Dermoscopic and confocal features of an axillary "special site" nevus.

"Nevi of special sites" is a term that denotes melanocytic nevi presenting in specific anatomic locations including the scalp, genital area, flexural sites, and acral sites [1]. Nevi from these anatomic sites display at times histopathologic features that may lead the reading pathologist to recommend re-excision of these benign nevi. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive imaging tool that allows for visualization of epidermal, dermal-epidermal junctional (DEJ), and superficial dermal tissue structures at cellular level resolution.

The impact of pregnancy on anti-HIV activity of cervicovaginal secretions.

Background: Mucosal immunity of the female genital tract plays a critical role in defense against sexually transmitted infections like HIV. Pregnancy is associated with both structural and immunologic alterations in the genital mucosa, but the impact of these changes on its ability to suppress HIV infection is unknown. Current epidemiologic data are conflicting as to whether pregnancy increases the risk of HIV acquisition.

Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab treatment in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease, but treatment options for moderate-to-severe disease are limited. Ustekinumab is an IL-12/IL-23p40 antagonist that suppresses Th1, Th17 and Th22 activation, commonly used for psoriasis patients. We sought to assess efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

A mild topical steroid leads to progressive anti-inflammatory effects in the skin of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Background: Topical glucocorticosteroids are considered an efficient treatment option for atopic dermatitis (AD), but a global assessment of glucocorticosteroid responses on key disease circuits upon weeks to months of treatment is currently lacking.

Objective: We sought to assess short (4 weeks) and long-term (16 weeks) application of topical glucocorticosteroids on AD skin and define response biomarkers.

Methods: The effects of triamcinolone acetonide cream 0.

Petrolatum: Barrier repair and antimicrobial responses underlying this "inert" moisturizer.

Background: Petrolatum is a common moisturizer often used in the prevention of skin infections after ambulatory surgeries and as a maintenance therapy of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the molecular responses induced by petrolatum in the skin have never been assessed.

Objective: We sought to define the cutaneous molecular and structural effects induced by petrolatum.

Ethnic variations in cervical cytokine concentrations and vaginal flora during pregnancy.

Problem: Pregnancy-mediated changes in immunity may influence risk of HIV-1 acquisition. This risk appears greatest among non-Caucasian women.

Method Of Study: Pregnant women with low risk of immune disruption were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort.