Machine learning for classification of cutaneous sebaceous neoplasms: implementing decision tree model using cytological and architectural features.

BACKGROUND: This observational study aims to describe and compare histopathological, architectural, and nuclear characteristics of sebaceous lesions and utilized these characteristics to develop a predictive classification approach using machine learning algorithms. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian patients with sebaceous tumors from two hospitals between March 2015 and March 2019. Pathology slides were reviewed by two pathologists and the architectural and cytological attributes were recorded. Multiple decision tree models were trained using 5-fold cross validation to determine the most important predictor variables and to develop a simple prediction model. RESULTS: This study assessed the characteristics of 123 sebaceous tumors. Histopathological findings, including pagetoid appearance, neurovascular invasion, atypical mitosis, extensive necrotic area, poor cell differentiation, and non-lobular tumor growth pattern, as well as nuclear features, including highly irregular nuclear contour, and large nuclear size were exclusively observed in carcinomatous tumors. Among non-carcinomatous lesions, some sebaceoma and sebaceous adenoma cases had features like high mitotic activity, which can be misleading and complicate diagnosis. Based on multiple decision tree models, the five most critical variables for lesion categorization were identified as: basaloid cell count, peripheral basaloid cell layers, tumor margin, nuclear size, and chromatin. CONCLUSIONS: This study implemented a machine learning modeling approach to help optimally categorize sebaceous lesions based on architectural and nuclear features. However, studies of larger sample sizes are needed to ensure the accuracy of our suggested predictive model.

High expression of Talin-1 is associated with tumor progression and recurrence in melanoma skin cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Talin-1 as a component of multi-protein adhesion complexes plays a role in tumor formation and migration in various malignancies. This study investigated Talin-1 in protein levels as a potential prognosis biomarker in skin tumors. METHODS: Talin-1 was evaluated in 106 skin cancer (33 melanomas and 73 non-melanomas skin cancer (NMSC)) and 11 normal skin formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples using immunohistochemical technique on tissue microarrays (TMAs). The association between the expression of Talin-1 and clinicopathological parameters, as well as survival outcomes, were assessed. RESULTS: Our findings from data minings through bioinformatics tools indicated dysregulation of Talin-1 in mRNA levels for skin cancer samples. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in Talin-1 expression in terms of intensity of staining, percentage of positive tumor cells, and H-score in melanoma tissues compared to NMSC (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, high cytoplasmic expression of Talin-1 was found to be associated with significantly advanced stages (P = 0.024), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.023), and recurrence (P = 0.006) in melanoma cancer tissues. Our results on NMSC showed a statistically significant association between high intensity of staining and the poor differentiation (P = 0.044). No significant associations were observed between Talin-1 expression levels and survival outcomes of melanoma and NMSC patients. CONCLUSION: Our observations showed that higher expression of Talin1 in protein level may be significantly associated with more aggressive tumor behavior and advanced disease in patients with skin cancer. However, further studies are required to find the mechanism of action of Talin-1 in skin cancers.

Two asymptomatic facial erythematous macules in an adult male.

Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune bullous disorders with different types. Pemphigus foliaceous (PF) is a difficult-to-diagnosis disorder which shares clinical features with many dermatoses. We hereby, present an interesting case of PF which serves as a reminder for clinicians that pemphigus is not always a serious condition with rapid extension of lesions and it could have a very limited and benign form.

Whole transcriptome-based skin virome profiling in typical epidermodysplasia verruciformis reveals α-, ß-, and γ-HPV infections.

HPVs are DNA viruses include approximately 450 types that are classified into 5 genera (α-, ß-, γ-, µ-, and ν-HPV). The γ- and ß-HPVs are present in low copy numbers in healthy individuals; however, in patients with an inborn error of immunity, certain species of ß-HPVs can cause epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), manifesting as recalcitrant cutaneous warts and skin cancer. EV presents as either typical or atypical. Manifestations of typical EV are limited to the skin and are caused by abnormal keratinocyte-intrinsic immunity to ß-HPVs due to pathogenic sequence variants in TMC6, TMC8, or CIB1. We applied a transcriptome-based computational pipeline, VirPy, to RNA extracted from normal-appearing skin and wart samples of patients with typical EV to explore the viral and human genetic determinants. In 26 patients, 9 distinct biallelic mutations were detected in TMC6, TMC8, and CIB1, 7 of which are previously unreported to our knowledge. Additionally, 20 different HPV species, including 3 α-HPVs, 16 ß-HPVs, and 1 γ-HPV, were detected, 8 of which are reported here for the first time to our knowledge in patients with EV (ß-HPV-37, -47, -80, -151, and -159; α-HPV-2 and -57; and γ-HPV-128). This study expands the TMC6, TMC8, and CIB1 sequence variant spectrum and implicates new HPV subtypes in the pathogenesis of typical EV.

Dipeptidyl-Peptidase 4 Inhibitor-Induced Variants of Bullous Pemphigoid: A Case Series of Four Patients.

Bullous pemphigoid is the most common acquired bullous disease with an autoimmune basis and a tendency to involve mostly old people. By rising incidence of diabetes all over the world, consumption of antidiabetes medications has also increased. One of the most used antidiabetes drugs is gliptin family (dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitor). Recently, this class of oral antidiabetic agents showed a correlation with the occurrence of bullous pemphigoid and its subtypes, including mucous membrane pemphigoid and pemphigoid nodularis. We are reporting a case series of 4 diabetes patients that we diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid subtypes (mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigoid nodularis, and its rarest subtype, linear IgA bullous dermatosis) after taking different drugs of gliptin family.

Remission of Prurigo Pigmentosa after Breaking Ketogenic Diet and Resuming Regular Diet.

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is a rare skin disorder presenting as erythematous urticarial papules on the chest and leaving reticulated pigmentation. Although the etiology of PP is unknown, conditions associated with ketosis such as diabetes mellitus, ketogenic diet (KD), and anorexia nervosa are implicated. Herein, we report a 21-year-old woman who developed PP after adhering to a KD and responded to resuming a regular diet.

Coexistence of Pemphigus Vulgaris and Lichen Planus following COVID-19 Vaccination.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were approved without long-term monitoring due to emergent situation and might have several side effects. Herein, we describe the first case with development of both LP and PV following COVID-19 vaccination. Immunological alteration due to COVID-19 vaccination and its potential role in triggering autoimmune disorders were also dealt with.

Ichthyosis follicularis syndromes in patients with mutations in GJB2.

Ichthyosis follicularis (IF) manifests as generalized spiny follicular projections found in syndromic diseases secondary to SREBF1 and MBTPS2 mutations. We sought the genetic cause of IF in two distinct families from a cohort of 180 patients with ichthyosis. In Family 1, the proband (Patient 1) presented with IF, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and punctate palmoplantar keratoderma. Using DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes, two compound heterozygous mutations, c.526A>G and c.35delG, were discovered in GJB2. In Family 2, the proband (Patient 2) presented with a previously unreported IF phenotype in the context of keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome, and whole-exome sequencing found a de novo heterozygous mutation, c.148G>A in GJB2. Histopathology was consistent with porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct naevus (PEODDN) and IF in Patients 1 and 2, respectively. Our findings add to the clinical and histopathological spectrum of IF and emphasize the association of PEODDN-like entities with GJB2 variants.

Cutaneous granular cell tumor: A case series, review, and update.

Background: Granular cell tumor (GCT) or Abrikossoff's tumor is an uncommon neuro-derived tumor in which Schwann cells are found and express S-100 protein. Often, it is a benign lesion. Histopathologically, there are granular cell infiltrations through the entire dermis without necrosis which are periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stain positive and reactive with S-100. The aim of this study is the clinicopathological evaluation of GCT. Material and Methods: In this paper, we described the experience of 6 patients with a GCT in different locations (4 cases in the skin and 2 cases in the mucosa), for example, a case with a tumor in the abdomen and a keloidal-like presentation with a highly sclerotic pattern (an uncommon pathological feature). Another case developed a lesion secondary to physical trauma. Result: In one case, the presence of a lesion in the lower lip associated with actinic damage secondary to chronic sun exposure resulted in misdiagnosis with actinic cheilitis and squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Histopathologically, there were granular cell infiltrations through the entire dermis without necrosis which are PAS-positive and reactive with S-100.

Homozygous MEFV Gene Variant and Pyrin-Associated Autoinflammation With Neutrophilic Dermatosis: A Family With a Novel Autosomal Recessive Mode of Inheritance.

IMPORTANCE: Pyrin-associated autoinflammation with neutrophilic dermatosis (PAAND) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance and has been associated with monoallelic p.Ser242Arg and p.Glu244Lys variations in the MEFV gene. This dermatosis shares clinical features and pathogenesis with familial Mediterranean fever, although it is a clinically distinct entity. OBJECTIVE: To identify the genetic basis of PAAND in a consanguineous family with 2 affected children and to prescribe an effective genotype-guided treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This case series study examined 2 siblings who presented with clinical features of PAAND. We sought the genetic basis of this disease with trio whole exome sequencing (trio-WES). Genome-wide homozygosity mapping provided additional evidence for causality of a sequence variant identified by trio-WES. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Association of a biallelic MEFV variation with a new form of autosomal recessive PAAND was documented by genetic analysis. Response to treatment with colchicine and a low-dose steroid was assessed clinically and experimentally. RESULTS: Two siblings, a girl (proband; age 5 years) and a boy (age 2.5 years) of Iranian-Azeri ancestry born to first-cousin consanguineous parents presented with clinical features of PAAND-recurrent episodes of maculopapular and pustular rash, gastrointestinal involvement resembling inflammatory bowel disease, and intussusception with generalized mesenteric lymphadenitis. A trio-WES test detected a previously unreported homozygous missense variation, p.Ser242Gly, in both patients' MEFV gene. Genome-wide homozygosity mapping revealed shared regions of homozygosity in the patients' DNA, including 1 on chromosome 16 harboring MEFV. Whole transcriptome sequencing by RNA-sequencing revealed that the variant MEFV transcript, among the inflammasome-associated transcripts, was most upregulated, and the cell-cell receptor interaction and innate immune system pathways were most positively enriched. Under the guidance of MEFV genotype, treatment with colchicine (1 mg/d) and low-dose prednisolone (2.5 mg every other day) was started, and the patients responded well. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This case series study demonstrated successful genotype-guided treatment with colchicine and low-dose prednisolone, a low-cost therapeutic option with minimal adverse effects, in patients with a novel form of autosomal recessive PAAND. This case report examines the genetic basis of PAAND in a consanguineous family with 2 affected children and seeks to prescribe an effective genotype-guided treatment.

Prevalence and Main Determinants of BRAF V600E Mutation in Dysplastic and Congenital Nevi.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Predicting the transformation of dysplastic or congenital nevi into malignant lesions results in a significant increase in the survival of patients. Some specific gene mutations have been reported to be very helpful in this regard. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of BRAF V600E mutation in dysplastic and congenital nevi. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with congenital (n=30) or dysplastic (n=30) nevi. For genomic analysis, the BRAF gene mutation (V600E) was evaluated using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The prevalence of BRAF gene (V600E) mutation was found as 1 case (3.3%) in congenital and 8 cases (26.7%) in dysplastic nevi indicating the higher prevalence of this mutation in patients with dysplastic nevi (P=0.026). Moreover, in the dysplastic nevi group, the presence of BRAF gene mutation (V600E) showed a significant relationship with the severity of dysplasia as the mutation rate was 25% in mild cases, in comparison with 54.5% in moderate dysplasia cases (P=0.009). CONCLUSION: According to the results, 3.3% of the patients with congenital nevi and 26.7% of the subjects with dysplastic nevi were positive for BRAF V600E mutation. Furthermore, the severity of dysplasia could have a positive relationship with the presence of the mutation.

Coexistence of Neonatal Lupus Erythematous and Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Neonatal lupus erythematous (NLE) is a rare condition presented by lupus dermatitis shortly after birth or later following sun exposure. Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is also an uncommon congenital condition characterized by extensive capillary malformation and ophthalmic and/or neurologic involvement. Here, we describe the first case of coexistence of NLE and SWS which posed a significant diagnostic challenge to clinicians.

Diagnostic value of cytology in oral ulcer and comparison with histopathology and direct immunofluorescence.

Rapid diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an important task in patient's prognosis and treatment. Although PV is routinely diagnosed through investigation of pathology specimens and direct immunofluorescence assays, Tzanck smear can be used as rapid, inexpensive, and easily used test to confirm its clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of Tzanck smear in erosive oral lesions of PV and also determine its sensitivity and specificity for diagnostic purposes. A total of 68 patients with erosive/ulcerated oral lesions were included in this study and divided into PV (case group) vs other causes of erosive oral lesions (control group). From all participants, two Tzanck smears were prepared for both Giemsa and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. For definite diagnosis, histopathology and direct immunofluorescence evaluations were performed based on clinical findings. The sensitivity of acantholytic cells in Tzanck smear of erosive oral lesions of PV cases was 80.5% (for both Giemsa and H&E staining), whereas specificity values of Giemsa and H&E staining were 84.6% and 96.3%, respectively. Based on our findings, the Tzanck smear of erosive oral lesions is a simple, quick, and inexpensive test for screening and primary diagnosis of PV.

An unusual case of multibacillary leprosy mimicking prurigo nodularis.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The early diagnosis of leprosy is a worldwide challenge. We present a case of leprosy with unusual severe pruritus and generalized excoriated papules and nodules.

Basal cell carcinoma associated with erythema ab igne.

Erythema ab igne is a skin condition mainly caused by heat exposure. Erythema ab igne usually follows a favorable prognosis. However, it may increase the risk of developing cutaneous malignancy in the involved skin. Being familiar with the type of cutaneous malignancies that may arise in the site of erythema ab igne is considerably important. To our knowledge, this letter presents the first case that shows the association between erythema ab igne and basal cell carcinoma.

Increasing the expression of programmed death ligand 2 (PD-L2) but not 4-1BB ligand in colorectal cancer cells.

Immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules modulate the immune response by either inducing or preventing T cell activation. Over-expression of some ICPs on malignant cells has been shown to regulate anti-tumor immune responses. We aimed to investigate the expression levels of two immune checkpoint molecules which have not been studied extensively in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Programmed Death Ligand 2 (co-inhibitory) and 4-1BB ligand (co-stimulatory) were assessed in tumor tissues of CRC patients compared to the adjacent normal tissues. Following tissue excision during surgical operation from 21 CRC patients, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and semi-quantitative real-time PCR were done for measuring the expressions of PD-L2 and 4-1BBL genes. In protein level, indirect immunohistochemistery (IHC) was performed on tissue sections. We revealed that PD-L2 was expressed in about 81% CRCs and insignificantly correlated with the tumor differentiation grade. Although a 3.25-fold change in the gene expression of PD-L2 was found in tumor tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.005), but decreased level of 4-1BBL in counterpart tissues was not significant. Our results were confirmed by IHC for PDL-2 (P = 0.02) and 4-1BBL, however it was not statistically significant for the latter one. Although not significant, we could find an association between the elevated expression of PD-L2 and the tumor differentiation grade. Increased expression of negative regulator of the anti-tumor immune responses like PD-L2, as a prominent way of tumor escape, can be considered for cancer immunotherapy approaches in CRC patients using blocking monoclonal antibodies.

New diagnostic markers in basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of plasma lipoprotein levels in the diagnosis and prognosis of certain diseases is known fact. Some studies have reported different and contradictory levels of blood lipoproteins in cancer patients. Therefore, we decided to compare lipid profiles in patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, lipid biomarkers in blood plasma of 64 patients with BCC compared with biomarkers in 64 healthy subjects. According to including criteria's both group selected. 5 cc blood samples taken after 8-12 h of fasting. Ultimately, the diagnosis of biopsy samples confirmed by the dermatopathologist. The information data entered into the PASS II software and then characterized by a descriptive and analytical statistics of the lipid profile. The role of the related factors was assessed by two sample t-test power analysis. RESULTS: In this research, mean age of patient group and the healthy one was 67.13 ± 11.33 and 64.31 ± 6.98, respectively. The average amount of triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein in the BCC patients were 147.97 ± 87.11 mg/dl, 188.25 ± 38.90 mg/dl, 61.98 ± 18.61 mg/dl and 95.98 ± 31.69 mg/dl, respectively, whereas these amounts in the control group were 137.34 ± 61.41 mg/dl, 173.22 ± 38.79 mg/dl, 42.34 ± 7.83 mg/dl and 106.44 ± 35.17 mg/dl, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between cholesterol and HDL in patients with BCC and healthy controls, respectively (P = 0.030) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It seems that changes in lipid profile can help as a diagnostic marker for detecting cancer like BCC. Although this change could be different in lipid markers and also among different types of cancer.

An enlarging scaly plaque localized on the previous keloid of the chest.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It may arise rapidly in a scar or keloid, presumably due to a long-standing proliferative state or autoimmune theory. There should be a low threshold for performing a skin biopsy if unusual lesions develop at those sites.

Low Expression of Occludin in the Melanoma Patient.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Malignant melanoma is the fatal cutaneous neoplasm which is curable by the early diagnosis. The expression of occludin protein which is an integral membrane protein is altered in an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Although, recent studies provide sufficient evidence supporting the functional importance of occludin in cancer, the prognostic significance of occludin expression levels in melanoma remains obscure. The aim of this study was to determine occludin expression level and its correlation with clinicopathological features of the patients with melanoma. METHODS: The occludin mRNA level was compared between paraffin-embedded tissues of 40 patients with melanoma and 10 subjects with normal skin. The quality and quantity of the RNA was determined and occludin expression level was measured using Real-time PCR and ∆∆CT computational technique. RESULTS: The occludin mRNA level reduced five-fold in the melanoma patients compared to the control group (P=0.000). No significant difference was observed between male and female cases (P=0.533). No significant correlation was observed between occludin mRNA level, mitotic count (P=0.252), and Breslow levels (P=0.171). CONCLUSION: We can conclude that down-regulation of occludin expression in the patients with melanoma is a hallmark of cancer progression and it might be used as a prognostic factor. No significant correlation was found between occludin gene expression and clinicopathological characteristics including Clark level, Breslow staging, mitotic count, age and gender (P<0.05).