Analysis of Individualized Silicone Rubber Bolus Using Fan Beam Computed Tomography in Postmastectomy Radiotherapy: A Dosimetric Evaluation and Skin Acute Radiation Dermatitis Survey.

Objective: To investigate the dosimetric effects of using individualized silicone rubber (SR) bolus on the target area and organs at risk (OARs) during postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), as well as evaluate skin acute radiation dermatitis (ARD). Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 30 patients with breast cancer. Each patient was prepared with an individualized SR bolus of 3 mm thickness. Fan-beam computed tomography (FBCT) was performed at the first and second fractions, and then once a week for a total of 5 times. Dosimetric metrics such as homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), skin dose (SD), and OARs including the heart, lungs, and spinal cord were compared between the original plan and the FBCTs. The acute side effects were recorded. Results: In targets' dosimetric metrics, there were no significant differences in Dmean and V105% between planning computed tomography (CT) and actual treatments (P > .05), while the differences in D95%, V95%, HI, and CI were statistically significant (P < .05). In OARs, there were no significant differences between the Dmean, V5, and V20 of the affected lung, V5 of the heart and Dmax of the spinal cord (P > .05) except the V30 of affected lung, which was slightly lower than the planning CT (P < .05). In SD, both Dmax and Dmean in actual treatments were increased than plan A, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05), while the skin-V20 and skin-V30 has no difference. Among the 30 patients, only one patient had no skin ARD, and 5 patients developed ARD of grade 2, while the remaining 24 patients were grade 1. Conclusion: The OR bolus showed good anastomoses and high interfraction reproducibility with the chest wall, and did not cause deformation during irradiation. It ensured accurate dose delivery of the target and OARs during the treatment, which may increase SD by over 101%. In this study, no cases of grade 3 skin ARD were observed. However, the potential of using OR bolus to reduce grade 1 and 2 skin ARD warrants further investigation with a larger sample size.

The clinical outcome of postoperative radiotherapy using hybrid planning technique in left breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to observe the preliminary clinical outcome and acute toxicity of hybrid intensity modulated radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy planning technique with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB). METHODS: From November 2015 to December 2018, 149 female patients with left-side breast cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy with hybrid IMRT and VMAT planning technique with SIB were reviewed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was acute toxicities and the secondary endpoints were local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-freesurvival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The median age was 52 years old and median follow-up was 43.4 months. Eighty-six percent of patients had acute grade 0 to grade1 dermatitis and 14% had grade 2 dermatitis. No acute radiation pneumonitis, esophagitis, or cardiovascular events were recorded during follow-up. The 3-year LRFS, DMFS, DFS, and OS rates were 95.1%, 95.1%, 90.3%, and 97.9%, respectively. The subgroup analysis revealed that patients with lymphovascular invasion had more local recurrence rate and worse DFS rate. Patients with advanced N stage had the trend of worse DMFS. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the hybrid IMRT and VMAT technique is feasible, safe and has less acute radiation related toxicities in SIB postoperative radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer.

Successful use of carbon dioxide laser surgery as an adjunctive treatment for feline herpesvirus-1 dermatitis in two cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) lasers are used for a variety of soft tissue procedures. This report describes their use in dermatitis associated with feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV) in two cheetahs. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing CO2 laser use to adjunctively treat FHV-associated skin lesions.

Les lasers au dioxyde de carbone (CO2) sont utilisés pour une variété de procédures sur les tissus mous. Ce rapport décrit leur utilisation dans la dermatite associée à l'herpèsvirus félin-1 (FHV) chez deux guépards. À la connaissance des auteurs, il s'agit du premier article décrivant l'utilisation du laser CO2 pour traiter de manière complémentaire les lésions cutanées associées au FHV.

Los láseres de dióxido de carbono (CO2 ) se utilizan para una variedad de procedimientos de tejidos blandos. Este informe describe su uso en la dermatitis asociada con el herpesvirus felino-1 (FHV) en dos guepardos. A entender de los autores, este es el primer informe que describe el uso del láser de CO2 para tratar de forma complementaria las lesiones cutáneas asociadas con infección con FHV.

Lasers de dióxido de carbono (CO2 ) são utilizados em uma grande variedade de procedimentos de tecidos moles. Este relato descreve a sua utilização na dermatite associada ao herpesvírus felino (HVF)-1 em duas chitas. De acordo com o conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro relato descrevendo a utilização do laser de CO2 no tratamento adjunto de lesões cutâneas associadas o HVF.

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis in a teenager caused by frequent headphone use.

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis is a benign condition that presents as a painful ear nodule and is commonly seen in older adults. Herein, we highlight a pediatric case of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis caused by an increasingly common age-related behavior of frequent headphone use.

[Assessment of different pain management methods for the treatment of claw lesions in Meat Merino ewes]. / Bewertung verschiedener Methoden des Schmerzmanagements während der Behandlung von Klauenlederhaut-Läsionen bei weiblichen Merinofleischschafen.

OBJECTIVE: Pain management during veterinary procedures is a significant component of animal welfare and has legal as well as ethical implications. Even though regional intravenous anaesthesia (RIVA) is an accepted method for painful procedures involving the distal digits of sheep, this anaesthetic technique is rarely applied in the field. The primary goal was to investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of RIVA in sheep. A secondary goal was to examine whether the anaesthetic procedure can be improved by combining RIVA with sedation and whether these methods have a positive effect on the postoperative wellbeing of the animals. METHODS: A total of 36 Meat Merino sheep with contagious interdigital dermatitis and 12 healthy control sheep were used. Behaviour was observed during treatment of the lame sheep using various pain management protocols and during routine claw trimming of the healthy sheep, and all the sheep were observed after the procedures. The observed behaviours were assessed using scores and the scores compared among the animals of the 4 study groups (RIVA, sedation with xylazine hydrochloride + RIVA, placebo, control). RESULTS: RIVA was successfully conducted in sheep. Local reactions at the application sight and in the tourniquet area in 2 animals resolved completely. A significant reduction in defensive movements during the painful procedure confirmed the efficacy of RIVA. Stress-associated behaviours, including head shaking and idle chewing, occurred with a similar frequency in RIVA and placebo animals, leading to the conclusion that stress levels due to the handling in dorsal recumbency were comparable between these 2 groups. Sedation reduced the frequency of pain- and stress-associated behaviours, including guarding, favouring limbs, vocalisation, idle chewing and bruxism. Xylazine hydrochloride-RIVA animals displayed better weight-bearing in the affected limb, better food uptake and ruminated more postoperatively than sheep from the other study groups. CONCLUSION: RIVA in sheep is straightforward, safe and effective. Additional sedation reduces the stress and pain response. This pain and stress management has a positive effect on the postoperative wellbeing of sheep.

Use of a Compounded Poloxamer 407 Antibiotic Topical Therapy as Part of the Successful Management of Chronic Ulcerative Dermatitis in a Congo African Grey Parrot ( Psittacus erithacus).

A 23-year-old, 425-g male African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus) was evaluated for chronic ulcerative dermatitis of the axillary regions under both wings. Initial swab cultures of the sites had revealed a coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) with marked antibiotic resistance. A second swab culture obtained 8 weeks after the initial culture showed heavy growth of a coagulase-positive Staphylococcus species, which could not be speciated, but showed the same sensitivity as the previous culture. Previous treatment included systemic antibiotics and a topical antimicrobial cream, with variable response and only temporary resolution. On examination, full-thickness, ulcerative, necrotic dermatitis was present under both wings with intermittent bleeding and subdermal tissue exposure. Initial treatment included wound debridement, oral antibiotics, topical therapy, analgesics, and bandages. After a relapse, a poloxamer gel containing 2% doxycycline, 1% chloramphenicol, and 0.5% mupirocin was used in combination with oral antibiotics and analgesics. On follow-up examination, the skin lesions had completely resolved and the patient was doing well and remains normal 4 years later. This report emphasizes the importance of prompt, aggressive multi-modal therapy for MRSA and other dermal bacterial infections in pet birds that may represent zoonoses or have carrier-state zoonotic potential. Preparation by a compounding pharmacy of a transdermal poloxamer gel containing antibiotics shows promise for severe, infected, ulcerative skin lesions in birds when other therapies fail to achieve a cure.

[The 308 nm Excimer laser for the treatment of psoriasis and inflammatory skin diseases]. / 308 nm-Excimerlaser zur Therapie von Psoriasis und entzündlichen Hauterkrankungen.

Overall, the 308 nm Excimer laser enables not only a more effective and safer UVB therapy than classical UV phototherapy, but also targeted irradiation in higher doses with a lower cumulative load, which results in faster healing of mainly circumscribed skin changes. This also applies to therapy-resistant residual lesions which, despite systemic therapy, did not diminish. Combination therapies usually improve the result and enable the dose of UVB and systemic medication to be reduced. Excimer laser therapy can be used for an increasing number of skin diseases, especially those that respond to phototherapy or photochemotherapy.

Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis Presenting as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is an uncommon disease presenting with cyclical skin eruptions corresponding with the menstrual cycle luteal phase. Because symptoms are precipitated by rising progesterone levels, treatment relies on hormone suppression. CASE: A 22-year-old nulligravid woman presented with symptoms mistaken for Stevens-Johnson syndrome. A cyclic recurrence of her symptoms was noted, and the diagnosis of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis was made by an intradermal progesterone challenge. After 48 months, she remained refractory to medical management and definitive surgical treatment with bilateral oophorectomy was performed. CONCLUSION: Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a challenging diagnosis owing to its rarity and variety of clinical presentations. Treatment centers on suppression of endogenous progesterone and avoidance of exogenous triggers. When these modalities fail, surgical management must be undertaken.

Surgical Treatment of Tattoo Complications.

With a continuing increase in the number of tattoos performed worldwide, the need to treat tattoo complications is growing. Earlier treatments of chronic inflammatory tattoo reactions were dominated by a medical approach, or with no active intervention. In this chapter, we will address modern surgical approaches applied to situations when medical treatment is inefficient and lasers are not applicable. Dermatome shaving is positioned as first-line treatment of allergic tattoo reactions and also indicated in a number of other tattoo reactions, supplemented with excision in selected cases. The methods allow fundamental treatment with removal of the culprit pigment from the dermis. The different instruments, surgical methods, and treatment schedules are reviewed, and a guide to surgeons is presented. Postoperative treatments and the long-term outcomes are described in detail. An algorithm on specialist treatment and follow-up of tattoo reactions, which can be practiced in other countries, is presented.

Health locus of control, spirituality and hope for healing in individuals with intestinal stoma / Locus de controle em saúde, Espiritualidade e Esperança de cura nos indivíduos com estoma intestinal

Objective: To assess the health locus of control, spirituality and hope of cure in patients with intestinal stoma. Methods: This study was conducted at the Polo of Ostomized People in the city of Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais. Participants were 52 patients with intestinal stoma. Three questionnaires were applied for data collection: a questionnaire on demographic and stoma-related data; the Scale for Health Locus of Control; the Herth Hope Scale, and the Self-rating Scale for Spirituality. Results: Most ostomized subjects were women aged over 61 years, married and retired. As to the stoma, in the majority of cases these operations were definitive and were carried out due to a diagnosis of neoplasia. Most ostomized subjects had a 20- to 40-mm diameter colostomy, 27 showed dermatitis as a complication, and 39 (75%) used a two-part device. The mean total score for the Scale for Health Locus of Control, the Herth Hope Scale, and the Self-rating Scale for Spirituality were 62.42, 38.27, and 23.67, respectively. Regarding the dimensions of the Scale for Health Locus of Control, the dimension "completeness of health" = 22.48, dimension "externality-powerful others" = 22.48, and dimension "health externality" = 19.48. Conclusion: Ostomized patients participating in the study believe they can control their health and that caregivers and individuals involved in their rehabilitation can contribute to their improvement. The cure or improvement has a divine influence through religious practices or beliefs.

Objetivo: Verificar o locus de controle da saúde, espiritualidade e esperança de cura em indivíduos ostomizados. Métodos: Este estudo foi realizado no Polo dos ostomizados da cidade de Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais. Fizeram parte do estudo 52 pacientes com estoma intestinal. Foram utilizados para coleta de dados três questionários: questionário sobre os dados demográficos e relacionados ao estoma; Escala para Locus de controle da saúde; Escala de Esperança de Herth e Escala de auto-classificação para Espiritualidade. Resultados: A maioria dos ostomizados era do gênero feminino com idade acima de 61 anos, casados e aposentados. Com relação ao estoma, a maioria desses dispositivos era definitiva e as causas para a sua confecção do dispositivo foram, em sua maioria, um diagnóstico de neoplasia. A maioria dos ostomizados tinha uma colostomia com diâmetro de 20 a 40 mm e apresentavam dermatite como complicação; e 39 (75%) utilizavam dispositivos de duas peças. A média do escore total da escala para Locus de controle da saúde, Escala de Esperança de Herth, e Escala de Auto-classificação para Espiritualidade foi de, respectivamente, 62,42, 38,27 e 23,67. Com relação às dimensões da Escala para Locus de Ccontrole da Saúde, foram obtidos os seguintes valores: dimensão integralidade "saúde" = 22,48, dimensão externalidade "outros poderosos" = 20,48 e dimensão externalidade "saúde" = 19,48. Conclusão: Os pacientes ostomizados que participaram do estudo acreditam que podem controlar sua saúde, e que as pessoas envolvidas no cuidado e em sua reabilitação podem contribuir para sua melhora. A cura ou melhora tem influência divina por meio das práticas ou crenças religiosas.

The role of radical surgery in the management of CEAP C5/6 and lipodermatosclerosis.

Aim Analysis of the radical removing of the dermatosclerotic tissues and ulcer(s) with perforator veins dissection as well as local wound and standard compression treatment of CEAP C5/6 stage in a prospective comparative cohort study. Primary endpoint is to compare the results of the one-year follow-up regarding quality of life, vein clinical severity score, and ulcer healing process. Secondary endpoint is the precise presentation of the surgical technique. Tertiary endpoint is to demonstrate the photo-documented results of the postoperative wound treatment protocol. Method Clinical and statistical comparison of radical surgery versus solely wound care and compression in a cohort of 15 patients in each group (Groups 1, 2). In Group 1, radical removing of the dermatosclerotic pannicule and leg ulcer, perforator vein dissection, great saphenous vein, or small saphenous vein was performed. Quality of life , pain intensity, vein clinical severity score and patients' load capacity were compared. The tissue oxygen saturation changes were monitored via near infra-red spectroscopy. Results Both groups were statistically comparable. Wound healing in the operated group was 100% versus 60% in the second one, the difference was significant, p = 0.006. The quality of life: 45.33 versus 36.8, p < 0.001, intensity of leg restless and pain: 2.28 versus 5.3, p < 0.001, changes of vein clinical severity score: 5.27 versus 20.93, p < 0.001, changes of tO2sat: 19.00 versus 6.07 in the upper third of the leg p < 0.001, proved significantly better in group 1 compared to 2. Load capacity was significantly better in group 1 than 2 at the end of the study. The average wound healing time was 113 days in group 1. Conclusion The radical surgery provides significantly better results, considering quality of life, vein clinical severity score, load capacity than the conservative treatment in this study.

Idiopathic lymphoplasmacellular mucositis-dermatitis of the eyelid.

Idiopathic lymphoplasmacellular mucositis-dermatitis is a rare mucosal or cutaneous disorder characterized clinically by papules or plaques with variable erosion and microscopically by dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltrates with numerous plasma cells. It has been described in the oral and upper aerodigestive tracts, male and female genitalia, and other mucosal surfaces. In this article, the authors describe a case of idiopathic lymphoplasmacellular mucositis-dermatitis occurring in the skin of the eyelid that was removed by excisional biopsy and has not recurred in the 19-month follow-up period.

[Surgical problems of homeless people]. / Problemy chirurgiczne ludzi bezdomnych.

UNLABELLED: Estimated quantity of homeless people in Poland is about 30.000. Health conditions of homeless depends on poor living conditions, alcohol abuse and lack of medical care. The aim of the study was to present surgical problems of homeless people at St. Brother Albert's Aid Society Shelter in Szczodre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In years 2009-2011 in St. Brother Albert's Aid Society Shelter in Szczodre 1053 homeless were provided outpatient surgical care. The frequency of occurrence of diseases rated on the basis of the medical examination, medical history and medical records. RESULTS: The patients were aged 20-82 years (median: 46 years). The most common surgical problem of homeless people was skin infectious such as scabies, lice, tinea and lower limb ulceration due to underlying chronic vanous insufficiency or due to sustained injury. Other problems requiering surgical care were: frostbite, abscesses, phlegmon, unhealed wounds, back pain and pain due to sustained injuries. Most frequent causes of homelessness were family problems, alcohol abuse, conflict with the law, loss of ocupation or loss of home. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical diseases of homeless people have multifactorial etiology. The most frequent diseases in our patients were skin infectious and lower limb ulcerations. Medical care oriented on specific needs of homeless people is particulary important because poor health condition is not only consequence but could also be the cause of homelessness.

Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis excision and reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis is a common benign condition of the pinna. It presents as a painful, well demarcated nodule on the pinna that may be associated with surrounding erythema or an overlying crust. METHODS: This paper describes techniques for the excision of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis on both the helix and anti-helix, and reconstruction of the defect. CONCLUSION: Both methods give an excellent cosmetic result and can be performed under local anaesthetic. Excising and smoothing down the cartilage decreases the likelihood of recurrence as a smooth contour to the ear is achieved.