Expression of p53, p63, p16, Ki67, Cyclin D, Bcl-2, and CD31 Markers in Actinic Keratosis, In Situ Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Normal Sun-Exposed Skin of Elderly Patients.

Background: Age and cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light are primary contributors to skin cancer development. Regulatory proteins within the cell cycle are essential for the homeostasis of squamous epithelium.

Methods: This study assessed the expression of immunohistochemical markers p53, p63, p16, Ki67, Cyclin D, Bcl-2, and CD31 in keratinocyte intraepithelial neoplasia (actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma in situ) compared to normal skin.

Clinical Characteristics of Actinic Keratosis Associated with the Risk of Progression to Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Background: Actinic keratosis (AK) is one of the most common lesions on chronically sun-damaged skin that has the risk of progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). With the possibilities of using digital technologies for following-up skin lesions and their increased use in the past few decades, our objective was to update the review by Quaedvlieg et al., 2006, and to review prospective studies from 2005 onwards to identify the clinical characteristics of AK that later progressed to SCC.

Stage IIA Skin Melanoma Treatment With ECHO-7 Oncolytic Virus Rigvir.

Melanoma is a global problem due to the rising numbers of skin melanoma cases. Current treatment guidelines for patients with stage IIA melanoma recommend only observation after surgery. In this report, the authors describe a patient with stage IIA skin melanoma treated with surgery and Rigvir virotherapy.

Correlation of Soluble CD44 Expression in Saliva and CD44 Protein in Oral Leukoplakia Tissues.

The aim of this study was to determine whether and how pan-CD44 protein expression in leukoplakia tissues correlates with positive SolCD44 test presence and their role in oral leukoplakia. SolCD44 and total protein expression in saliva were determined using an OncAlert Oral Cancer Rapid test. Comparison of paired associations of total protein, SolCD44, mean number of CD44 expressed epithelial layers in leukoplakia tissue, and macrophages below the basement membrane between control group and patients with leukoplakia showed statistically significant results ( < 0.

Features associated with melanoma metastasis in Latvia.

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, exhibits an increasing incidence worldwide and has a high potential to develop metastasis. The current study aimed to identify a set of parameters that may aid in predicting the probability and timing of the onset of CM metastasis. A retrospective analysis was performed using the archive data of 2,026 patients with CM that were treated at the Riga East University Hospital Latvian Oncology Centre, which is the largest oncological hospital in the country, between 1998 and 2015.

Prevalence, Discontinuation Rate, and Risk Factors for Severe Local Site Reactions with Topical Field Treatment Options for Actinic Keratosis of the Face and Scalp.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common lesions on chronically sun damaged skin, which are morphologically characterized by lower third to full thickness atypia of epidermal keratinocytes. These lesions carry a risk of progression towards invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); therefore, treatment of visible lesions and the field in case of field cancerization is recommended. Treatment of AK includes the destruction of atypical keratinocytes that clinically presents with various degrees of erythema, scaling, crusting, erosion, and other visible and subjective symptoms.

5-aminolevulinic acid based photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma: a 10-years follow-up study.

Objective: This article presents long-term follow-up after use of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) for basal cell carcinoma. PDT is treatment option for different tumors, involving use of specific agent which is activated by visible light and results in tissue destruction.

Materials And Methods: Overall 20 patients with 29 tumors were treated at the Latvian Oncology Center.

Analysis of Latvian familial melanoma patients shows novel variants in the noncoding regions of CDKN2A and that the CDK4 mutation R24H is a founder mutation.

Hereditary cutaneous melanoma is associated with mutations in the high-risk CDKN2A gene in about 40% of melanoma-prone families. Mutations in the CDK4 gene are the cause in only a few pedigrees. In this study, we analyzed 20 Latvian familial melanoma probands and carried out a comprehensive analysis of CDKN2A including sequencing of its promoter/intronic regions and deletion screening.

Melanoma risk associated with MC1R gene variants in Latvia and the functional analysis of rare variants.

To evaluate the association of melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) variants with melanoma risk in a Latvian population, the MC1R gene was sequenced in 200 melanoma patients and 200 control persons. A functional study of previously uncharacterized, rare MC1R variants was also performed. In total, 26 different MC1R variants, including two novel variants Val165Ile and Val188Ile, were detected.

Melanoma epidemiology, prognosis and trends in Latvia.

Background: Melanoma incidence and mortality rates are increasing worldwide within the white population. Clinical and histological factors have been usually used for the prognosis and assessment of the risk for melanoma.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and histopathological features of the cutaneous melanoma (CM) in the Latvian population, to test the association between melanoma features and patient survival, and to assess the time trends for melanoma incidence.

Quantity and quality analysis of dental prosthodontics among retirement age residents from nursing homes in different regions of Latvia and retirement age patients from dental clinic in Riga.

Introduction: The quality of life is closely related with condition of oral health, influence of subjective factors on the whole human body and patients perception of their oral health. In spite of the fact that the most part of Latvian retirement age residents use low-quality dentures and assess them satisfactory, these patients often have problems associated with quality of dentures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate oral health status, prosthodontics indicators and patients satisfaction with oral health among Latvian retirement age residents.

Evaluation of oral health status of retirement-age population in Latvia.

INTRODUCTION. Latvian government Health care financing regulations do not envisage free dental care in nursing homes. Consequently, in this situation arises need to carry out comparative evaluation of oral health status and quantity indicators of dental prosthodontics among retirement-age population in Latvia.

Prognostic factors and epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous and mucosal head and neck melanoma.

OBJECTIVE. To describe the prognostic factors and epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous and mucosal head and neck melanoma and to identify the variables associated with mortality from this disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS.

Curriculum structure: principles and strategy.

This report provides general guidelines for the structure of a curriculum, followed by specific advice on the principles of learning and teaching, the process of restructuring and change leadership and management. It provides examples of several educational philosophies, including vertical and horizontal integration. It discusses the use of competence, learning outcomes, level of degree and assessment and provides a number of recommendations.