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Background: Approximately, 13.5% of the population suffers from chronic itch. Many cosmetic and pharmaceutical treatments for itch are available; however, cosmetic treatments are not reliably effective and most pharmaceutical formulations carry the risk of adverse events with chronic use. Aims: Previously, we have reported a novel extraction process of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that is, Baker's yeast. The extract obtained from the novel process demonstrates superior anti‐itch properties compared to other yeast extracts. In our previous study, we demonstrated that, after 30 minutes, the extract significantly reduced itch when compared to a placebo lotion (P =.002). Methods: In the present study we conducted a head‐to‐head comparison with the leading cosmetic itch product: lotion containing colloidal oatmeal (CO). A randomized double‐blinded study of 60 patients was conducted. Results: In our study, the novel yeast extract was vastly superior to the CO containing lotion (Aveeno™ Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream). We saw statistically significant difference in the reduction of itch (P =.0001) using the novel yeast extract vs the CO lotion. Additionally, the yeast extract was shown to relieve itch in as little as one minute after application. Conclusion: The novel yeast extract rapidly relieves itch and is superior to the cosmetic market leader, CO lotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Topical minoxidil is the only US FDA‐approved drug for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). While the safety profile of topical minoxidil is excellent, the efficacy of minoxidil in hair growth is extremely low. A recent survey of 8000 people observed that only 4% of hair loss patients using an over‐the‐counter minoxidil were very satisfied with their results. In contrast, in clinical studies with an intervening physician, approximately 30%‐40% of patients demonstrate an appreciable benefit. Compliance with topical drug regimens is often a major obstacle, limiting their effectiveness. Topical minoxidil leaves a greasy residue on the hair, which is especially problematic for women who do not wash their hair daily. Aims: We set out to develop an "After Minoxidil" companion spray to minoxidil that removes residual minoxidil from the hair, where it is not needed, yet leaves minoxidil on the scalp where it is required. We hypothesized that improving the cosmetic properties of minoxidil would improve patient compliance with the drug and subsequently improve clinical outcomes. Methods: A cohort of 20 FPHL patients was recruited to use the novel "After Minoxidil" spray and report changes in hair quality on a Likert scale. Results: In our cohort of FPHL patients, the novel "After Minoxidil" spray restored ease of styling and reduced greasiness to preminoxidil level in 65% and 85% of subjects, respectively. The average reduction in perceived greasiness was 78%. Importantly, 70% of subjects interviewed stated they would likely continue to use the minoxidil and "After Minoxidil" treatment regimen for 6 months, vs 0% willing to use minoxidil alone. Conclusion: The novel "After Minoxidil" spray improved ease of hair styling and reduced greasiness following application of topical minoxidil; thus, the novel "After Minoxidil" spray may help improve drug compliance and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistant and recalcitrant nature of severe allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) makes its management challenging. With advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of ACD, newer therapeutic targets are becoming apparent. In particular, the use of biologics has gained momentum, given the specificity of their action. This article aims to review the presently available data on the use of biologics in ACD. English‐language–based literature available on the use of biological therapy was thoroughly probed in the following databases as on October 14, 2019: PubMed, Google Scholar, The Cochrane library, Embase, Scopus, and EBSCO. The following keywords were used: "contact dermatitis", "allergens", "delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction", "biologics", "biological therapy", "monoclonal antibodies", "patch testing", "TNF‐α inhibitors", "infliximab", "adalimumab", "etanercept", "dupilumab", "omalizumab", "secukinumab", "ustekinumab", "rituximab". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary observation of high frequency of male pattern hair loss among admitted COVID‐19 patients and suggest that androgen expression might be a clue to COVID‐19 severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare disorder characterized by diffuse palmoplantar erythematous, fissured hyperkeratosis, and aggressive periodontal disease that starts in the early periods of childhood. Periodontal disease occurs with the early loss of deciduous teeth at the age of 2 to 4 years, followed by the loss of permanent teeth during adolescence. Prosthodontics management of PLS patients is very complex and sometimes requires invasive therapeutic treatments. Early diagnosis is essential for correct treatment management avoiding the possibility that patients are early edentulous. Management could be a conventional periodontal treatment and pharmacological therapy but in severe cases, digital techniques, could be help the clinician for increased patient comfort and minimized tissue damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common types of skin neoplasm. The finger, toe, and nail unit are uncommon and rare locations of BCC. Only a few patients with foot BCC have been reported, and ungual BCC is even less frequent. We present a patient with a BCC on the left first toe. Clinically, it appeared as a brown‐colored plaque with an irregular border on the nail fold and dorsum of the left thumb. Histopathological findings were consistent with the pigmented type of BCC. Surgical approach with subsequent full thickness mesh graft led to a complete remission. Follow‐up at 10 months revealed a functionally and cosmetically acceptable outcome. The clinical presentation of nail unit BCC is variable, and nonspecific manifestations occur more frequently. Our case stated the necessity of histopathologic examination in ulcerous lesions resistant to topical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reason for this may be the low awareness in dermatologists of this reporting system, which may also be reflected by the fact that no PubMed-listed publication on CIRS in dermatology is currently available. Dear Editor, Patient safety is the foremost concern of health care professionals treating patients. [Extracted from the article]

A young otherwise healthy male presented with asymptomatic pinkish-red nodule over postero-lateral tongue with the suspicion of having developed oral cancer. Biopsy from the lesion showed multiple circumscribed nodules in the lamina propria comprised of numerous oval and spindle-shaped cells. Abundant lymphatic tissue with germinal centres were also observed. Differentials included mucosal neuroma, traumatic neuroma, subgemmal neurogenous plaque, neurofibroma, and lingual tonsils. This quiz discusses the diagnosis and approach to the differential diagnoses in such a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hence, it seems prudent to hypothesize that COVID-19-induced stress (both psychological and oxidative stress) may trigger the development of vitiligo in susceptible patients. Although large epidemiological studies are not available, psychological stress and oxidative stress seem to share a common link between COVID-19 and vitiligo. External stressors such as UVB cause oxidative stress, which in turn stimulates the release of HMGB1.2 HMGB1 increases the secretion of chemokines from keratinocytes and increases the maturation of dendritic cells in vitiligo.3 Oxidative stress reduces glutathione peroxidase. [Extracted from the article]

Hence, some patients are potential to develop cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19, while others are not, based on the degree of keratinocytes' NRP expression.2 VEGF-A is a key regulator for the differentiation of progenitor endothelial cells. Keywords: isotretinoin; COVID-19; skin EN isotretinoin COVID-19 skin 2394 2395 2 08/06/21 20210801 NES 210801 ETHICAL APPROVAL STATEMENT Authors declare human ethics approval was not needed for this study. Could isotretinoin be a protective agent against COVID-19?. [Extracted from the article]

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on 11 March 2020 that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had entered the pandemic stage, sending the world into shockwaves and the media into pandemonium [1]. COVID-19 and alcohol use Conversely, vulnerability to COVID-19 might increase due to the interplay between COVID-19 isolation, alcohol consumption, effects on mental health and a weakened immune system, as mentioned on the WHO website [3]. [Extracted from the article]

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the apocrine glands characterized by recurrent episodes. Although several therapies exist, none is completely curative. Several immunosuppressives have been studied with encouraging results and targeted approaches. In this review, we highlight the various immunosuppressives used in this condition along with their salient features to enable physicians to choose the correct therapy for their patients. The search of the peer-reviewed literature included clinical trials, scientific reviews, case series, case reports, and guidelines. The literature was identified from electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) through November 2021; additional articles were included from the references of the identified articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic connective tissue disorder with an inflammatory and autoimmune nature. The disease presents with microvascular changes, endothelial cell dysfunction, and fibrosis in visceral organs and tissues including lung, skin and heart. Cardiac involvement is a predictor of poor prognosis in this disease; therefore, early and pre-clinical diagnosis of cardiac involvement can be helpful in management of SSc. Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (2D-STE) is a new method for the evaluation of myocardial strain in longitudinal, circumferential and radial planes. This study aimed at evaluating the mechanical performance of all cardiac chambers by using 2D-STE in patients with scleroderma, and its comparison with normal individuals. This study demonstrated that using 2D-STE can result in the diagnosis of impaired chamber mechanics and function in subclinical stages. Based on our findings, the simultaneous evaluation of all cardiac chambers by 2D-STE provides valuable information regarding myocardial involvement in patients with SSc. Objective: Cardiac involvement is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); therefore, preclinical diagnosis of heart involvement is crucial. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), a method for evaluating the myocardial strain, could be helpful for the early diagnosis of cardiac mechanical function abnormalities. In this study, the simultaneous evaluation of all cardiac chambers was studied in patients with SSc, compared with normal individuals. Methods: The results of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and 2D-STE of 37 patients with SSc and 37 healthy individuals and the longitudinal strain (LS) of all chambers was precisely evaluated. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, and independent-sample t test and Chi-square test were used for comparison between the groups. Results: The mean ± SD of the participants' age was 45.7 ± 11.54 (range of 17 to 68) years; most of them were women (75.7%). TTE showed higher left atrial (LA) volume (p < 0.001), right atrial (RA) area (p = 0.007), the severity of ventricular dysfunction (p < 0.05) and inferior vena cava diameter (p = 0.005), compared with the control group. Spectral and tissue Doppler echocardiography showed higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) and mitral A wave velocity, and lower E/A ratio, E' velocity of left ventricular (LV) septal and lateral wall in the case group (p < 0.05). Color Doppler echocardiography showed a higher frequency of valvular regurgitation in the case group (p < 0.05). The results of 2D-STE showed lower LA roof LS (p < 0.001), LA average LS (p = 0.015), LA global LS (p = 0.028), and LA ejection fraction (LAEF) (p = 0.001), lower mean RA left wall (p = 0.048) and EF (p < 0.001), and higher RV global LS in the case group (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Simultaneous evaluation of all cardiac chambers by 2D-STE provides valuable information about the myocardial involvement in patients with SSc. Therefore, it is suggested to use this method for the early diagnosis of cardiac involvement in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Role of music therapy in reducing the burden of dermatological diseases during COVID-19 The emotional harmony and a corresponding reduction of pruritus in patients of neurodermatitis and psoriasis treated with Medical Resonance Therapy Music (MRT-Music) has been investigated. 5 Lazaroff I, Shimshoni R. Effects of medical resonance therapy music on patients with psoriasis and neurodermatitis: a pilot study. [Extracted from the article]

As the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to wreak havoc throughout the globe with ever increasing daily case reports, death totals, and new outbreaks, we are almost becoming numb to these figures.1-3 Amid this onslaught of terrible news, we must look for slivers of hope and silver linings in this black cloud.3-6 One such unseen benefit would be the likely decreasing incidence of malignant melanoma. One of the classic risk factors for melanoma in fair individuals is a history of severe sunburns.7,8 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the population has been under "lockdown" to enforce social distancing and prevent further spread of the virus in an effort to contain it. While it is impossible to calculate exact numbers, the incidence of excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure and harmful sunburns will decrease, leading to a logical decrease in the incidence of future melanoma. [Extracted from the article]

How to manage high-risk asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers; COVID-19 poses a huge threat to public health and to dermatology specialty as well Novel corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the globe like wildfire since December 2019. Data have shown that a combination of lymphopenia and a high C-reactive protein (CRP) may be sensitive in COVID-19 patients.9A recent study demonstrated that eosinopenia and elevated CRP may facilitate triage of COVID-19 patients in fever clinic.10 This combination should be used to screen asymptomatic but potentially infective patients who have not yet or may never develop symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

Psoriasis is a chronic immunoinflammatory skin disease in which environmental, genetic, and immunologic factors appear to play a role. GLO:ETZ/01nov20:dth14033-fig-0001.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): 1 White hair regrowth in alopecia areata patch of hair loss gl To best of our knowledge, this is the first reported patient with AA, severe psoriasis and poliosis. The study conducted by Walker et al10 demonstrated colocalization of vitiligo and AA presenting as poliosis, and also postulated the common pathogenesis of AA and vitiligo on the basis of clinical and histopathological findings. [Extracted from the article]

The world was put on high alert when an outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in early March 2020.1-3 COVID-19 looms as a serious medical crisis inflicting both human and economic suffering.4-6 Before pandemic, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other aesthetic practioners were all thriving amid the cosmetic boom. A plethora of laser and light devices for skin resurfacing, hair reduction, scar treatments, skin tightening, and fat reduction has dominated cosmetic dermatology practices worldwide. A psychological barrier and a "wait-and-see" attitude is common for aesthetic dermatology procedures when populations are faced with a massive uncertainty of the type that COVID-19 is presenting to the world. [Extracted from the article]

Dermatophytic infections of the skin and appendages are a common occurrence. The pathogenesis involves complex interplay of agent (dermatophytes), host (inherent host defense and host immune response) and the environment. Infection management has become an important public health issue, due to increased incidence of recurrent, recalcitrant or extensive infections. Recent years have seen a significant rise in incidence of chronic infections which have been difficult to treat. In this review, we review the literature on management of dermatophytoses and bridge the gap in therapeutic recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon type of skin cancer that carries a poor prognosis. It is seen predominantly in old age in sun-exposed body parts. Racial and geographical differences are seen in its occurrence. Viral infection and radiation exposure are the two leading factors implicated in its causation. Small, firm to hard nodule (usually in sun-exposed areas), red with a history of a rapid increase in size is a common personation of the disease. Other body parts such as upper limbs, trunk, and even lower limbs may be also involved. The disease is diagnosed by taking a tissue sample (biopsy) for examination, and other radiological investigations are needed to reach a proper diagnosis with the staging of the disease. There are various treatment options including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is the primary treatment option though some patients may not be the candidates for operation where other treatment options come into play. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent, rapidly growing skin neoplasm that carries a greater probability of regional lymph node involvement, and a grim prognosis in advanced cases. While it is seen predominantly in old age in sun-exposed body parts, the prevalence varies among different races and geographical regions. Merkel cell polyomavirus and UV radiation-induced mutations contribute to its etiopathogenesis. The clinical presentation of MCC lacks pathognomonic features and is rarely considered highly at the time of presentation. Histopathological examination frequently reveals hyperchromatic nuclei with high mitotic activity, but immunohistochemistry is required to confirm the diagnosis. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and imaging are advised for effective staging of the disease. Multimodal management including surgery, radiation therapy, and/or immunotherapy are deployed. Traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies may result in an initial response, but do not result in a significant survival benefit. Checkpoint inhibitors have dramatically improved the prognosis of patients with metastatic MCC, and are recommended first-line in advanced cases. There is a need for well-tolerated agents with good safety profiles in patients who have failed immunotherapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia areata is a type of non-scarring hair loss. The dysregulation of numerous systemic Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-12, and IL-18), Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17E, IL-31 and IL-33) and Th17 (IL-17, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23 and TGF-β) cytokines was observed in patients with alopecia areata. Positive correlations between the severity of alopecia areata and an increased serum level of various cytokines including IL-2, TNF, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-17E were reported in the literature. An increased serum level of numerous cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-6, TNF, IL-12, IL-17E, and IL-22, was described as positively correlated with the duration of the disease. Moreover, it was shown that increased pre-treatment serum level of IL-12 was a positive, while increased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were negative prognostic markers for the efficacy of diphenylcyclopropenone. In conclusion, alopecia areata is associated with the dysregulation of systemic Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines with their role in the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and prognosis of the disease. Available data indicate the most significant role of serum IL-2, TNF, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-17E as markers of disease activity. The serum levels IL-4, IL-12 and IL-13 may be useful as potential predictors of diphenylcyclopropenone efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fetal color Doppler is important for evaluation of hypoxia in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) fetus. Objective: In this study we compare fetal and maternal color Doppler with blood gas analysis to detect fetal acidosis. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study we evaluated 100 hospitalized patients with IUGR for comparison of color Doppler results with arterial blood gas analysis. Results of Doppler sonography of fetus middle cerebral arteries, umbilical and uterine artery and umbilical artery ABG were studied in these neonates. Results: Mean maternal age was 28±7 years, mean gestational age was 31.79±2.59 weeks and mean growth restriction was 3±2 weeks. Resistance increasing was observed in right uterine arteries of 37 mothers. It was normal in 60 mothers. Resistance increasing was observed in left uterine arteries of 36 mothers and nuch was seen in four cases. PCO2, PO2, and pH mean were 48.41±9.50 mmHg, 26.00±12.34 mmHg, and 7.28±0.10 in the neonates respectively. Conclusion: In this study abnormal color Doppler in IUGR fetuses have no significant correlation with umbilical cord blood gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Atopic dermatitis, also called neurodermatitis, is one of the best-known chronic inflammatory skin diseases with eczema, strong itch and dry skin. It is based on an impaired skin barrier with changes in the fats and proteins of the horny layer, which leads to a disturbed water balance. Prurigo nodularis is a less common and intractable chronic skin disease with very itchy nodules. It can be associated with atopic dermatitis (so called atopic prurigo) or with many other diseases. The aim of this study was to compare these three skin diseases classic atopic dermatitis, atopic prurigo and non-atopic prurigo nodularis with healthy control subjects with regard to their skin barrier. In all three disease groups, we then found marked disease severity, reduced water content and increased water loss through the skin, thickening and inflammation of the skin, altered levels of certain proteins and reduced fat layers, all of which demonstrate a severe disturbance of the skin barrier. The main therapeutic consequence is that basic barrier repair, as established for patients with atopic dermatitis in the form of consistent skincare, could also be crucial for patients with non-atopic prurigo nodularis due to this verified skin barrier damage. A deficient epidermal barrier is a key feature of atopic dermatitis (AD) and comprises altered lipid and protein content and composition of the stratum corneum resulting in disturbed water balance. Clinically, eczematous lesions on dry skin and pruritus develop. Pruritic nodules occur in prurigo nodularis (PN), another chronic skin disease, which can be associated with atopy. We aimed at comparing the three clinical pictures, classic AD, atopic prurigo (AP), and non-atopic PN, to healthy controls regarding the epidermal barrier. We determined clinical parameters and performed biophysical measurements, histology/immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular biological analysis. We found distinctively elevated clinical scores, reduced hydration and increased transepidermal water loss, epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation reduced filaggrin and increased loricrin and involucrin expression, as well as reduced intercellular lipid lamellae in all three disease groups. These findings show a severe disruption in epidermal barrier structure and function in all three disorders so that epidermal barrier impairment is now proven not only for AD but also for PN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pili torti is a rare condition characterized by the presence of the hair shaft, which is flattened at irregular intervals and twisted 180° along its long axis. It is a form of hair shaft disorder with increased fragility. The condition is classified into inherited and acquired. Inherited forms may be either isolated or associated with numerous genetic diseases or syndromes (e.g., Menkes disease, Björnstad syndrome, Netherton syndrome, and Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome). Moreover, pili torti may be a feature of various ectodermal dysplasias (such as Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome and Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate syndrome). Acquired pili torti was described in numerous forms of alopecia (e.g., lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus erythematosus, dissecting cellulitis, folliculitis decalvans, alopecia areata) as well as neoplastic and systemic diseases (such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, scalp metastasis of breast cancer, anorexia nervosa, malnutrition, cataracts, and chronic graft-vs.-host disease). The condition may also be induced by several drugs (epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, oral retinoids, sodium valproate, and carbamide perhydrate). The diagnosis of pili torti is based on trichoscopic or microscopic examination. As pili torti is a marker of numerous congenital and acquired disorders, in every case, the search for the signs of underlying conditions is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory dermatosis affecting up to 30% of children and 10% of adults worldwide. AD is primarily driven by an epidermal barrier defect which triggers immune dysregulation within the skin. According to recent research such phenomena are closely related to the microbial dysbiosis of the skin. There is growing evidence that cutaneous microbiota and bacterial biofilms negatively affect skin barrier function, contributing to the onset and exacerbation of AD. This review summarizes the latest data on the mechanisms leading to microbiome dysbiosis and biofilm formation in AD, and the influence of these phenomena on skin barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pruritus is a distressing condition associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as maintenance dialysis and adversely affects the quality of life (QOL) of these patients. It has been reported to range from 20% to as high as 90%. The mechanism of CKD-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) has not been clearly identified, and many theories have been proposed to explain it. Many risk factors have been found to be associated with CKD-aP. The pruritus in CKD presents with diverse clinical features, and there are no set features to diagnose it.The patients with CKD-aP are mainly treated by nephrologists, primary care doctors, and dermatologists. Many treatments have been tried but nothing has been effective. The search of literature included peer-reviewed articles, including clinical trials and scientific reviews. Literature was identified through March 2021, and references of respective articles and only articles published in the English language were included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STAT3-mutated hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (STAT3 HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by elevated serum IgE level and recurrent skin and pulmonary infections [[1], 1-3, [2]]. Skin biopsy from anal skin tags demonstrated a partially ulcerated and markedly acanthotic epidermis, eosinophilic spongiosis, and abundant neutrophils pustulation, but no granuloma formation, neither koilocytosis nor epidermal dysplasia suggestive of human papilloma virus infection. Based on skin and pulmonary chronic involvement, with hyper-IgE and eosinophilia ascertainment the suspect of Job's syndrome was suspected, and genetic consultation requested, which identified a STAT3 mutation. [Extracted from the article]

Variety of potentially dangerous chemical agents are used in daily life, such as industries, scientific laboratories and cleaning agents. Although chemical burns account for only 3% of all burns, they cause more than 30% of burn deaths. The depth of a chemical burn depends on the concentration of the chemical agent, the time of contact with skin and the anatomic location of the burn. [Extracted from the article]

The relationship between PASI and DLQI with itch, stress, and depression: Do we need additional decision-making tools in psoriasis? The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) are the two most widely used decision making tools in psoriasis (Mrowietz et al., [6]). Although the PASI and DLQI are the most commonly used decision-making tools, they appear not to capture important patient-centered aspects and determinants of treatment outcomes in psoriasis. [Extracted from the article]

Low and lower middle-income countries (LMICs), that is, those countries with a I Gross National Income i (GNI) per capita - calculated using the World Bank Atlas method - of <=$1,025 in and between $1,026 and $3,995 in 2018, respectively (Vande Maele et al., [5]), are attractive to private pharmaceutical industry. Such influence can affect physicians' decision to prescribe the promoted drugs, and physicians are very poor judges of the extent of that influence. Doctors' interactions with pharmaceutical sales representatives: Modelling doctors' prescription behaviour. [Extracted from the article]

Predatory publishers typically publish open-access articles, often without proper peer review, deceiving naive authors, even seasoned ones on occasion, and eventually negatively affect public health by delivering "pseudomedicine" (Murrell, [3]). Some of these journals operate websites that mirror prominent mainstream journals and these websites may have a spurious impact factor. This is quite contrary to the process of articles published by predatory journals (Wolpert, [5]). [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: The ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic shows unprecedented challenges for the worldwide healthcare system. Despite the large clinical data concerning several therapeutic interventions and drug repurposing, results are still either preliminary or lacking adequate-clinical efficiency. Herein, different pharmacoinformatics approaches have been adopted such as molecular docking, ADME properties prediction and all-atom MD simulation to investigate several marine-derived scalarane derivatives as lead candidates against two of the major COVID-19 targets; main protease and Nsp15 endoribonuclease. The presented study clearly illustrates the fitness of the proposed scalarane molecules as promising clinical candidates for further development and future in-vitro/in-vivo studies against SARS-CoV-2. Presently, the world is under the toll of pandemic coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2. Lack of effective and safe therapeutics has stressed the scientific community for developing novel therapeutics capable of alleviating and stopping this pandemic. Within the presented study, molecular docking, ADME properties and all-atom molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, along with two standard antiviral agents (lopinavir and benzopurpurin-4B), were applied to investigate 15 scalaranes sesterterpenes natural compounds, purified from the Red Sea marine sponge Hyrtios erectus, as potential COVID-19 dual-target inhibitors. Following multi-step docking within COVID-19 main protease and Nsp15 endoribonuclease cavities, nine promising drug-like compounds exhibited higher docking scores as well as better interactions with the target's crucial residues than those of reference ligands. Compounds 2, 6, 11, and 15, were predicted to simultaneously subdue the activity of the two COVID-19 targets. Dynamics behavior of the best-docked molecules, compounds 15 and 6, within COVID-19 target pockets showed substantial stability of ligand-protein complexes as presented via several MD simulation parameters. Furthermore, calculated free-binding energies from MD simulation illustrated significant ligand's binding affinity towards respective target pockets. All provided findings supported the utility of scalarane-based sesterterpenes, particularly compounds 15 and 6, as promising lead candidates guiding the development of effective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review updates current knowledge regarding the risk of viral infections, including COVID-19, in patients treated with cyclosporine. We also shortly refer to bacterial infections and parasitic infestations in patients treated with cyclosporin. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug, which is widely used in medicine, including in the treatment of autoimmune skin diseases in dermatology, rheumatology, ophthalmology and nephrology, and in organ transplantation. A usual concern associated with immunosuppressive treatment is the potential risk of infections. Interestingly, several data indicate a relatively low risk of infections, especially viral infections, in patients receiving cyclosporine. It was shown that cyclosporine exerts an inhibitory effect on the replication of some viruses, or may have a potentially beneficial effect on the disease course in infections. These include hepatitis C, influenza virus, rotavirus, human immunodeficiency virus and coronavirus infections. Available data indicate that cyclosporine may have a beneficial effect on COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus SARS-COV2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the pigmentation of iris and around the eyelid is a common side effect of latanoprost, a prostaglandin F2alpha analogue used in the treatment of glaucoma. Hence, the authors decided to study the effectiveness of topical latanoprost on vitiligo patches around the eyelid. In this randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial study, 31 patients with vitiligo vulgaris and focal vitiligo involving the eyelids were evaluated. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. First group received topical latanoprost gel twice daily for 12 weeks, whereas the second group received placebo with the same protocol. To evaluate severity of the disease the VIDA rating system was used. Serial photos of the patches were taken to compare and evaluate the repigmentation percentage of the patches. The patients in both groups had almost similar VIDA score (p >.05). First group showed improved pigmentation, whereas participants in the second group did not show any improvement in the pigmentation. The group treated with latanoprost showed significant reduction in the symptoms of the disease, whereas those treated with placebo did not show any alteration (p >.05). No significant complications were observed in either groups. Latanoprost proved effective in treating vitiligo disease involving eyelids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prayer marks are asymptomatic callosities resulting from repeated, extended pressure, and friction exerted on bony prominences when praying on hard ground. A 41‐year‐old woman with ulcerative colitis treated with infliximab was referred to our clinic due to skin changes on her feet that were suspected to be drug eruptions. The patient presented several asymptomatic, hyperpigmented, and hyperkeratotic plaques over the lateral malleoli suggesting that the lesions had a mechanical cause. Further exploration revealed that the patient, a practicing Muslim, prays in a sitting position called "Julus" several times a day. After color marking, the lesions over the lateral feet left a precise imprint on the underlay when the patient was asked to imitate the praying posture—thus proving the origin of the skin lesions. We searched the database on July 31, 2019 using the terms «prayer marks» OR «prayer nodules» OR "prayer callosities." Only electronically available publications were reviewed. Recognition of prayer marks is important to avoid misdiagnosis, performance of unnecessary diagnostic procedures, and to enhance the intercultural competence of clinicians who practice in multicultural societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]