Validation of a 40-gene expression profile test to predict metastatic risk in localized high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Current staging systems for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) have limited positive predictive value for identifying patients who will experience metastasis.

Objective: To develop and validate a gene expression profile (GEP) test for predicting risk for metastasis in localized, high-risk cSCC with the goal of improving risk-directed patient management.

Methods: Archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary cSCC tissue and clinicopathologic data (n = 586) were collected from 23 independent centers in a prospectively designed study.

The Importance of Acidification in Atopic Eczema: An Underexplored Avenue for Treatment.

Atopic dermatitis is a form of dermatitis commonly seen in children and adults. Its pathophysiology is complex and is centered on the barrier function of the epidermis. An important aspect of the skin's barrier is pH, which in turn affects a number of parameters such as the skin flora, protease function, and mediators of inflammation and pruritus.

Syndecan-1 mediates the coupling of positively charged submicrometer amorphous silica particles with actin filaments across the alveolar epithelial cell membrane.

The cellular interactions and pathways of engineered submicro- and nano-scale particles dictate the cellular response and ultimately determine the level of toxicity or biocompatibility of the particles. Positive surface charge can increase particle internalization, and in some cases can also increase particle toxicity, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we identify the cellular interaction and pathway of positively charged submicrometer synthetic amorphous silica particles, which are used extensively in a wide range of industrial applications, and are explored for drug delivery and medical imaging and sensing.

Submicrometer and nanoscale inorganic particles exploit the actin machinery to be propelled along microvilli-like structures into alveolar cells.

The growing commerce in micro- and nanotechnology is expected to increase human exposure to submicrometer and nanoscale particles, including certain forms of amorphous silica. When inhaled, these particles are likely to reach the alveoli, where alveolar type II epithelial cells that are distinguished by apical microvilli are found. These cells play critical roles in the function of the alveoli and participate in the immune response to amorphous silica and other particles by releasing chemokines.