Case of dystrophic calcinosis cutis in epidermal cyst arising from verrucous epidermal nevus

Dystrophic calcinosis cutis is diagnosed when calcium is deposited into previously damaged tissue by connective tissue disease, panniculitis, pseudoxanthoma elasticum or trauma. We report a case of dystrophic calcinosis cutis arising from the lesion of an epidermal cyst on the verrucous epidermal nevus. A 20‐year‐old woman presented with a polypoid pinkish tumor on a brownish, verrucous plaque. Histopathological findings of the pinkish tumor showed calcium deposits as amorphous, basophilic material lining the true epidermis in the upper dermis, which were compatible with dystrophic calcinosis cutis and the plaque was diagnosed as a verrucous epidermal nevus.     

Impact of oxidative stress on lung diseases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are products of normal cellular metabolism and are known to act as second messengers. Under physiological conditions, ROS participate in maintenance of cellular 'redox homeostasis' in order to protect cells against oxidative stress through various redox-regulatory mechanisms. Overproduction of ROS, most frequently due to excessive stimulation of either reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate by cytokines or the mitochondrial electron transport chain and xanthine oxidase, results in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a deleterious process that leads to lung damage and consequently to various disease states. Knowledge of the mechanisms of ROS regulation could lead to the pharmacological manipulation of antioxidants in lung inflammation and injury.     

Skin barrier function recovery after diamond microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a popular method for facial rejuvenation and is performed worldwide. Despite its extensive usage, there are few publications on skin barrier change after microdermabrasion and none concerning diamond microdermabrasion. Our object was to see changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and erythema of the face following diamond microdermabrasion. Twenty-eight patients were included in this spilt face study. TEWL, stratum corneum hydration and the degree of erythema were measured from the right and left sides of the face (forehead and cheek) at baseline. One side of the face was treated with diamond microdermabrasion and the other side was left untreated. Measurements were taken right after the procedure and repeated at set time intervals. Diamond microdermabrasion was associated with a statistically significant increase in TEWL immediately after the procedure and at 24 h. However, on day 2, levels of TEWL were back to baseline. An increase in hydration and erythema was observed right after microdermabrasion, but both returned to baseline on day 1. The results show that skin barrier function of the forehead and cheek recovers within 2 days of diamond microdermabrasion. Diamond microdermabrasion performed on a weekly basis, as presently done, is expected to allow sufficient time for the damaged skin to recover its barrier function in most parts of the face.     

Use of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in an Eight-Month-Old Infant with Ventricular Fibrillation Arising from a Myocardial Fibroma

We report our experience with use of a ICD in a 7-month-old infant who presented with VF. We utilized an epicardial patch and active generator in the abdomen. Development of mediastinitis required explantation and eventual replacement with a subcutaneous patch and active generator in the abdomen.     

Signal transduction pathway in human middle ear cholesteatoma

Phospholipase C-gamma1 plays a central role in signal transduction, and it is important in cellular growth, differentiation, and proliferation. Human cholesteatoma in the middle ear is characterized by the presence of a keratinizing epithelium that is believed to have hyperproliferative properties. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the distribution of phospholipase C-gamma1 in cholesteatoma matrix and deep meatal skin with Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, overexpression of phospholipase C-gamma1 in cholesteatoma matrix suggests a possible derangement of enhanced growth signal transduction in keratinocytes.