Including Skin Cancer Research Articles

Tofu, urinary phytoestrogens, and melanoma: An analysis of a national database in the United States

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring estrogen-like compounds commonly found in foods, especially soybeans and soy products. There have been recent interests as well as evidence in animal studies suggesting that phytoestrogens may protect against cancers, including skin cancers such as melanoma. To date, no human or epidemiological studies have been performed to evaluate this association with melanoma. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between tofu consumption, urinary phytoestrogen, and diagnosis of melanoma in a national epidemiologic database. Data on the history of melanoma and measured urinary phytoestrogen levels (daidzein, O-desmethylangolensin, equol, enterodiol, genistein, and enterolactone) from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 1999 to 2010 were obtained and analyzed with univariate and multivariate tests. Using information about tofu consumption and sun-protective behaviors, we analyzed the data for the period 2003–2006. Patients who were older or with higher body mass index (BMI) were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma in the past [odds ratio (OR) 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.07; p < 0.001; and OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.06; p < 0.001, respectively]. Those with a history of melanoma had lower levels in five of the six measured creatinine-adjusted urinary phytoestrogens. However, this relationship was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, sex, ethnic groups, and BMI. A diet with tofu had a significant positive correlation with the levels of measured urinary phytoestrogens. By contrast, the association between a history of melanoma and such diet did not achieve statistical significance. In our study, patients with a history of melanoma tend not to consume tofu in their diet and have lower urinary phytoestrogens levels. The relationship was not statistically significant and more studies need to be carried out.

MicroRNA profiling for early detection of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, noncoding RNA molecules. Given the vast regulatory potential of miRNAs and their often tissue-specific and disease-specific expression patterns, miRNAs are being assessed as possible biomarkers to aid diagnosis and prediction of different types and stages of cancers, including skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). BCC originates from the basal layer of the epidermis, while SCC arises from epidermal keratinocytes or from the dermal appendages. Although NMSCs are currently the most common types of malignancies, both BCC and SCC have a better than 95% cure rate if detected early. To identify plasma miRNAs suitable for early detection of NMSC. Expression profiles of 741 miRNAs were evaluated using high-throughput real-time quantitative PCR from plasma samples in 42 patients with NMSC and 282 healthy controls (HCs). Our results demonstrated that in patients with NMSC, compared with HCs,expression levels of miR-30e-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-186-5p and miR-875-5p were significantly (P<0.05) upregulated, while those of miR-19a-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-30a-5p, miR-451 and miR-576-3p were significantly downregulated. Our study suggests that the miRNAs with significant changes in expression (miR-19a-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-30a-5p, miR-145-5p and miR-186-5p) could serve as novel noninvasive biomarkers for detection ofNMSC.

Relationship between arsenic-containing drinking water and skin cancers in the arseniasis endemic areas in Taiwan.

Artesian well-water had high concentrations of arsenic that led to the well-known black foot disease in Taiwan around the 1950s, and the associated cancers including skin cancer, bladder cancers and lung cancers. We sought to estimate the standardized morbidity ratio (SMR) and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the black foot disease endemic areas (BFDEA) in Taiwan. A nationwide retrospective population-based survey was done with the data from the National Taiwan Cancer Registry Center between 1979 and 2007. Among the 29-year period, there were 11191 cases with SCC and 13684 cases with BCC diagnosed pathologically. The incidence rates were 4-6-fold higher for SCC and 3-4-fold higher for BCC in the BFDEA compared with the rest of Taiwan. The SMR decreased after stopping arsenic-containing well-water drinking in the 1970s. The arsenic level in the drinking water, amount of contaminated water intake, occupation and sun-exposure time were not documented. This is the first nationwide, population-based study that shows the relationship between arsenic intoxication and non-melanoma skin cancers (SCC and BCC) through comparing the data in people living in the BFDEA and non-BFDEA in Taiwan.

Abstract 1298: The effect of adipocyte-derived factors on lung cells: Exploring the protective nature of excess weight on lung cancer risk

Abstract Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men and in women (not including skin cancer) and the most common cause of cancer mortality. According to several epidemiologic papers, excess weight, identified as the BMI categories of overweight and obese, lowers lung cancer risk. Despite the numerous studies describing this anomaly, the underlying mechanisms for the protective effects are still unknown. Adipose tissue is known to secrete inflammatory molecules such as IL6, IL1β, and IL12. Activated IL6- and IL1β-associated inflammatory pathways are known to promote tumorigenesis, while the activated IL12-associated pathway inhibits tumorigenesis. We hypothesize that adipocytes create an environment that prevents lung carcinogenesis through activating inflammatory pathways that inhibit tumor growth and through blocking inflammatory pathways that promote tumor growth. To study the effect of adipocyte-derived factors on lung cells, alveolar fibroblasts (MRC5) and lung carcinoma (A549) cells were cultured in standard medium and in a 50:50 standard: adipocyte-conditioned medium (CM). In addition, cells were treated with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a known lung carcinogen. After 48 hours, mRNA expression levels of inflammatory genes were determined by RT-PCR. The data demonstrate that B[a]P treatment induced expression of IL1β, IL6 and IL12 in both cell lines. CM treatment decreased expression of IL1β and IL6 in MRC5 cells and increased their expression in A549 cells. In contrast, CM treatment decreased expression of IL12 in both cells lines. Cells treated with B[a]P plus CM had increased expression of IL12 in both cell lines, and reduced expression of IL1β and IL6 in MRC5 (2.3-fold and 6.5-fold, respectively) and A549 cells (40-fold and 11.5-fold, respectively) over B[a]P-treated cells. It was demonstrated that combined treatment increased NFκB (a transcription factor for IL1β, IL6 and IL12) mRNA expression 4-fold over control. The data suggest that conditioned medium inhibits B[a]P-induced and NFκB-mediated expression of IL1β and IL6 but increases NFκB-mediated expression IL12. This suggests that excreted factors from an adipocyte-rich environment may lead to the activation of growth-prohibiting inflammatory pathways, as opposed to growth-promoting pathways. Understanding these mechanisms and the possible discovery of biomarkers can be the foundation for new preventive techniques and treatments for lung cancer. Citation Format: Rosalind B. Penney, Daniel Sappington, Eric Siegel, Gunnar Boysen, Susan Kadlubar. The effect of adipocyte-derived factors on lung cells: Exploring the protective nature of excess weight on lung cancer risk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1298. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1298

High LIFr expression stimulates melanoma cell migration and is associated with unfavorable prognosis in melanoma.

Increased or decreased expression of LIF receptor (LIFr) has been reported in several human cancers, including skin cancer, but its role in melanoma is unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of LIFr in melanoma and assessed its prognostic value. Using tissue microarrays consisting of 441 melanomas and 96 nevi, we found that no normal nevi showed high LIFr expression. LIFr staining was significantly increased in primary melanoma compared to dysplastic nevi (P = 0.0003) and further increased in metastatic melanoma (P = 0.0000). Kaplan-Meier survival curve and univariate Cox regression analyses showed that increased expression of LIFr was correlated with poorer 5-year patient survival (overall survival, P = 0.0000; disease-specific survival, P = 0.0000). Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that increased LIFr expression was an independent prognostic marker for primary melanoma (P = 0.036). LIFr knockdown inhibited melanoma cell migration in wound healing assays and reduced stress fiber formation. LIFr knockdown correlated with STAT3 suppression, but not YAP, suggesting that LIFr activation might stimulate melanoma cell migration through the STAT3 pathway. Our data indicate that strong LIFr expression identifies potentially highly malignant melanocytic lesions at an early stage and LIFr may be a potential target for the development of early intervention therapeutics.

Inhibition of hedgehog signalling attenuates UVB-induced skin photoageing.

The hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway regulates normal development and cell proliferation in metazoan organisms, but its aberrant activation can promote tumorigenesis and progression of a variety of aggressive human cancers including skin cancer. Despite its importance, little is known about its role in photoageing, a type of UV-induced skin lesions. In this study, we investigated the involvement of Hh signalling in the photoageing process as well as the use of an Hh-regulating alkaloid compound as a novel therapeutic drug to regulate photoageing in keratinocytes. We found that UVB induced Hh signalling by the expression of Hh ligands and Hh-mediated transcription factors, respectively. Moreover, UVB-induced Hh activation relied on mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38, ERK and JNK) activity and inflammatory responses (upregulation of COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), resulting in premature senescence and photoageing in vitro and in vivo. Notably, a selected Hh inhibitor, evodiamine, mediated photoageing blockade in a mouse skin model. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that Hh signalling is associated with UVB-induced photoageing, while pharmacological inhibition of Hh signalling significantly reduced experimental photoageing, indicating its potential for use as a therapeutic target for this disease.

Skin cancer risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

Women with BRCA1/2 mutations have an elevated risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These patients and their clinicians are often concerned about their risk for other cancers, including skin cancer. Research evaluating the association between BRCA1/2 mutations and skin cancer is limited and has produced inconsistent results. Herein, we review the current literature on the risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. No studies have shown a statistically significant risk of melanoma in BRCA1 families. BRCA2 mutations have been linked to melanoma in large breast and ovarian cancer families, though a statistically significant elevated risk was reported in only one study. Five additional studies have shown some association between BRCA2 mutations and melanoma, while four studies did not find any association. With respect to nonmelanoma skin cancers, studies have produced conflicting results. Given the current state of medical knowledge, there is insufficient evidence to warrant increased skin cancer surveillance of patients with a confirmed BRCA1/2 mutation or a family history of a BRCA1/2 mutation, in the absence of standard risk factors. Nonetheless, suspected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers should be counselled about skin cancer risks and may benefit from yearly full skin examinations.

Interventions to Promote Sun Protection Behaviors: What Do We Know About the Efficacy of Health‐ and Appearance‐based Messages and the Role of Cognitions and Emotions?

AbstractHuman behavior has been implicated as a critical component in the development of a number of diseases, including skin cancer. More than 85% of all skin cancers are attributed to over‐exposure to the sun, and two primary types of interventions have been utilized to motivate sun protection practices – those that focus on the health consequences (i.e., skin cancer) and those that highlight the negative appearance consequences (i.e., wrinkles and age spots) of sun exposure. Both health‐based and appearance‐based interventions have been demonstrated to increase awareness of sun exposure dangers and of recommended risk reduction behaviors. Much of the literature examining the efficacy of appearance‐based interventions also contains evidence ofbehaviorchange in response to such interventions. The role of consciously accessible attitudes and perceptions as mechanisms of behavior change has been extensively examined, and there is evidence that sun protection interventions may promote behavior change in part by altering various health‐related cognitions (e.g., perceived susceptibility to skin damage). However, the role of nonconscious mechanisms in the efficacy of sun protection interventions has received little empirical attention. A growing body of literature, primarily in other health contexts, has demonstrated that behavior is sometimes more strongly predicted by emotions than cognitions, and that processes outside of conscious awareness may affect behavior change. It is suggested that both future sun protection interventions, and health promotion theories in general, could benefit from a thorough examination of the role that emotions and autonomic reactions may play in intervention efficacy.

Arsenite-Mediated Promotion of Anchorage-Independent Growth of HaCaT Cells through Placental Growth Factor

Various cancers including skin cancer are increasing in 45 million people exposed to arsenic above the World Health Organization's guideline value of 10 μg l(-1). However, there is limited information on key molecules regulating arsenic-mediated carcinogenesis. Our fieldwork in Bangladesh demonstrated that levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) in urine samples from residents of cancer-prone areas with arsenic-polluted drinking water were higher than those in urine samples from residents of an area that was not polluted with arsenic. Our experimental study in human nontumorigenic HaCaT skin keratinocytes showed that arsenite promoted anchorage-independent growth with increased expression and secretion of PlGF, a ligand of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor1 (VEGFR1), and increased VEGFR1/mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activities. The arsenite-mediated promotion of anchorage-independent growth was strongly inhibited by PlGF depletion with decreased activities of the PlGF/VEGFR1/MEK/ERK pathway. Moreover, arsenite proteasome-dependently degrades metal-regulatory transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) protein, resulting in a decreased amount of MTF-1 protein binding to the PlGF promoter. MTF-1 negatively controlled PlGF transcription in HaCaT cells, resulting in increased PlGF transcription. These results suggest that arsenite-mediated MTF-1 degradation enhances the activity of PlGF/VEGFR1/MEK/ERK signaling, resulting in promotion of the malignant transformation of keratinocytes. Thus, this study proposed a molecular mechanism for arsenite-mediated development of skin cancer.

Family history of skin cancer is associated with increased risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

The contribution of family history to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) risk has not been systematically quantified. To examine the association between self-reported family history of skin cancer and SCC risk. Cases (n = 415) with a pathology-verified SCC and 415 age-, gender-, and race-matched controls were identified within a large integrated health care delivery system. Family history and skin cancer risk factors were ascertained by survey. Odds ratios (ORs) for associations of SCC with family history of skin cancer were estimated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for environmental and innate SCC risk factors. Any known family history of skin cancer was associated with a four-fold higher risk of SCC, adjusting for known environmental and innate SCC risk factors (OR, 4.0; confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-6.5). An unknown family history of skin cancer showed similar risk for SCC (OR, 3.9; CI: 2.4-6.5). In models including skin cancer type, the strongest association was for family history of basal cell carcinoma (OR, 9.8; CI: 2.6-36.8) and for multiple skin cancer types (OR, 10.5; CI: 3.7-29.6). Family history of skin cancer is an important independent risk factor for cutaneous SCCs.

Single- and Repeat-dose Oral Toxicity Studies of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Extract in Dogs.

Lithospermum erythrorhizon has long been used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of diseases, including skin cancer. The oral toxicity of a hexane extract of Lithospermum erythrorhizon root (LEH) was investigated in Beagle dogs by using single escalating doses, two-week dose range-finding, and 4-week oral repeat dosing. In the single dose-escalating oral toxicity study, no animal died, showed adverse clinical signs, or changes in body weight gain at LEH doses of up to 2,000 mg/kg. In a 2 week dose range-finding study, no treatment-related adverse effects were detected by urinalysis, hematology, blood biochemistry, organ weights, or gross and histopathological examinations at doses of up to 500 mg LEH/kg/day. In the 4 week repeat-dose toxicity study, a weight loss or decreased weight gain was observed at 300 mg/kg/day. Although levels of serum triglyceride and total bilirubin were increased in a dose dependent manner, there were no related morphological changes. Based on these findings, the sub-acute no observable adverse effect level for 4-week oral administration of LEH in Beagles was 100 mg/kg/day.

Photoprotective effect of coumarin and 3-hydroxycoumarin in sea urchin gametes and embryonic cells

Ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) represents 5% of all solar UV radiation and chronic exposure can induce harmful biological responses, including skin cancer. Prospection of new drugs with photoprotective properties and less toxic effects is constant and natural products have been the main options in this field. Coumarins are a group of natural phenolic compounds that shows several pharmacological activities. The aim of present work was to investigate the effect of coumarin and six derivatives in sea urchin gametes and zygotes exposed to UVB. Embryonic development assay was used to monitor UVB embryotoxicity. Firstly, we demonstrated that coumarin inhibited first embryonic cell division from 5μM (EC50=52.9μM) and its derivatives showed an embryotoxic effect ten times higher. Then, gametes or zygotes were treated with coumarin compounds before or after UVB exposure (UVB doses ranged from 0.056 to 0.9kJm−2). Pretreatment of gametes or zygotes with coumarin or 3-hydroxycoumarin (1μM, both) decreased UVB embryotoxic effect. Protective effect of the compounds was observed only when cells were treated previous to UVB exposure. Coumarin derivatives 4-hydroxycoumarin, 6-hydroxycoumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin, 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin and 6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin did not exhibit photoprotective activity. Our data provides evidences that coumarin and 3-hydroxycoumarin can be a promising class of photoprotective drugs.

Risk of Cutaneous Malignancy in Mycosis Fungoides Patients Treated with PUVA: A Retrospective Study

Istanbul Universitesi Istanbul Tip Fakultesi, Dermatoloji Anabilim Dali, Istanbul, Turkiye @Telif Hakki 2015 Turk Dermatoloji Dernegi Makale metnine www. turkdermatolojidergisi.com web sayfasindan ulasilabilir. @Copyright 2015 by Turkish Society of Dermatology Available on-line at www.turkdermatolojidergisi.com Melike Umarova Aslan, Istanbul Universitesi Istanbul Tip Fakultesi, Dermatoloji Anabilim Dali, Istanbul, Turkiye E-posta: melikeumarova@hotmail.com Gelis Tarihi/Submitted: 27.08.2014 Kabul Tarihi/Accepted: 02.12.2014 Yazisma Adresi/ Correspondence: Objective: PUVA therapy is mostly used longer than other diseases in mycosis fungoides (MF) patients. We aimed to investigate the chronic side effects of PUVA therapy, including skin cancer to disclose the actual risk in Turkish population. Methods: We screened all MF patients treated with PUVA at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of Istanbul Medical Faculty and included patients in whom PUVA has first initiated between 1994 and 2006 and administered in one or several courses and who were followed up more than five years with last visit in 2012. Results: Fifty patients with MF had a mean follow-up duration of 10.2±2.8 years. Six patients (12%) had PUVA lentigines. Two of them (4%) developed skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease) during their follow-up. The mean sessions (295.5±7.8 sessions) and total UVA doses (1452 J/cm2) in these patients with skin cancer were higher than those who did not develop skin cancer (128.7±73 sessions and 515±31 J/ cm2, respectively). There was a significant relationship between the PUVA lentigines and development of cutaneous malignancy (p=0.01). Ozgun Arastirma / Original Investigation 12 Turk J Dermatol 2015; 1: 12-7 • DOI: 10.4274/tdd.2413 13 Umarova Aslan ve ark. PUVA Tedavisinde Deri Kanseri Riski. Turk J Dermatol 2015; 1: 12-7 Conclusion: Cutaneous malignancies were detected in 4% of MF patients followed up approximately 10 years. Due to this low risk, we conclude that PUVA therapy is relatively safe in patients with MF in our country. However, UVA should not be applied in high total doses and patients should be followed-up lifelong.

Analysis of heavy-metal-mediated disease and development of a novel remediation system based on fieldwork and experimental research

Heavy-metal pollution occurs in various environments, including water, air and soil, and has serious effects on human health. Since heavy-metal pollution in drinking water causes various diseases including skin cancer, it has become a global problem worldwide. However, there is limited information on the mechanism of development of heavy-metal-mediated disease. We performed both fieldwork and experimental studies to elucidate the levels of heavy-metal pollution and mechanisms of development of heavy-metal-related disease and to develop a novel remediation system. Our fieldwork in Bangladesh, Vietnam and Malaysia demonstrated that drinking well water in these countries was polluted with high concentrations of several heavy metals including arsenic, barium, iron and manganese. Our experimental studies based on the data from our fieldwork demonstrated that these heavy metals caused skin cancer and hearing loss. Further experimental studies resulted in the development of a novel remediation system with which toxic heavy metals were absorbed from polluted drinking water. Implementation of both fieldwork and experimental studies is important for prediction, prevention and therapy of heavy-metal-mediated diseases.

Vitamin D and skin cancer.

Vitamin D signaling plays a key role in many important processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, immune regulation, hormone secretion and skeletal health. Furthermore, vitamin D production and supplementation have been shown to exert protective effects via an unknown signaling mechanism involving the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in several diseases and cancer types, including skin cancer. With over 3.5 million new diagnoses in 2 million patients annually, skin cancer is the most common cancer type in the United States. While ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the main etiologic factor for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), UVB also induces cutaneous vitamin D production. This paradox has been the subject of contradictory findings in the literature in regards to amount of sun exposure necessary for appropriate vitamin D production, as well as any beneficial or detrimental effects of vitamin D supplementation for disease prevention. Further clinical and epidemiological studies are necessary to elucidate the role of vitamin D in skin carcinogenesis.

Non-plaque-induced gingivitis associated with nicotinamide

Nicotinamide (pyridine-3-carboxamide), an amide, active form of vitamin B3, is used to treat a variety of dermatologic conditions, including skin cancer. Limited data are available regarding the adverse effects of nicotinamide in the literature. Here, we report a case of gingivitis associated with nicotinamide. A 35-year-old female patient was referred to the Department of Periodontics for the treatment of bleeding from the gums during brushing. The patient's history revealed that she had been on 12 mg/day nicotinamide for the prophylactic treatment of skin cancer for 5 months. In the absence of an obvious cause, the condition was diagnosed as nicotinamide-associated gingivitis. After consultation with the dermatologist, the drug was stopped and the patient responded favorably to periodontal treatment. Non-plaque-induced nicotinamide-associated gingivitis should always be suspected in a patient who is taking nicotinamide and has persistent gingivitis that does not respond to periodontal treatment.

Real‐time in vivo cancer diagnosis using raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy has becoming a practical tool for rapid in vivo tissue diagnosis. This paper provides an overview on the latest development of real-time in vivo Raman systems for cancer detection. Instrumentation, data handling, as well as oncology applications of Raman techniques were covered. Optic fiber probes designs for Raman spectroscopy were discussed. Spectral data pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification between normal/benign and malignant tissues were surveyed. Applications of Raman techniques for clinical diagnosis for different types of cancers, including skin cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, oesophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer, were summarized. Schematic of a real-time Raman spectrometer for skin cancer detection. Without correction, the image captured on CCD camera for a straight entrance slit has a curvature. By arranging the optic fiber array in reverse orientation, the curvature could be effectively corrected.

Wild chrysanthemum extract prevents UVB radiation-induced acute cell death and photoaging.

Wild chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum L.) is traditionally used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is also used in the southwest plateau region of China to prevent ultraviolet-induced skin damage. However, the role and mechanism by which wild chrysanthemum prevents UV-induced skin damage and photoaging have never been investigated in vitro. In the present study, we found that aqueous extracts from wild chrysanthemum strongly reduced high-dose UVB-induced acute cell death of human immortalized keratinocytic HaCat cells. Wild chrysanthemum extract was also demonstrated to reduce low-dose UVB-induced expression of the photoaging-related matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9. The ROS level elevated by UVB irradiation was strongly attenuated by wild chrysanthemum extract. Further study revealed that wild chrysanthemum extract reduced UVB-triggered ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and their protective role, which is partially dependent on inhibiting p38 activation. These results suggest that wild chrysanthemum extract can protect the skin from UVB-induced acute skin damage and photoaging by reducing the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and inhibiting p38 MAPK phosphorylation. The present study confirmed the protective role of wild chrysanthemum against UV-induced skin disorders in vitro and indicated the possible mechanism. Further study to identify the active components in wild chrysanthemum extract would be useful for developing new drugs for preventing and treating skin diseases, including skin cancer and photoaging, induced by UV irradiation.

Who do you prefer? A study of public preferences for health care provider type in performing cutaneous surgery and cosmetic procedures in the United States.

The public preference for provider type in performing cutaneous surgery and cosmetic procedures is unknown in the United States. An internet-based survey was administered to the lay public. Respondents were asked to select the health care provider (dermatologist, plastic surgeon, primary care physician, general surgeon, and nurse practitioner/physician's assistant) they mostly prefer to perform different cutaneous cosmetic and surgical procedures. Three hundred fifty-four respondents undertook the survey. Dermatologists were identified as the most preferable health care provider to evaluate and biopsy worrisome lesions on the face (69.8%), perform skin cancer surgery on the back (73.4%), perform skin cancer surgery on the face (62.7%), and perform laser procedures (56.3%) by most of the respondents. For filler injections, the responders similarly identified plastic surgeons and dermatologists (47.3% vs 44.6%, respectively) as the most preferred health care provider. For botulinum toxin injections, there was a slight preference for plastic surgeons followed by dermatologists (50.6% vs 38.4%). Plastic surgeons were the preferred health care provider for procedures such as liposuction (74.4%) and face-lift surgery (96.1%) by most of the respondents. Dermatologists are recognized as the preferred health care providers over plastic surgeons, primary care physicians, general surgeons, and nurse practitioners/physician's assistants to perform a variety of cutaneous cosmetic and surgical procedures including skin cancer surgery, on the face and body, and laser procedures. The general public expressed similar preferences for dermatologists and plastic surgeons regarding filler injections.

The History of the Radiation Damage in Occupations

In the year following Röntgen`s discovery of X-rays in 1895, approximately 60 cases of hand dermatitis and hair loss induced by radiation were reported. People using X-rays in their occupation, including X-ray tube manufacturers, physicians, and engineers, experienced chronic radiation dermatitis and were the first to be diagnosed with occupational radiation exposure. Reports of later appearing disorders, including skin cancer, suffered by doctors and engineers, were regarded as serious occupational diseases. In the 1910's, blood disorders, including leukemia, in people with occupational exposure to radiation came into focus. Dial painters applying radium to watches with a luminous dial clock face suffered osteomyelitis from about 1914. Other radiation damage reports include radiation death and carcinogenesis in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in 1986, and radiation death in the Tokai-mura JCO accident in 1999. The details of radiation damage in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011 have not yet been reported, but must be followed in the future.