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Currently, a very important thread of research on COVID-19 is to determine the dimension of the psychopathological emotional reactions induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-experimental online research project was designed to determine the predictors of the severity of psychopathological symptoms, such as depression and PTSD symptoms, and the nature of the feedback mechanism between them in groups of men, remaining in hospital isolation due to infection and at-home isolation during the COVID-19 epidemic. The presence of symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a sense of threat due to the pandemic were assessed using the following screening tests: IES-R by Weiss and Marmar, PHQ-9 by Spitzer et al., and a self-constructed sliding scale for assessing COVID-19 anxiety. The study was carried out on a group of 57 firefighting cadets, hospitalized in a COVID-19 isolation room (M.sub.age = 23.01), staying in isolation due to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and a control group of 57 healthy men (M.sub.age = 41.38) staying at home during quarantine and national lockdown. COVID-19 pandemic causes many psychopathological reactions. The predictive models revealed that the predictors of symptoms of PTSD in isolated patients included depression and the experienced sense of COVID-19 threat resulting from the disease, while in the control group the symptoms of depression were the only predictor of PTSD. PTSD experiences are usually associated with depression. It may also be a form of the re-experiencing process or the effect of high affectivity, indirectly confirmed by the participation of hyperarousal in the feedback loop. Our findings highlight the importance of mental health aspects in patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic requires social distancing, quarantine and isolation, which may cause psychopathological symptoms not only in affected people, but also in the general population. Moreover, the need for greater psychological support can be emphasized for both: the sick and the general population., Author(s): Irena Walecka [sup.1] , Piotr Ciechanowicz [sup.1] , Klaudia Dopytalska [sup.1] , Agata Mikucka-Wituszynska [sup.1] , Elzbieta Szymanska [sup.1] , Jacek Bogucki [sup.2] , Janusz Kock [sup.2] , Karolina [...]

Background: Oncological anxiety associated with biological therapy is a particular challenge in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it has raised questions about the need for the dermatological assessment of the skin before starting biological therapy. Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of dermal lesions, including cutaneous malignancies, in IBD patients. This retrospective, single-center study evaluated 805 IBD patients who qualified for biological treatment and were subjected to a dermatological assessment. Results: Dermal lesions (DLs) were found in 15.5% (125) of IBD patients. A risk factor for DLs was higher with body mass index (OR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.02; 1.14], p = 0.007). Surprisingly, there was no effect of thiopurines between the groups with and without DLs (90.4% vs. 84.6%, MD = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01; 0.12], p = 0.118). Moreover, cutaneous malignancies were diagnosed in 9 cases (1.1%), including 4 basal cell carcinomas, 4 squamous cell carcinomas, and 1 melanoma skin cancer. Only 13.4% of patients complied with our strict policy of skin surveillance every 6–8 months. Conclusions: DLs, including cutaneous malignancies, are common in patients with IBD, making skin monitoring at the initiation of biological treatment an extremely useful tool. The lack of effect of the drugs used suggests that skin surveillance is necessary in all IBD patients. The low compliance of skin monitoring among immunosuppressed patients indicates the need for better education on the prevention of cutaneous malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyze the exercise tolerance and thoracic mobility of patients with systemic scleroderma treated at the Department of Dermatology of the PIM of the Ministry of Internal Medicine after 2 years of individually tailored rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 55 patients aged 27 years to 80 (mean 56.4) with systemic scleroderma, who receive rheological treatment in the Department of Dermatology on a cyclical basis. In addition, the therapy was supported by individually tailored rehabilitation for 2 years. Before and after the therapy was completed, the results of the study were analyzed. Forty-two patients completed the project. Results: The results of the 6-minute walk test improved over the course of the project. More than half of the patients obtained results within the normal range 57.1% of the patients improved their results by completing the test compared to the beginning of the study. On the other hand, the chest circumference values obtained allow us to conclude that its momentum decreased after 2 years of rehabilitation. Conclusions: When interpreting the result of the 6-minute test measurements, it is also necessary to take into account gait altered by changes in the skin of the feet and limitations due to muscle function. The study also shows a significant reduction in joint mobility under the influence of the lesioned skin and subcutaneous tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study outlined the prevalent use of brachytherapy in skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The importance of customized applicator fabrication for optimal treatment delivery was highlighted, focusing on adaptable devices tailored to individual patient anatomy, often facilitated by 3D printing technology. The purpose of this work was to investigate the association of medical science and 3D printing in customized applicator fabrication for brachytherapy, leveraging the advancements in fabrication techniques to enhance treatment precision and patient outcomes. Material and methods: The study enrolled five patients with tumor lesions unsuitable for surgical intervention, situated across various anatomical locations, such as earlobe, temple, hand, and cheek. Customized applicators were fabricated via 3D printing (fused deposition modeling) for each patient, followed by radiotherapy protocol delivering a total dose of 51 Gy in 17 fractions. Patient assessments during and post-radiotherapy were done by radiation oncologist using RTOG scale as well as dermatological evaluations with dermatoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy. Methodologically, applicators were 3D-printed using fused deposition modeling technology. Printing parameters were optimized in Prusa Slicer software, ensuring precise control in printout shape correlated with treatment efficacy. Results: This study examined the therapeutic outcomes of brachytherapy in five patients with inoperable skin cancer lesions. Utilizing customized 3D-printed applicators, the patients underwent brachytherapy regimen delivering a cumulative dose of 51 Gy in 17 fractions. The evaluation with RTOG scale revealed varied treatment responses, with complete remission achieved in all cases. Reflectance confocal microscopy showed post-treatment normalization of epidermal morphology and notable scar formation. Optical profilometry demonstrated consistent micro-structures on the applicator surfaces, without compromising treatment efficacy. These findings indicated the potential of 3D-printed applicators in optimizing brachytherapy outcomes in skin cancer management. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of 3D-printed applicators in treating inoperable skin cancer lesions with high precision. In personalized fabrication, optimal conformity with anatomical features was achieved, resulting in complete remission in all patients. This approach minimizes treatment-related side effects and enhances overall patient outcomes, suggesting a promising future for 3D printing technology in skin cancer treatment applications. Further research and clinical validation are needed to establish 3D printing as a standard practice in skin cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) infections are very common. Up to 60% of the adults' population is seropositive. This virus has a wide range of clinical presentation in children and in adults. In children, it most often manifests itself as erythema infectiosum. It may be asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic, or fully symptomatic. The most severe PVB19 infections concern primary infection of pregnant women and non-immunocompetent people, leading to hematological complications. We present two case reports of PVB19 infection with skin lesions that provide a closer picture of the skin lesions and symptoms occurring during this infection in adults, and our proposed diagnostic process flowchart for a patient with suspected PVB19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinic keratosis is a common skin condition that has the potential to develop into malignant neoplastic lesions. Factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing actinic keratosis include older age, male gender, UV exposure, and immunosuppressive treatment. Understanding the pathogenesis and significance of actinic keratosis as an initial form of the neoplastic process associated with a sequence of lesions arising on photodamaged skin has led to the concept of field cancerization. The choice of the optimal therapeutic pathway depends on the number of actinic keratosis lesions and the degree of photodamage in the skin, as well as the advancement of skin lesions. The clinical presentation of skin lesions also allows monitoring of the patient's condition over time and assessing response to treatment, and facilitates rational decisions regarding potential therapy adjustments. This article outlines the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratosis in Poland and presents an evidence-based management regimen that incorporates the practical clinical experience of dermatology experts. The recommendations cover a range of topics including topical treatment options, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizing agent, and combination treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that affects hair follicles, typically developing after puberty. It is characterized by painful, deep-seated inflammatory lesions that appear in anatomical regions where apocrine glands are located, mainly in the axillar, inguinal, and anogenital areas. The pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa is multifactorial, with follicular occlusion representing the initial stage of the disease and subsequently leading to the formation of neutrophilic abscesses and infiltration by various inflammatory cells. The treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons, as well as physicians of other medical specialties. The primary pharmacological treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa involve antibiotics and biologic disease-modifying drugs, which can be used either in monotherapy or in combination with surgical interventions. The following guidelines provide up-to-date information on the management of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis is a chronic disease involving the connective tissue of the skin and internal organs. It is characterised by disorders of peripheral microcirculation, immune dysregulation, and deposition of collagen fibres and other substances in connective tissue. The most common organ complications in systemic sclerosis include interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, renal tubular hypertrophy, and arthritis. Imaging findings often precede clinical symptoms, so all patients should be screened as soon as possible, preferably in the asymptomatic phase of the disease. Treatment options for systemic sclerosis include immunomodulatory therapies as well as therapeutic modalities targeting vascular mechanics and connective tissue fibrosis. Efforts are underway to discover new, more sensitive and specific prognostic factors that would help to personalize therapies and thus improve the final treatment outcomes. Identified biomarkers would accelerate the implementation of appropriate treatments, delaying the progression of irreversible complications and decreasing mortality rates in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease which is characterized by painful, recurrent nodules and abscesses. The overall prevalence of HS is estimated to be 11 per 100 000 individuals in the United States and 4% of the world's population. Women are three times more affected than men, especially patients between 18 and 29 years. Similarly to acne vulgaris, HS is primarily associated with follicular occlusion, which results from a number of biological processes, including follicular epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratinization. There are numerous available treatment options for cutaneous lesions in the course of HS. A combination of conservative therapy and appropriate surgical treatment conducted by an experienced surgeon ensures the best possible clinical outcomes. Presently, biologic therapy is the most effective pharmacological treatment in patients with a moderate-to-severe course of the disease. Numerous ongoing clinical trials provide hope for greater availability of new biologic therapy methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease leading to cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. Pathological features of SSc include immune dysregulation, vasculopathy, and impaired angiogenesis. Adipokines act as cytokines and hormones and are involved in various pathological processes, including metabolic disorders, inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. This study aimed to determine the level of omentin-1 and adiponectin to evaluate their potential role in the pathogenesis of SSc. We assessed serum omentin-1 and adiponectin as well as metabolic parameters in 58 patients with SSc and 30 healthy controls. The follow-up was performed in SSc individuals. Omentin-1 levels were significantly higher in SSc individuals as compared to the controls. In post-hoc analysis, omentin-1 was higher in the group with disease duration ≥7 years than in the control group. A positive correlation was noted between disease duration and both adipokines and increased with longer disease duration. However, there were no correlations between selected adipokines and metabolic parameters. Enhanced omentin-1 levels and higher levels of omentin-1 in patients with longer disease duration may suggest that omentin-1 is involved in the pathomechanisms of SSc as its concentrations are not directly related to BMI, age, and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Infliximab (IFX) is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and neutralizes TNF-a. IFX (Remicade) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006 for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis. In 2013 two infliximab biosimilars: Remsima and Inflectra were also registered. The introduction of biosimilar drugs is associated with a significant reduction in treatment costs. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of treatment with biosimilar IFX with non-medical switch option in patients with plaque psoriasis under the drug program "Treatment of moderate and severe plaque psoriasis" of the Ministry of Health in Poland. Material and methods: The group of 91 adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, unresponsive or with contraindications to the standard treatment were qualified to the drug program (in 2016-2018). Efficacy of treatment with biosimilar IFX was evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, body surface area and Dermatology Life Quality Index scoring performed at week 0, 14, 46 and 94. Results: The mean change in PASI, DLQI, and BSA scores at week 14 was 89.92%, 93.75% and 90.91%, respectively. By week 14, 83.52% of patients achieved PASI75, 49.45% PASI = 90 and 26.37% PASI100. At week 46, 84.62% of patients achieved PASI75, 54.95% PASI = 90, and 21.98% PASI100. At week 94 of therapy, 80.22% of patients achieved PASI75, 48.35% PASI = 90, and 18.68% PASI100. At week 94 of therapy, PASI100 was maintained by 37.5% of patients who achieved PASI100 at week 14. Conclusions: 94-week therapy with biosimilar infliximab results in high and sustained clinical efficacy in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumours derived from peptidergic neurons and specialized neuroendocrine cells capable of secreting various peptides or amines. These cells may be present in endocrine tissue or diffused in the tissues of the digestive or respiratory system. The article reviews the characteristic features of NENs, with particular emphasis on skin manifestations, such as necrolytic migratory erythema (NME), tongue inflammation, angular cheilitis, venous thrombosis and alopecia in glucagonoma; "flushing", "lion face", pellagra skin symptoms, "scleroderma-like features without Raynaud's phenomenon" in carcinoid tumours. The paper also presents the clinical picture of the neuroendocrine tumour of the skin - Merkel cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to draw attention to the need for precise and comprehensive diagnosis of the patients, with particular emphasis on skin lesions as a revelator of neuroendocrine tumours. This management allows for the early implementation of appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Scleroderma (Sc) is a connective tissue disorder associated with internal organ involvement, increased mortality, and unknown pathogenesis. It has been found that the more extensive the skin involvement the more severe internal organ manifestations and increased disability. The Rodnan skin score (RSS) is one of the established methods to examine skin thickness among patients with Sc. Due to RSS limitations, for instance, lack of detection of subclinical changes, a new tool is needed for the evaluation of Sc. In recent studies, shear wave elastography (SWE) has been examined as a potential tool to assess skin involvement through the evaluation of skin strain. Aim: To verify whether elastography is a reliable method to examine Sc progression and possibly provide one useful site to perform the examination - as an easy, cheap, and reliable examination tool. Material and methods: Forty Sc patients were examined, and 28 healthy individuals were recruited for the control group. Among the patients and control group, skin thickness was assessed using the RSS and skin strain measurements using elastography in 20 body locations. Results: SWE in the right-hand finger can be treated as an important diagnostic indicator of the severity of Sc. Conclusions: SWE is a reliable method for evaluating skin involvement among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Right finger measurements correlate positively with Rodnan's results and can be a predictor of the severity of SSc. This study found SWE to be a reliable method for examining SSc progression and possibly one useful site for the examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An increasing number of publications describing dermatoses associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have shown differences in the morphology and incidence of dermatoses in children compared to the general population. Material and methods: Among 22 selected full-text articles, dermatoses associated with COVID-19 have been described in 196 children (average age: 12.57 years). Dermatoses were the only symptom in most patients (n = 134; 68.4%). RT-PCR tests of nasopharyngeal swabs confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in only 18 cases (n = 18/69; 26.1%). Results: Dermatoses described include chilblain-like lesions (n = 173; 88.3%), maculopapular rash (n = 16; 8.2%), erythema multiforme-like lesions (n = 12; 6.1%), varicella-like exanthema (n = 1; 0.5%), and urticaria (n = 1; 0.5%). Conclusions: This publication aims to summarise existing data on dermatoses and to draw attention to how identification of dermatological symptoms in paediatric patients can provide a quick and reliable indicator of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]