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Dermatitis 2018 Nov/Dec;29(6):353

Division of Dermatology Wexner Medical CenterThe Ohio State University, Columbus; and Department of Dermatology Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, OH.

Background: The Alexander Fisher Award (AFA) recognizes excellence in research among dermatology residents or medical students who make formal presentations at the annual American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) meeting.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate long-term likelihood of patch testing, academic practice, and society membership among Alexander Fisher Award winners (AFAWs).

Methods: The AFAWs from 1989 to 2012 were identified with Internet searches to obtain their current practice location. Read More

Lancet Oncol 2018 Jul 13;19(7):916-929. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Background: Despite newly approved treatments, metastatic melanoma remains a life-threatening condition. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the MAGE-A3 immunotherapeutic in patients with stage IIIB or IIIC melanoma in the adjuvant setting.

Methods: DERMA was a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial done in 31 countries and 263 centres. Read More

J Photochem Photobiol B 2018 Jul 14;184:27-33. Epub 2018 May 14.

Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.

Nowcasting model for online monitoring of personal outdoor behaviour is proposed. It is envisaged that it will provide an effective e-tool used by smartphone users. The model could estimate maximum duration of safe (without erythema risk) outdoor activity. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2018 Feb 15;24(2). Epub 2018 Feb 15.

Gwinnett Medical Center, Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Despite the increasing prevalence of social media usage, the activity of dermatology journals and professional and patient-centered organizations on top social media platforms has not been investigated since 2012. We investigated a total of 124 dermatology journals, 242 professional organizations, and 78 patient-centered organizations to assess their presence and popularity on social media. Searches were conducted to identify journals and organizations on Facebook and Twitter. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2017 Jul 15;23(7). Epub 2017 Jul 15.

Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, Dermatology Service, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Denver, Colorado.

Platforms of social media, including the website Reddit, have become increasingly popular sites for users to communicate medical information. A study investigating dermatology content on Reddit has not been performed in the current literature. The purpose of this study is to enumerate the dermatology subreddits, quantify subscribers, and characterize posts to estimate the presence of dermatology-related content on Reddit. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 2017 Sep 18;44(9):763-771. Epub 2017 Jul 18.

Department of Dermatology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut.

Continuing technological advances are inevitably impacting the study and practice of dermatopathology (DP). We are seeing the transition from glass slide microscopy to virtual microscopy, which is serving both as an accessible educational medium for medical students, residents and fellows in the form of online databases and atlases, as well as a research tool to better inform us regarding the development of visual diagnostic expertise. Expansion in mobile technology is simplifying slide image attainment and providing greater opportunities for phone- and tablet-based microscopy, including teledermatopathology instruction and consultation in resource-poor areas with lack of specialists. Read More

Cutis 2017 Apr;99(4):253-258

Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA.

The use of online educational resources and professional social networking sites is increasing. The field of dermatology is currently under-utilizing online social networking as a means of professional collaboration and sharing of training materials. In this study, we sought to assess the current structure of and satisfaction with dermatology resident education and gauge interest for a professional social networking site for educational collaboration. Read More

J Surg Res 2016 11 16;206(1):90-97. Epub 2016 Jul 16.

Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address:

Background: Patients seeking health information commonly use the Internet as the first source for material. Studies show that well-informed patients have increased involvement, satisfaction, and healthcare outcomes. As one-third of Americans have only basic or below basic health literacy, the National Institutes of Health and American Medical Association recommend patient-directed health resources be written at a sixth-grade reading level. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2016 Jul 27;4(7):e824. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; and Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Background: Soft-tissue fillers are increasingly being used for noninvasive facial rejuvenation. They generally offer minimal downtime and reliable results. However, significant complications are reported and patients need to be aware of these as part of informed consent. Read More

PLoS One 2016 27;11(7):e0157749. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

National Center for Sexually Transmitted Disease Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China.

Background: Syphilis is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Syphilis partner notification (PN) programs targeting MSM has been considered as one of effective strategies to prevention and control of the infection in the population. We examined willingness and preferences for PN among MSM to measure feasibility and optimize uptake. Read More

Transl Behav Med 2016 06;6(2):271-6

Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.

Few surveillance tools exist for monitoring tanning bed injuries. Twitter data were examined to identify and describe reports of tanning bed-caused burns. Tweets sent in 2013 containing keywords for tanning bed use and burning were content analyzed to determine whether a burn caused by a tanning bed was described, and additional data on tanning behavior and burn characteristics were extracted. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2016 Apr;34(2):129-32

Dermatology, Touro University Nevada, 874 American Pacific Drive, Henderson, NV 89014, USA.

The Internet provides both education and miseducation for acne patients. Although some sites provide disease background information and objective treatment guidance, support networks, and research findings, others may seem to be objective on the surface, but are in reality run by untrained, self-proclaimed experts or are promotional in nature. Providers must be aware of the potential benefits and pitfalls the Internet provides for those suffering with acne. Read More

Ann Dermatol 2016 Feb 28;28(1):1-5. Epub 2016 Jan 28.

Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) often resort to the internet for disease-related information. We believe that dermatologists be informed about the current accessibility of information to patients and the potential for misleading patients into making poor treatment decisions.

Objective: The study was carried out in order to determine the nature of AD-related information available on the internet in Korea, and to identify any changes since our last survey in 2005. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2016 Mar 10;107(2):98-106. Epub 2015 Nov 10.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Son Llàtzer, Palma de Mallorca, España. Electronic address:

The use by patients of social networking sites and the Internet to look for health related information has already become an everyday phenomenon. If, as dermatologists, we want to be part of this new conversation and provide quality content, we will have to adapt to digital media and find new ways of communicating with both our patients and our colleagues. Dozens of Spanish dermatologists have already ventured into the online space and have begun to provide important content through blogs, which they also disseminate via the social media. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2015 Jul-Aug;60(4):419

Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Csongrad County, Hungary.

Background: The epidemiological evaluation of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is based mainly on direct observation and questionnaires. The international epidemiology and environmental risk factors of AGA in young Caucasian men remain unknown.

Aim: To use photographs and data from the Internet to evaluate severe AGA and generate greater understanding of the international epidemiology of the disorder in young Caucasian men. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2015 Oct;16(5):431-7

Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Vahdate Eslami Sq., Vahdate Eslami Ave., 11996, Tehran, Iran.

Background: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic and relapsing disease and topical therapy may be associated with failure, particularly in severe disease. Itraconazole has been suggested as an effective treatment for severe SD. Previous studies have been open clinical trials with variable results. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2015 Jul-Aug;106(6):493-9. Epub 2015 Mar 21.

Dermatology Department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Spain. Electronic address:

Background: The use of the Internet to search for medical information is considered by some physicians as an invasion of their medical domain and a reflection of a lack of trust in their advice and recommendations.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to estimate the amount of medical information gathered from the Internet and to establish whether these online searches reflect a lower degree of patient satisfaction.

Patients And Methods: A survey was conducted among 175 patients seen at the melanoma and psoriasis units of San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada, Spain between May 2010 and December 2011. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2015 Feb;41(2):269-76

*Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; †Independent Consulting Statistician, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Background: Social media sites, composed of providers, patients, and their social circles, facilitate health and healthcare delivery.

Objective: To examine patients' perspective on social media as an information source, communication tool, and referral service through an anonymous survey. In addition, influences on patient Internet personas, an actively constructed online identity, around the time of cosmetic procedures are examined. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2015 Jan 15;21(1). Epub 2015 Jan 15.

University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Background: Pinterest is a social media internet service utilized by individuals, organizations, and businesses to collect and share ideas related to projects or interests.

Objective: The literature related to dermatology-related content on Pinterest is scarce. This study aims to investigate the presence of dermatology related content available on Pinterest. Read More

Cutis 2014 Oct;94(4):E22-4

181 N Belle Mead Rd, Ste 5, East Setauket, NY 11733, USA.

In recent years, advances in technology have allowed the study of pathology to transition into the digital realm. Histologic sections can now be viewed on mobile devices and computer screens easily and in many cases for free to increase exposure to representative learning cases. Many of these images have labels and markings to facilitate identification of key histologic findings. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2014 Jun 15;20(6). Epub 2014 Jun 15.

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, US Department of Veterans Affairs.

YouTube, reaches upwards of six billion users on a monthly basis and is a unique source of information distribution and communication. Although the influence of YouTube on personal health decision-making is well established, this study assessed the type of content and viewership on a broad scope of dermatology related content on YouTube. Select terms (i. Read More

BMC Dermatol 2014 Jun 14;14:10. Epub 2014 Jun 14.

Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic depigmenting skin disorder which affects around 0.5-1% of the world's population. The outcome measures used most commonly in trials to judge treatment success focus on repigmentation. Read More

J Cancer Educ 2014 Jun;29(2):284-8

Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.

This study aims to assess and compare melanoma information quality in Hungarian, Czech, and German languages on the Internet. We used country-specific Google search engines to retrieve the first 25 uniform resource locators (URLs) by searching the word "melanoma" in the given language. Using the automated toolbar of Health On the Net Foundation (HON), we assessed each Web site for HON certification based on the Health On the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode). Read More

Comput Inform Nurs 2014 Jan;32(1):30-6

Author Affiliations: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada (Drs Molina-Leyva and Jiménez-Moleon); Department of Dermatology, San Cecilio University Hospital (Drs Molina-Leyva, Ruiz-Carrascosa, Naranjo-Sintes); and Department of Nursery, University of Granada (Dr Leyva-Garcia), Granada, Spain.

Psoriasis is a disease that affects many facets of life. Psoriasis patients have needs that cannot be addressed within the traditional consultation structure. Although the Internet provides a number of health resources, the quality of the information is variable, and many sites are not editorially independent. Read More

J Am Board Fam Med 2013 Nov-Dec;26(6):648-57

the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI; the Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA; the Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA; the Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; the Dermatoepidemiology Unit, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI; the Department of Dermatology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI; and the Departments of Dermatology and Community Health, Brown University, Providence, RI.

Background: Melanoma incidence and mortality is a growing concern. Better recognition and management of skin cancer by primary care providers (PCPs) could help, but studies suggest they would benefit from additional education. Effective educational programs are needed. Read More

JAMA Dermatol 2014 Jan;150(1):56-60

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora13Dermatology Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado14Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora.

Importance: The use of social media by dermatology journals and professional and patient-centered dermatology organizations remains largely unknown and, to our knowledge, has yet to be fully evaluated.

Objective: To evaluate and quantify the extent of involvement of dermatology journals, professional dermatology organizations, and dermatology-related patient advocate groups on social networking sites.

Design, Setting, And Participants: We obtained an archived list of 102 current dermatology journals from SCImago on the World Wide Web and used the list to investigate Facebook, Twitter, and individual journal websites for the presence of social media accounts. Read More

Pathology 2013 12;45(7):670-4

*PathWest Laboratory Medicine, and School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley †Clinipath Pathology, West Perth ‡Western Dermatology and Department of Dermatology, Royal Perth Hospital §Dermatopathology WA, Cottesloe, and School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.

Aims: To document the histopathological features of self-treatment of cutaneous lesions with the escharotic agent black salve.

Methods: Retrospective review of cutaneous lesions treated with black salve retrieved from the files of four pathology practices in Western Australia and review of the published literature.

Results: 16 lesions from 11 patients who self administered black salve for the treatment of skin lesions were reviewed. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2013 Nov 9;39(11):1654-61. Epub 2013 Oct 9.

Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Background: Many patients obtain medical information from the Internet. Inaccurate information affects patient care and perceptions.

Objective: To assess the accuracy and completeness of information regarding Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) on the Internet. Read More

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2012 Sep;31(3):183-90

St George's University School of Medicine, Grenada.

Both patients and medical professionals are increasingly accessing the Internet for health information. Today's Web enables features that facilitate information sharing in a social and collaborative manner, thus transforming the way we access data and communicate with our patients and colleagues. The visual nature of the field of dermatology lends itself to the use of the Internet for reference and educational purposes. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 Aug 4;67(2):262-8. Epub 2012 May 4.

Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, USA.

Background: Previous single-institution studies have shown that patients and physicians struggle to identify biopsy sites requiring surgery on the day of treatment. To date no studies have been done to assess if this is a widespread challenge faced by many dermatologic surgeons.

Objective: We sought to determine if site identification is an issue among Mohs surgeons, and to determine which practice environments have the best supplementary data available to surgeons for site localization. Read More

Dermatol Pract Concept 2012 Apr 30;2(2):202a02. Epub 2012 Apr 30.

Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria ; Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

Dermatopathology represents the gold standard for the diagnosis of skin diseases and neoplasms that cannot be diagnosed on clinical grounds alone. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and to assess the accuracy of an Internet-based real-time (live) teledermatopathology consultation. Twenty teaching cases and 10 randomly selected routine cases were presented to four expert dermatopathologists, first by real-time teledermatopathology and, subsequently, in a blinded fashion, using light microscopy. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 Aug 27;67(2):187-93. Epub 2011 Oct 27.

Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada.

Background: There are multiple global scales for acne severity grading but no singular standard.

Objective: Our objective was to determine the essential clinical components (content items) and features (property-related items) for an acne global grading scale for use in research and clinical practice using an iterative method, the Delphi process.

Methods: Ten acne experts were invited to participate in a Web-based Delphi survey comprising 3 iterative rounds of questions. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2011 Sep;65(3):e81-e83

Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Dermatology Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado; Colorado School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, Aurora, Colorado. Electronic address:

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2011 Mar-Apr;77(2):135-40

Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi 110 029, India.

The Internet provides a quick access to a plethora of the medical literature, in the form of journals, databases, dictionaries, textbooks, indexes, and e-journals, thereby allowing access to more varied, individualized, and systematic educational opportunities. Web search engine is a tool designed to search for information on the World Wide Web, which may be in the form of web pages, images, information, and other types of files. Search engines for internet-based search of medical literature include Google, Google scholar, Yahoo search engine, etc. Read More

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 2010 Jun;31(6):642-6

Department of Dermatology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, China.

Objective: To explore the situation of AIDS-related high risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) ever experienced partner-seeking in different sites.

Methods: Target sampling for cross-sectional study ("snowball") and valid anonymous questionnaires were adopted to compare the differences of high risk behaviors related to AIDS. 1834 MSM were studied in nine cities who sought sex partners through internet, bars or bath ponds. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2010 Dec 11;36(12):1962-7. Epub 2010 Oct 11.

Oncologic Dermatology and Allergology Department, Elias University Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.

Background: The general public and health professionals are increasingly choosing the Internet to access skin cancer prevention information.

Objectives: To identify the optimal mechanism for finding skin cancer educational resources through the Internet and to characterize the resources currently available on-line.

Methods: A survey of experts involved in skin cancer prevention, followed by standardized searches through popular general Internet search engines using a list of 10 terms relevant to skin cancer prevention resources. Read More

Telemed J E Health 2010 May;16(4):424-38

Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California 95816, USA.

Objective: Store-and-forward (S&F) teledermatology has been used to increase patient access to dermatologic care. A major challenge to implementing S&F teledermatology is selecting secure and cost-saving applications for data capture and transmission. Detailed analyses and comparison of the major S&F teledermatology applications do not exist in the current peer-reviewed literature. Read More

Eur J Cancer 2009 Aug 13;45(12):2160-7. Epub 2009 Mar 13.

Department of Dermatology, Ambroise Paré University Hospital, University of Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.

Background: With the dramatic increase in ultraviolet-induced skin damage, advocating the benefits of reasonable and moderate exposure to sunlight is a public health priority in most Western countries.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and quality of the information posted on the Internet about the effects of the sun on health and about sun protection.

Methods: We used eight terms with eight search engines to identify relevant websites providing sun protection advice on the French-speaking web. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2009 Apr;27(2):193-9, vii

University of Florida College of Medicine, PO Box 100518, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.

Many Internet resources for dermatologists benefit public health by providing education and information on the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. A variety of dermatology resources exist on the Web, but finding quality resources can be time-consuming. The authors provide a collection of high-quality, freely accessible, English-language Web sites that they have categorized as clinical, educational, or evidence-based medicine resources. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2009 Apr;27(2):133-6, vi

Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, PO Box 6510, Mail Stop F703, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.

Social media websites, such as YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Second Life are rapidly emerging as popular sources of health information especially for teens and young adults. Social media marketing carries the advantages of low cost, rapid transmission through a wide community, and user interaction. Disadvantages include blind authorship, lack of source citation, and presentation of opinion as fact. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2007 Dec 8;57(6):998-1004. Epub 2007 Aug 8.

Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0316, USA.

Objectives: We sought to measure the type, content, and quality of World Wide Web sites retrieved when conducting an Internet search for infantile hemangiomas.

Methods: Fifty World Wide Web sites from a Google search for "hemangioma" were examined. Relevant sites were characterized, and content was evaluated by 8 pediatric dermatologists. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2006 Nov-Dec;5(10):1016

Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hautarzt 2007 Apr;58(4):318-20

Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstrasse 20-21, 10117 Berlin, Germany.

The Internet sites listed in this article provide patients and physicians with extensive information on urticaria, mastocytosis and allergies in general. They are user-friendly and enable patients to easily acquire information. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2006 Sep;155(3):592-9

Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester and Hope Hospital, Salford, Manchester, M6 8HD, U.K.

Background: Dermatology is one of many specialities competing for space in the undergraduate curriculum, and recent review reveals that in some medical schools only a minority of students receives direct teaching from dermatologists. Enlargement of medical schools and dispersion of students over multiple sites further increase the strain on teaching resources.

Objectives: To develop and obtain 'proof of concept' for a technology to teach skin examination, using an approach grounded in modern theories of learning. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2006 Jul 26;55(1):67-70. Epub 2006 May 26.

Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Aurora, USA.

Background: Patients may use Internet Yellow Pages to help select a physician.

Objective: We sought to describe dermatology Internet Yellow Page advertising.

Methods: Dermatology advertisements in Colorado, California, New York, and Texas at 3 Yellow Page World Wide Web sites were systematically examined. Read More

J Med Libr Assoc 2004 Jul;92(3):334-40

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Box 697, 601 Elmwood Avenue Rochester, New York 14642, USA.

A National Library of Medicine information access grant allowed for a collaborative project to provide computer resources in fourteen clinical practice sites that enabled health care professionals to access medical information via PubMed and the Internet. Health care professionals were taught how to access quality, cost-effective information that was user friendly and would result in improved patient care. Selected sites were located in medically underserved areas and received a computer, a printer, and, during year one, a fax machine. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2003 Feb;148(2):307-13

Department of Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 4NT, UK.

Background: Autologous blood therapy (ABT) is used for treating atopic dermatitis (AD) in some European countries and is promoted on internet sites for this condition. However, there is little evidence from rigorous clinical trials to suggest that it is effective.

Objectives: To test the effectiveness of ABT for the symptomatic treatment of patients with AD. Read More

South Med J 2002 Jul;95(7):720-6

Division of Dermatology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.

Background: Pfiesteria piscicida and look-alike dinoflagellates are collectively known as Pfiesteria complex organisms (PCOs). The purposes of this paper are to evaluate the threat that PCOs pose to human health and to clarify some common misconceptions concerning these organisms.

Methods: References about P piscicida and PCOs were identified and reviewed using MEDLINE, Sea Grant databases, and other sources obtained from various Internet sites. Read More

Arch Dermatol 2002 Jun;138(6):775-80

Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, MO, USA.

Background: In 2000, 41 million people searched for medical information online. The quality of that information is unregulated, variable, and not well studied.

Objective: To quantify and compare the numbers and types of Internet sites matched for 10 diverse skin conditions through different search systems. Read More