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Clinical researchers are evaluating the utility of obtaining sequential images of pigmented lesions taken over time for purposes of comparison with the aim of detecting subtle changes suggestive of melanoma. Therefore, the image acquisition process is critical and will need to be strictly standardized before any firm conclusions can be drawn from analysis of sequential images. The influence of patient positioning on the accuracy of sequential image analysis has not been considered in most studies evaluating sequential images. In this experimental study, the influence of patient positioning on the size and shape of an inked circle placed on the skin was determined and measured. Inked circular marks (15 mm in diameter, area 176.71 mm2) were placed on the skin of the lumbar and suprascapular areas of 60 consecutive patients. The diameter and area of the ‘circle’ was measured with the patient in the prone position with head centred, prone position with head turned to the right, prone position with head turned left, and in the seated position. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-tests (paired data). We observed statistically significant differences in the shape, mean maximal diameter and area of the inked circular marks on both the suprascapular area and in the lumbar area after changes of patient positioning ( P < 0.001). To conclude, the position of the patient must be fixed and standardized during acquisition of sequential images, at least for lesions 15 mm in diameter or larger. Furthermore, it is our opinion that the methods used to control for patient positioning should be reported in the methodology section of studies that report on comparison of sequential images. Only then can we accurately compare sequential images and avoid ‘false positive lesion enlargement’ being categorized as a true change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and cortactin overexpression is frequently detected in a variety of cancers, and has been associated with poor clinical outcome. However, there are no data in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC)., Objective: To investigate the relationship of FAK and cortactin expression with the clinicopathologic features and the impact on the prognosis of cSCC patients., Methods: FAK and cortactin expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 100 patients with cSCC, and correlated with the clinical data., Results: FAK overexpression was a significant risk factor for nodal metastasis with crude and adjusted ratios (HRs) of 2.04, (95% CI [1.08-3.86], [P = 0.029]) and 2.23 (95% CI [1.01-4.91], [P = 0.047]), respectively. Cortactin expression was not a significant risk factor for nodal metastasis., Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that FAK overexpression is an independent predictor of nodal metastasis that might be helpful for risk stratification and management of patients with cSCC., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Binding of tumor-expressed programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) to the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) surface receptor blocks T-cell activation thereby leading to immune evasion. Tumor PD-L1 expression has been associated with poor outcome in a wide variety of cancers; however, data in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are scarce and conflicting., Objective: To investigate the relationship of tumor PD-L1 expression with the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of cSCC., Methods: PD-L1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 100 patients with cSCC. Cumulative/dynamic receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal PD-L1 threshold. Kaplan-Meier estimators and Cox proportional hazards regression models were also used., Results: On the basis of cumulative/dynamic receiver operating characteristic curves, we defined the cut-off score for PD-L1 expression as ≥25% of tumor cells positively stained. PD-L1 expression was a significant risk factor for nodal metastasis with crude and adjusted hazard ratios of 3.39 (1.71-6.65) and 6.54 (2.28-18.78), respectively., Limitations: This is a retrospective study limited to cSCC of the head and neck., Conclusion: These findings indicate that tumor PD-L1 expression predicts increased risk for nodal metastasis in patients with cSCC., (Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Vemurafenib is a selective BRAF kinase inhibitor recently proven to improve rates of overall and progression-free survival in patients with BRAF-V600-mutant metastatic melanoma. The most common adverse effects of this targeted therapy are arthralgia, fatigue, and cutaneous lesions, including alopecia, photosensitivity, pruritus, hand-foot skin reactions, squamous cell carcinomas, keratoacanthomas, warty dyskeratomas and verrucous keratosis. Less frequently, cases of panniculitis of varying severity have been reported in patients receiving vemurafenib. In this report, we describe a patient who developed asymptomatic nodules on her legs, with complete, spontaneous resolution, while on vemurafenib therapy. A causal relationship was considered likely because of the timing of occurrence and the absence of other potential causes after extensive assessment. Vemurafenib therapy was continued at full dosage and no recurrences were observed. We believe that management of lobular panniculitis associated with selective BRAF inhibitors should vary according to the clinical presentation, degree of systemic involvement, and presence of joint inflammation. Physicians should be aware of this emergent side effect. Treatment discontinuation should be considered on a case-by-case basis because the condition may resolve spontaneously.

The clofibric acid levels in blood are studied after the oral administration of 500 mg of etofibrate given as a unique dose in three different delayed-release tablets. These are enteric-coated, obtained by granule compression. An inert matrix containing the drug is the basis of these granules, differentiated by their granulometry and the chemical treatment applied. One of the three tablets presents a very interesting KE, which permits the substitution of three intakes throughout the day by only one dose daily.

Results of histopathologic study of five parenteral heroin users with candida folliculitis are exposed. Candida was found in four, pseudohyphae were observed within the hair, on the keratin of the infundibulum, within the abscess surrounding the hair follicle and horny layer. Blastospores were observed into one arteriole of the dermis.