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Cureus 2018 May 25;10(5):e2690. Epub 2018 May 25.

Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals Nhs Foundation Trust, Cambridge, Uk.

Trichogranuloma is a rare occupational disease of hairdressers that develops when hair clippings penetrate the skin and cause a foreign-body reaction. We describe a case of a hairdresser with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis who developed a chronic felon on her right third finger and received repeated courses of antibiotics without improvement. An occupational history and awareness of occupational diseases in hairdressers led to the correct diagnosis of trichogranuloma. Read More

Microbiome 2018 05 25;6(1):96. Epub 2018 May 25.

Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.

Background: Solid organ transplant recipients show heterogeneity in the occurrence and timing of acute rejection episodes. Understanding the factors responsible for such variability in patient outcomes may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Rejection kinetics of transplanted organs mainly depends on the extent of genetic disparities between donor and recipient, but a role for environmental factors is emerging. Read More

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 2018 Apr;26(1):61-63

Benigno Monteagudo-Sánchez, MD, Hospital Arquitecto Marcide, Avenida Residencia SN , 15405 Ferrol (A Coruńa), A Coruńa, Spain;

Clindamycin is a lincomycin-derived antibiotic useful for the treatment of anaerobic and Gram-positive aerobic bacterial infections. Cutaneous adverse reactions are usually maculopapular exanthemas, although hypersensitivity syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have also been reported (1). We report the case of a patient with a maculopapular rash triggered by clindamycin who developed cutaneous lesions on striae distensae (SD). Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2018 Oct;40(10):767-771

Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linko, Taipei, Taiwan.

Scrub typhus is becoming a clinically important cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in Taiwan. The incubation period is between 6 and 21 days after exposure. It is transmitted by chiggers (larva of trombiculid mite) in long grasses and in dirt-floor homes, with infection characterized by a flu-like illness of fever, headache, and myalgia lasting approximately 1 week. Read More

Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2018 Apr 13;19(3):345-351. Epub 2018 Mar 13.

1 Department of Surgery, Mexican Institute of Social Security , Delicias, Mexico .

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections are common problems dealt with in emergency departments and medical offices. It is routine practice to prescribe antibiotic agents after incision and drainage of cutaneous abscesses. However, current evidence does not support prescribing oral antibiotic agents after surgical debridement. Read More

Clin Ter 2018 Mar-Apr;169(2):e51-e57

GF Ingrassia Department, Neurosciences Section, University of Catania, Italy.

Introduction: Skin lesions can be defined as lesions that result in loss of tissues and their joints, and often this cutaneous skin process is a primary or secondary consequence of the structural changes in the skin itself. Subjects with peripheral arteripathies that develop chronic skin lesions in the lower extremities of the Western world are constantly increasing. We conducted a study on the etiologic incidence of chronic skin lesions in peripheral arterial disease CSLpa subjects in the lower limbs compared to subjects with chronic skin lesions CSL (controls). Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 02;78(2):249-261

Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

While the majority of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) can be treated surgically, the additional work-up and treatments indicated for high-risk cSCC remain undefined. In recent years, improvements in tumor staging systems have allowed for the more accurate stratification of tumors into high- and low-risk categories. This insight, along with the publication of cSCC guidelines, brings us closer to the development of a consensus approach. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2018 Mar;44(3):323-329

Department of Dermatology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California.

Background: Breast implantation is an increasingly common procedure for both cosmesis and reconstruction. Risk of cutaneous reactions to breast implants is low and typically described in postsurgical settings. Adverse skin hypersensitivity-like reactions to implants have also been reported but are not well described. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2018 Jan 28;31(1). Epub 2017 Nov 28.

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease of the pilosebaceous units presenting as inflammatory or noninflammatory lesions in individuals of all ages. The current standard of treatment includes topical formulations in the forms of washes, gels, lotions, and creams such as antibiotics, antibacterial agents, retinoids, and comedolytics. Additionally, systemic treatments are available for more severe or resistant forms of acne. Read More

Eur J Cancer 2017 12;87:172-181

Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (C*EDGE), Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark. Electronic address:

Aim: Electrochemotherapy is an effective local treatment for cutaneous tumours and metastases. In this prospective trial, six European institutions investigated electrochemotherapy in recurrent, mucosal head and neck tumours.

Patient And Methods: Forty-three patients with recurrent mucosal head and neck tumours and no further curative or reasonably effective palliative treatment options were enrolled and treated with electrochemotherapy. Read More

Arthritis Rheumatol 2018 02 29;70(2):308-316. Epub 2017 Dec 29.

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of treatment with belimumab in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) treated with background mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Methods: In this 52-week, investigator-initiated, single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study, 20 patients with dcSSc recently started on MMF were randomized 1:1 to additionally receive belimumab at 10 mg/kg intravenously or placebo. We assessed safety, efficacy, and differential gene expression. Read More

Int Wound J 2018 Feb 23;15(1):84-89. Epub 2017 Oct 23.

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.

Blepharoplasty is the third most common plastic surgical procedure in the USA. Due to the emergence of multiresistant bacteria, optimising the antiseptic procedure is crucial. Choice of antiseptics plays an important role as they may cause skin irritation and colouring of disinfected areas. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2017 Oct 20;70(10):1369-1376. Epub 2017 May 20.

Department of Medicine, Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 16 E 60th Street, New York, NY 10022, USA.

Background: Approximately one-third of women diagnosed with breast cancer undergo mastectomy with subsequent implant-based or autogenous tissue-based reconstruction. Potential complications include infection, capsular contracture, and leak or rupture of implants with necessity for explantation. Skin rashes are infrequently described complications of patients who undergo mastectomy with or without reconstruction. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2017 Mar;96(10):e6244

aDepartment of Dermatology bDepartment of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang cDepartment of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.

Rationale: Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an aggressive cutaneous disease caused by local or systemic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. EG is characterized by cutaneous manifestations ranging from nodule and papule, to necrotic ulceration with surrounding erythema, especially with black eschar or central crust. EG presents with characteristic skin lesions which is important to establish diagnosis of sepsis caused by P aeruginosa, a serious condition that can be treated efficiently if diagnosed early. Read More

Microbiol Spectr 2017 01;5(1)

Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112.

Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) may present in various clinical manifestations. Skin involvement may occur as a result of exogenous inoculation, contiguous spread from a nearby focus of infection, or by hematogenous spread from a distant focus. Because the clinical presentation of cutaneous TB can vary widely, it is important to have a high index of suspicion in appropriate clinical settings. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2017 Sep 21;30(5). Epub 2017 Feb 21.

Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

Safe and effective treatment options for acne vulgaris are needed to address side effects and increasing rates of antibiotic resistance from current treatments. Nicotinamide is a vitamin with potent anti-inflammatory properties that could offer a potential treatment option. We aim to summarize the relevant literature on the role of nicotinamide in acne vulgaris and discuss the next steps necessary to move this approach into clinical practice. Read More

Sci Rep 2016 11 2;6:36416. Epub 2016 Nov 2.

Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Institute of Traumatic Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, China.

Autophagy is essential in physiological and pathological processes, however, the role of autophagy in cutaneous wound healing and the underlying molecular mechanism remain elusive. We hypothesized that autophagy plays an important role in regulating wound healing. Here, we show that enhanced autophagy negatively impacts on normal cutaneous healing process and is related to chronic wounds as demonstrated by the increased LC3 in diabetic mice skin or patients' chronic wounds. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2016 Oct;151(5):499-506

Clinical Allergological and Venereological Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy -

Background: The treatment of cutaneous advanced non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous melanoma metastases (Mm) represents a main therapeutic challenge. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an anticancer procedure that facilitates the penetration of cytotoxic drugs into cancer cells by means of the application of electrical pulses. The aim of our study was to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of ECT in the treatment of advanced NMSC and Mm. Read More

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2016 Sep 18;6(3):363-78. Epub 2016 Jul 18.

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to fibrotic plaques, papules and alopecia on the occiput and/or nape of the neck. Traditional medical management focuses on prevention, utilization of oral and topical antibiotics, and intralesional steroids in order to decrease inflammation and secondary infections. Unfortunately, therapy may require months of treatment to achieve incomplete results and recurrences are common. Read More

Transplantation 2017 02;101(2):294-301

1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. 2 Thomas Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.

Background: Immunoglobulin-cytokine fusion molecules have been shown to be the new generation of immunomodulating agents in transplantation tolerance induction. In the present study, we tested whether immunoregulatory cytokine fusion proteins of IL-10/Fc, TGF-β/Fc, or IL-2/Fc would enhance allogeneic bone marrow cell (BMC) engraftment and promote tolerance induction.

Methods: B6 (H2) mice were conditioned with anti-CD154 (MR1) and rapamycin (Rapa) plus 100 cGy total body irradiation (MR1/Rapa/100 cGy) and transplanted with allogeneic B10. Read More

Transpl Int 2016 Aug 14;29(8):930-40. Epub 2016 Jun 14.

Center for Transplantation Science, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

MyD88 signaling directly promotes T-cell survival and is required for optimal T-cell responses to pathogens. To examine the role of T-cell-intrinsic MyD88 signals in transplantation, we studied mice with targeted T-cell-specific MyD88 deletion. Contrary to expectations, we found that these mice were relatively resistant to prolongation of graft survival with anti-CD154 plus rapamycin in a class II-mismatched system. Read More

J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016 04 18;93:18-31. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY 82071, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Adiponectin (APN), an adipose-derived adipokine, alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury in multiple organs including hearts although the underlying mechanism in endotoxemia remains elusive. This study was designed to examine the role of adiponectin in LPS-induced cardiac anomalies and inflammation as well as the underlying mechanism with a focus on autophagy - a conserved machinery for bulk degradation of intracellular components.

Methods And Results: Wild-type (WT) and APN(-/-) mice were challenged with LPS (4mg/kg) or saline for 6h. Read More

Cureus 2015 Oct 21;7(10):e359. Epub 2015 Oct 21.

Infectious Disease, Nassau University Medical Center.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening cutaneous reaction to various medications, including antipsychotics and antibiotics. While cephalosporin-induced TEN is very rare, we present a case of cefepime-induced TEN. There are several commonly used therapies for TEN, including immunosuppressive agents and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), but their true efficacy has not been proven. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2015 Nov 26;29(11):2104-11. Epub 2015 Aug 26.

Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that affects numerous organs, commonly manifesting at the lungs and skin. While corticosteroids remain the first line of treatment, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors have been investigated as one potential steroid sparing treatment for sarcoidosis. TNF-α is one of many components involved in the formation of granulomas in sarcoidosis. Read More

Head Neck 2015 Nov 6;37(11):E157-60. Epub 2015 Aug 6.

University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio.

Background: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive infection that can be rapidly fatal if aggressive therapies are not initiated early. Negative pressure wound therapy has been established as an effective tool in promoting wound healing, but its use in the acutely infected wound has been avoided because it limits frequent irrigations and standard dressing changes.

Methods: We discuss a novel application of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation in an immunocompromised patient with extensive cervical necrotizing fasciitis. Read More

Burns 2015 Aug 21;41(5):1076-85. Epub 2015 Feb 21.

Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China. Electronic address:

Background: Severe burns often initiate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, significantly contributing to adverse clinical outcomes. However, there are limited treatment options. This study was designed to investigate the role and the underlying mechanisms of oral antibiotics to selectively decontaminate the digestive tract (SDD) on burn-induced insulin resistance. Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2015 Feb 5;29(2):361.e13-5. Epub 2014 Nov 5.

Department of Nuclear Medicine, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac, France.

Background: Diagnosis of prosthetic vascular graft infections is a clinical challenge, and surgical therapy is associated with comorbidity. Therefore, accurate diagnostic methods are required for their optimal management.

Methods: A 61-year-old-patient presented with erysipelas of the right lower limb 7 months after receiving a hybrid femoropopliteal bypass composed of a saphenous vein distally and external supported polytetrafluoroethylene proximally. Read More

Am J Transplant 2014 Dec 13;14(12):2874-82. Epub 2014 Nov 13.

Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France; Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), INSERM U 955, Créteil, France; AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, CIC-BT-504, Créteil, France.

Human CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent allogeneic graft rejection by inhibiting T cell activation, as has been shown in mouse models. Recently, low-dose IL-2 administration was shown to specifically activate Tregs but not pathogenic conventional T cells, leading to resolution of type 1 diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. We therefore tested the ability of low-dose IL-2 to prevent allogeneic skin graft rejection. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2015 ;830:47-67

Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA,

While microbial biofilms have been recognized as being ubiquitous in nature for the past 40 years, it has only been within the past 20 years that clinical practitioners have realized that biofilm play a significant role in both device-related and tissue-based infections. The global impact of surgical site infections (SSIs) is monumental and as many as 80 % of these infections may involve a microbial biofilm. Recent studies suggest that biofilm- producing organisms play a significant role in persistent skin and soft tissue wound infections in the postoperative surgical patient population. Read More

J Wound Care 2014 Oct;23(10 Suppl):S18-22

Minneapolis Heart Institute; Minneapolis Heart Institute Research Foundation; 920 E 28th Street, Minneapolis MN 55449.

We present a case report of intractable multifactorial leg ulcer that was treated successfully with multiple approaches including hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) to prepare for skin grafting. A 66-year-old female with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and Felty's syndrome presented with a non-healing ulcer on her left leg that was caused by a trauma. She failed multiple treatment options including debridement, different wound dressings, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and vein closure procedure. Read More

Am J Transplant 2014 Jul 19;14(7):1678-89. Epub 2014 May 19.

Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Anti-lymphocyte-depleting antibodies have increasingly been utilized in the clinic as induction therapy aiming to improve transplantation outcomes by reducing the need for long-term immunosuppression. However, maintenance immunosuppression is still required as lymphocyte reconstitution through homeostatic proliferation, partially driven by IL-7, continues to replenish tolerance-refractory immune cells capable of rejection. In murine models of MHC mismatched skin grafting, we investigated whether it is feasible to control the lymphocyte reconstitution process to delay rejection and favor tolerance processes. Read More

J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014 Jul 14;72(7):1320-4. Epub 2014 Feb 14.

Department Head, Department of Trauma and General Surgery, Role III Multinational Medical Unit, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, Adjunct Assistant Professor, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Assistant Professor, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD. Electronic address:

First described in 1924, necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, severe suppurative infection of the superficial fascia, often associated with vascular thrombosis and necrosis of the overlying skin. Despite advances in medical therapy, the mortality remains high, with rates exceeding 25 to 50% in some studies. Early diagnosis and treatment is paramount in the management of this serious infection and should include wide surgical debridement and drainage of all necrotic tissues, coupled with aggressive parenteral antibiotics. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2013 Apr 15;19(4). Epub 2013 Apr 15.

Weil Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a pathological follicular disease, impacts patients' lives profoundly. HS most commonly involves cutaneous intertriginous areas, such as the axilla, inner thighs, groin and buttocks, and pendulous breasts, but can appear on any follicular skin. Protean, HS manifests with variations of abscesses, folliculitis, pyogenic granulomas, scars (oval honeycombed), comedones, tracts, fistulas, and keloids. Read More

Eye (Lond) 2013 Mar 15;27(3):432-7. Epub 2013 Feb 15.

Orbital Unit, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.

Background: Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a devastating disease with considerable mortality and morbidity, and early aggressive surgical debridement of devitalised necrotic tissues has traditionally been advocated.

Methods: We describe three patients who were referred from other units several weeks after developing periocular necrotising fasciitis; in all the three, the disease had been managed medically without surgical debridement, with apparent 'stalling' of the inflammatory process despite persistent necrotic periocular tissue.

Results: Following 'elective debridement' of the devitalised tissues and reconstruction with local flaps, all achieved a satisfactory aesthetic result. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2013 Jul 4;69(1):127-34. Epub 2013 Feb 4.

Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California 94115, USA.

Keratitis, ichthyosis, and deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis associated with mutations in the connexin 26 gene. Although characterized by this clinical triad, KID syndrome predisposes to a heterogeneous spectrum of cutaneous manifestations and complications, both infectious and neoplastic in nature. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and/or superinfection of skin lesions commonly occur and warrant aggressive therapeutic intervention. Read More

Transplantation 2013 Mar;95(6):791-800

Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Background: Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, has been reported inhibitory on the function of dendritic cells. This study was aimed to determine the effects of sorafenib on inducing autophagy and immunomodulatory activity and its implication on graft rejection.

Methods: Cell viability and surface antigens were examined by 7-amino-actinomycin D and flow cytometric analysis. Read More

Immunol Lett 2013 Jan 21;149(1-2):1-8. Epub 2012 Nov 21.

The Toronto Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.

In transgenic mice over-expressing CD200 (CD200(tg)) graft survival is associated with increased intra-graft expression of mRNAs for genes associated with altered T cell subset differentiation (Foxp3; TGFβ; IL-10). Grafts are rejected in recipients lacking the inhibitory receptor for CD200, CD200R1. We compared grafts of C57BL/6 skin taken from control, CD200KO, CD200(tg), CD200R1KO or CD200(tg). Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011 Dec;19(6):462-6

Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.

Purpose Of Review: There has been an increase in the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in recent years. This article reviews the literature on three manifestations of MRSA infections in the head and neck of children: sinonasal infections, otologic infections, and neck abscesses.

Recent Findings: Historically nosocomial in origin, MRSA infections more recently are found to occur in otherwise healthy patients with no obvious risk factors. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2011 Jul;10(7):724-33

Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Within a relatively short period of time after the first antimicrobial drugs were introduced, bacteria began exhibiting varying degrees of resistance. The excessive use (and abuse) of antibiotics in agriculture, and in both human and veterinary medicine, has played a critical causative role in the development of antibiotic resistance, which is now recognized as a global public health threat. Increasing concern over this issue should impact the practice of cutaneous medicine and surgery, as dermatologists can easily adopt new healthcare delivery patterns that might reduce the development of antibiotic resistance and still achieve acceptable treatment outcomes. Read More

J Fr Ophtalmol 2011 Apr 15;34(4):258.e1-5. Epub 2011 Mar 15.

Service d'ophtalmologie, centre hospitalier régional de la Citadelle, 1, boulevard du 12(e) de Ligne, 4000 Liège, Belgique.

We report a rare case of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis following a dacryocystorhinostomy procedure. We describe the common features of this rare infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues and discuss the different management strategies as well as the controversial role of anti-inflammatory medication in treating this condition. Read More

J Immunol 2011 Feb 21;186(4):2033-41. Epub 2011 Jan 21.

Department of Surgery and Emory Transplant Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Donor-reactive memory T cells (Tmem) can play an important role in mediating graft rejection after transplantation. Transplant recipients acquire donor-reactive Tmem not only through prior sensitization with alloantigens but also through previous exposure to environmental pathogens that are cross-reactive with allogeneic peptide-MHC complexes. Current dogma suggests that most, if not all, Tmem responses are independent of the requirement for CD28 and/or CD154/CD40-mediated costimulation to mount a recall response. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2010 Oct 2;63(10):e733-6. Epub 2010 Jun 2.

Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.

Electrochemotherapy, a tumour ablation modality, which facilitates intracellular delivery of poorly-permeable cytotoxic drugs, such as bleomycin, has shown promising results in the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous melanomatous and non-melanomatous metastases. We report the case of a 52-year-old Caucasian gentleman with a keloid scar to his left earlobe that developed following a piercing. Despite multiple intralesional steroidal injections, five intralesional excisions and a course of superficial radiotherapy the keloid scar remained over nine years later. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2010 ;11(1):35-44

Skin Cancer Department, Bond University, Belmont, Victoria, Australia.

Clean, non-contaminated skin surgery is associated with low rates of surgical site infection (SSI), bacterial endocarditis, and joint prosthesis infection. Hence, antibacterial prophylaxis, which may be associated with adverse effects, the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and anaphylaxis, is generally not recommended in dermatologic surgery. Some body sites and surgical reconstructive procedures are associated with higher infection rates, and guidelines for SSI antibacterial prophylaxis have been proposed for these cases. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009 Jul 8(3):CD006745. Epub 2009 Jul 8.

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, Leipzig, Germany, 04103.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common global cancer. When HCC is detected early, interventions such as percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), percutaneous acetic acid injection (PAI), and radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) have curative potential and represent low invasive alternatives to surgery. The role of PEI or PAI has not been addressed in a systematic review. Read More

PLoS One 2008 23;3(12):e4009. Epub 2008 Dec 23.

Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.

The Kv1.3 potassium channel plays an essential role in effector memory T cells and has been implicated in several important autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and type 1 diabetes. A number of potent small molecule inhibitors of Kv1. Read More

AORN J 2008 May;87(5):935-46; quiz 947-50

Department of Orthopaedics, Podiatry Division, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.

The incidence of diabetes with severe foot infections (eg, necrotizing fasciitis, gas gangrene, ascending cellulitis, infection with systemic toxicity or metabolic instability) has risen significantly during the past decade. Foot infections are a major cause of hospitalization and subsequent lower extremity amputation among patients with diabetes mellitus who have a history of a preexisting ulceration. Surgical management often is required to address severe diabetic foot infections because they can be limb- or life-threatening. Read More

Rev Iberoam Micol 1998 Dec;15(4):261-4

University of Wisconsin Medical School, Departments of Surgery and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Madison, WI 53706-1532, USA.

A good deal of data support a role for probiotic intestinal bacteria in the prophylaxis and therapy of candidiasis. Candida spp. are highly infectious eukaryotes that can colonize and infect humans and other warm-blooded mammals, worldwide. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2008 Apr;60(4):433-6

Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.

We report a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus species in an infant with a hematological malignancy. Multiple surgical debridements, skin grafting, and intravenous antifungal therapy were necessary to ultimately eradicate the infection. Zygomycotic infections are an emerging concern in immunocompromised patients because of their increased incidence as well as their potential to cause substantial morbidity through both emotional distress and impaired functionality. Read More

Wound Repair Regen 2008 Jan-Feb;16(1):23-9

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.

A biofilm is a collection of microbial cells that are attached to a surface and embedded in a self-produced extrapolymeric substance. The understanding of the biofilm phenotype is important in the understanding of bacteria in vitro but it has been difficult to translate biofilm science to the clinical setting. More recently, preliminary criteria for defining biofilm associated diseases have been proposed and the purpose of this study was to create a biofilm-associated wound model based on these criteria. Read More

Clin J Oncol Nurs 2007 Jun;11(3):387-95

Anthracycline chemotherapy agents bind to DNA and cause cell death when they extravasate into healthy tissue. Although many approaches to managing extravasations have been studied and reported, data from two prospective clinical trials suggest that Totect (dexrazoxane for injection, TopoTarget USA, Inc.) is an effective anthracycline extravasation treatment. Read More