Fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 and 4 combined with lymph node metastasis predicts poor prognosis in oral cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) members including FGFR1-4 have been identified as promising novel therapeutic targets and prognostic markers in multiple solid tumors. However, the predictive role of the expression of FGFR proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) requires further exploration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical evaluation of FGFR1-4 was performed on 161 paired OSCC samples. The associations of FGFRs with clinicopathologic and prognostic parameters were analyzed. To further assess the contribution of FGFRs to OSCC proliferation, cell lines, and one PDX model was utilized to examine the anti-tumor effect of the pan-FGFR inhibitor AZD4547. RESULTS: All FGFR members were found to be overexpressed in OSCC tumors when compared to normal tissues, and their expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed high expression of FGFR1 (p = 0.014) and FGFR4 (p = 0.009) were independent prognostic factors and co-overexpression of FGFR1 and FGFR4 with lymph node metastasis increased HR for death (p = 0.02). The pan-FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 showed anti-tumor activity in cell lines and in a patient-derived xenograft of OSCC. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the co-overexpression of FGFR1 and FGFR4 as a significantly poor prognosis indicator in OSCC when combined with lymph node metastasis.

Sporothrix schenckii regulates macrophage inflammatory responses via the c-JUN-induced Dab2 transcription.

Macrophages, which serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, play an important role in sporotrichosis. Sporothrix schenckii infections can produce immune responses such as macrophage polarization and inflammatory factor secretion. In the early stages of inflammation, the expression of DAB2 in macrophages is increased, which controls the secretion of inflammatory factors and affects the polarization of macrophages. However, the expressions and mechanisms of DAB2 in sporotrichosis are not clear. In this study, we examined the expression of DAB2 and its regulation of inflammatory factors under conditions of Sporothrix schenckii infection. Our results indicated that the Sporothrix schenckii infection increased the expression of DAB2 and revealed a mixed M1/M2-like type of gene expression in BMDMs with the inhibited Il-6, Il1-ß and Arg-1 and induced Tnf-α, Il-10 and Mgl-1. The deficiency of Dab2 gene suspended the changes of cytokines. In addition, JNK activity in BMDMs was inhibited by Sporothrix schenckii infection, leading to an increase in c-JUN. We also identified c-JUN as a transcription factor for Dab2 through chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. In an in vivo mouse model, sporotrichosis-induced skin lesions were accompanied with an upregulation of c-JUN and inhibition of JNK activity, which were in accord with findings from in vitro experiments. Taken together, these findings indicate that in the early stages of Sporothrix schenckii infection there is a promotion of DAB2 expression through the JNK/c-JUN pathway, effects that can then control the expression of inflammatory factors.

Tumor and peritumor radiomics analysis based on contrast-enhanced CT for predicting early and late recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection.

BACKGROUND: In China, liver resection has been proven to be one of the most important strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma patients, but the recurrence rate is high. This study sought to investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment tumor and peritumor contrast-enhanced CT radiomics features for early and late recurrence of BCLC stage 0-B hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection. METHODS: This study involved 329 hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver resection. A radiomics model was built by using Lasso-Cox regression model. Association between radiomics model and recurrence-free survival was explored by using Harrell's concordance index (C-Index) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Then, we combined the radiomics model and clinical factors to establish a nomogram whose calibration and discriminatory ability were revealed. RESULTS: Ten significant tumor and peritumor features were screened to build the radiomics model whose C-indices were 0.743 [95% CI, 0.707 to 0.778] and 0.69 [95% CI, 0.629 to 0.751] in the training and validation cohorts. Moreover, the discriminative accuracy of the radiomics model improved with peritumor features entry. The C-indices of the combined model were 0.773 [95% CI, 0.739 to 0.806] and 0.727 [95% CI, 0.667 to 0.787] in the training and validation cohorts, outperforming the radiomics model. CONCLUSIONS: The tumor and peritumor contrast-enhanced CT radiomic signature is a quantitative imaging biomarker that could improve the prediction of early and late recurrence after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma patients when used in addition to clinical predictors.

Nomogram-based development and evaluation for predictions of 30-day and 1-year survival in patients with spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Accurately predicting the prognosis of patients with spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for effective clinical management. The aim of the present study was to establish and evaluate prediction models for 30-day and 1-year survival in patients with spontaneously ruptured HCC. METHODS: A total of 118 patients with spontaneous rupture HCC were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic-regression model and Cox proportional-hazard model. The identified indicators were used to establish prediction models, the performance of which we compared with those of commonly used liver disease scoring models. The survival possibilities of different risk categories were calculated using the newly developed models. RESULTS: Largest tumor size (LTS), serum albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBil), and serum creatinine were identified as independent predictors, which were used to establish a 30-day survival prediction model. LTS, BCLC staging, ALB, TBil, hepatectomy at rupture, and TACE during follow-up were identified as independent predictors of 1-year survival model. The 30-day survival model had sensitivity of 79.3%, specificity of 87.1%, and an AUC of 0.879, exhibiting better predictive performance than scores for Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Acute Decompensation score (CLIF-C ADs) and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD). The 1-year survival model had sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 94.6%, and an AUC of 0.835, showing better predictive performance than Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI), Child-Pugh, CLIF-C ADs, and MELD. After stratification, survival possibilities were 90.9 and 21.1% in low- and high-risk groups within 30 days, respectively, and 43.90, 4.35%, and 0 in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups at 1 year, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The established models exhibited good performance in predicting both 30-day and 1-year survival in patients with spontaneously ruptured HCC.

A multi center real world observation to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy versus local hyperthermia for the treatment of plane warts.

Most plane warts are recalcitrant to treatment. Both cryotherapy and local hyperthermia have been applied to treat plane warts. However, no direct comparative study on their respective efficacy and safety has ever been performed. To assess the efficacy and safety of local hyperthermia at 43 ± 1°C versus liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for plane warts. Sequential patients with plane warts entered the study, either receiving cryotherapy or local hyperthermia therapy at the discretion of the patients and the recommendations of consultants. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen was delivered in two sessions 2 weeks apart, while local hyperthermia was delivered on three consecutive days, plus two similar treatments 10 ± 3 days later. The temperature over the treated skin surface was set at 43 ± 1°C for 30 min in each session. The primary outcome was the clearance rates of the lesions 6 months after treatment. Among the 194 participants enrolled, 183 were included in the analysis at 6 months. Local hyperthermia and cryotherapy achieved clearance rates of 35.56% (48/135) and 31.25% (15/48), respectively (p = 0.724); recurrence rates of 16.67% (8/48) and 53.33% (8/15) (p = 0.01); and adverse events rates of 20.74% (28/135) and 83.33% (40/48), respectively (p < 0.001). Cryotherapy had a higher pain score (p < 0.001) and a longer healing time (p < 0.001). Local hyperthermia at 43°C and cryotherapy had similar efficacy for plane warts. Local hyperthermia had a safer profile than cryotherapy but it required more treatment visits during a treatment course. More patients preferred local hyperthermia due to its treatment friendly nature.

Mig-6 Inhibits Autophagy in HCC Cell Lines by Modulating miR-193a-3p.

Mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) is a tumor suppressor gene that plays an important role in many types of cancers by interacting with EGFR. However, its molecular mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its relationship with miRNAs need to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether Mig-6 could promote apoptosis and the inhibition of autophagy via its downstream miRNA in HCC cell lines. We used two cell lines, HepG2 and HLE, to establish Mig-6 overexpression and knockdown experiments, as well as miR-193a mimic and inhibitor experiments. The miRNA microarray profiling was also used to verify Mig-6-regulated miRNA. We found that Mig-6 induced apoptosis and reduced autophagy of HCC cell lines. miR-193a-3p is a Mig-6-regulated miRNA in the Mig-6-overexpression model. It affected the apoptosis and autophagy of HCC cells, at least partly by regulating the expression of TGF-ß2. Additionally, the relationship between Mig-6 and transforming growth factor TGF-ß2 was explored in depth for the first time. These findings revealed an important role of Mig-6 in the apoptosis and autophagy of HCC cells by regulating miR-193a-3p, providing a novel insight into the therapeutic target in HCC.

Local Hyperthermia at 44°C Is Effective in Clearing Cervical High-Risk Human Papillomaviruses: A Proof-of-Concept, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical carcinoma. Local hyperthermia at 44ºC has been proven efficacious to clear cutaneous or anogenital warts caused by HPV infection. This study aims to assess the effect of hyperthermia at 44ºC on the clearance of high-risk HPV. METHODS: A randomized, patient-blind, sham treatment-controlled trial was conducted in 4 medical centers. We enrolled patients with positive high-risk HPVs and normal or insignificant cytological findings (negative/atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either hyperthermia at 44ºC or 37ºC, for 30 minutes in each session. Patients in both groups received treatment once a day for 3 consecutive days, plus 2 more sessions 10 ±â€…3 days later. The primary outcome was clearance rate of HPV 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: After a 3-month follow-up, hyperthermia treatment at 44ºC and 37ºC achieved HPV clearance rates of 85.19% (23/27) and 50% (13/26), respectively (P = .014). There was no significant difference of treatment response between patients with single and multiple type of HPV by 44ºC hyperthermia treatment. There were no significant adverse events recorded during the treatment period in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Local hyperthermia at 44ºC safely and significantly aids in clearing cervical high-risk HPVs, the effect of which helps halt the progression of cervical transformation and transmission of the virus. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03436251.

Identification of novel candidate genes in rosacea by bioinformatic methods.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose psychological consequences severely affect patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To identify candidate genes of rosacea for potential development of new target therapies. METHODS: Gene Expression Omnibus datasets were retrieved to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between rosacea patients and healthy controls. Gene ontology (GO) analyses were used to identify functions of candidate genes. Related signaling pathways of DEGs were analyzed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene set enrichment analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were applied using search tools for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins and modulations involving PPI networks were evaluated with use of the MCODE app. RESULTS: Samples from 19 rosacea patients and 10 healthy controls of dataset GSE65914 were enrolled. A total of 215 DEGs, 115 GO terms and 6 KEGG pathways were identified. A total of 182 nodes and 456 edges were enriched in PPI networks. Maximal clusters showed 15 central nodes and 96 edges. The toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway was the most significant pathway detected and 5 DEGs were identified as candidate genes which included TLR2, C-C motif chemokine (CCL) 5, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9, CXCL10 and CXCL11. The results were verified in rosacea patients with use of real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Cell-type enrichment analysis revealed 8 lymphocytes that were enriched in rosacea patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that both innate and adaptive immune responses were involved in the etiology of rosacea. Five DEGs in the TLR signaling pathway may serve as potential therapeutic target genes.

Brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds for treatment of portal vein-branch tumor thrombus in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no widely-accepted consensus for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus. We evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous brachytherapy with iodine-125 seeds for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein-branch tumor thrombus (PVBTT). METHODS: Sixty-nine hepatocellular carcinoma patients with PVBTT were enrolled; 34 received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with iodine-125 seeds implanted in the PVBTT; 35 were treated with TACE alone. Adverse events, objective response rate, disease control rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival were compared between the two groups. Tumor responses of PVBTT and intrahepatic tumor were correlated. Multivariate and subgroup analyses were conducted for overall survival. RESULTS: No grade 3 or 4 adverse events were recorded, and there was no difference in grade 1 or 2 adverse events between the two groups. Objective response rate and disease control rate for PVBTT were 58.9 and 91.2%, respectively, in the combined treatment group, which were significantly greater than the 5.7 and 54.3% rates, respectively, in the TACE-alone group (both p's ≤ 0.001). Intrahepatic tumor response was positively correlated with the PVBTT response (γ = 0.782, p < 0.01). Survival outcomes were better in the combined treatment group than in the TACE-alone group: the median progression-free survival for PVBTT was 9 months versus 3 months (HR = 0.187 [95% CI: 0.101, 0.345], p < 0.001), and the median overall survival was 11 months versus 7 months (HR = 0.448 [95% CI: 0.265, 0.758], p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that application of brachytherapy and lower grade PVBTT (Vp1 + Vp2 vs. Vp3) were protective predictors of overall survival. In stratified analysis, the benefit of overall survival was more significant in the subgroup of PVBTT Vp1 + Vp2 rather than in Vp3. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of iodine-125 seed brachytherapy guided by ultrasound and TACE is a convenient, safe, and effective treatment for patients with HCC and PVBTT, conferring a better survival benefit than TACE alone.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma presented as erythema nodosum: A case report.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is an extremely rare subtype of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas mimicking panniculitis. Clinically, patients are usually presented with subcutaneous nodules, which usually leads to initial misdiagnosis as a benign cutaneous condition. Here, we report a 40-year-old female who presented with subcutaneous erythematous nodules on her extremities with fever. On the basis of the clinical presentations, histopathological features and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of SPTCL was made. The patient was treated with the injection of recombinant human interferon α-1b (30 µg) every other day for 3 months. The lesions gradually regressed. No new erythema nodules reappeared during the 10-month follow-up.

Successful treatment of primary cutaneous localized amyloidosis with a combined therapy of ablative fractionated CO2 laser, topical retinoid, corticosteroids and levovitamin C: Five cases with two-year follow-up.

Primary cutaneous localized amyloidosis (PCLA) is a pruritic disorder with no radical cure. We trialed a combined therapy of ablative fractionated CO2 laser, topical retinoid, corticosteroids and levovitamin C on five patients. All patients responded with no intolerant signs. Two-year follow-up visit showed no recurrence. This might be a effective method awaiting more samples for further stronger evidence.

Fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment contributes to trans-nail penetration of rhodamine B and changes of cytokine microenvironment.

This study is to determine the role of the fractional CO2 laser in topical drug delivery and the impact of local immune responses. Experimental rabbit nails were treated with fractionated CO2 laser at varied fluencies of 20 mJ, 25 mJ, and 30 mJ and half of which were coated with rhodamine B (RhB). Histological examination was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; the penetration of RhB was assessed by the use of confocal laser scanning microscopy; and the expressions of IFN-γ and IL-4 mRNA in situ were detected by means of qPCR at 12 h, 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days post-laser irritation. The fractional CO2 laser could generate microscopic treatment zones in nail plates, and the depths of these micropores as well as the permeation of RhB in nails increased significantly in an energy-dependent manner. Importantly, the laser irritation led an upregulation of local IFN-γ mRNA expression accompanied by a downregulation of IL-4 mRNA expression. The ultrapulsed ablative fractionated CO2 laser may assist topical drug delivery, and may drive stronger local Th1 responses due to an imbalance of IFN-γ/IL-4 expressions, suggesting that the combination of ablative fractionated CO2 laser with topical agents would be an effective option for the treatment of onychomycosis.

UVA influenced the SIRT1-miR-27a-5p-SMAD2-MMP1/COL1/BCL2 axis in human skin primary fibroblasts.

Both SIRT1 and UVA radiation are involved in cellular damage processes such as apoptosis, senescence and ageing. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be closely related to UV radiation, as well as to SIRT1. In this study, we investigated the connections among SIRT1, UVA and miRNA in human skin primary fibroblasts. Our results showed that UVA altered the protein level of SIRT1 in a time point-dependent manner. Using miRNA microarray, bioinformatics analysis, we found that knocking down SIRT1 could cause up-regulation of miR-27a-5p and the latter could down-regulate SMAD2, and these results were verified by qRT-PCR or Western blot. Furthermore, UVA radiation (5 J/cm2 ), knocking down SIRT1 or overexpression of miR-27a-5p led to increased expression of MMP1, and decreased expressions of COL1 and BCL2. We also found additive impacts on MMP1, COL1 and BCL2 under the combination of UVA radiation + Sirtinol (SIRT1 inhibitor), or UVA radiation + miR-27a-5p mimic. SIRT1 activator resveratrol could reverse damage changes caused by UVA radiation. Besides, absent of SIRT1 or overexpression of miR-27a-5p increased cell apoptosis and induced cell arrest in G2/M phase. Taken together, these results demonstrated that UVA could influence a novel SIRT1-miR-27a-5p-SMAD2-MMP1/COL1/BCL2 axis in skin primary fibroblasts, and may provide potential therapeutic targets for UVA-induced skin damage.

Genotyping of 30 kinds of cutaneous human papillomaviruses by a multiplex microfluidic loop-mediated isothermal amplification and visual detection method.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), a group of non-enveloped small viruses with double-stranded circular DNA which lead to multiple skin diseases such as benign warts, are commonly seen in clinics. The current HPV detection systems aim mainly at mucosal HPVs, however, an efficient clinical approach for cutaneous HPVs detection is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To establish a rapid detection system for cutaneous HPVs using a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB) dye in combination with microfluidic technology. METHODS: L1 DNA sequences of the 30 cutaneous HPVs were chemically synthesized, and LAMP primers against L1 DNA were designed with use of an online LAMP designing tool. Isothermal amplification was performed with use of a water bath and the amplification results were inspected with the naked eye. Using PCR sequencing as a control method, the specificity and sensitivity of the new detection system were obtained by detecting clinical samples. RESULTS: The lower detection limit of the LAMP assay was 107 viral DNA copies/µl when tested on synthesized L1 DNA sequences, which was better than the conventional PCR. Compared to PCR sequencing, the sensitivity of HPV27, HPV2, HPV1, HPV57, HPV3, HPV4, HPV7 and HPV75 genotypes detections were 100%, whereas the specificity was 34.55, 45.12, 95.83, 98.59 and 97.62% respectively, when tested on clinical samples. CONCLUSIONS: The new cutaneous type HPV detection system is characterized by both a good sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional methods.

Phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract protects human keratinocytes against hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal induced cytotoxicity.

Reactive carbonyl species including methylglyoxal (MGO) are oxidation metabolites of glucose and precursors of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). They are important mediators of cellular oxidative stress and exacerbate skin complications. Published data supports that certain phenolic compounds can exert cellular protective effects by their antioxidant activity. A phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract (MSX) was previously reported to show protective effects against AGEs- and MGO-induced cytotoxicity in human colon cells but its skin protective effects remain unknown. The protective effects of MSX were evaluated against hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )- and MGO-induced cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Cellular viability and antioxidant activity were evaluated by the luminescent cell viability CellTiter-Glo assay and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, respectively. A single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) was used to measure the strand breaks in the DNA of HaCaT cells. MSX (at 50 µg/mL) ameliorated H2 O2 - and MGO-induced cytotoxicity by increasing cell viability by 21.5% and 25.9%, respectively. MSX reduced H2 O2 - and MGO-induced ROS production by 69.4% and 56.6%, respectively. MSX also reduced MGO-induced DNA damage by 47.5%. MSX showed protective effects against H2 O2 - and MGO-induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells supporting its potential for dermatological and/or cosmeceutical applications.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in skin wound healing: A systematic review of animal studies.

Bacterial infection is a common wound complication that can significantly delay healing. Classical local therapies for infected wounds are expensive and are frequently ineffective. One alternative therapy is photodynamic therapy (PDT). We conducted a systematic review to clarify whether PDT is useful for bacteria-infected wounds in animal models. PubMed and Medline were searched for articles on PDT in infected skin wounds in animals. The language was limited to English. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The overall study methodological quality was moderate, with a low-moderate risk of bias. The animal models were mice and rats. The wounds were excisional, burn, and abrasion wounds. Wound size ranged from 6 mm in diameter to 1.5 × 1.5 cm2 . Most studies inoculated the wounds with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Eleven and 17 studies showed that the PDT of infected wounds significantly decreased wound size and bacterial counts, respectively. Six, four, and two studies examined the effect of PDT on infected wound-cytokine levels, wound-healing time, and body weight, respectively. Most indicated that PDT had beneficial effects on these variables. PDT accelerated bacteria-infected wound healing in animals by promoting wound closure and killing bacteria.

Local hyperthermia cleared multifarious viral warts in a patient with Cushing's syndrome.

A female Cushing's syndrome patient had been suffering from extensive viral warts for months. She was diagnosed with flat warts, common warts and plantar warts. The plantar warts on her right foot were initially treated using local hyperthermia at 44°C for 30 min according to a defined protocol, followed by treatment targeting a common wart on her left thumb. In response to hyperthermia, the flat warts on her eyelid dissipated within 12 weeks, and when combined with a 1 week administration of imiquimod, the common warts and plantar warts completely disappeared within 8 weeks. There were no signs of recurrence and during this treatment her Cushing's syndrome was alleviated. This pioneer trial suggests that local hyperthermia may serve as an effective mean for treating multiple cutaneous warts under the conditions of a systemic immuno-compromised disease.

Treatment of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp with 10% ALA-PDT.

BACKGROUND: Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is difficult to be treated and 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is considered to be a potential treatment for inflammatory skin diseases. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy and safety of ALA-PDT on DCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment areas of DCS patients were incubated with freshly prepared 10% ALA for 3 hours. The 633 ± 10 nm light with the intensity of 80-100 mw/cm2 was used as the irradiation source of ALA-PDT, and the irradiation time was 20-30 minutes. Three sessions were applied at an interval of 10-15 days. According to the reduction of lesions and the improvements of patients' symptoms after each session, the objective assessment of therapeutic effect was divided into four grades. The adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Seven male DCS patients finished the treatments and assessments. One month after three sessions of treatment, one patient recovered, three patients received significant improvement, and one patients received medium improvement. At the 3-month follow-up, two patients recovered, four patients received significant improvement, and one patients received medium improvement. The patients tolerated well to the therapy without any severe adverse effects. CONCLUSION: 10% ALA-PDT is effective and safe on male DCS patients. As a localized and less invasive treatment, it provides a preferable choice for DCS patients. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Efficacy and Safety of a Sublative Bipolar Fractional Radiofrequency System Combined With Topical Tretinoin in Treating Striae Gravidarum: A Randomized Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Striae gravidarum is a common skin condition resulting after pregnancy, caused by fibroblast dysfunction. Although not considered a disease, it may be considered cosmetically unpleasant to sufferers and remains as a therapeutic challenge to date. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a sublative bipolar fractional radiofrequency (FRF) system, associated with 0.1% topical tretinoin, in treating striae gravidarum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen Chinese women with striae gravidarum on the abdomen were enrolled in the study. The target area of each patient was divided into 4 sites randomly: control, tretinoin, FRF, and tretinoin and FRF. Fractional RF was used 3 times, with 3-month intervals. Changes to striae gravidarum were evaluated through subjective scaling and objective measures, using both high-frequency ultrasound and histological study. RESULTS: Both subjective assessment and skin thickness differences demonstrated significant improvement in the combination site (p < .001). Average optical density and density percentage of neocollagen and elastic fibers were also markedly increased in the combination site (p < .05). The adverse effects of FRF were limited to mild pain and transient erythema, edema, and microcrusts. CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of FRF and topical tretinoin may be a potential method in treating striae gravidarum, with satisfactory efficacy and limited side effects.

MiR-155, a potential serum marker of extramammary Paget's disease.

BACKGROUND: Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD), a rare skin malignancy with non-specific manifestations, is often misdiagnosed as eczema of scrotum or tinea cruris. Although the diagnosis of EMPD could be confirmed by biopsy, it can be delayed as patients are reluctant to receive invasive operations. Herein, we investigated the serum miRNA expressions of EMPD patients and compared to that of the eczema of scrotum or tinea cruris patients as well as health volunteers for potential diagnostic markers for EMPD. METHODS: Altogether 45 subjects including 16 patients diagnosed with EMPD, 12 patients diagnosed with eczema of scrotum or tinea cruris and 17 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Serum from all of subjects were collected to identify miRNAs (by miRNA array global normalization, RT-PCR validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) that could be potential diagnostic markers for EMPD. RESULTS: The miRNA array analyses revealed that the expressions of 37 miRNAs from the EMPD patients were different (change ≥4-fold) from health volunteers. Among these miRNAs, the expression of miR-155 was significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the EMPD patients as compared with that of the health volunteers and the eczema of scrotum or the tinea cruris patients (no difference between these two control groups). In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that diagnostic capacities (defined as the area under curve of ROC) of miR-155 are 0.85 (as compared with health volunteers group) and 0.81 (as compared with the eczema of scrotum or the tinea cruris patients group), respectively. CONCLUSION: The serum miRNA expression of gene miR-155 in the EMPD patients was differentiated from that of other subjects warranting further validation of miR-155 as a diagnostic marker of EMPD.