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Background In this follow-up study to previous work, the authors survey the availability of key measures and resources pertaining to residency research in United States Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited dermatology residency programs, including potential policy changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The chief objective of this survey was to evaluate and compare dermatology programs’ resident research requirements and guidelines. Methods This cross-sectional study employed a 13-item survey administered online in early 2021 to assess the degree to which dermatology residency programs require and support their new physician graduates in scholarly research endeavors. Results Thirty-two program directors representing 30 dermatology residency programs (30/138=22% out of the 138 accredited programs contacted) responded to the survey. Almost all programs described quality improvement project requirements for residents, and were able to provide funding for resident conference participation. Most programs also reported resident publication requirements and the availability of research electives. However, the vast majority did not have required research rotations or a formal mentorship program. The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a substantial impact on residency research requirements. Conclusions Our survey provides objective data about the current dermatology resident research requirements across the United States. These findings may prove valuable to prospective applicants, residency programs, and accrediting agencies in improving, advancing, and structuring dermatology residency guidelines and resources with the aim of encouraging new physician trainees to pursue research.

Background: Dermatology residency programs are considerably varied in regard to their resident research requirements and resources. The authors examined the availability of 12 key resident research-related criteria in 30 ACGME dermatology residency programs in the United States. Objective: To assess the degree to which dermatology residency programs require and support their new physician graduates in scholarly research. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a 12-item survey administered online that was informed and created by literature search, expert feedback, and a thorough review and revision process. The primary purpose of the study was to examine the differences in programs’ policies and structure around resident research. Results: Thirty out of 114 PDs (26%) responded to the survey. We found that while most programs had publication and QI project requirements for residents, the majority did not have required research rotations, research electives, or a formal mentorship program. Thus, in spite of a growing need for new physician–scientists coupled with the various benefits associated with conducting research during residency training, considerable hurdles dissuade new physician graduates from pursuing careers in clinical research. Conclusions: Our survey findings supply timely, objective data on dermatology resident research requirements across the country. Medical schools, residency programs, and the ACGME/ AMA may all find our results valuable in further enhancing, evolving, and systematizing dermatology residency policies and provisions.

Background: While the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) represents the most commonly used assessment tool for psoriasis severity, it has been criticized for its complexity in clinical practice. Objective: To validate a simplified 2-item patient-administered limited measure psoriasis area and severity score (PALMPASS) compared to standardized measure of psoriasis. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational survey of adult patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) dermatology and rheumatology clinics participating in the Program to Understand the Longterm outcomes in SpondyloARthritis registry between January and June 2016 (n = 885). Patients at 7 US VAMCs (n = 363) completed a 2-item, 11-point PALMPASS questionnaire, assessing (1) how psoriasis affected the patient and (2) the degree of surface area involvement. Results from the PALMPASS were then compared to the PASI, the Psoriasis Symptom Inventory (PSI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Data were analyzed using Lin concordance, intraclass correlations, Spearman correlations, and linear regression. Results: Strong correlations existed between PALMPASS and PASI (Spearman ρ = 0.74, P < .001), PSI (Spearman ρ = 0.71, P = .001), and DLQI (Spearman ρ = 0.77, P < .001). Results were comparable in analyses based on intraclass correlations. Elevated C-reactive protein concentrations correlated with higher PALMPASS. Conclusion: The PALMPASS is a patient-reported instrument that demonstrates validity and serves as a reliable and simplified tool to guide evidence-based management.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 100 million people globally within the first year of the pandemic. With a death toll surpassing 500,000 in the United States alone, containing the pandemic is predicated on achieving herd immunity on a global scale. This implies that at least 70-80 % of the population must achieve active immunity against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), either as a result of a previous COVID-19 infection or by vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. In December 2020, the first two vaccines were approved by the FDA through emergency use authorization in the United States. These vaccines are based on the mRNA vaccine platform and were developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Published safety and efficacy trials reported high efficacy rates of 94-95 % after two interval doses, in conjunction with limited side effects and a low rate of adverse reactions. The rapid pace of vaccine development and the uncertainty of potential long-term adverse effects raised some level of hesitation against mRNA vaccines in the global community. A successful vaccination campaign is contingent on widespread access to the vaccine under appropriate storage conditions, deployment of a sufficient number of vaccinators, and the willingness of the population to be vaccinated. Thus, it is important to clarify the objective data related to vaccine safety, including known side effects and potential adverse reactions. The present review was designed to provide an update on the current state of science related to the safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.

Background Holistic dermatology focuses on treating the human body as a whole and implementing lifestyle changes to enhance the treatment and prognosis of skin disease. Understanding the interplay between modifiable lifestyle factors and patients' dermatologic health will help physicians better inform patients on self-care methods to mitigate the burden of their skin disease(s). Objective To review the current scientific literature on the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors and the dermatologic outcome of skin disorders. Methods A systematic literature search on PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted to identify research articles examining the relationship between dermatology and 6 major categories of modifiable lifestyle factors: diet, sleep, exercise, stress, alcohol, and smoking. Results A substantial amount of evidence supports the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors and dermatologic outcomes. There were the most studies on diet, stress, alcohol, and smoking, but all lifestyle factors were supported by some degree of scientific evidence. Conclusion All modifiable lifestyle factors explored in this review play a critical role in modulating the onset and progression of skin disease. We anticipate more research studies in the future and an increasing integration of holistic dermatology into patient care.

Background Maternal dietary restriction and supplementation of one-carbon (1C) metabolites can impact offspring growth and DNA methylation. However, longitudinal research of 1C metabolite and amino acid (AA) concentrations over the reproductive cycle of human pregnancy is limited. Objective To investigate longitudinal 1C metabolite and AA concentrations prior to and during pregnancy and the effects of a small-quantity lipid-based nutrition supplement (LNS) containing >20 micronutrients and prepregnancy BMI (ppBMI). Methods This study was an ancillary study of the Women First Trial (NCT01883193, clinicaltrials.gov) focused on a subset of Guatemalan women (n = 134), 49% of whom entered pregnancy with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Ninety-five women received LNS during pregnancy (+LNS group), while the remainder did not (−LNS group). A subset of women from the Pakistan study site (n = 179) were used as a replication cohort, 124 of whom received LNS. Maternal blood was longitudinally collected on dried blood spot (DBS) cards at preconception, and at 12 and 34 wk gestation. A targeted metabolomics assay was performed on DBS samples at each time point using LC-MS/MS. Longitudinal analyses were performed using linear mixed modeling to investigate the influence of time, LNS, and ppBMI. Results Concentrations of 23 of 27 metabolites, including betaine, choline, and serine, changed from preconception across gestation after application of a Bonferroni multiple testing correction (P

Google+ sets itself apart from other social media platforms through a number of unique features, including search engine optimization services and high user satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of dermatological entities on Google+. Searches were conducted to locate any Google+ accounts associated with the most popular dermatology journals, dermatological patient-centered organizations, and professional dermatology-related organizations on social media. Additionally, "dermatology Google+" was searched via Google, and Google+ profiles retrieved in the first page of results were assessed. Four of the five active Google+ profiles identified in the first page of Google search results were run by private dermatology practices. Only one of the 13 searched journals was active on Google+. Twenty-six of the 34 patient-centered and professional organizations had Google+ accounts, but only seven of these accounts were active in the last year. Therefore, unlike some private practices, the majority of dermatology journals and organizations have yet to take advantage of the exclusive opportunities offered by Google+ to expand their audiences and bolster their overall online presence.

Author(s): Hill, Mary K; Patel, Ravi R; Anand, Pratibha; Dellavalle, Robert P | Abstract: Google+ sets itself apart from other social media platforms through a number of unique features, including search engine optimization services and high user satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of dermatological entities on Google+. Searches were conducted to locate any Google+ accounts associated with the most popular dermatology journals, dermatological patient-centered organizations, and professional dermatology-related organizations on social media. Additionally, “dermatology Google+” was searched via Google, and Google+ profiles retrieved in the first page of results were assessed. Four of the five active Google+ profiles identified in the first page of Google search results were run by private dermatology practices. Only one of the 13 searched journals was active on Google+. Twenty-six of the 34 patient-centered and professional organizations had Google+ accounts, but only seven of these accounts were active in the last year. Therefore, unlike some private practices, the majority of dermatology journals and organizations have yet to take advantage of the exclusive opportunities offered by Google+ to expand their audiences and bolster their overall online presence.