The British journal of dermatology
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Despite recent improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, vast differences in melanoma burden still exist between populations. Comparative data can highlight these differences and lead to focused efforts to reduce the burden of melanoma. ⋯ The greatest burden from melanoma falls on Australasian, North American, European, elderly and male populations, which is consistent with previous investigations. These substantial disparities in melanoma burden worldwide highlight the need for aggressive prevention efforts. The Global Burden of Disease Study results can help shape melanoma research and public policy.
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Vitiligo is attributable to loss of functional melanocytes and is the most common acquired depigmenting disorder. Oxidative stress and intense ultraviolet irradiation are known to aggravate this condition. The nonhistone high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) DNA-binding protein is a physiological activator of immune responses, cellular proliferation and cell death. Although it is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and cutaneous disorders, the precise role of HMGB1 in melanocytes has yet to be studied. ⋯ External stimuli (e.g. oxidative stress and ultraviolet irradiation) may trigger HMGB1 release by keratinocytes, thereby perpetuating vitiligo through HMGB1-induced melanocytic apoptosis.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of four validated psoriatic arthritis screening tools in diagnosing psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis (COMPAQ Study).
Four validated psoriatic arthritis (PsA) screening tools are used for diagnosing PsA in patients with psoriasis. ⋯ EARP was found to have the best sensitivity; ToPAS II had the highest specificity. A major limitation of the study design was the exclusion of pre-existing rheumatological diseases.
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Letter Observational Study
Oral glycopyrrolate after the failure of oral oxybutynin in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.
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The pathogenesis underlying keloid formation is still poorly understood. Research has focused mostly on dermal abnormalities, while the epidermis has not yet been studied. ⋯ Keloids showed increased epidermal thickness compared with normal skin and normotrophic and hypertrophic scars. This was not due to hyperproliferation, but possibly caused by abnormal early terminal differentiation, which affects stratum corneum formation. Our findings indicate that the epidermis is associated with keloid pathogenesis and identify involucrin as a potential diagnostic marker for abnormal scarring.