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Presents a study which applied a predictive model for band-gap narrowing to several III-V semiconductors. Influence of the band-gap narrowing on optical properties and device performance in semiconductors; Method used in calculating the shift of the minority band.

The immunosuppressant azathioprine is used to prevent graft rejection after organ transplantation. To investigate whether azathioprine-associated mutagenesis contributes to the high incidence of skin tumours in organ transplant recipients (OTRs), we analysed PTCH gene mutations in 60 basal cell carcinomas (BCC); 39 from OTRs receiving azathioprine and 21 from individuals never exposed to azathioprine. PTCH was mutated in 55% of all tumours, independent of azathioprine treatment. In both the azathioprine and non-azathioprine groups, transitions at dipyrimidine sequences, considered to indicate mutation by ultraviolet-B radiation, occurred frequently in tumours from chronically sun-exposed skin. In BCC from non-sun-exposed skin of azathioprine-treated patients, there was an over-representation of unusual G:C to A:T transitions at non-dipyrimidine sites. These were exclusive to the azathioprine-exposed group and all in the same TGTC sequence context at different positions within PTCH. Meta-analysis of 247 BCCs from published studies indicated that these mutations are rare in sporadic BCC and had never previously been reported in this specific sequence context. This study of post-transplant BCC provides the first indication that azathioprine exposure may be associated with PTCH mutations, particularly in tumours from non-sun-exposed skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Azathioprine is used to treat a variety of conditions and to prevent graft rejection in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Objectives To investigate clinically our previous finding that azathioprine metabolites interact with ultraviolet (UV) A radiation to form promutagenic oxidative DNA damage and to determine whether this may be causal or contributory to the development of excess skin cancers post-transplantation. Methods The clinical corollary of these data were investigated. Five patients were recruited and the minimal erythema dose (MED) for UVB, UVA and solar-simulated radiation (SSR) was determined for each person before, and at least 12 weeks after, starting azathioprine therapy. Results In all five patients azathioprine treatment was associated with an increased UVA and SSR sensitivity of the skin and a significant reduction in MEDs for UVA and SSR. We found no change in UVB-induced erythema or MED. In addition, we found that DNA from the skin of patients on azathioprine contains 6-thioguanine (6-TG). Conclusions Our findings confirm the presence of DNA 6-TG in the skin of those taking therapeutic doses of azathioprine and provide support for the hypothesis that DNA damage occurs when DNA 6-TG interacts with UVA, resulting in abnormal cutaneous photosensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) of the beta genus (β-PV), especially HPV5 and HPV36, are proposed to play a pathogenic role in psoriasis, but many previous studies have failed to control for potential confounders, including treatment. Objectives To re-examine the relationship between β-PV and psoriasis addressing limitations present in previous studies and analyse intra-patient concordance for carriage of HPV. Methods Plucked eyebrow hairs and forearm skin scrapes were collected from 20 newly diagnosed, previously untreated adult patients with psoriasis and 23 normal controls. A combination of type-specific and degenerate polymerase chain reaction methods was used to achieve comprehensive HPV DNA detection. Results The prevalence of HPV in hair and skin from psoriasis patients was higher than in controls (83·3% vs. 46·7%, respectively, P < 0·03 corrected for age and clustering). HPV5 or HPV36 were not over-represented. The profile of diverse β-PV types was comparable in the two groups. Intra-patient concordance for HPV DNA at separate sites was high ( P < 0·00001). Conclusions Our data do not support a specific causal role for HPV5 or HPV36 in psoriasis, but suggest that psoriatic skin may be more permissive for viral presence than normal skin. High intra-patient concordance for specific HPV types at separate sites, together with the ubiquity of HPV DNA in normal human skin, suggests that an individual becomes colonized with a particular β-PV profile presumably to the exclusion of other types. To what extent this HPV profile is then causal in the subsequent development of hyperproliferative skin disease is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Organ transplant recipients (OTR) are at high risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer and premalignant epidermal dysplasia (carcinoma in situ/ Bowen's disease and actinic keratoses). Epidermal dysplasia is often widespread and there are few comparative studies of available treatments. Objectives To compare topical methylaminolaevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5% fluorouracil (5-FU) cream in the treatment of post-transplant epidermal dysplasia. Methods Eight OTRs with epidermal dysplasia were recruited to an open-label, single-centre, randomized, intrapatient comparative study. Treatment with two cycles of topical MAL PDT 1 week apart was randomly assigned to one area of epidermal dysplasia, and 5-FU cream was applied twice daily for 3 weeks to a clinically and histologically comparable area. Patients were reviewed at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. The main outcome measures were complete resolution rate (CRR), overall reduction in lesional area, treatment-associated pain and erythema, cosmetic outcome and global patient preference. Results At all time points evaluated after completion of treatment, PDT was more effective than 5-FU in achieving complete resolution: eight of nine lesional areas cleared with PDT (CRR 89%, 95% CI: 0·52–0·99), compared with one of nine lesional areas treated with 5-FU (CRR 11%, 95% CI: 0·003–0·48) ( P = 0·02). The mean lesional area reduction was also proportionately greater with PDT than with 5-FU (100% vs. 79% respectively). Cosmetic outcome and patient preference were also superior in the PDT-treated group. Conclusions Compared with topical 5-FU, MAL PDT was a more effective and cosmetically acceptable treatment for epidermal dysplasia in OTRs and was preferred by patients. Further studies are now required to confirm these results and to examine the effect of treating epidermal dysplasia with PDT on subsequent development of squamous cell carcinoma in this high risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These guidelines stemmed from a consensus meeting held by the British Photobiology Group (BPG) in 1999. Following this meeting one of the authors (J.M.M.) was invited to draw up guidelines for the management of actinic keratoses by the British Association of Dermatologists Therapy Guidelines and Audit Subcommittee. Relevant evidence was sought using the search terms ‘solar keratosis’ and ‘actinic keratosis’ in Medline from 1966 onwards. Additional and earlier literature was reviewed on the basis of references within post-1966 publications. All articles of apparent relevance were reviewed independently of the nature of the publication. The quality of the evidence elicited has been indicated. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (U.S.A.) was used for further data on topical chemotherapy. Papers were reviewed and discussed by the contributors to the BPG Workshop (see Acknowledgments ). Recommendations are evidence based where possible. Strength of recommendation is coupled with quality of evidence. Strength of recommendation includes consideration of apparent cost-benefit and practical considerations. Quality of evidence reflects the nature of the trial structure that provides data of efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe two patients with a diagnosis of actinic prurigo who subsequently developed cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of this association. We propose that chronic antigenic stimulation by ultraviolet radiation, in the context of actinic prurigo, may have been causal in the development of these unusual lymphomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral warts may cause significant morbidity in individuals unable to mount an adequate T-helper 1 cell-mediated immune response to human papillomavirus. Imiquimod is a potent inducer of antiviral cytokine activity which has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of genital warts. Similar efficacy in cutaneous warts is not yet established. To assess the response of persistent cutaneous warts to 5% imiquimod cream in immunosuppressed individuals.Fifteen immunosuppressed patients with warts on the hands and/or feet present for more than 18 months, which had failed to respond to a minimum of 12 weeks of topical salicylic acid and four cycles of cryotherapy, were recruited. Imiquimod 5% cream was applied in an open label, right vs. left comparison study for 24 weeks (three times weekly for 8 weeks, daily for 8 weeks, then daily with occlusion for 8 weeks).Twelve (80%) patients completed the study protocol. Benefit was seen in five patients[36% in the intent-to-treat analysis (14 patients)], including more than 30% clearance of warts in three patients and reduction in overall size of warts in two further cases. Local skin reactions occurred in four (29%) patients and were usually mild. A transient rise in creatinine (11–29% above baseline) was measured in three renal transplant recipients, but we did not consider that this was related to imiquimod exposure.This is the first controlled study to assess therapeutic efficacy of topical 5% imiquimod cream in persistent warts associated with immunosuppression. It provides preliminary evidence that topical imiquimod may benefit a subgroup of immunosuppressed patients with recalcitrant cutaneous warts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are found in normal skin and in benign and malignant skin conditions. Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) HPV types are those most plausibly linked to the development of squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. To assess the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) associated with the presence of EV HPV in normal skin in immunocompetent (IC) individuals and renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Using a degenerate and nested polymerase chain reaction technique, HPV DNA was sought in 124 normal skin samples from sun-exposed and nonsun-exposed sites, from 39 IC individuals and 38 RTRs, both with and without NMSC. Data were analysed using the Mantel–Haenszel test and by logistic regression analysis. HPV DNA was detected in 58/67 (87%) and 20/57 (35%) samples from renal transplant and IC patients, respectively. There was no difference in either the prevalence or spectrum of HPV types found in sun-exposed and nonsun-exposed normal skin. However, there was significant association between NMSC and the presence of EV HPV DNA. Multivariate analysis provided an odds ratio of 6·41 (95% confidence interval 1·79–22·9) for the association of EV HPV DNA in normal skin (irrespective of site) and NMSC status, even after stratifying for patient group and adjusting for the clustering effect of multiple sampling. Conversely, there was no association between skin cancer status and the presence of cutaneous or mucosal HPV types in either sun-exposed or nonsun-exposed skin. HPV DNA is widespread in normal adult skin, particularly in transplant patients. In our study, the presence of EV but not cutaneous HPV DNA in normal skin was significantly associated with NMSC status and may prove to be of predictive value for skin cancer risk. These data provide reason to focus on EV HPV types as causal agents in skin cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinic prurigo (AP) has been found to be strongly associated with HLA DR4 and in particular with the DR4 subtype DRB1*0407. However, AP may occur in the absence of HLA-DR4. Furthermore, it has been shown that HLA-DR4 and DRB1*0407, even in association with polymorphic light eruption (PLE), are insufficient for the expression of the AP phenotype. It seems likely, therefore, that other genes in the HLA DR or adjacent regions may contribute to AP susceptibility. One possible predisposing factor in AP may be tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α as suggested by the good response of AP to the TNFα inhibitor thalidomide, and by the involvement of this cytokine in many immune responses. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between AP and TNFα by examining the frequency of TNF2 in patients with AP, PLE and in normal controls. TNF1 and TNF2 are biallelic polymorphisms at position -308 of the TNFα gene promoter and are known to affect transcription of TNFα. TNF2 is the rarer of the two alleles and is associated with high functional levels of TNFα. This study confirms the positive linkage disequilibrium that has been described between HLA DR3 and TNF2, but fails to show an association between TNF2 and AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence suggests that polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is an inherited photosensitivity disorder which may predispose to cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE). In this study we examine the relative risk (RR) attributable to the presence of PLE, together with the effect of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in the development of cutaneous LE. Eighty-five Caucasian patients with annular subacute cutaneous LE (SCLE) and discoid LE (DLE) were recruited, together with 102 first degree relatives and 200 healthy local Caucasian controls. Symptoms suggestive of PLE were elicited in patients and relatives, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing determined by PCR-SSP. Standard association analysis and family transmission disequilibrium testing (TDT) were then used to compare the HLA frequencies between groups. We found a significant (P<0.05) association of the HLA A*01, B*08, DRB1*0301 extended haplotype with both SCLE and DLE and also significant association of DLE with the HLA A*03, B*07, DRB1*15 haplotype, with a possible protective effect in SCLE for HLA B*44 and DRB1*04 (P=0.002 and 0.001 respectively). Association was observed between PLE and cutaneous LE (P<0.001), but not between PLE and any HLA allele. From these figures we estimate, for the general population, that the RR of developing SCLE given the presence of (a) PLE, (b) DRB1*0301 and (c) both PLE and DRB1*0301 is 3.37, 5.45 and 12.03, respectively. For DLE, equivalent RRs are 3.11, 2.15 and 6.94. In conclusion, these data imply the involvement of both PLE and HLA DRB1*0301 in the development of SCLE and DLE. They form a basis for examining the genetic architecture of photosensitivity, some aspects of which may be common to both cutaneous LE and PLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide variety of skin conditions may present in patients with lupus erythematosus (LE). These can be broadly divided into three main groups: cutaneous forms of LE (‘LE-specific skin disease’), non-specific cutaneous manifestations of SLE (‘LE non-specific skin disease’) and cutaneous complications of drug treatments for LE. This review examines clinical photosensitivity in LE, a trait most commonly associated with cutaneous forms of LE but which may also manifest in SLE. All humans are photosensitive, developing reddening of the skin if exposed to sufficient ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Therefore we define photosensitivity in clinical practice as an abnormal cutaneous response to UVR. Abnormal photosensitivity in LE may manifest in a number of different forms. The lesions of LE-specific skin disease may be induced or exacerbated by UVR. Patients with LE who are prescribed photosensitizing medications such as thiazide diuretics, neuroleptics and tetracyclines may also develop phototoxic reactions which usually present as easy sunburn. Photosensitivity may also, rarely, manifest as fragile skin and blistering in patients with both LE and porphyria cutanea tarda. Several other photosensitive disorders have been reported in association with LE, including solar urticaria and erythropoetic protoporphyria (EPP), but these appear to be chance associations. Assessment of patients with LE and photosensitivity requires a careful history and examination. Phototesting and photoprovocation tests may be used to demonstrate photosensitivity in some cases, but these are rarely required for diagnosis. Photosensitive patients should be advised about sun avoidance, photoprotection and sunscreen use as a first line treatment. Lupus (2000) 9, 3–10 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomeres are specialized structures consisting of repeat arrays of TTAGGG[SUBn] located at the ends of chromosomes. They are essential for chromosome stability and, in the majority of normal somatic cells, telomeres shorten with each cell division. Most immortalized cell lines and tumours reactivate telomerase to stabilize the shortening chromosomes. Telomerase activation is regarded as a central step in carcinogenesis and, here, we demonstrate telomerase activation in premalignant skin lesions and also in all forms of skin cancer. Telomerase activation in normal skin was a rare event, and among 16 samples of normal skin (one with a history of chronic sun exposure) 12.5% (2 out of 16) exhibited telomerase activity. One out of 16 (6.25%) benign proliferative lesions, including viral and seborrhoeic wart samples, had telomerase activity. In premalignant actinic keratoses and Bowen's disease, 42% (11 out of 26) of samples exhibited telomerase activity. In the basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) lesions, telomerase was activated in 77% (10 out of 13) and 69% (22 out of 32) respectively. However, only 25% (3 out of 12) of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) had telomerase activity. With the exception of one SCC sample, telomerase activity in a positive control cell line derived from a fibrosarcoma (HT1080) was not inhibited when mixed with the telomerase-negative SCC or CMM extracts, indicating that, overall, Taq polymerase and telomerase inhibitors were not responsible for the negative results. Mean telomere hybridizing restriction fragment (TRF) analysis was performed in a number of telomerase-positive and -negative samples and, although a broad range of TRF sizes ranging from 3.6 to 17 kb was observed, a relationship between telomerase status and TRF size was not found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new photodiode model for circuit simulation has been developed for use in feasibility and performance studies on silicon integrated fiber-optical detector systems. The model includes optical absorption and signal current generation from three regions: surface layer, space charge layer, and substrate. This article describes the diode model and includes simulation results for an integrated silicon fiber-optic detector system with ECL outputs, useful for optical interconnect applications such as on-board clock distribution. Results are included for both the diode itself, showing its multipole response and the complete circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous gamma-delta (γδ) T-cell lymphoma is rare. Eleven cases have been reported to date including four cases of mycosis fungoides (MF). two of pagetoid reticulosis and five of pleomorphic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). We report three further cases of cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphoma: one of ME. one of a pleomorphic CTCL and one of a subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Combined data suggest that although cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphomas do not appear to comprise a single clinicopathoiogical entity, they may be associated with aggressive clinical behaviour and a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p53 immunoreactivity was examined in 132 cutaneous non-melanoma tumours from renal transplant recipients and in 114 histologically matched specimens from immunocompetent individuals. Skin lesions examined included 52 viral warts, 50 dysplastic keratoses, 51 intraepidermal carcinomas (IEC), 50 invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and 43 basal cell carcinomas (BCC). Overall, 51% (51/101) pre-malignant skin lesions and 45% (42/93) non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) showed p53 immunoreactivity, with extensive (>50% cells positive) p53 staining in 27% (27/101) of pre-malignant and 20% (19/93) of malignant lesions. 17% (9/52) viral warts showed p53 immunoreactivity, but this was limited to focal or basal p53 staining. p53 immunoreactivity in all tumours was less in transplant than in non-transplant patients and this reached statistical significance for SCCs (p = 0.03). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variegate porphyria (VP) first presenting in old age is uncommon and should raise the possibility of an underlying precipitating cause. This case report documents VP in an elderly woman with a liver tumour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a patient who underwent upper thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis, and whose symptoms subsequently deteriorated, becoming worse than those on initial presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p5 3 gene mutation appears to play an important role in the development of systemic lymphoma. and may he associated with tumour progression. Its role in cutaneous lymphoma is currently unknown. We examined p53 expression in 55 biopsies of cutaneous lymphoma. including patch-, plaque- and tumour-stage mycosis fungoides (ME). T- and B-cell lymphoma and lymphomatoid papulosis. Strong, homogeneous p53 expression, thought to correlate most closely with p53 gene mutation, was seen in only three cases; in a plaque and tumour from a patient with tumour-stage MF, in plaque-stage ME in a patient without tumours, and in one case of CD30+ large-cell anaplastic lymphoma. These data suggest that p53 gene mutation is not a critical step in the development of the majority of primary cutaneous lymphomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression of the tumour suppressor protein. p53, was determined in 77 cutaneous melanocytic lesions, and in live lymph node metastases from malignant melanoma, in an immunohistochemical study employing CM-I, an antiserum raised against recombinant human p53 protein. Because wild-type p53 protein is rapidly degraded in normal cells, p53 immunoreactivity suggests the presence of an abnormally stable p53 protein. This may occur through either post-translational mechanisms or gene mutation. A highly significant correlation was found between p53 immunoreactivity and malignancy in melanocytic lesions (P<0.0001). Overall. p53 immunoreactivity was observed in 63% of tumour specimens examined, but not in benign melanocytic naevi, although occasional foci of weak nuclear p53 Immunoreactivity were observed in a minority of dysplastic naevi and a solitary Spitz naevus. A significant correlation was also found between strong p53 immunoreactivity and malignant melanomas associated with a poor prognosis (P = 0.008). These data suggest an important role for p53 tumour suppressor protein in the biology of human cutaneous malignant melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that patients with chronic superficial Trichophyton rubrum infection have defective cellular immunity to dermatophyte antigens. This may be due to a selective anergy to dermatophyte antigens or reflect the activity of dermatophyte-derived lymphocyte inhibitory factors. To explore these possibilities, we assessed lymphocyte transformation to a variety of recall antigens, including a cytoplasmic and exoantigen preparation of Trichophyton rubrum in 15 patients with chronic dermatophyte infection and 15 age- and sex-matched positive controls. In a duplicate set of experiments, autologous serum was replaced by heat-inactivated fetal calf serum. In addition, the direct effect of Trichophyton rubrum extracts on lymphoproliferation was assessed in vitro. Comparable lympocyte transformation to each recall antigen was observed in patients and controls. Moreover, we found no evidence for a circulating dermatophyte-derived lymphocyte Inhibitory factor in sera from patients with chronic superficial infection. A direct inhibitory effect of Trichophyton rubrum on lymphocyte proliferation to recall antigens was observed, however, at protein concentrations of > 10 μg/ml (exoantigen preparation) and >25 μg/ml (cytoplasmic preparation). This inhibitory effect was rapidly reversible, not associated with loss of cell viability and maximal when added within 24 h of antigen to cultured lymphocytes. Class II MHC antigen HLA-DR. a surface marker of T-cell activation, was observed on inhibited lymphocytes co-cultured with antigen, suggesting the primary target for the inhibitory effect in vitro is the lymphocyte rather than the antigen-presenting cell. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that lack of cutaneous inflammation at the site of Trichophyton rubrum infection in the human host may reflect a local effect of dermatophyte-derived lymphocyte inhibitory factors. This contrasts with previous suggestions that patients predisposed to chronic dermatophytoses might exhibit a selective anergy to Trichophyton rubrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous malignant melanoma was diagnosed in three patients suffering from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Staging at presentation inversely correlated with absolute CD4 count. In addition, a notably sparse lymphocytic inflammatory response to the melanoma was observed in two cases. Established data on melanoma in non-HIV immunosuppressed patients suggests a poor prognosis for melanoma in HIV disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demonstration of HLA-DR on human acrosyringium has led to the suggestion that eccrine epithelium, through its interaction with certain molecules, might play an active role in epidermal immune responses. An immunohistochemical study was undertaken to identity the antigenic profile of acrosyringium in normal skin and following the intradermal administration of a T-lymphocyte-derived cytokine, interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Acrosyringium in normal skin, in contrast to interappendageal epidermis, was found to lack Cd1a+ Langerhans cells. However, antigens CD36 (OKM5) and L1 (MAC387) were uniquely expressed by keratinocytes immediately adjacent to the distal portion of acrosyringium. Constitutive expression of each class II MHC antigen, namely HLA-DR, DP and DQ was observed on luminal acrosyringial cells. EBM11 antigen (CD68), a mononuclear cell determinant, was similarly expressed on acrosyringial epithelium in normal skin. Following intradermal administration of IFN-γ, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (CD54) was induced on acrosyringial epithelium and the expression of HLA-DR was intensified. A range of other markers including CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11a, CD11b and CD15 were not expressed by acrosyringium either in normal skin or after administration of IFN-γ. Expression of antigens associated with cell-mediated immune mechanisms on acrosyringium is consistent with the hypothesis that it may have an immunological role in epidermal immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the validity and motive for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the management of melanoma. It contends that SLNB is costly and offers risks, including pain and scarring, persistent lymphoedema and nerve damage. It questions the views that SLNB provides accurate prognostic information for individual patients. It argues that SLNB does not yet inform further management in melanoma to improve survival outcome.

An increased frequency of renal carcinoma in men with melanoma has been reported in population based-studies. We report the clinicopathological findings of five cases of synchronous renal cell carcinoma (RCC), identified after routine radiological staging for cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) between October 2006 and October 2008. The five patients (three men and two women, with a mean age of 62.4 years), presented with six melanomas of varying subtypes. The mean Breslow thickness was 1.87 mm. There was no family history of cancer in any of the cases. Routine radiological staging identified a mass arising from the left kidney in three cases and the right kidney in two cases. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy, and histology in each case confirmed RCC of the clear-cell subtype. Mean follow-up was 3 years. Although the simultaneous occurrence of RCC and MM may be coincidental, there are several plausible aetiological links. Further analysis of the synchronous occurrence of MM and renal cancer may provide therapeutic insights into these two important tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about skin cancers in sunbed users.

We report a case of Sézary syndrome in a patient who was in the immediate vicinity of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident 18 months prior to presentation. A complex, frameshift p53 gene mutation was subsequently identified in tumour tissue, consisting of an 8-base pair deletion and a T→G point mutation in exon 7. This is characteristic of damage caused by ionizing radiation, which suggests a causal link between exposure to ionizing radiation and the subsequent development of Sézary syndrome, a rare form of T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cases are reported of generalized pustular psoriasis complicated by profound alterations in pulmonary capillary permeability. Several features suggest the involvement of cytokines in the pathogenesis of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the case of a 27-year-old male patient with polymyositis-scleroderma overlap syndrome. Progressive enlargement of calcified nodules on the fingers of both hands; Presence of congenital horizontal nystagmus and left facial hemiatrophy; Evidence of residual myopathy.

The article presents a letter to the editor about the treatment of basal cell carcinoma with topical methylaminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy in an organ-transplant recipient.

Presents a letter to the editor about terbinafine and erythema multiforme.

Presents a case report on flagellate dermatosis and aeral blistering following intravenous bleomycin. Signs and symptoms manifested by the patient upon admission; Treatment options given to the patient after the diagnosis; Manifestation of a post-inflammatory aetiology.

Reports on the case of a 56-year old Nigerian woman diagnosed with amlodipine-associated lichen planus. Past medical history; Signs and symptoms; Onset of the disease; Treatment regimen.

Presents a letter to the editor on increased risk of skin cancer in patients with ectodermal dysplasia after cumulative photochemotherapy treatment.

Describes a case of a 2 year-old boy presented with scattered, infiltrated, red papules and plaques on the cheeks and ears. History of the patients disease; Prognosis; Clinical investigations.