Ordinary Skin Research Articles

Functional relation of agouti signaling proteins (ASIPs) to pigmentation and color change in the starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus

We investigated the involvement of agouti-signaling proteins (ASIPs) in morphological pigmentation and physiological color change in flatfishes. We isolated ASIP1 and 2 mRNAs from the skin of starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus), and compared their amino acid (aa) structures to those of other animals. Then, we examined the mRNA expression levels of two ASIPs (Sf-ASIPs) in the pigmented ocular body and in the unpigmented blind body, as well as in the ordinary skin and in albino skin, in flatfishes. To investigate the role of Sf-ASIPs in physiological color change (color camouflage), we compared the expression of the two genes in two background colors (dark-green and white). Sf-ASIP1 cDNA had a 375-bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded a protein consisting of 125 aa residues, and Sf-ASIP2 cDNA had a 402-bp ORF that encoded a protein consisting of 132 aa residues. RT-PCR revealed that the strongest Sf-ASIP1 and Sf-ASIP2 expression levels were observed in the eye and blind-skin, respectively. In Sf-ASIP1, the gene expression did not differ between the ocular-side skin and blind-side skin, nor between ordinary skin and abnormal skin of the fish. However, in Sf-ASIP2, the expression level was significantly higher in blind-side skin, compared to ocular-side skin, suggesting that the ASIP2 gene is related to the countershading body pigment pattern of the fish. In addition, the Sf-ASIP2 gene expression level was lower in the pigmented spot regions than in the unpigmented spot regions of the malpigmented pseudo-albino skins on the ocular side, implying that ASIP2 is responsible for the ocular-side pseudo-albino. Additionally, ASIP2 gene expression in the blind-side skin of ordinary fish was enhanced by a white tank, implying that a bright background color could inhibit hypermelanosis in the blind-side skin of cultured flounder by increasing the activity of the Sf-ASIP2 gene. However, we did not find any relationship of ASIPs with camouflage color changes. In conclusion, the ASIP2 gene is related to the morphological pigmentation (countershading and malpigmentation) of the skin in starry flounder, but not with physiological color changes (color camouflage) in the ocular-side skin.

Survey on Therapy Prediction using Deep Learning for Pores and Skin Diseases

Introduction: Prediction and detection of skin ailments have generally been a hard and important task for health care specialists. In the cutting-edge situation majority of the pores and skin care practitioners are the uses of traditional techniques to diagnose the ailment which may also take a large amount of time. Skin Diseases are excessive troubles in recent times as it is a consider form of environmental factors, socioeconomic elements, loss of entire weight loss program, and so on. Identifying the particular skin disease by computer vision is introduced as a novel task. Based on skin or pore disease, certain therapy can be suggested. In proposed study there are different applications based on deep learning are studied with computer vision task for better performance of proposed application. Famous deep learning algorithms may include CNN (convolutional neural network) , RNN (Recurrent Neural network), etc.
 Objective: To diagnose skin disease with dermoscopic images automatically. Developing automated strategies to improve the accuracy of analysis for multiple psoriasis and skin diseases
 Methods: In existing techniques many machine learning models are used which is having high complexity and require more time for analysis. So, in this study different deep learning models are studied for understanding performance difference between different models. This paper is a comparative check about skin illnesses related to ordinary skin issues in addition to cosmetology. Image selection, segmentation of skin disease detection and classification are the important steps can be used for oily, dry, and ordinary pores.
 Result: The field of dermatology has seen promising results from studies on various Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithms for classifying skin diseases based on clinical images. These studies have concentrated on utilizing the strength of deep learning and computer vision techniques to classify and diagnose different skin conditions using facial images precisely.
 Conclusion: A survey of numerous papers is achieved on basis of technologies used, outcomes with accuracy, moral behavior, and number of illnesses diagnosed, datasets. Different existing research methodologies are compared with present deep learning architectures for understanding superior performance of deep learning models. Using deep learning, we can predict pore and skin diseases. In proposed study, introduction to different algorithms of deep learning which are combined with computer vision tasks to find the skin disease and pore disease are studied. Therapy can be predicted based on type of skin or pore disease.

A transparent kaolinite-loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite sunscreen with UV shielding rate over 99% based on bidirectional dispersion

Nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO are the most efficient and widely used inorganic sunscreen, but they still have some drawbacks including agglomeration, delamination, clogging pores and high cost. In this study, a kaolinite-loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite sunscreen was prepared and the key technical problems in application of inorganic nano-sized sunscreens was solved. The synthesized kaolinite-loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, XRF and UV–vis spectrophotometry. The SEM image of the nanocomposite suggests that agglomeration of nano-ZnO is avoided by bidirectional dispersion of superfine kaolinite powder and nano-ZnO. Nano-effect and UV shielding rate are enhanced and the nanocomposite sunscreen possesses UV shielding efficiency of 1 + 1 > 2. The UV shielding rate of the nanocomposite sunscreen is greater than 99%, only 10% addition of it endows ordinary skin care products with excellent UV protective efficacy. Moreover, the content of nano-ZnO is reduced by half through introduction of kaolinite, the cost of the sunscreen is lowered, delamination and pore clogging are avoided. This work provides a technical approach for producing stronger, safer and more economical popularized anti-UV skincare products.

Analysis of bacterial contamination and the effectiveness of UV light-based reprocessing of everyday medical devices.

The reprocessing of daily used medical devices is often inadequate, making them a potential source of infection. In addition, there are usually no consistent and technically standardized procedures available for this purpose. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze the bacterial contamination and the effectiveness of Ultraviolet light-based (UV light-based) reprocessing of daily used medical devices. Six different everyday medical devices (20 each; stethoscopes, tourniquets, bandage scissors, reflex hammers, tuning forks, and nystagmus glasses) were tested for bacterial contamination. All medical devices were then exposed to UV-C light for 25 seconds. Medical devices with a smooth surface were pre-cleaned with a water-based wipe. Contact samples were taken before and after reprocessing. Immediately after clinical use, 104 of 120 contact samples showed an average bacterial contamination of 44.8±64.3 colony forming units (CFU) (0-300 CFU), also including potentially pathogenic bacteria. Two further culture media were completely overgrown with potentially pathogenic bacteria. The stethoscopes were found to have the highest average contamination of 90±91.6 CFU. After reprocessing, 118 of 120 samples were sterile, resulting in an average residual contamination of 0.02±0.1 CFU in two samples, whereby only bacteria of the ordinary skin flora were found. The present study shows the potentially clinically relevant bacterial contamination of everyday used medical devices. The reprocessing method tested here using UV light appears to be a suitable method for disinfection, especially for objects that up to now have been difficult to disinfect or cannot be disinfected in a standardized manner.

Study of management of postburn flexion contracture of finger by glabrous versus nonglabrous split skin graft

Aims and Objectives: This prospective study was designed to determine the outcome of split-thickness glabellar and nonglabellar skin graft for the coverage of defects on palmar aspect of hand after release of postburn contracture in terms of graft take, complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction for color and texture match. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study was carried out on patients from December 2018 to December 2020. Fifty patients were randomly divided into two groups by simple randomization method. Group A was offered treatment with split-thickness graft from glabellar region and other Group B was offered treatment with split-thickness graft from nonglabellar skin. Frequencies and percentages of both recipient and donor sites complications such as infection, hypertrophic scarring on the Vancouver scar assessment scale, recurrence, and difficulty in walking were noted. Patient satisfaction for colour and texture match to neighboring skin at recipient site were assessed 3 months after the operation using five points Likert scale. Results: At follow-up of the Group A, the donor areas were completely healed in all the cases 100%. The grafted area showed excellent color and texture match with the adjacent palmer skin. The graft was mobile, stable and without any pigmentation. There was also no hypertrophic scarring, hyperpigmentation or pain at the donor site as compared to ordinary skin graft. Walking and weight bearing were smooth and the instep curvature appeared normal. In Group B, 100% of patients had hyperpigmentation, 20% had marginal scarring and scar hypertrophy at hand. While 40% had scar hypertrophy at 80% had hyperpigmentation over the donor site. Recurrence was noted in 32% of patients in Group B as compared to 8% in Group A. Conclusions: Glabellar skin of the instep is the best replacement for the palmar skin of the digits and hand because of the similarities in their characteristics. Results are excellent in terms of color and texture match, no hyperpigmentation, less marginal scarring, scar hypertrophy, and less recurrence of contracture in patients with area grafted with glabellar skin. Donor site morbidity is very low and hardly any donor site scar is visible. So in conclusion for the management of postburn flexion contracture of the finger. An ideal skin substitute is glabellar skin grafts from the instep region of foot.

Skin measurement devices to assess skin quality: A systematic review on reliability and validity.

BackgroundMany treatments aim to slow down or reverse the visible signs of skin aging and thereby improve skin quality. Measurement devices are frequently employed to measure the effects of these treatments to improve skin quality, for example, skin elasticity, color, and texture. However, it remains unknown which of these devices is most reliable and valid.Materials and methodsMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Instruments were scored on reporting construct validity by means of convergent validity, interobserver, intraobserver, and interinstrument reliability.ResultsFor the evaluation of skin color, 11 studies were included describing 16 measurement devices, analyzing 3172 subjects. The most reliable device for skin color assessment is the Minolta Chromameter CR‐300 due to good interobserver, intraobserver, and interinstrument reliability. For skin elasticity, seven studies assessed nine types of devices analyzing 290 subjects in total. No intra and interobserver reliability was reported. Skin texture was assessed in two studies evaluating 72 subjects using three different types of measurement devices. The PRIMOS device reported excellent intra and interobserver reliability. None of the included reviewed devices could be determined to be valid based on construct validity.ConclusionThe most reliable devices to evaluate skin color and texture in ordinary skin were, respectively, the Minolta Chromameter and PRIMOS. No reliable device is available to measure skin elasticity in ordinary skin and none of the included devices could be determined to be designated as valid.

Sistem Pakar dalam Membandingkan Metode Forward Chaining dengan Certainty Factor untuk Mengidentifikasi Jenis Kulit Wajah

Skin is one piece of the body that has adaptable properties to shield the human body from natural effects. A great many people need facial skin that is tight and liberated from skin illnesses, particularly skin inflammation inclined skin. Next, everybody ought to do facial consideration and utilize a few fixings that are appropriate for facial skin, there are five kinds of ordinary skin, sleek skin, dry skin, blend skin and touchy skin. To inspect the kind of facial skin by contrasting the Forward Chaining and Certainty Factor procedures. This assessment utilizes 30 information acquired from interviews with subject matter experts. There are a few signs acquired from different issues distinguished on facial skin which are utilized as indication data for facial skin types constrained by subject matter experts. This data is utilized to check the sort of facial skin dependent on guidelines and data from a trained professional. The preliminary advances taken are to look at the Forward Chaining and Certainty Factor strategies. The outcomes acquired subsequent to testing and assessment of the Forward Chaining and Certainty Factor strategies were 83.33% and the discoveries expressed that the customer had a commonplace skin type. The test outcomes can be seen from the two strategies that test unequivocal facial skin types, then, at that point the principle system utilized not set in stone to help dermatologists in analyzing facial skin types.

GROUPING AND APPRAISAL OF DIABETIC FOOT DAMAGE UTILIZING DIAGRAM CUT HEREDITARY CALCULATION

All around, in 2016, 1 out of 11 grown-ups experienced diabetes mellitus. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a significant confusion of this malady, which if not oversaw appropriately can prompt removal. Current clinical ways to deal with DFU treatment depend on persistent furthermore, clinician carefulness, which has huge confinements, for example, the significant expense engaged with the analysis, treatment, and long care of the DFU. We gathered a broad dataset of foot pictures, which contain DFU from various patients. In this DFU characterization issue, we surveyed the two classes as ordinary skin (solid skin) and irregular skin (DFU). In this paper, we have proposed the utilization of AI calculations to extricate the highlights for DFU and sound skin patches to comprehend the distinctions in the PC vision point of view. This trial is performed to assess the skin states of the two classes that are at high hazard of misclassification by PC vision calculations. Moreover, we utilized convolutional neural systems without precedent for this parallel grouping. We have proposed a novel convolutional neural arrange engineering, DFUNet, with better element extraction to recognize the component contrasts between solid skin and the DFU. Utilizing 10-overlay cross approval, DFUNet accomplished an AUC score of 0.961. This outflanked both the customary AI what's more, profound realizing classifiers we have tried. Here, we present the improvement of a novel and exceptionally touchy DFUNet for unbiasedly recognizing the nearness of DFUs. This tale approach can possibly convey a change in outlook in diabetic foot care among diabetic patients, which speak to a savvy, remote, and advantageous medicinal services arrangement.

Evaluation of psoriasis skin disease classification using convolutional neural network

<span lang="EN-GB">Skin disease has lower impact on mortality compared to others but instead it has greater effect on quality of life because it involves symptoms such as pain, stinging and itchiness. Psoriasis is one of the ordinary skin diseases which are relapsing, chronic and immune-mediated inflammatory disease. It is estimated about 125 million people worldwide being infected with various types of skin infection. </span><span lang="EN-GB">Challenges arise when patients only predict the skin type disease they had without being accurately and precisely examined. This is because as human being, they only observe and look at the diseases on the surface of the skin with their naked eye, where there are some limits, for example, human vision lacks of accuracy, reproducibility and quantification in the collection of image information. As Plaque and Guttate are the most common Psoriasis skin disease happened among people, this paper presents an evaluation of Psoriasis skin disease classification using Convolutional Neural Network. A total of 187 images which consist of 82 images for Plaque Psoriasis and 105 images for Guttate Psoriasis has been used which are retrieved from Psoriasis Image Library, International Psoriasis Council (IPC) and DermNet NZ. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is applied in extracting features and analysing the classification of Psoriasis skin disease. This paper showed the promising used of CNN with the accuracy rate of 82.9% and 72.4% for Plaque and Guttate Psoriasis skin disease, respectively.</span>

Skin Cancer Detection Using GLCM and ABCD Parameter

Lately, skin malignancy is viewed as one of the most Perilous types of diseases found in People. Skin malignant growth is found in different sorts, for example, Melanoma, Basal and Squamous cell Carcinoma among which Melanoma is the most capricious. The discovery of Melanoma malignant growth in the beginning period can be useful to fix it. PC vision can assume a significant job in Clinical Picture Analysis and it has been demonstrated by many existing frameworks. Right now, we present a PC helped strategy for the location of Melanoma Skin Malignant growth utilizing Picture Preparing instruments. The contribution to the framework is the skin sore picture and afterwards by applying novel picture preparing systems, it investigations it to close about the nearness of skin malignancy. The Lesion Picture investigation devices checks for the different Melanoma parameters Like Asymmetry, Boundary, Color, Diameter (ABCD) and so on by surface, size and shape investigation for picture division and highlight stages. The extricated highlight parameters are utilized to characterize the picture as Ordinary skin and Melanoma malignant growth lesion.

Airborne contamination and surgical site infection: Could a thirty-year-old idea help solve the problem?

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a most serious postoperative complication, associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as extended therapy and elevated healthcare costs. In open clean surgery, e.g. orthopedic and cardiothoracic operations, the risk of SSI is strongly correlated with the amount of airborne bacteria being present in the operating room and the surgical field. The source of these bacteria is the surgical team itself, as we all emit thousands of bacteria-carrying skin particles every minute into the air. Although the risk of airborne contamination has decreased over the years, thanks to modern surgical clothing and advanced operating room ventilation, airborne bacteria are still detected and cause SSI. However, during the past thirty years there has been a simple and potentially effective preventive method waiting to be noticed. In 1986 Hall, Mackintosh and Hoffman found in a controlled experimental study that the application of regular unperfumed skin lotion to a person’s body reduced the emission of airborne bacteria-carrying particles by approximately 90%. Moreover, the effect lasted at least 4 hours, which corresponds to a major surgical procedure. Thus, in the light of those results the present paper puts forth the hypothesis that this method can decrease the incidence of airborne bacterial contamination and SSI in open clean surgery. The paper also discusses the rationale and advantages of the method, and questions why it has escaped scientific attention for so long. In healthcare, difficult problems rarely have a simple and cheap solution. However, the use of ordinary skin lotion in open surgery may just be one, as it could potentially help prevent surgical site infection, and thereby increase patient safety and reduce healthcare costs.

MRNA-Based Genetic Reprogramming.

The discovery that ordinary skin cells can be turned into pluripotent stem cells by the forced expression of defined factors has raised hopes that personalized regenerative treatments based on immunologically compatible material derived from a patient's own cells might be realized in the not-too-distant future. A major barrier to the clinical use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) was initially presented by the need to employ integrating viral vectors to express the factors that induce an embryonic gene expression profile, which entails potentially oncogenic alteration of the normal genome. Several "non-integrating" reprogramming systems have been developed over the last decade to address this problem. Among these techniques, mRNA reprogramming is the most unambiguously "footprint-free," most productive, and perhaps the best suited to clinical production of stem cells. Herein, we discuss the origins of the mRNA-based reprogramming system, its benefits and drawbacks, recent technical improvements that simplify its application, and the status of current efforts to industrialize this approach to mass-produce human stem cells for the clinic.

The rash that presents as target lesions

We have explored the rash that appears as target lesions, with the central and dominant diseases belonging to the Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis group. After presenting the clinical patterns of an individual target lesion and classifying them into different types of lesions, the contribution has been organized with groups characterized by such specific findings according to the type of lesion: flat or raised, typical or atypical, presence or absence of fever, presence or absence of mucosal ulcerations, presence or absence of arthralgias, and/or internal organ involvement. Other specific features, such as histologic appearance, immunofluorescence findings, and laboratory changes, are considered. We provide clinicians with an algorithmic, systematic, and logical approach to diagnose the condition of the patients who present with targetoid lesions, and enable them to differentiate between those with serious systemic and life-threatening diseases from others with ordinary skin ailments.

Adverse reactions to cosmetics: an analysis of surveillance data from 2005 to 2014 in China

Objective To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of adverse reactions to cosmetics in China, and to provide a basis for further supervision. Methods The diagnosis of adverse reactions to cosmetics was according to 7 national standards (GB17149.1-7-1997) including the general rule for the diagnosis and management of skin diseases induced by cosmetics. Data regarding gender, age, occupation, educational background, disease types, cosmetic types, and so on, were collected from patients with adverse reactions to cosmetics at 13 surveillance sites in China during 2005-2014. A descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. Results During 2005-2014, a total of 13 534 cases of adverse reactions to cosmetics were reported to the monitoring system. Of these cases, 95.40% (12 912/13 534) were female, and 80.85% were young or middle-aged (20-44 years). Finally, 5 446 cases were confirmed to be adverse reactions to cosmetics, among which, 94.66% (5 155/5 466) were contact dermatitis to cosmetics, and 132 were other types that were not included in the general rule for the diagnosis and management of skin diseases induced by cosmetics. Among these confirmed cases, 14 209 cosmetic products were involved, and ordinary skin care products predominated in these products. The proportion of imported cosmetic products (48.79%, 6 932/14 209) was slightly higher than that of domestic products (43.21%, 6 139/14 209). The number of reported cases increased by 13.16% per year from 2005 to 2009, but decreased by 17.96% per year from 2010 to 2014. Conclusion Adverse reactions to cosmetics are a complicated and important public health issue, and effective measures should be taken based on their characteristics. Key words: Cosmetics; Dermatitis, contact; Drug toxicity; Monitoring; Patch test

Development of novel in vitro photosafety assays focused on the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway.

Although photoallergens require UV energy for antigen formation, the subsequent immune response is considered to be the same as in ordinary skin sensitization. Therefore, in vitro tests for skin sensitization should also be applicable for photoallergy testing. In this study, we examined whether activation of the Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1)-Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2)-ARE (antioxidant response element) pathway could be used to assess the photoallergenic potential of chemicals, using the reporter cell line AREc32 or KeratinoSens(TM) . First, we identified an appropriate UVA irradiation dose [5 J cm(-2) irradiation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)] by investigating the effect of UV irradiation on ARE-dependent gene induction using untreated or 6-methylcoumarin (6-MC)-treated cells. Irradiation of well-known photoallergens under this condition increased ARE-dependent gene expression by more than 50% compared with both vehicle and non-irradiated controls. When the cut-off value for detecting photoallergens was set at 50% induction, the accuracy of predicting photoallergenic/phototoxic chemicals was 70% in AREc32 cells and 67% in KeratinoSens(TM) cells, and the specificity was 100% in each case. We designate these assays as a photo-ARE assay and photo-KeratinoSens(TM) , respectively. Our results suggest that activation of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway is an effective biomarker for evaluating both photoallergenic and phototoxic potentials. Either of the above tests might be a useful component of a battery of in vitro tests/in silico methods for predicting the photoallergenicity and phototoxicity of chemicals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

128 Colour Change in the Human Histamine Wheal; a Sign of Desensitized Histamine Vasoconstrictory Receptors

BackgroundThe aim was to find the cause and consequences of a colour change in histamine wheals found after ordinary histamine skin prick tests (SPTs) (10 mg/mL). A rapid change to a darker red colour from the 18th and to the 20th minute has been demonstrated by using a digital image-processing technique called LYYN and ImageJ to yield numerical values.1MethodsRepeated histamine SPTs in the middle of the site for earlier performed histamine SPTs in humans. Calculations of the sizes of photographed wheals. Histamine solutions perfused in isolated rabbit ears.ResultsHistamine SPT performed 90 minutes or 6 hours apart from initial histamine SPTs evoked a ring of wheal peripherally around the site of the initial wheal or no wheal at all. The initial wheals had at those times disappeared. Histamine perfusion in isolated rabbit ears indicated first vasoconstriction and after a mean of 17 minutes vasodilatation in post-capillary vessels despite continued histamine perfusion.ConclusionsThe results indicate that total desensitization of histamine-1 receptors in the wheal is the cause of the colour change in human histamine SPTs and that such desensitization lasts long time. If histamine released at allergen provocations also evokes such a long-lasting desensitization and post-capillary vasodilatation it opens new aspects on vascular events in allergic reactions.

Host- and microbe determinants that may influence the success of S. aureus colonization

Staphylococcus aureus may cause serious skin and soft tissue infections, deep abscesses, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, and sepsis. S. aureus persistently colonizes 25–30% of the adult human population, and S. aureus carriers have an increased risk for infections caused by the bacterium. The major site of colonization is the nose, i.e., the vestibulum nasi, which is covered with ordinary skin and hair follicles. Several host and microbe determinants are assumed to be associated with colonization. These include the presence and expression level of bacterial adhesins, which can adhere to various proteins in the extracellular matrix or on the cellular surface of human skin. The host expresses several antimicrobial peptides and lipids. The level of β-defensin 3, free sphingosine, and cis-6-hexadecenoic acid are found to be associated with nasal carriage of S. aureus. Other host factors are certain polymorphisms in Toll-like receptor 2, mannose-binding lectin, C-reactive protein, glucocorticoid-, and vitamin D receptor. Additional putative determinants for carriage include genetic variation and expression of microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules and their interaction partners, as well as variation among humans in the ability of recognizing and responding appropriately to the bacteria. Moreover, the available microflora may influence the success of S. aureus colonization. In conclusion, colonization is a complex interplay between the bacteria and its host. Several bacterial and host factors are involved, and an increased molecular understanding of these are needed.

Examining the pathways linking lower socioeconomic status and advanced melanoma

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with more advanced melanoma at diagnosis and decreased survival. Exploring the pathways linking lower SES and thicker melanoma will help guide public and professional strategies to reduce deaths. The authors surveyed 566 newly diagnosed patients at Stanford University Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, and University of Michigan. SES was assessed by education level (high school/general education degree or less [HS], associate/technical school degree, or ≥college graduate). All data was obtained by self-report among patients within three months of their diagnosis. HS-educated individuals were significantly more likely than college graduates to believe that melanoma was not very serious (odds ratio [OR], 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79-4.71) and were less likely to know the asymmetry, borders (irregular), color (variegated), and diameter (>6 mm) (ABCD) melanoma rule or the difference between melanoma and ordinary skin growths (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.23-0.52] and 0.26 [95% CI, 0.16-0.41] respectively). Physicians were less likely to have ever told HS-educated versus college-educated individuals they were at risk for skin cancer (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31-0.71) or instructed them on how to examine their skin for signs of melanoma (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.25-0.63). HS-educated individuals were less likely to have received a physician skin examination within the year before diagnosis (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37-0.80). Decreased melanoma risk perception and knowledge among low-SES individuals and decreased physician communication regarding skin examinations of these individuals may be key components of the consistently observed socioeconomic gradient in mortality. The current findings suggest the need to raise melanoma awareness among lower-SES patients and to increase physician awareness of socioeconomic disparities in clinical communication and care.

A novel role of miR-302/367 in reprogramming

Ever since the technique of coaxing ordinary skin cells into becoming pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has been developed, which have the potential to become any cell or tissue in the body, efforts were made to improve the approach because some major challenges. Increasing evidence suggests that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in early embryonic development and embryonic stem cell formation, known as embryonic stem cell (ESC)-specific miRNAs, particularly the miR-302 family. We summarized here a novel approach to generate iPSCs by using miR-302 and its related miRNAs such as miR-367. The development of this miR-302/367-mediated iPSC (termed mirPSC) may provide tools to deal with the obstacles facing some current iPSC reprogramming methods. The mechanism by which miR-302/367 induce iPSC reprogramming is proposed.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus: The Initial Physician-Patient Encounter

Human Immunodeficiency Virus: The Initial Physician-Patient Encounter