Basal cell nevus syndrome: clinical and molecular review and case report.

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), also referred to as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome or Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, was first described by Gorlin and Goltz in 1960 as an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the early appearance of multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), keratocysts of the jaw, ectopic calcifications, palmar and plantar pits, and anomalies of the ocular, skeletal, and reproductive systems. The genesis of this cancer's etiology in relation to BCNS was unclear until a few years ago when molecular analysis studies suggested a relationship between BCC and the loss-of-function mutations of the patched gene (PTCH) found on chromosome arm 9q. PTCH inhibits signaling by the membrane protein Smoothened (Smo), and this inhibition is relieved by binding sonic hedgehog (SHH) to PTCH.

Evaluation of basal cell carcinoma microcirculation through orthogonal polarization technique.

Basal cell carcinomas are the most common cutaneous neoplasias. They rarely metastasize, but can cause clinically significant local destruction and disfigurement if neglected or inadequately treated. The spectral imaging technique, a recently developed method of orthogonal light polarization, allows in vivo transcutaneous evaluation of tumor microcirculation.

Orthogonal polarization technique in the assessment of human skin microcirculation.

Background: The "gold standard" for the study of the in vivo microcirculation is intravital microscopy. The recently developed method of orthogonal polarization of light [orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging] allows for the in vivo transcutaneous evaluation of the microcirculation without the need for invasive surgical procedures.

Methods: The application of polarized light originating from a 100 W halogen tungsten lamp is able to penetrate tissues at a depth of up to 3 mm, and generates reissued light from this depth.

Evaluation of the effects of caffeine in the microcirculation and edema on thighs and buttocks using the orthogonal polarization spectral imaging and clinical parameters.

Gynoid lipodystrophy, also known as cellulite, is a common multifactorial entity that affects millions of women around the world. There have been few scientific articles dealing with its physiology and treatment in the past few years, and vascular changes seem to play an important role in its pathophysiology. Skin microvascular alterations can be observed noninvasively with a new method called orthogonal polarization spectral imaging, which was used to evaluate the effectiveness of an anticellulite drug composed mainly of a 7% caffeine solution.

A seroepidemiologic survey of the prevalence of varicella-zoster virus in the pediatric population in two university hospitals in Brazil.

Background: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is an alpha-herpesvirus causing varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Varicella results from primary VZV infection, and is a common childhood illness associated with fever and a generalized, pruritic, vesicular eruption. Herpes zoster is caused by VZV reactivation later in life (most cases after the fifth decade), and is characterized by a localized, painful, and vesicular eruption involving one or adjacent dermatomes.