were imputed from genome-wide genotype data for 1326 patients for whom 90% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI90) response status was observed after 3, 6, or 12 months of treatment. We developed regression models of PASI90 response, examining the interaction between HLA-C*06:02 and drug type (adalimumab or ustekinumab) while accounting for potentially confounding clinical variables. HLA-C*06:02 –negative patients were significantly more likely to respond to adalimumab than ustekinumab at all time points (most strongly at 6 months: odds ratio [OR], 2.95; P = 5.85 × 10−7), and the difference was greater in HLA-C*06:02 –negative patients with psoriatic arthritis (OR, 5.98; P = 6.89 × 10−5). Biologic-naive patients who were HLA-C*06:02 positive and psoriatic arthritis negative demonstrated significantly poorer response to adalimumab at 12 months (OR, 0.31; P = 3.42 × 10−4). Results from HLA-wide analyses were consistent with HLA-C*06:02 itself being the primary effect allele. We found no evidence for genetic interaction between HLA-C*06:02 and ERAP1. This large observational study suggests that reference to HLA-C*06:02 status could offer substantial clinical benefit when selecting treatments for severe psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disease that affects up to 3.2% of the US population. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in psoriasis management and care, providing recommendations on the basis of available evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory multisystem disease that affects up to 3.2% of the US population. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in psoriasis management and care, providing recommendations based on the available evidence. The treatment of psoriasis with biologic agents will be reviewed, emphasizing treatment recommendations and the role of the dermatologist in monitoring and educating patients regarding benefits as well as associated risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study was designed to assess the adherence to evidence-based guidelines of care for atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods To characterize AD treatment in the United States, ambulatory visits from the 2006-2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were analyzed. For each medication prescribed, a grade was assigned on the basis of the American Academy of Dermatology treatment guidelines for topical and systemic medications. Considering all visit prescriptions, I calculated a composite grade, analogous to the US academic grading system (scores A-F). Results I noted prescribing differences across specialty groups. Systemic corticosteroids were more likely to be prescribed by family and general physicians and less likely by pediatricians. Dermatologists were more likely than other specialties to prescribe nonsedating antihistamines, which lack a guideline base supporting their use. Depending upon modeling of care assumptions, all physician specialty visits earned mean guideline-based grades of B or C in their care of AD patients. Limitations The clinical, social, and demographic factors influencing prescribing behavior cannot be completely assessed by using extant data. Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrates that physicians might benefit from reviewing guidelines of care; there might be an educational gap in the implementation of these guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin diseases are common diseases that exist between the children and adults in the society. The issue of finding and proffering a better skin disease predictive model in the health care system has been identified to be major problem. Thus, this study provides a comparative evaluation on two data mining classification techniques; Decision Tree and Multi-layer Neural Network apply for the prediction of skin diseases. All experimental analysis were carried out in WEKA data mining tool environment. Each individual classifier was put through training and testing using the N-fold cross validation technique (N value was set to 10). The two classifiers are Decision Tree and Neural Network family respectively. The predictive model obtained from the J48 and Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP) was measured and evaluated accordingly with the use of basic parameters such as accuracy, kappa statistics, TP Rate, FP Rate, Precision, Recall, ROC area. Multi-layer neural network presented accuracy of 96.9945 % while J48 gave an accuracy of 93.9891%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the clinical effect of Korean medicine treatment for pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPD).Methods: Five cases of PPD with skin purpura and blood heat due to blood deficiency were evaluated. All patients had been in a chronic disease state for at least 1 year. The treatment consisted only of the Korean herbal medicine Gami-Samultang (GS). The degree of symptoms that the patients experienced when they first visited our clinic was set at a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 10.Results: After treatment, body purpura disappeared in all cases. In contrast, the patients' symptoms had not resolved following previous steroid treatment. All patients were satisfied with the treatment results and showed a VAS score of 0 for purpura.Conclusion: This report suggests that GS can be used to effectively treat PPD. Additional clinical studies on PPD are needed to develop more comprehensive treatment guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--Interleukin (IL)-12 activity is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and acute coronary syndromes. We investigated the effects of IL-12 inhibition on vascular and left ventricular (LV) function in psoriasis. Methods and Results--One hundred fifty psoriasis patients were randomized to receive an anti-IL-12/23 (ustekinumab, n=50), anti-tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α; etanercept, n=50), or cyclosporine treatment (n=50). At baseline and 4 months post-treatment, we measured (1) LV global longitudinal strain, twisting, and percent difference between peak twisting and untwisting at mitral valve opening (%untwMVO) using speckle-tracking echocardiography, (2) coronary flow reserve, (3) pulse wave velocity and augmentation index, (4) circulating NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, malondialdehyde, and fetuin-a. Compared with baseline, all patients had improved global longitudinal strain (median values: -17.7% versus -19.5%), LV twisting (12.4° versus 14°), %untwMVO (27.8% versus 35%), and coronary flow reserve (2.8 versus 3.1) and reduced circulating NT-proBNP, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-6 post-treatment (P<0.05). Compared with anti-TNF-α and cyclosporine, anti-IL-12/23 treatment resulted in a greater improvement of global longitudinal strain (25% versus 17% versus 6%,), LV twist (27% versus 17% versus 1%), %untwMVO (31% versus 27% versus 17%), and coronary flow reserve (14% versus 11% versus 4%), as well as a greater reduction of IL-12 (-25% versus -4% versus -2%), malondialdehyde (-27% versus +5% versus +26%), and NT-proBNP(-26% versus -13.6% versus 9.1%) and increase of fetuin-a (P<0.01). Pulse wave velocity and augmentation index were improved only after anti-IL-12/23 treatment and correlated with changes in global longitudinal strain, LV twisting-untwisting (P<0.05). Conclusions--In psoriasis, IL-12/23 inhibition results in a greater improvement of coronary, arterial, and myocardial function than TNF-α inhibition or cyclosporine treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Nourishing yin is one of the most important treatment methods for skin diseases. The main conditions for which herbal prescriptions are used for nourishing yin are: skin pruritus, psoriasis, eczema, atopy, acne and alopecia. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and analyse trial data on the efficacy and safety of the nourishing yin method using herbal medicine for skin disease. Methods Eleven electronic databases were searched from their inception through until December 2016, with no language limitation. Randomised controlled trials for nourishing yin using herbal prescriptions used to treat skin disease were identified and their risk of bias of assessed. Results Of 725 of the total trials identified, 29 studies were included. Most studies had a high risk of bias. Twenty-five RCTs tested nourishing yin herbal medicines for various skin diseases compared with conventional medicines. Most showed superior response rates compared with conventional medicine, and 7 trials reported equivalent effects. The meta-analysis showed favourable effects of the nourishing yin method using herbal medicine for various skin diseases (n = 2813, RR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.26, P < 0.00001, I2 = 62%). Four studies assessed the nourishing yin herbal medicine plus conventional medicine for various skin diseases compared to conventional medicine alone. All of these 4 trials showed positive effects and the meta-analysis also showed favourable effects (n = 497, RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.23, P = 0.0009, I2 = 37%). Conclusion This review provides superior or equivalent effects of the nourishing yin method using herbal prescriptions for treating skin diseases compared with conventional medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Cientifica de la Facultade de Veterinaria is the property of Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Global temperatures continue to rise, reaching new records almost every year this decade. Although the causes are debated, climate change is a reality. Consequences of climate change include melting of the arctic ice cap, rising of sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased severe weather events. This article updates dermatologists about the effects of climate change on the epidemiology and geographic ranges of selected skin diseases in North America. Although globalization, travel, and trade are also important to changing disease and vector patterns, climate change creates favorable habitats and expanded access to immunologically naïve hosts. Endemic North American illnesses such as Lyme disease, leishmaniasis, and dimorphic fungal infections have recently expanded the geographic areas of risk. As temperatures increase, epidemic viral diseases such as hand-foot-and-mouth disease may develop transmission seasons that are longer and more intense. Chikungunya and dengue are now reported within the southern United States, with Zika on the horizon. Cutaneous injuries from aquatic and marine organisms that have expanding habitats and longer durations of peak activity include jellyfish envenomation, cercarial dermatitis, and seabather eruption, among others. Skin cancer rates may also be affected indirectly by changes in temperature and associated behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Traditional Indian system of Siddha medicine practised over thousands of years has recently gained worldwide attention. Siddha medicine is the native medicinal system of Tamil Nadu. The present study aimed to document the various practises and medications followed by Siddha practitioners in treating various skin diseases form Katpadi taluk in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Methods A qualitative and quantitative ethnopharmacological survey was carried out among 22 Siddha practitioners about herbal remedies and sastric (traditional) formulations prescribed by them for various skin diseases. Successive free listing method was utilized for documenting the healers’ knowledge on medicinal plants and Siddha formulations. The data were analyzed using Informant Consensus factor (F ic ), use value (UV) and Informant Agreement Ratio (IAR). Results The healers prescribed a wide range of herbal remedies along with mineral based formulations. The study documented around 102 plant species and 23 sastric formulations for the treatment of 19 skin diseases. Based on the quantitative metrics fungal infections had high F ic value (0.98) followed by Acne vulgaris (0.96). Conclusion The study emphasizes the usage of numerous plant and mineral based medications for major skin illness by many Siddha healers of the region. Further, in-depth scientific analysis on these herbal and herbo-mineral formulations is required in order to validate their usage. In addition, the validations not only highlight the significance of Siddha medicine in treating the diseases but also highlight its importance and uniqueness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicle. Standard practice of managing acute flares with corticosteroid injection lacks scientific evidence.Objective: We sought to assess the outcomes of routine treatment using intralesional triamcinolone (triamcinolone acetonide 10 mg/mL) in the management of acute flares in HS.Methods: This was a prospective case series evaluating the effect of intralesional corticosteroids for alleviation of acute flares in HS. Physician- and patient-reported outcomes were noted.Results: Significant reductions in physician-assessed erythema (median score from 2-1, P < .0001), edema (median score from 2-1, P < .0001), suppuration (median score from 2-1, P < .0001), and size (median score from 3-1, P < .0001) was demonstrated at follow-up. A significant difference in patient-reported pain visual analog scale scores occurred after 1 day (from 5.5-2.3, P < .005) and from day 1 to day 2 (from 2.3-1.4, P < .002).Limitations: Small study size, open single-arm design, and short follow-up time are the limitations of this study.Conclusion: Intralesional injection of corticosteroids is perceived as beneficial by physicians and patients in the management of HS flares by reducing pain after 1 day and signs of inflammation approximately 7 days later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Automatic detection of multiple actinic keratoses in sun affected skin areas. • Evaluation of cutaneous cancerization fields using cross-polarized clinical photography. • Superpixel-based detection system, using an end-to-end hybrid convolutional neural network classifier. • Convolutional neural network optimal configuration using support vector machines. Areas of cutaneous field cancerization (CFC) occur in sun-damaged skin and are prone to skin cancer development. Actinic keratosis (AK) is the pathognomonic lesion of CFC. Therefore, the reliable and non-invasive AK burden assessment is essential to assist clinicians in delivering patient-tailored therapeutic interventions and support the objective evaluation of emerging therapeutic modalities. Herein, we introduce a system for automated AK detection in CFC areas. For the differentiation of AK from healthy skin areas and co-localized benign growths (Seborrheic Keratosis/Lentigo Solaris; SK/LS), cross-polarized digital photographs of afflicted skin surfaces were taken, and a convolutional neural network (AKCNN) whose convolution part was optimally transferred from a pre-trained VGG16 was implemented. For the detection of multifocal AK in wide skin regions, superpixels were employed to generate region patches for the subsequent evaluation. AKCNN was implemented and evaluated in 19739, 43067, and 12,205 image patches of AK, SK/LS, and healthy skin, respectively, originating from 46 patients. AKCNN performance was assessed in two ways: (a) patch classification using the macro averaged F1 score and (b) AK burden evaluation in broad skin areas using an adapted region-based F1 (a F 1) score. Using raw clinical images, AKCNN exhibited a macro F1 of 0.78 at patch level and a region-based a F 1 of 0.81, with good tolerance against image scaling. The proposed system efficiently uses cross-polarized clinical photography to assess the AK burden within the CFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to metal working fluids (MWF) is common in machining processes worldwide and may lead to diseases of the skin and the respiratory tract.Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate exposure and diseases due to MWF in Switzerland between 2004 and 2013.Methods: We performed descriptive statistics including determination of median and 90th percentile values of MWF concentrations listed in a database of Suva. Moreover, we clustered MWF-induced occupational diseases listed in a database from the Swiss Central Office for Statistics in Accident Insurance, and performed linear regression over time to investigate temporal course of the illnesses.Results: The 90th percentile for MWF air concentration was 8.1 mg (aerosol + vapor)/m3 and 0.9 mg aerosol/m3 (inhalable fraction). One thousand two hundred and eighty skin diseases and 96 respiratory diseases were observed.Conclusions: This is the first investigation describing exposure to and diseases due to MWF in Switzerland over a timeframe of 10 years. In general, working conditions in the companies of this investigation were acceptable. Most measured MWF concentrations were below both the Swiss and most international occupational exposure limits of 2014. The percentage of workers declared unfit for work was 17% compared to the average of other occupational diseases (12%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has deleterious effects on living organisms, and functions as a tumor initiator and promoter. Multiple natural compounds, like quercetin, have been shown the protective effects on UV-induced damage. However, quercetin is extremely hydrophobic and limited by its poor percutaneous permeation and skin deposition. Here, we show that quercetin-loaded PLGA-TPGS nanoparticles could overcome low hydrophilicity of quercetin and improve its anti-UVB effect. Quercetin-loaded NPs can significantly block UVB irradiation induced COX-2 up-expression and NF-kB activation in Hacat cell line. Moreover, PLGA-TPGS NPs could efficiently get through epidermis and reach dermis. Treatment of mice with quercetin-loaded NPs also attenuates UVB irradiation-associated macroscopic and histopathological changes in mice skin. These results demonstrated that copolymer PLGA-TPGS could be used as drug nanocarriers against skin damage and disease. The findings provide an external use of PLGA-TPGS nanocarriers for application in the treatment of skin diseases. From the Clinical Editor Skin is the largest organ in the body and is subjected to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage daily from the sun. Excessive exposure has been linked to the development of skin cancer. Hence, topically applied agents can play a major role in skin protection. In this article, the authors developed quercetin-loaded PLGA-TPGS nanoparticles and showed their anti-UVB effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective study was designed to determine the occurrence of cutaneous neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions in horses from Central-West Brazil by examining the hospital records of horses submitted for biopsy at the Universidade de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, during January 1998 to December 2013. During this 15-year period, biopsy specimens of 133 horses were received for histopathological diagnosis; most of these (69.9%; 93/133) were cutaneous biopsies. No significant difference was observed between the genders of horses with a cutaneous diagnosis; 51.6% (44/93) were males, 47.3% (44/93) females, and the sex of one animal was unspecified. Mixed-breed horses were predominant (35.3%; 33/93), followed by the Quarter Horse and Pantaneiro breeds (25.8%; 24/93). A definite seasonal pattern relative to the occurrence of cutaneous disease was not observed. Cutaneous diseases were more frequent in horses that were more than 1 year of age. Nonneoplastic cutaneous lesions (73.1%; 68/93) were more predominantly diagnosed relative to neoplastic disease (19.4%; 18/93). Pythiosis was the most frequent (50%; 34/68) nonneoplastic lesion and represented 36.5% (34/93) of all cutaneous lesions diagnosed. Squamous cell carcinomas (44.4%; 8/18) and sarcoids (38.9%; 7/18) were the most frequently diagnosed neoplastic lesions. These findings suggest that cutaneous lesions are common in horses from the Central-West region of Brazil, and the age, gender, and breed per se of the affected horse were not determinant factors relative to the occurrence of skin lesions in horses from this geographical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Organochlorine exposure is an important cause of cutaneous and systemic toxicity. Exposure has been associated with industrial accidents, intentional poisoning, and the use of defoliants, such as Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. Although long-term health effects are systematically reviewed by the Institute of Medicine, skin diseases are not comprehensively assessed. This represents an important practice gap as patients can present with cutaneous findings. This article provides a systematic review of the cutaneous manifestations of known mass organochlorine exposures in military and industrial settings with the goal of providing clinically useful recommendations for dermatologists seeing patients inquiring about organochlorine effects. Patients with a new diagnosis of chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, cutaneous lymphomas (non-Hodgkin lymphoma), and soft-tissue sarcomas including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and leiomyosarcomas should be screened for a history of Vietnam service or industrial exposure. Inconclusive evidence exists for an increased risk of other skin diseases in Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange including benign fatty tumors, melanomas, nonmelanoma skin cancers, milia, eczema, dyschromias, disturbance of skin sensation, and rashes not otherwise specified. Affected veterans should be informed of the uncertain data in those cases. Referral to Department of Veterans Affairs for disability assessment is indicated for conditions with established associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the manifestations of skin disease are usually openly visible, patients may feel embarrassed. Nowadays, alternative medicine is promoted; therefore, efforts are being made to discover new herbal formulas for healing skin diseases. This study aimed to (1) investigate the diversity and source of medicinal materials for treating skin diseases, and (2) document the folk knowledge of using herbal medicines from the three southern border provinces of Thailand; Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Semi-structured interviews with ten healers were conducted to collect information including the formula name, herbal ingredients, material parts used, preparation, properties and treatment methods. The data were then further analysed. The results showed that 42 multi-species formulas and 30 single species were used to treat 22 skin diseases. The formulas were comprised of 54 plants and eight chemical elements or compounds. Most formulas were used for treating shingles, scabies, urticaria and itching of unknown cause. The most popular materials for various diseases were: Senna alata for ringworm and pityriasis versicolor, Areca catechu for shingles, Knema globularia for scabies and Tamarindus indica for itching of unknown cause. A review of the literature revealed that 36 plant species had already been tested for their pharmacological activities. The remaining species should be investigated for biological activity to confirm the folk utilization of the medicinal materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare but important autoimmune paediatric disease. The main clinical features are proximal muscle weakness and skin rashes or other skin manifestations, but multiple organ systems can also be involved. Diagnosis is made using the 1975 Bohan and Peter diagnostic criteria (a gold standard for clinical trials) or by revised criteria from 2006 based on an international consensus survey process. Optimal treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, and is based on immunosuppression combined with intensive physiotherapy. Initially medical treatment involves intravenous and oral corticosteroids with adjuvant disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and later biologic therapy. Randomised controlled trials are limited due to the low incidence but consensus on treatment has been agreed and is shown in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) protocol. Without treatment, mortality can be high but with early diagnosis and treatment the prognosis is good, with a third achieving full remission, a third having a cyclic, relapsing and remitting course and the remainder having an ulcerative chronic course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Deutsche Zeitschrift für Akupunktur is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This review highlights some of the research advances in anaphylaxis; hypersensitivity reactions to foods, drugs, and insects; and allergic skin diseases that were reported in the Journal in 2014. Studies on food allergy suggest worrisomely high rates of peanut allergy and food-induced anaphylaxis-related hospitalizations. Evidence is mounting to support the theory that environmental exposure to peanut, such as in house dust, especially with an impaired skin barrier attributed to atopic dermatitis (AD) and loss of function mutations in the filaggrin gene, is a risk factor for sensitization and allergy. Diagnostic tests are improving, with early studies suggesting the possibility of developing novel cellular tests with increased diagnostic utility. Treatment trials continue to show the promise and limitations of oral immunotherapy, and mechanistic studies are elucidating pathways that might define the degree of efficacy of this treatment. Studies have also provided insights into the prevalence and characteristics of anaphylaxis and insect venom allergy, such as suggesting that baseline platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity levels are related to the severity of reactions. Advances in drug allergy include identification of HLA associations for penicillin allergy and a microRNA biomarker/mechanism for toxic epidermal necrolysis. Research identifying critical events leading to skin barrier dysfunction and the polarized immune pathways that drive AD have led to new therapeutic approaches in the prevention and management of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differently from the other cells of the body, epidermal cells of the skin undergo a specific programmed cell death form named cornification. Many events take part to control this process, which has been described as a terminal differentiation program. Going from the innermost layer to the outermost, epidermal cells stop dividing, change their shape, acquire new cellular structures and strengthen their cytoskeleton. This is corroborated by the fact that during this physical transition they change their gene expression, reprogramming in some way their biochemical activity. The activation of critical enzymes, including proteases and transglutaminases is a fundamental cellular event. These enzymes are involved in building the supramolecular and cornified structures which confer resistance to the epidermis which carries out a vital function as a skin barrier, preserving the organism from various insults. Here we review current concepts about cornification and the mechanisms by which this process is preserved in species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

À l’officine, la prise en charge des patients présentant des problèmes cutanés doit parfois être rapide. Le pharmacien détermine si la lésion nécessite une consultation médicale ou peut faire l’objet d’un simple conseil pharmaceutique. Pour cela, il prend en compte le terrain du patient, ses pathologies et son mode de vie, puis évalue le stade de l’infection et le risque potentiel de complications. Summary Pharmacists often have to deal rapidly with patients with skin problems. They need to establish whether the lesion should be seen by a doctor or whether they can themselves provide suitable advice. They must therefore take into account the patient's background, their pathologies and lifestyle, then assess the stage of the infection and the potential risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ceramides (CERs) are epidermal lipids that are important for skin barrier function. Much research has been devoted to identifying the numerous CERs found in human skin and their function. Alterations in CER content are associated with a number of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Newer formulations of skin-care products have incorporated CERs into their formulations with the goal of exogenously applying CERs to help skin barrier function. CERs are a complex class of molecules and because of their growing ubiquity in skin-care products, a clear understanding of their role in skin and use in skin-care products is essential for clinicians treating patients with skin diseases. This review provides an overview of the structure, function, and importance of skin CERs in diseased skin and how CERs are being used in skin-care products to improve or restore skin barrier function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have gained substantial importance in medical research and care. One of the major areas of PROs is health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which reflects the personal health condition of an individual in physical, social, emotional, and functional dimensions. Other concepts of PROs include a patient's psychological condition, satisfaction, and preferences. In a general sense, PROs summarize all facts of a medical observation or intervention reported by the patient. In most cases, these outcomes cannot be recorded by other techniques and can only poorly be measured by professionals or relatives (via proxies). Objective: This article summarizes the concepts, methodology of measurement, and interpretation of results of PROs in chronic wounds and inflammatory skin diseases, with a particular focus on HRQoL. The review is based on a November 2013 literature search and additional scientific exploration by the authors. An updated systematic review on the research terms patient reported outcomes, quality of life, patient preferences, willingness to pay, and PROs was performed. The resulting series of publications were checked for accuracy, topical match, and content. Results: In terms of specific outcomes tools in chronic wounds, 106 instruments for assessing QoL in chronic wounds and skin diseases with validated data were identified. With respect to guidelines on QoL measurement in these fields, three specific guides were found. Conclusion: PROs, in particular QoL and patient preferences, are indispensable constructs in the assessment of the patient perspective in clinical care, clinical research and health services research. The use of validated methodologies is recommended, and, in most cases, validated instruments are available. Any instrument used should be checked for validity, scientific rigor, and feasibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Mycology / Journal de Mycologie Médicale is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)