A practical device to produce consistent, controlled cryoinjury on the skin.

It has long been known that sensitivity to cold-induced damage can vary greatly between different cell types, with lethal temperatures reportedly ranging from -2 °C for canine osteocytes, to -70 °C for mammary adenocarcinomas. This suggests that, for certain applications, "therapeutic windows" may exist wherein the cryosurgery temperature could be controlled to specifically target more cold-sensitive cell types, while sparing less sensitive cells. However, this potential selectivity has not been developed into practical clinical treatments, in part because of a lack of available investigative tools that can provide consistent, reproducible cooling within the desired temperature range.

History of Depression is Associated With Higher Prevalence of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Advanced Liver Disease.

Background: Depression and hepatic encephalopathy are common in patients with advanced liver disease. Although these are distinct entities, they share several clinical features. In this analysis, we evaluated whether having a history of depression was associated with developing hepatic encephalopathy in patients with advanced liver disease.

The Yucatan miniature swine as a model for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a hypermelanosis that often occurs secondary to skin irritation or injury, especially in darker skin tones, for which there is currently a lack of effective treatment options. Few preclinical models are available to study PIH. Here, we show that the Yucatan miniature pig consistently develops PIH after skin injuries.

Gender disparities in isotretinoin prescribing patterns for pediatric patients before and during practice changes introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Isotretinoin is a systemic therapy approved for acne and has historically required lab monitoring in addition to adherence to the iPLEDGE Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) given the medication's teratogenic effects. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the expansion of telemedicine, acceptance of remote pregnancy tests, and relaxation of lab monitoring practices. A retrospective review of 142 pediatric patients was conducted, and multivariate linear regression was performed to examine differences in prescribing patterns pre-COVID and during COVID.

The Price of Inequality in Type 1 Diabetes Management.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the compounded disparities in diabetes management and how disease burden is amplified by socioeconomic conditions. Access to tools that equip care is explored in relation to income, education, race, and insurance coverage. Commentary is also provided from the perspective of a patient who has managed diabetes for 25 years and is currently a third-year medical student.