Pilot study of fluorescence imitating brightfield imaging for rapid, slide-free dermatopathology.

BACKGROUND: Fluorescence imitating brightfield imaging (FIBI) is a novel alternative microscopy method that can image freshly excised, non-sectioned tissue. We examine its potential utility in dermatopathology by examining readily available specimens embedded in paraffin blocks. METHODS: Nine skin samples embedded in paraffin blocks were superficially deparaffinized using xylene and ethanol and stained with H&E. FIBI captured tissue surface histopathology images using simple microscope optics and a color camera. We then applied deep-learning-based models to improve resemblance to standard H&E coloration and contrast. FIBI images were compared with corresponding standard H&E slides and concordance was assessed by two dermatopathologists who numerically scored epidermal and dermal structure appearance and overall diagnostic utility. RESULTS: Dermatopathologist scores indicate that FIBI images are at least equivalent to standard H&E slides for visualizing structures such as epidermal layers, sweat glands, and nerves. CONCLUSION: Images acquired with FIBI are comparable to traditional H&E-stained slides, suggesting that this rapid, inexpensive, and non-destructive microscopy technique is a conceivable alternative to standard histopathology processes especially for time-sensitive procedures and in settings with limited histopathology resources.

Health insurance relationship to sun protection practices and beliefs.

PURPOSE: Lower socioeconomic status is associated with decreased sun protection practices. This survey study investigated practices and beliefs surrounding sun protection based on health insurance. METHODS: 401 surveys were administered May to June 2019 at two dermatology clinics in Sacramento, California. 384 surveys by private insurance, Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid), and Medicare coverage were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with Medi-Cal are twice as likely to rarely or never use sunscreen (OR=2.37; 95% CI 1.45-3.87; P<0.001) compared to those with private insurance. Patients with Medi-Cal or Medicare are less likely to use sunscreen (P<0.001), protective clothing (P=0.025), and sun avoidance (P=0.028). Medi-Cal patients more often used tanning beds (OR=4.90; 95% CI 1.30-18.50; P=0.019). Over half of patients with Medi-Cal agreed it is worth getting burned for a tan (54.6%, OR=2.54; 95% CI 1.41-4.62; P=0.0021). There were no significant differences in opinion that sunscreen is a hassle to apply or expensive. Groups did not differ significantly in ethnicities or skin type. CONCLUSION: Those with Medi-Cal are less likely to use all forms of sun protection and more likely to value tanning. Negative opinions of sunscreen and perceived knowledge and concern for skin cancer were similar, pointing to additional factors influencing these disparities.