Publications by authors named "Ai-Tram Bui"
Article Synopsis
- - This study explores how whole-slide CyCIF (cyclic immunofluorescence) imaging can effectively analyze immune cell infiltrates in dermatologic adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors, showcasing its advantages over traditional immunohistochemistry (IHC).
- - Researchers examined six cases of immune-related skin issues and found that CyCIF offers detailed, single-cell immune profiling compared to the more generalized assessments made by IHC, allowing for better understanding of immune cell behavior.
- - The findings suggest that CyCIF can enhance our comprehension of the immune response in dermatologic adverse events and can be applied to fragile tissues, paving the way for future research on specific adverse effects and their underlying mechanisms.
Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Cancer Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.
J Immunother Precis Oncol
May 2021
Introduction: To evaluate the impact of Sars-Cov-2 infection on mortality and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) toxicity in patients with cancer receiving ICIs compared to those not receiving ICIs.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study of 25 patients receiving ICIs within 1 year of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis between March 20, 2020, and June 3, 2020, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Mass General Brigham. Cases were matched 1:1 with controls based on age, sex, and anticancer therapy within the prior 6 months.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess the accuracy of terminology used by dermatology clinics when describing their nonphysician clinicians (NPCs) during appointment scheduling.
- Researchers called 344 dermatology clinics across 25 states and found that 37.2% of them met the study criteria, with inaccurate descriptions of NPCs observed at 23 clinics (18%).
- The most commonly misused terms included "dermatologist," "doctor," and "board-certified," highlighting a need for better training to avoid misleading patients about NPC qualifications.
Article Synopsis
- Due to supply shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic, N95 masks, which are usually single-use, have been used for extended periods, leading to issues with fit and effectiveness, prompting research into a solution to improve their reusability.
- The study created a 3D printed mask frame using common materials, which helped to enhance the fit of damaged or poorly fitting N95 and KN95 masks during testing, allowing more users to achieve a proper seal.
- Findings showed that nearly 73% of participants could obtain a good fit using the frames, which could provide a cost-effective way to extend the usability of masks without compromising their protective capabilities.
Conversion of Existing UVB Phototherapy Units to UVC Germicidal Chambers for N95 Decontamination: Lessons Learned.
Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg
February 2021
Importance: In the 15 years since dermatology access was last investigated on a national scale, the practice landscape has changed with the rise of private equity (PE) investment and increased use of nonphysician clinicians (NPCs).
Objective: To determine appointment success and wait times for patients with various insurance types at clinics with and without PE ownership.
Design, Setting, And Participants: In this study, PE-owned US clinics were randomly selected and matched with 2 geographically proximate clinics without PE ownership.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) limited to the skin is rare in adult patients. Given the challenges of prospective clinical trials for this rare disease, there is paucity in data to guide the management of cutaneous LCH. Topical nitrogen mustard is a possible treatment for cutaneous LCH with positive responses in five known adult cases in the literature.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: In response to supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs or "masks"), which are typically single-use devices in healthcare settings, are routinely being used for prolonged periods and in some cases decontaminated under "reuse" and "extended use" policies. However, the reusability of N95 masks is often limited by degradation or breakage of elastic head bands and issues with mask fit after repeated use. The purpose of this study was to develop a frame for N95 masks, using readily available materials and 3D printing, which could replace defective or broken bands and improve fit.
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