Polypharmacy and sun exposure: Implications for mitochondrial DNA deletions in skin.

Most somatic cells contain many copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Because of both the high copy number and the lack of repair mechanisms available to mtDNA, damage to it largely goes unrepaired, and can accumulate over time. Large scale deletions are a recognised type of damage sustained by mtDNA as a consequence of exposure to the ultraviolet light in sunlight.

Mitochondrial DNA deletion percentage in sun exposed and non sun exposed skin.

The percentages of mitochondrial genomes carrying the mtDNA and the mtDNA (common) deletion were quantified in sun exposed and non sun exposed skin biopsies, for five cohorts of patients varying either in sun exposure profile, age or skin cancer status. Non-melanoma skin cancer diagnoses are rising in Ireland and worldwide [12] but most risk prediction is based on subjective visual estimations of sun exposure history. A quantitative objective test for pre-neoplastic markers may result in better adherence to sun protective behaviours.

Case Report of Calciphylaxis Secondary to Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation.

Background: Calciphylaxis is a rare disorder that is very unusual outside the setting of end-stage kidney disease.

Case Summary: A 64-year-old woman with normal renal function presented with painful leg ulcers. She had previously received 300 000 IU of vitamin D followed by daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Artificial White Light vs Daylight Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratoses: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Daylight photodynamic therapy using topical methyl 5-aminolevulinic acid (MAL) for actinic keratoses (AKs) is as effective as conventional photodynamic therapy but has the advantage of being almost pain free. Daylight photodynamic therapy, however, requires dry and warm weather conditions.

Objective: To establish if topical MAL photodynamic therapy using a white light light-emitting diode (LED) lamp is as effective and well-tolerated as daylight photodynamic therapy for the treatment of AKs.

Contact allergy in cheilitis.

Background: Recalcitrant non-actinic cheilitis may indicate contact allergy.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of allergic contact cheilitis (ACC) in patients with non-actinic cheilitis and to identify the most relevant allergens.

Methods: We used an institutional database to identify patients with non-actinic cheilitis who underwent patch testing between January 1, 2001, and August 31, 2011, and conducted a retrospective review of patch test results in these patients.

Role of cytokines and chemokines in itch.

Cytokines classically are secreted "messenger" proteins that modulate cellular function of immune cells. Chemokines attract immune cells to the site where they exert various functions in inflammation, autoimmunity or cancer. Increasing evidence is emerging that cytokines or chemokines can act as "neuro-modulators" by activating high-affinity receptors on peripheral or central neurons, microglia cells or Schwann cells.

Photoaggravated disorders.

Photoaggravated skin disorders are diseases that occur without UV radiation but are sometimes or frequently exacerbated by UV radiation. In conditions, such as lupus erythematosus, photoaggravation occurs in a majority of patients, whereas in conditions, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, only a subset of patients demonstrate photoaggravation. Polymorphous light eruption is a common photodermatosis in all skin types, making it important to differentiate photoaggravation of an underlying disorder, such as lupus erythematosus, from superimposed polymorphous light eruption.

Photosensitizing medications and photocarcinogenesis.

Photosensitivity is an exaggerated or abnormal response to ultraviolet (UV) or visible light exposure. Many current medications are known photosensitizers; however, the effects of the sensitization can be subclinical and go unnoticed by the person affected. While some of these drugs are used for short and defined periods, others are used indefinitely for the treatment of chronic disease.

Allergic contact dermatitis of the vulva.

Background And Objectives: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) of the vulva arises as a primary condition or develops secondary to topical agents. We aimed to describe the incidence of ACD in patients presenting with vulvar symptoms and to identify the allergens of most importance.

Patients And Methods: Using a database of the patch testing results from 3 geographically distinct sites, we identified patients tested to a gynecologic series between 2003 and 2010.

Does autotitrating positive airway pressure therapy improve postoperative outcome in patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome? A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with postoperative complications. We hypothesized that postoperative autotitrating positive airway pressure (APAP) applied to patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea would shorten hospital stay and reduce postoperative complications.

Methods: Included were patients aged 18 to 100 years scheduled for elective total knee or hip arthroplasty who were able to give informed consent.