Impact of metformin on melanoma: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: There is evidence of a modest reduction in skin cancer risk among metformin users. However, no studies have further examined the effects of metformin on melanoma survival and safety outcomes. This study aimed to quantitatively summarize any influence of metformin on the overall survival (OS) and immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) in melanoma patients.

Large-Scale Proteome Profiling Identifies Biomarkers Associated with Suspected Neurosyphilis Diagnosis.

Neurosyphilis (NS) is a central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum). NS can occur at any stage of syphilis and manifests as a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms.

Importance of controlling mesocotyl elongation in the development of rice seedlings intended for mechanical transplantation.

The mesocotyl facilities the emergence of deep-sown rice. However, the effects of mesocotyl elongation on mechanically transplanted rice seedlings remain unclear. In this study, the indica three-line hybrid rice Chuanyou 6709 (CY6709) and the indica conventional rice Guichao II (GCII) were selected as experimental materials.

Mechanosensitive TRPV4 is required for crystal-induced inflammation.

Crystal structures activate innate immune cells, especially macrophages and initiate inflammatory responses. We aimed to understand the role of the mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel in crystal-induced inflammation. Real-time RT-PCR, RNAscope in situ hybridisation, and mice were used to examine TRPV4 expression and whole-cell patch-clamp recording and live-cell Ca imaging were used to study TRPV4 function in mouse synovial macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Evaluating the accuracy and diagnostic value of CFW and a new fluorescent reagents, fluorescent brightener 85, for the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common vaginitis in females. The commonly used diagnostic method, 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear microscopy, makes it not very easy to recognize fungi.

Methods: Vaginal secretions were collected from clinically suspected VVC patients and divided into four groups and examined using KOH, CFW (Calcofluor White), FB 85(fluorescent brightener 85), and culture.

Mechanisms of Broad-Band UVB Irradiation‒Induced Itch in Mice.

Although sunburn can produce severe uncontrollable itching, the underlying mechanisms of UV irradiation‒induced itch are poorly understood because of a lack of experimental animal models of sunburn itch. In this study, we established a sunburn-related mouse model and found that broad-band UVB irradiation elicited scratching but not wiping behavior in mice. Using a combination of live-cell calcium ion imaging and quantitative RT-PCR on dorsal root ganglion neurons, H&E staining, immunofluorescence staining of skin preparations, and behavioral testing, in combination with genetic and pharmacological approaches, we showed that TRPV1-positive dorsal root ganglion neurons but not mast cells are involved in broad-band UVB irradiation‒induced itch.

Application of reflectance confocal microscopy to investigate the non-ablative, micro-ablative, and ablative effects of CO fractional laser irradiation on skin.

CO fractional laser, as an ablative fractional laser, is commonly used in cosmetic treatment. We applied CO fractional laser irradiation to skin in vitro and used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to image and detect the presence of any non-ablative, micro-ablative and ablative effects, in order to better understand the features of a CO fractional laser. In vitro irradiation of foreskin was performed using a CO fractional laser.

The Role of Scanning Electron Microscopy in the Direct Diagnosis of Onychomycosis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in the direct diagnosis of suspected onychomycosis with negative mycological test results.

Methods: Outpatients diagnosed with suspected onychomycosis with negative mycological test results, including direct microscopic examination with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and fungal culture, on 3 separate occasions were recruited. A small piece of infected nail was obtained for SEM examination.

Evaluation of a new fluorescent reagent, fluorescent brightener 85, for the diagnosis of suspected onychomycosis compared with potassium hydroxide.

Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection in dermatology clinics. The commonly used diagnostic method, potassium hydroxide (KOH) direct microscopy, does not have a high-positive detection rate. Therefore, a new diagnostic method is needed to confirm onychomycosis.

Application of reflectance confocal microscopy to evaluate skin damage after irradiation with an yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (YSGG) laser.

The objective of this study was to observe the characteristics of the skin after irradiation with a 2790-nm yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (YSGG) laser using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). A 2790-nm YSGG laser was used to irradiate fresh foreskin (four doses, at spot density 3) in vitro. The characteristics of microscopic ablative columns (MAC), thermal coagulation zone (TCZ), and microscopic treatment zones (MTZ) were observed immediately after irradiation using digital microscope and RCM.

An ultrastructural study of Trichophyton rubrum induced onychomycosis.

Background: Trichophyton rubrum (T.rubrum) caused onychomycosis is the most common nail fungal disease. The common diagnostic methods are direct microscopic examination and fungal culture.

Scanning electron microscopy of the nail plate in onychomycosis patients with negative fungal culture.

Onychomycosis is a common dermatological problem and can be identified by direct microscopic examination and fungal culture. However, the positive rate of fungal culture is low. This study investigated the application of scanning electron microscopy in the diagnosis of onychomycosis in 20 patients with negative fungal culture.