scholarly journals Dermatofluoroscopy Is Also for Redheads a Sensitive Method of Early Melanoma Detection

Dermatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 236 (6) ◽  
pp. 508-516
Author(s):  
Dieter Leupold ◽  
Lukasz Szyc ◽  
Goran Stankovic ◽  
Maja Hofmann ◽  
Matthias Scholz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Spectra ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Spatially Resolved ◽  
Melanoma Detection ◽  
Dysplastic Nevi ◽  
Red Hair ◽  
Pigmented Lesions ◽  
Melanoma Diagnosis ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hair Samples

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Caucasians with red hair and fair skin have a remarkably increased risk of malignant melanoma compared to non-redhead Caucasians. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> With the aim of a reliable melanoma diagnosis in redheads, the application of dermatofluoroscopy was analyzed in 16 patients with red hair. Most of them had been included in a clinical dermatofluoroscopy study for patients with the suspicion of melanoma. We examined whether the 25 lesions of the redheads showed the same characteristic melanin fluorescence spectra for dysplastic nevi and melanomas as those of non-redhead Caucasians or whether there was a different fluorescence pattern. This is important in view of the known significantly altered ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin in the skin of redheads. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> More than 8,000 spatially resolved fluorescence spectra of 25 pigmented lesions were measured and analysed. The spectra were excited by the stepwise absorption of two 800-nm photons (principle of dermatofluoroscopy). Furthermore, the fluorescence spectra of eumelanin and pheomelanin in hair samples were determined in the same way. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The evaluation revealed that the melanin fluorescence spectra of dysplastic nevi and melanomas of redheads have the same spectral characteristics as those of non-redhead Caucasians. An accompanying result is that dermatofluoroscopy shows identical fluorescence spectra for eumelanin and pheomelanin. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Dermatofluoroscopy proves to be a reliable diagnostic method also for redheads. Our results also explain our recent finding that there is a uniform fluorescence spectroscopic fingerprint for melanomas of all subtypes, which is of particular interest for hypomelanotic and apparently amelanotic melanomas containing pheomelanin.

The Genes and Genetics of Malignant Melanoma

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Gibbs ◽  
Benjamin M. R. Brady ◽  
William A. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Uv Exposure ◽  
Molecular Defect ◽  
Clinical Variables ◽  
Red Hair ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Self Examination

Background: Population-based studies have identified several clinical variables associated with an increased risk of developing cutaneous melanoma that include phenotype, amount of and response to sun exposure, and family history. However, these observations are of limited relevance to clinical practice as the risk associated with each factor is individually modest and the characteristics of these variables lack precision when applied to a particular individual. Objective: To review the literature regarding recent advances made in the understanding of the genes and genetics of clinical variables associated with an increased risk of melanoma. Conclusion: Variants of the MC1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) have been identified as major determinants of high-risk phenotypes, such as red hair and pale skin, and the ability to tan in response to UV exposure. Several studies also suggest that such variants may increase melanoma risk independent of their contribution to phenotype. A strong genetic basis for both nevus density and size has been demonstrated and the link between nevi and the development of MM has become better defined. Finally, germline defects in several genes involved in cell cycle regulation, namely, p16 and CDK4, have been demonstrated in many familial melanoma kindreds. This progress has introduced the prospect of genetic testing as a means of identifying a limited number of high-risk individuals who can be targeted with regular screening and education regarding UV exposure and skin self-examination. Ultimately, through rational genetic therapy targeted to correcting the underlying molecular defect, altering the natural history of melanoma development may be possible.

scholarly journals Particle transport within the pulsar wind nebula HESS J1825–137

2019 ◽  
Vol 621 ◽  
pp. A116 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
H. Abdalla ◽  
F. Aharonian ◽  
F. Ait Benkhali ◽  
E. O. Angüner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Transport ◽  
Crab Nebula ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Variation ◽  
Spatially Resolved ◽  
Pure Diffusion ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Pulsar Wind ◽  
Energy Dependent

Context. We present a detailed view of the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) HESS J1825–137. We aim to constrain the mechanisms dominating the particle transport within the nebula, accounting for its anomalously large size and spectral characteristics. Aims. The nebula was studied using a deep exposure from over 12 years of H.E.S.S. I operation, together with data from H.E.S.S. II that improve the low-energy sensitivity. Enhanced energy-dependent morphological and spatially resolved spectral analyses probe the very high energy (VHE, E > 0.1 TeV) γ-ray properties of the nebula. Methods. The nebula emission is revealed to extend out to 1.5° from the pulsar, ~1.5 times farther than previously seen, making HESS J1825–137, with an intrinsic diameter of ~100 pc, potentially the largest γ-ray PWN currently known. Characterising the strongly energy-dependent morphology of the nebula enables us to constrain the particle transport mechanisms. A dependence of the nebula extent with energy of R ∝ Eα with α = −0.29 ± 0.04stat ± 0.05sys disfavours a pure diffusion scenario for particle transport within the nebula. The total γ-ray flux of the nebula above 1 TeV is found to be (1.12 ± 0.03stat ± 0.25sys) × 10−11 cm−2 s−1, corresponding to ~64% of the flux of the Crab nebula. Results. HESS J1825–137 is a PWN with clearly energy-dependent morphology at VHE γ-ray energies. This source is used as a laboratory to investigate particle transport within intermediate-age PWNe. Based on deep observations of this highly spatially extended PWN, we produce a spectral map of the region that provides insights into the spectral variation within the nebula.

scholarly journals Near-field optical imaging and spectroscopy of 2D-TMDs

Nanophotonics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Youngbum Kim ◽  
Jeongyong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Optical Imaging ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Transition Metal Dichalcogenides ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Carrier Distribution ◽  
Spatially Resolved ◽  
Metal Dichalcogenides ◽  
Imaging And Spectroscopy ◽  
Local Defects

Abstract Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) are atomically thin semiconductors with a direct bandgap in monolayer thickness, providing ideal platforms for the development of exciton-based optoelectronic devices. Extensive studies on the spectral characteristics of exciton emission have been performed, but spatially resolved optical studies of 2D-TMDs are also critically important because of large variations in the spatial profiles of exciton emissions due to local defects and charge distributions that are intrinsically nonuniform. Because the spatial resolution of conventional optical microscopy and spectroscopy is fundamentally limited by diffraction, near-field optical imaging using apertured or metallic probes has been used to spectrally map the nanoscale profiles of exciton emissions and to study the effects of nanosize local defects and carrier distribution. While these unique approaches have been frequently used, revealing information on the exciton dynamics of 2D-TMDs that is not normally accessible by conventional far-field spectroscopy, a dedicated review of near-field imaging and spectroscopy studies on 2D-TMDs is not available. This review is intended to provide an overview of the current status of near-field optical research on 2D-TMDs and the future direction with regard to developing nanoscale optical imaging and spectroscopy to investigate the exciton characteristics of 2D-TMDs.

scholarly journals Skin Melanoma and Subsequent Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Lithuanian Cancer Registry Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (20) ◽  
pp. 3915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ausvydas Patasius ◽  
Vincas Urbonas ◽  
Giedre Smailyte
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
General Population ◽  
Cancer Registry ◽  
Registry Study ◽  
Skin Melanoma ◽  
Expected Number ◽  
Melanoma Diagnosis ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Subsequent Risk

Emerging data indicates that melanoma may be linked to prostate cancer. We evaluated if the incidence of melanoma was associated with subsequent risk of prostate cancer (PC). We extracted data from the Lithuanian cancer registry from 1993 to 2012. We calculated the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for PC as a ratio of observed number of cancer cases in people with previous melanoma diagnosis to the expected number of cancer cases in the underlying general population. Therein, 95% confidence intervals for the SIRs were estimated assuming the number of observed cancer cases follows the Poisson distribution. Overall, 65 PCs were observed versus 52.5 expected (SIR 1.24; 95% CI: 0.97–1.58) within a period of 24 years. A significantly increased risk of PC was found in patients with melanoma diagnosis over 70 years (SIR 1.62; 95% CI: 1.11–2.39) and in two periods of diagnosis (SIRs 1.76 and 1.62 in 1993–1997 and 2009–2012, respectively). A significantly increased risk was also found five to nine years after melanoma diagnosis (SIR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.05–2.38). Further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between melanoma and subsequent risk of prostate cancer.

scholarly journals UVR-sensor wearable device intervention to improve sun behaviors and reduce sunburns in melanoma survivors: study protocol of a parallel-group randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel I. Vogel ◽  
Rebekah H. Nagler ◽  
Rehana L. Ahmed ◽  
Katherine Brown ◽  
Xianghua Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Wearable Device ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Melanoma Diagnosis ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Individuals who have been diagnosed with melanoma have more than a 9-fold increased risk of developing another melanoma. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure following a melanoma diagnosis can be modified to reduce risk of a new melanoma diagnosis. Yet research shows that many melanoma survivors do not report optimal sun protection practices. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a UVR-sensor wearable device to improve sun protection behaviors and reduce sunburns in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in melanoma survivors. Methods We will conduct an RCT among 368 melanoma survivors in two waves (Summer 2020, Summer 2021). This approach allows for adequate recruitment of the required sample and potential improvements to recruitment, compliance, and retention strategies between waves. The intervention includes an informational brochure about sun protection behaviors and a commercially available UVR-sensor wearable device (Shade), which accurately measures UVR. The device, along with its associated mobile application, measures and stores UVR exposure. As UVR exposure accumulates, the device provides notifications to increase sun protection action. Survivors in the control group receive the device and a separate mobile application that does not provide notifications or summary UVR exposure data. Participants will be asked to wear the device for 12 weeks. They will complete surveys about their sun behaviors at study entry, every 4 weeks during the intervention, and 1 year later. At the end of the intervention period, intervention and control groups will be compared for differences in a summary measure of sun protection habits and experience of a sunburn. We will also measure self-reported physical activity, depression, and anxiety to examine potential unintended negative consequences of the intervention. Discussion The study intervention will be completed Fall 2021, with anticipated results available in 2022. If this intervention improves sun protection behaviors in melanoma survivors, these findings would support expanding the use of this technology with other populations at high risk for melanoma. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03927742. Registered on April 15, 2019.

Allostatic Perspectives in Women Veterans With a History of Childhood Sexual Assault

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 454-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen Wimberly Groër ◽  
Elizabeth A. Kostas-Polston ◽  
Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga ◽  
Theresa M. Beckie ◽  
Versie Johnson-Mallard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Women Veterans ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
History Of

Background:Women veterans have increased reports of sexual victimization compared to women in general, including childhood sexual assault (CSA) before military service, increasing the risk of military sexual trauma. Findings from recent studies reveal negative health effects following a history of CSA. There is a strong relationship between CSA and revictimization in civilian and military life, which may contribute to allostatic load.Objectives:(1) To determine the relationship between women veterans’ CSA history and later sexual assault history and (2) to determine the relationships between women veterans’ CSA and primary mediators and secondary and tertiary outcomes of allostasis.Research design:Cross-sectional.Subjects:Women ( N = 81), 18–70 years old, veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.Measures:Participants completed questionnaires and blood and hair samples were collected. Several scales were utilized: Posttraumatic Checklist–Military, Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale, Pain Outcomes Questionnaire–Short Form, Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Profile of Mood States, and an investigator-developed sexual harassment/assault instrument.Results:Thirty-three percent of participants reported CSA; of these, 38.5% reported military sexual assault and 70.3% sexual assault during civilian life. Those with CSA had higher cholesterol, triglycerides, perceived stress scores, and greater pain and fatigue than those without CSA. Hair cortisol was marginally lower in women with CSA when PSS was controlled, suggesting a dampened hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.Conclusions:These data suggest that some women veterans with a history of CSA may have increased allostatic load and be at increased risk for a variety of later life illnesses.

scholarly journals The Role of Melanocortin 1 Receptor in Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Beth Steck
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Mapk Pathway ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Genomic Research ◽  
Melanocortin 1 Receptor ◽  
Red Hair ◽  
Increased Risk

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is an epidemic cancer in the United States. Survival rates for invasive CMM have not increased in past decades despite numerous clinical trials and the effective use of various combinations of chemotherapy agents to treat other cancers. Recent research has investigated the role of melanocortin 1 receptor ( MC1R), a gene associated with red-hair phenotype in White individuals and with increased risk for developing CMM, in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This limited narrative review discusses the incidence, history, and risk factors for CMM. It explores familial CMM and provides a brief review of melanocyte development and melanogenesis. Histology of CMM and cytogenetic techniques used to identify CMM mutations is also discussed. The structure and function of MC1R is described, with particular attention to MC1R’s role in the MAPK pathway. Finally, the review touches on individualized therapy for CMM using genetic biomarkers and explores the promise of genomic research for finding effective treatments.

scholarly journals Techniques for Malignant Melanoma Diagnosis: A Systematic Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-86
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Melanoma Detection ◽  
Melanoma Diagnosis ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Detection And Diagnosis ◽  
Images Processing

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. If melanoma detection and diagnosis is performed in its early stages, the probabilities of recovery and survival are higher. Dermoscopy is a manual method which is applied by doctors to diagnose this disease, but it strongly depends on the experience of the specialist who performs this skin assessment. Although, many proposals have been made for automated detection and diagnosis of malignant melanoma based on images processing, there are still improvement opportunities for melanoma diagnosis. This paper aims to identify the current status of the latest researches related to techniques for malignant melanoma diagnosis based on images analysis, considering the three research questions that have been elaborated for the systematic literature review: Q1) Which are the latest methods for malignant melanoma detection? Q2) Which systems for malignant melanoma diagnosis have been implemented in the last 5 years? And Q3) Which CAD systems for malignant melanoma detection have been developed? Furthermore, a cross-analysis of the outcome was performed. The results propose the implementation of systems using Inception V3 and the classifier Support Vector Machine, which achieved high accuracies in malignant melanoma diagnosis based on images processing.

Eruptive Melanocytic Nevi Induced by Interferon for Nodal Metastatic Melanoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 410-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Salopek ◽  
Muhammad N. Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Nodal Metastasis ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Melanocytic Nevi ◽  
Dysplastic Nevi ◽  
Pigmented Lesions ◽  
Paraneoplastic Disorder ◽  
Possible Cause ◽  
High Dose Interferon ◽  
Melanoma Case

Background: The rapid appearance of multiple new melanocytic nevi is known as eruptive nevi and has been well documented to occur with certain medications, in particular chemotherapeutic agents. Methods: We report a case of a woman with melanoma complicated by nodal metastasis who developed multiple melanocytic nevi while on high-dose interferon. Results: Serial photographs confirmed that the pigmented lesions were of new onset, whereas histology documented that the lesions were dysplastic nevi. A survey of the literature documented numerous causes of eruptive nevi, which we review. To date, interferon has not been linked to eruptive nevi. Conclusions: The phenomenon of eruptive nevi has been attributed to medications, bullous dermatoses, immunosuppression, and systemic conditions and is possibly a paraneoplastic disorder. Interferon appears to be another possible cause of this disorder.

Subungueal pigmented lesions: warning for dermoscopic melanoma diagnosis

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta GRAZZINI ◽  
Susanna ROSSARI ◽  
Alessia GORI ◽  
Suzanna CORCIOVA ◽  
Giuseppe GUERRIERO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pigmented Lesions ◽  
Melanoma Diagnosis
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