Yeast-based screening of cancer mutations in the DNA damage response protein Mre11 demonstrates importance of conserved capping domain residues.

DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are initiated to prevent mutations from being passed on in the event of DNA damage. Mutations in DDR proteins can contribute to the development and maintenance of cancer cells, but many mutations observed in human tumors have not been functionally characterized. Because a proper response to DNA damage is fundamental to living organisms, DDR proteins and processes are often highly conserved. The goal of this project was to use Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for functional screening of human cancer mutations in conserved DDR proteins. After comparing the cancer mutation frequency and conservation of DDR proteins, Mre11 was selected for functional screening. A subset of mutations in conserved residues was analyzed by structural modeling and screened for functional effects in yeast Mre11. Yeast expressing wild type or mutant Mre11 were then assessed for DNA damage sensitivity using hydroxyurea (HU) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). The results were further validated in human cancer cells. The N-terminal point mutations tested in yeast Mre11 do not confer sensitivity to DNA damage sensitivity, suggesting that these residues are dispensable for yeast Mre11 function and may have conserved sequence without conserved function. However, a mutation near the capping domain associated with breast and colorectal cancers compromises Mre11 function in both yeast and human cells. These results provide novel insight into the function of this conserved capping domain residue and demonstrate a framework for yeast-based screening of cancer mutations.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.

Although surgical intervention remains the standard of care for nonmelanoma skin cancer, other treatment modalities have been studied and used. Nonsurgical treatment methods include cryotherapy, topical medications, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, Hedgehog pathway inhibitors, programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors, and active nonintervention. Despite the favorable efficacy of surgical treatment methods, many factors, including but not limited to patient age, preference, and severity of disease, must be taken into consideration when choosing the most appropriate, patient-centered treatment approach.

Female Genital Itch.

Vulvar pruritus is a common complaint among young girls and women presenting to primary care physicians, gynecologists, and dermatologists. Female genital itch is especially disruptive because of its interference with sexual function and intimacy. Causes of vulvar itch are vast and may be inflammatory, environmental, neoplastic, or infectious, often with several causes coexisting simultaneously. Diagnosis may be difficult because of the unique anatomy and inherent properties of genital and perianal skin. Treatment is aimed at eliminating outside irritants, restoring epidermal barrier function, and suppressing inflammation.

Understanding the influence of social media in medicine: lesson learned from Facebook.

Atopic dermatitis is a very common chronic skin disease. With increasing number of patients searching social media outlets such as Facebook for medical information, social media can be used by physicians as a powerful educational tool. We analyzed the unmoderated Q&A series on Facebook begun by members of National Eczema Association Scientific Advisory Committee. Four respondents accounted for more than 50% of all responses and the most common were negative posts about topical steroids (61%). Possible strategies to accomplish the safe dissemination of information in a public forum may include a moderator role for physicians.

Women in medicine and dermatology: history and advances.

The history of women in medicine has been marked by many challenges and achievements. Although the role of women in the "art of healing" can be traced back many centuries, only males are traditionally highlighted in history. Across antiquity, access to medical education was denied to females. Dermatology is a medical specialty in which women displayed particular skill and proficiency. Gradually, determination and competence allowed women to lay claim in an essentially male-dominated world. This article presents a brief review of the performance, progress and achievements of women in the history of medicine and dermatology.

Laser and light therapy for onychomycosis: a systematic review.

More than just a cosmetic concern, onychomycosis is a prevalent and extremely difficult condition to treat. In older and diabetic populations, severe onychomycosis may possibly serve as a nidus for infection, and other more serious complications may ensue. Many treatment modalities for the treatment of onychomycosis have been studied, including topical lacquers and ointments, oral antifungals, surgical and chemical nail avulsion, and lasers. Due to their minimally invasive nature and potential to restore clear nail growth with relatively few sessions, lasers have become a popular option in the treatment of onychomycosis for both physicians and patients. Laser or light systems that have been investigated for this indication include the carbon dioxide, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, 870/930-nm combination, and femtosecond infrared 800-nm lasers, in addition to photodynamic and ultraviolet light therapy. This systematic review will discuss each of these modalities as well as their respective currently published, peer-reviewed literature.

Intralesional treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars: a review.

BACKGROUND: Although differing in clinical presentation and prognosis, keloids and hypertrophic scars are generally characterized by abnormally proliferative scar tissue and are extremely debilitating. Several intralesional therapies have been studied in attempts to find a universally safe and effective modality, of which there are currently none. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive review of current intralesional treatment modalities for keloids and hypertrophic scars. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A PubMed search was performed for literature pertaining to intralesional treatment modalities for keloids and hypertrophic scars. References from retrieved articles were also considered for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Many intralesional therapies for keloids and hypertrophic scars are currently available to physicians and patients. Mechanisms of action and side effect profiles vary between these agents, and new approaches to keloids and hypertrophic scars are frequently being explored. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess these new and promising modalities fully.

Pyschodermatology: a trip through history.

The interaction between the mind and diseases of the skin has been the study focus for many researchers worldwide. The field of Psychodermatology, or Psychocutaneous Medicine, is the result of the merging of two major medical specialties, psychiatry and dermatology. Although the history of Psychodermatology is rather old and interesting, the field has only recently gained popularity. Since ancient times, philosophers, surgeons, dermatologists and psychiatrists have reported the presence of psychocutaneous diseases in various scenarios. In this article, the authors describe curious and remarkable facts in the history of Psychodermatology.

Inflammatory nodules following soft tissue filler use: a review of causative agents, pathology and treatment options.

Nodule development is a common complication following the use of fillers for soft tissue augmentation and is commonly categorized as inflammatory or non-inflammatory in nature. Inflammatory nodules may appear anywhere from days to years after treatment, whereas non-inflammatory nodules are typically seen immediately following implantation and are usually secondary to improper placement of the filler. Although inflammatory nodules are more common with permanent fillers such as silicone, inflammatory nodule development following administration of temporary fillers such as hyaluronic acid and collagen has also been reported. Treated many times with corticosteroids due to their anti-inflammatory properties, inflammatory nodules may be secondary to infection or biofilm formation, warranting the use of alternative agents. Appropriate and prompt diagnosis is important in avoiding delay of treatment or long-term complications for the patient. This paper addresses the etiology, development, and studied treatment options available for inflammatory nodules secondary to each of the major classes of fillers. With this knowledge, practitioners may expeditiously recognize and manage this common side effect and thus maximize functional and aesthetic benefit.

Carbon dioxide laser for the treatment of microcystic lymphatic malformations (lymphangioma circumscriptum): a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a rare, superficial, cutaneous lymphatic malformation. Management is difficult because of high recurrence rates, regardless of the treatment modality chosen. The carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser may offer a less-invasive option than surgery that provides satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the efficacy and safety of the CO2 laser for the treatment of LC. METHODS: The terms "lymphangioma circumscriptum" and "microcystic lymphatic malformation" were combined with "treatment," "laser," and "carbon dioxide" during separate searches in the PubMed database. The articles retrieved were then evaluated based on set criteria. RESULTS: We identified 16 studies (11 case reports, 5 case series) with a total of 28 separate patients who had been treated for LC using a CO2 laser. Eight patients remained disease free from 4 months to 3 years, 10 experienced partial recurrence, and two experienced complete recurrence. Various laser parameters were reported, and adverse effects were generally minor and infrequent, such as dyspigmentation and mild scarring. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence indicates that the CO2 laser is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of LC, particularly in large lesions that may not be amenable to surgical intervention.

Lasers for cutaneous congenital vascular lesions: a comprehensive overview and update.

The use of laser to treat cutaneous lesions began with Dr. Leon Goldman and his coworkers in 1963. Ten years later, these authors described promising effects on angiomas using the continuous-wave neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. In 1983, Anderson et al. proposed the photothermolysis theory. The selective destruction of vascular lesions is based on this principle, and it is still a guide for treatment of vascular lesions. Over the past 25 years, laser treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions has progressed significantly. Vascular lasers such as argon, tunable dye, krypton, and copper vapor were used in the past and were associated not only with risk of scarring but also hyper- and hypopigmentation. Since then, new devices were developed in order to minimize these side effects. This article presents an overview and update of the current available treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions and covers future directions for vascular laser technology.