Standardized laboratory monitoring with use of isotretinoin in acne.

Background: Laboratory monitoring for adverse effects to isotretinoin occurs with variability. Standardization of laboratory monitoring practices represents an opportunity to improve quality of care.

Objective: We sought to develop an evidence-based approach to laboratory monitoring of patients receiving isotretinoin therapy for acne.

Patient safety in procedural dermatology: Part II. Safety related to cosmetic procedures.

Cosmetic procedures are growing in popularity and are associated with unique risks. Considering potential complications and prioritizing patient safety will help practitioners improve outcomes of elective procedures. In part II of this continuing medical education article, we provide a comprehensive review of patient safety in cosmetic procedures, including medical and legal issues surrounding the supervision and training of physician extenders.

Patient safety in dermatologic surgery: Part I. Safety related to surgical procedures.

Surgical procedures involve unique elements related to patient safety. One must be aware of potential complications and safety issues within the practice of dermatologic surgery. Developing a high level of competence in skin surgery will address some safety issues, while implementing protocols and redundancies provides systems-based correction for other safety issues.

Disruption of axonal transport perturbs bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)--signaling and contributes to synaptic abnormalities in two neurodegenerative diseases.

Formation of new synapses or maintenance of existing synapses requires the delivery of synaptic components from the soma to the nerve termini via axonal transport. One pathway that is important in synapse formation, maintenance and function of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-signaling pathway. Here we show that perturbations in axonal transport directly disrupt BMP signaling, as measured by its downstream signal, phospho Mad (p-Mad).

Summertime scorcher: assessing and promoting sunscreen protection in an amusement park setting.

Background/purpose: Intense, intermittent exposure, the kind of exposure associated with attending an amusement park for example, is correlated with the development of basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. The goals of this study were to assess the use of the station by visitors and to identify opportunities to increase the utilization of the sunscreen station.

Methods: The study was a descriptive observational study of attendees at an amusement park in Pennsylvania.