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BCC
Kinds of BCC Terms modified by BCC Selected AbstractsCytological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis, using Papanicolaou and May,Grünwald,Giemsa stained cutaneous tissue smearCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2008E. Christensen Objective:, Cytology may become the diagnostic method of choice with the advent of new non-invasive treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer, as the sampling technique for cytology entails little tissue disfiguration. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the diagnostic performance of scrape cytology using two different cytological staining techniques, and to evaluate additional touch imprint cytology, with that of histopathology of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic keratosis (AK). Methods:, We investigated 50 BCC and 28 AK histologically verified lesions, from 41 and 25 patients, respectively. Two separate skin scrape samples and one touch imprint sample were taken from each lesion. The smears were stained with Papanicolaou (Pap) or May,Grünwald,Giemsa (MGG) stains. All cytological specimens were examined in random order by pathologists without knowledge of the histology. Cytodiagnostic results were compared with the histopathological report. Results:, Scrape cytodiagnosis agreed with histopathology in 48 (Pap) and 47 (MGG) of the 50 BCC cases, and in 26 of 28 (Pap) and 21 of 26 (MGG) AK cases, yielding sensitivities of 96%, 94%, 93% and 81%, respectively. No significant difference in sensitivity between the two staining methods was found but a trend towards higher Pap sensitivity for AK was noted (P = 0.10). Touch imprint cytology confirmed histopathology in 38 of the 77 cases of BCC and AK. Conclusion:, Cytological diagnosis with either Pap or MGG stain for BCC and AK is reliable, and differentiates well between BCC and AK. Imprint cytology proved to be non-diagnostic in half of the examined cases. [source] Assessment of Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in the Diagnosis of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and Benign Lesions Versus Normal Skin: Observer-Blinded Evaluation by Dermatologists and PathologistsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2009METTE MOGENSEN MD BACKGROUND Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical imaging technique that may be useful in diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). OBJECTIVES To describe OCT features in NMSC such as actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and in benign lesions and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of OCT in differentiating NMSC from benign lesions and normal skin. METHODS AND MATERIALS OCT and polarization-sensitive (PS) OCT from 104 patients were studied. Observer-blinded evaluation of OCT images from 64 BCCs, 1 baso-squamous carcinoma, 39 AKs, two malignant melanomas, nine benign lesions, and 105 OCT images from perilesional skin was performed; 50 OCT images of NMSC and 50 PS-OCT images of normal skin were evaluated twice. RESULTS Sensitivity was 79% to 94% and specificity 85% to 96% in differentiating normal skin from lesions. Important features were absence of well-defined layering in OCT and PS-OCT images and dark lobules in BCC. Discrimination of AK from BCC had an error rate of 50% to 52%. CONCLUSION OCT features in NMSC are identified, but AK and BCC cannot be differentiated. OCT diagnosis is less accurate than clinical diagnosis, but high accuracy in distinguishing lesions from normal skin, crucial for delineating tumor borders, was obtained. [source] Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Cutaneous Neoplasia, Inflammatory Disorders, and PhotoagingDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2009EMILY TIERNEY MD BACKGROUND Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has demonstrated high efficacy, minimal side effects, and improved cosmetic outcome when used for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma, and photoaging. METHODS To review the literature on the use of PDT in dermatologic surgery using MEDLINE. RESULTS Published clinical studies using PDT in the treatment of AKs yield overall efficacy rates ranging from 50% to 71% with one treatment to as high as 88% to 90% with two or more treatments. For superficial BCC, initial clearance rates were 76% to 97%, and for Bowen's disease, initial clearance rates ranged from 72% to 94% overall. The use of PDT for photorejuvenation is a relatively new application of this technology, which has shown promise in improving the appearance of fine lines, pigmentary variation, and telangiectasias. CONCLUSIONS The advantages of photodynamic therapy include the capacity for noninvasive targeted therapy through topical application of aminolevulinic acid and methyl aminolevulinic acid, with outstanding cosmetic results. Although the theory behind the use of chemical photosensitizers and ultraviolet light to treat a wide variety of skin disorders is straightforward, the practical application of this technology is evolving. Additional research into the precise mechanisms of action for specific photosensitizers and optimal light sources will be highly beneficial to the advancement of this technology. [source] Test Characteristics of High-Resolution Ultrasound in the Preoperative Assessment of Margins of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients Undergoing Mohs Micrographic SurgeryDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2009ANOKHI JAMBUSARIA-PAHLAJANI MD BACKGROUND Noninvasive techniques to assess subclinical spread of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) may improve surgical precision. High-resolution ultrasound has shown promise in evaluating the extent of NMSC. OBJECTIVES To determine the accuracy of high-resolution ultrasound to assess the margins of basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) before Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). METHODS We enrolled 100 patients with invasive SCC or BCC. Before the first stage of MMS, a Mohs surgeon delineated the intended surgical margin. Subsequently, a trained ultrasound technologist independently evaluated disease extent using the EPISCAN I-200 to evaluate tumor extent beyond this margin. The accuracy of high-resolution ultrasound was subsequently tested by comparison with pathology from frozen sections. RESULTS The test characteristics of the high-resolution ultrasound were sensitivity=32%, specificity=88%, positive predictive value=47%, and negative predictive value=79%. Subgroup analyses demonstrated better test characteristics for tumors larger than the median (area>1.74 cm2). Qualitative analyses showed that high-resolution ultrasound was less likely to identify extension from tumors with subtle areas of extension, such as small foci of dermal invasion from infiltrative SCC and micronodular BCC. CONCLUSION High-resolution ultrasound requires additional refinements to improve the preoperative determination of tumor extent before surgical treatment of NMSC. [source] Longitudinal Diminution of Tumor Size for Basal Cell Carcinoma Suggests Shifting Referral Patterns for Mohs SurgeryDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2008ANDREW L. KAPLAN MD BACKGROUND The Mohs technique for removal of cutaneous malignancies offers tissue-sparing benefits compared with other treatment methods. With wider acceptance and availability of Mohs surgery, referral patterns may be shifting toward the treatment of smaller, lower-risk tumors. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine whether referral patterns for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) at an academic Mohs surgery practice have shifted over recent years toward referral for smaller, lower risk tumors. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal comparison of tumor characteristics was performed for BCCs treated at our institution from a recent year (2004) and a past year (1996). Statistical analyses were used to identify differences in tumor size, distribution by anatomic site, and primary versus recurrent status. RESULTS Complete data were available for 603 BCCs treated in 1996 and 1,514 BCCs treated in 2004. A 24% decrease in preoperative tumor surface area was observed from 1996 (1.25 cm2) to 2004 (0.95 cm2). Tumors were twice as likely to be recurrent in 1996 (15.1%) than in 2004 (7.4%). There were no significant differences in the anatomic distribution of lesions in the years compared. CONCLUSIONS Findings at our institution suggest that in recent years, referral patterns have shifted toward a preference for Mohs surgery for the treatment of smaller, primary BCCs. This may be a result of increased awareness by the dermatologic and medical community of the numerous advantages of Mohs surgery and a greater appreciation of its tissue-sparing properties, which may result in less complex and more successful aesthetic reconstructions. [source] Aggressive and Neglected Basal Cell CarcinomaDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2005Ali Asilian MD Background. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy and usually has a benign coarse. Rarely, examples of aggressive and neglected types of this tumor are seen. Objective. To present an interesting and dramatic example of how some people neglect their tumors and how devastating the sequelae can be. Methods. We report a 58-year-old man with an extensive BCC and signs of cranial nerve involvement. Results. The patient had a large, infected ulcer on his scalp. He also had skull bone destruction, osteomyelitis, mastoiditis, cranial nerve paralysis, and radiographic features of the skull base and upper cervical soft tissue involvement. Pathologic studies revealed an infiltrating form of BCC. Conclusions. If left untreated and neglected, as in this case, BCC can become inoperable and complicated. ALI ASILIAN, MD, AND BANAFSHE TAMIZIFAR, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS. [source] A Common Tumor, An Uncommon Location: Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple and Areola in a 49-Year-Old WomanDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2005Nathan Rosen MD Background. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) occurring on sun-protected regions is an uncommon phenomenon. BCC of the nipple is an exceedingly rare event. Method. We review the literature on BCC of the female nipple and herein describe the eighth reported case in the English literature. Our patient was treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Conclusion. BCC of the nipple are extremely rare tumors with unclear etiology. They can be aggressive and are capable of causing significant morbidity and mortality if they are neglected or improperly treated. With continued reporting of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of these patients, we may gain an understanding of the pathogenesis, as well as the best method of control for these unusual tumors. [source] Imiquimod Treatment of Superficial and Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma: 12-Week Open-Label TrialDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2005Ketty Peris MD Background Imiquimod is an immune response modifier shown to be effective in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Objective To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and response durability of imiquimod 5% cream in selected patients with superficial and/or nodular BCCs. Methods Seventy-five superficial and 19 nodular BCCs in 49 patients were treated with imiquimod once daily three times a week for up to 12 weeks. Results Of the 49 enrolled patients, 1 discontinued the study and 1 was lost to follow-up. After 12 weeks of treatment, a complete response occurred in 70 of 75 (93.3%) superficial BCCs and a partial response in 4 of 75 (5.3%) superficial BCCs. Ten of 19 (52.6%) nodular BCCs cleared after 12 weeks, whereas 7 (36.8%) showed partial remission. Adverse side effects were limited to local skin reactions. Recurrence was observed in 2 of 70 (2.9%) successfully treated superficial BCCs 6 and 8 months after treatment discontinuation. No recurrence was detected in 68 of 70 (97.1%) superficial BCCs and in 10 successfully treated nodular BCCs after 12 to 34 months of follow-up (mean 23 months). Conclusions In our patient population, treatment of superficial BCCs with topical imiquimod for 12 weeks produced an excellent clinical response overall, with complete remission maintained after a mean of 23 months. KETTY PERIS, MD, ELENA CAMPIONE, MD, TAMARA MICANTONIO, MD, GEORGIANA CLARE MARULLI, MD, MARIA CONCETTA FARGNOLI, MD, AND SERGIO CHIMENTI, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS. [source] Environmental Risk Factors Predisposing to the Development of Basal Cell CarcinomaDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2004Malgorzata Zak-Prelich MD Background. Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common malignancies in white people. The incidence varies depending on the region of the world, with the highest rate of 1% to 2% per year noted in Australia. It is estimated that BCC incidence increases by 5% annually. An increasing incidence of BCC is in line with the changes in the living style and exposure to various environmental factors. Objective. To present the environmental factors that may influence the development of BCCs. The influence of ultraviolet radiation exposure alone and in connection with immunosuppression, smoking, occupational factors, as well as arsenic and ionizing radiation exposure, was described. Conclusion. BCC is a very complex disease, with many factors influencing its development. Environmental factors are very important for the prevalence of BCC, and most of them can be avoided. The exposure to ultraviolet radiation is undoubtedly of great risk; therefore, the national campaigns against aggressive, seasonal sun exposure, especially in children and adolescents, as well as using sunscreens, are of great value in the fight against BCC development. [source] Axillary Basal Cell CarcinomaDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2003Benjamin W. LeSueur MD Background. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) rarely occurs in the axilla. Only 18 cases have been reported in the world literature. Objectives. To report our institution's 11-year experience with axillary BCC. Methods. A review of patient charts and biopsy specimens is given. Results. We report 14 patients with 15 axillary BCCs. The average patient age was 65.6. The average lesion size was 10.8 mm. Nine patients had a personal history of skin cancer at sun-exposed sites. One patient had basal cell nevus syndrome. A history of ionizing radiation and severe sunburn involving the axilla was each seen in separate patients. No other predisposing factors for developing BCC were identified, such as immune suppression or a history of other malignancies. Histologic subtypes of all tumors were considered less aggressive, and only one tumor recurred. Conclusions. Axillary BCC is rare. Factors other than ultraviolet radiation likely contribute to the development of BCC, especially at sun-protected sites. Performing a periodic and complete cutaneous examination that includes sun-protected sites is important, especially in patients who have a history of skin cancer. [source] Evidence-Based Review of the Use of Cryosurgery in Treatment of Basal Cell CarcinomaDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2003Agnieszka Kokoszka MD Background. Cryosurgery has been used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and it has many technical advantages over other methods. It is therefore important to establish its efficacy as a treatment for BCC. Objective. To review systematically the body of literature reporting on the efficacy of cryosurgery of BCC in terms of recurrence rates and cosmetic results. Methods. A review is given of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CancerLit, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for studies that examined cryosurgery in treatment of BCC patients. Results. We found 13 noncontrolled prospective studies and 4 randomized clinical trials comparing cryosurgery to other methods of treatment for BCC. Because of the inability to double blind or placebo control treatment of BCC, none of the studies met criteria for A or B grade evidence, as defined by Sackett. Therefore, all studies were assigned grade C. Conclusions. According to the best evidence, recurrence rates of BCC treated with cryosurgery are low (less than 10%). Except in one study, recurrence rates are calculated based on clinical, rather than histologic diagnosis, which may cause the rates to appear somewhat lower than they actually are, especially with a short follow-up period. Cosmetic results of cryosurgery treatment reported in literature are described as good by most investigators. Overall, there are sufficient data to consider cryosurgery as a reasonable treatment for BCC. There are no good studies, however, comparing cryosurgery with other modalities, particularly with Mohs surgery, excision, or electrodesiccation and curettage so that no conclusion can be made whether cryosurgery is as efficacious as other methods. Also, there is no evidence on whether curetting the lesions before cryosurgery affects the efficacy of treatment. [source] Noninvasive Imaging, Treatment, and Microscopic Confirmation of Clearance of Basal Cell CarcinomaDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2003Mark Goldgeier MD BACKGROUND. The diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is generally established by skin biopsy followed by tissue preparation and microscopic analysis. Treatment of BCC is often accomplished by surgical excision. Objective. To confirm the presence of BCC with a noninvasive imaging technique, to treat the patient with a topical immune response modifier, and to confirm the clearance of BCC noninvasively. METHODS. Confocal microscopy (CM) is a noninvasive technique for real-time imaging of skin in vivo. Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, is applied topically by the patient to the skin lesion. RESULTS. The presence of BCC was confirmed with CM. Posttreatment CM imaging confirmed the clearance of BCC from the entire treatment field. Both the pretreatment and the posttreatment CM findings were confirmed by invasive biopsy. CONCLUSION. The ability to use CM to image in real time without discomfort to the patient makes it a powerful tool to assist in the diagnosis of skin disease. [source] Interobserver Agreement on Dermoscopic Features of Pigmented Basal Cell CarcinomaDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2002Ketty Peris MD background. A dermoscopic method based on the absence of a pigment network and the presence of at least one of six positive features has been described for diagnosis of pigmented basal cell carcinoma (BCC). objective. To evaluate the observers' global agreement and interobserver agreement on each dermoscopic parameter of the method recently proposed. methods. Dermoscopic images of 56 pigmented BCCs were examined by five observers with different degrees of experience in dermoscopy. results. An overall full agreement was reached for the absence of pigment network (k = 1). Very good agreement was detected for the presence of spoke wheel areas (k = 0.85) and arborizing vessels (k = 0.72), and good agreement was shown for ulceration (k = 0.49) and multiple blue-gray globules (k = 0.41). No agreement was identified on large blue-gray ovoid nests (k = 0.28) and leaflike areas (k = 0.26). conclusion. We confirm the reproducibility of the method and show that ulceration, spoke wheel areas, and arborizing tel- angiectases represent the most robust positive parameters. [source] A Risk Scale for Predicting Extensive Subclinical Spread of Nonmelanoma Skin CancerDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2002R. Sonia Batra MD background. The clinical appearance of nonmelanoma skin cancer may represent only a portion of microscopic tumor invasion. objective. To develop a scale based on high-risk characteristics for predicting the probability of extensive subclinical spread of nonmelanoma skin cancer. methods. Retrospective analysis of 1095 Mohs micrographic surgical cases (MMS) yielded high-risk factors for extensive tumor spread, defined as requirement of ,3 MMS layers. Predictive characteristics included: any BCC on the nose, morpheaform BCC on the cheek, neck tumors and recurrent BCC in men, location on the eyelid, temple, or ear helix, and size>10 mm. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to develop a risk index. results. Tumor characteristics were assigned point values calculated from the respective odds of extension and categorized into six risk classes with probabilities of extensive subclinical spread ranging from 10% to 56%. conclusion. A risk scale simplifies and enhances prediction of extensive tumors. The associated probabilities can help to guide patient preparation and appropriate therapy. [source] Axillary Basal Cell Carcinoma: Literature Survey and Case ReportDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2001Erin S. Gardner MD Background. Primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the axilla has rarely been reported in the literature. No systematic review has yet been conducted. Objective. To present a case of basal cell carcinoma of the axilla. This is a rare presentation of a common disease in a non-sun-exposed part of the body. Methods. An extensive literature search for axillary BCCs was performed. An additional case is reported. Results. Only 14 cases of primary axillary BCC have been reported in the literature. Metastatic axillary BCC is also rarely reported. Conclusion. BCC in the axilla is extremely uncommon. Factors other than sun exposure are likely involved in tumorigenesis. [source] Increased Glycosaminoglycans Production in Sclerosing Basal Cell Carcinoma-Derived Fibroblasts and Stimulation of Normal Skin Fibroblast Glycosaminoglycans Production by a Cytokine-Derived from Sclerosing Basal Cell CarcinomaDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2000Ronald L. Moy MD Sclerosing basal cell carcinoma (S-BCC) is characterized by an abundant stroma. There is evidence that some tumor cells secrete cytokines that are mitogenic for stromal fibroblasts (FBs). From this study we report increased glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by cultures of S-BCC FBs in comparison to cultures of nodular BCC (N-BCC) FBs and normal skin FBs. GAG production was measured by cetylpyridinium chloride precipitation of incorporated [3H]-glucosamine. The sclerosing BCC FBs demonstrated a significant increase in production of GAG over control FBs (P < .001) and over N-BCC FBs (P < .001). Values reported as a mean percentage ± SEM for GAG production by S-BCC over control normal skin FBs are 359 ± 28 and over N-BCC FBs are 266 ± 27. In additional experiments, cell extract dilutions from S-BCC tumor, normal dermis, and normal epidermis were incubated with cultures of normal skin FBs. S-BCC-conditioned media was also incubated with normal FBs and GAG production was measured. For both S-BCC extracts and conditioned media, a dose response curve was established showing increased GAG production by normal FBs in relation to increasing the concentration of S-BCC extract or conditioned media. When S-BCC extract was added to normal FBs there was increased GAG production in comparison to normal FBs incubated with dermal or epidermal extracts (P < .001) for both. Two growth factors, transforming growth factor-, (TGF-,) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), already known to be mitogenic for FBs, were incubated with N-BCC and normal FBs in an effort to elucidate the potential cytokine(s) released by S-BCC, causing increased GAG production by surrounding FBs. Neither of these cytokines proved to be effective in promoting a significant increase in GAG production. Our findings support the hypothesis that BCCs release factors that alter stromal FB production of GAG. [source] Effect of Perilesional Injections of PEG-Interleukin-2 on Basal Cell CarcinomaDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2000Baruch Kaplan MD Background: Multiple modalities are available for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The most commonly used modalities include simple excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage and electrodessication, cryosurgery, and irradiation therapy. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine produced chiefly by activated T lymphocytes and has effects on various components of the immune system. Until now the primary clinical use of IL-2 has been in advanced stages of metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Systemic administration of IL-2 is known to cause significant toxicity. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of perilesional PEG-IL-2 injections in patients with BCC in an open label, uncontrolled pilot study. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed primary BCC over 18 years of age were included in the study. Lesions were treated by injecting a total volume of 0.5 cc of IL-2 in a radial fashion in the subcutaneous tissue. Injection dosages ranged from 3000 to 1,200,000 IU in one to four weekly dosages. A total of 12 tumors were treated in eight patients. Results: Overall response rates were as follows: complete response in 8 of 12 treated tumors (66.6% cure rate), partial response in 3 of 12 injected tumors (25% partial response rate), stable disease with no improvement in 1 treatment site (8.4%). Side effects included local pain, swelling, and erythema, and in one patient flulike symptoms. There were no significant changes of blood tests as compared to baseline levels. Conclusions: The therapeutic response induced by perilesional PEG-IL-2 injections was found to be an encouraging, safe, and well-tolerated treatment of BCC. Further studies including a larger patient population and long-term follow-up are necessary in order to substantiate these findings. [source] Investigating Burkholderia cepacia complex populations recovered from Italian maize rhizosphere by multilocus sequence typingENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2007Claudia Dalmastri Summary The Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) comprises at least nine closely related species of abundant environmental microorganisms. Some of these species are highly spread in the rhizosphere of several crop plants, particularly of maize; additionally, as opportunistic pathogens, strains of the BCC are capable of colonizing humans. We have developed and validated a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for the BCC. Although widely applied to understand the epidemiology of bacterial pathogens, MLST has seen limited application to the population analysis of species residing in the natural environment; we describe its novel application to BCC populations within maize rhizospheres. 115 BCC isolates were recovered from the roots of different maize cultivars from three different Italian regions over a 9-year period (1994,2002). A total of 44 sequence types (STs) were found of which 41 were novel when compared with existing MLST data which encompassed a global database of 1000 clinical and environmental strains representing nearly 400 STs. In this study of rhizosphere isolates approximately 2.5 isolates per ST was found, comparable to that found for the whole BCC population. Multilocus sequence typing also resolved inaccuracies associated with previous identification of the maize isolates based on recA gene restriction fragment length polymorphims and species-specific polymerase chain reaction. The 115 maize isolates comprised the following BCC species groups, B. ambifaria (39%), BCC6 (29%), BCC5 (10%), B. pyrrocinia (8%), B. cenocepacia IIIB (7%) and B. cepacia (6%), with BCC5 and BCC6 potentially constituting novel species groups within the complex. Closely related clonal complexes of strains were identified within B. cepacia, B. cenocepacia IIIB, BCC5 and BCC6, with one of the BCC5 clonal complexes being distributed across all three sampling sites. Overall, our analysis demonstrates that the maize rhizosphere harbours a massive diversity of novel BCC STs, so that their addition to our global MLST database increased the ST diversity by 10%. [source] Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of New AlCoxCrFeMo0.5Ni High-Entropy AlloysADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2010Chin-You Hsu Effects of Co content on microstructures and hot hardness of a new high-entropy alloy system, AlCoxCrFeMo0.5Ni (x,=,0.5 to 2.0) were investigated. As cobalt content increases, the microstructure changes from dendrite to polygrain type and the constituent phases change from BCC,+,, at x,=,0.5 to BCC,+,FCC,+,, at x,=,2.0. The alloy hardness varies from Hv 788 at x,=,0.5 to Hv 596 at x,=,2.0. This can be explained with the relative amount of hard , phase, medium hard BCC phase and soft FCC phase. All the AlCoxCrFeMo0.5Ni alloys possess higher hardness level than that of Ni-based superalloys In 718/In 718 H from room temperature to 1273,K. They obey the Westbrook equation presenting the normal heating behavior. Both alloys of x,=,0.5 and 1.0 exhibit a transition temperature higher than that of Co-based alloy T-800 by about 200,K. They also have a high hot hardness of Hv 347 at 1273,K, which is higher than those of In 718 and In718 H by Hv 220. The strengthening mechanism for their superiority is proposed. The AlCoxCrFeMo0.5Ni alloy system has great potential in high-temperature applications. [source] Image-processing chain for a three-dimensional reconstruction of basal cell carcinomas,EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Patrick Scheibe Please cite this paper as: Image-processing chain for a three-dimensional reconstruction of basal cell carcinomas. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 689,691. Abstract:, Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant skin cancer. For a deeper insight into the specific growth patterns of the tumorous tissue in BCC, we have focused on the development of a novel automated image-processing chain for 3D reconstruction of BCC using histopathological serial sections. For fully automatic delineation of the tumor within the tissue, we apply a fuzzy c-means segmentation method. We used a novel multi-grid form of the non-linear registration introduced by Braumann and Kuska in 2005 effectively suppressing registration runs into local minima (possibly caused by diffuse nature of the tumor). Our method was successfully applied in a proof-of-principle study for automated reconstruction. [source] Decreased expression of thymidine phosphorylase/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor in basal cell carcinomasEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2008Pierre E. Stoebner Abstract:, Thymidine phosphorylase (TP)/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor is associated with tumor angiogenesis. We evaluated the TP mRNA and protein expression in basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and in various skin tumors including numerous BCC histological simulants. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 99 paraffin sections of formalin-fixed skin tumors using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against TP. TP mRNA levels were measured by real time RT-PCR in whole BCCs (wBCC) and laser capture microdissected (LCM) BCC tumor cells. TP immunostaining was negative in all BCC variants and in most of the benign trichogeneic tumors studied. By contrast, TP was constantly immunodetected in actinic keratosis (AK), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), syringomatous carcinomas (SC), basosquamous carcinomas (BSC) and melanomas. TP mRNA levels were low and statistically not different in wBCC and normal skin but were strongly downregulated in LCM-BCC as compared with LCM-normal epidermis. We concluded that (i) anti-TP mAb is an useful marker to differentiate BCC from AK, SCC, BSC and SC but not from trichoblastic tumors, (ii) the lack of TP protein expression in BCC tumoral cells is linked to transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, (iii) the low TP mRNA levels in whole BCC may be related to the low intra-tumoral microvessel density, the slow growth and the very low metastatic potential of these tumors. [source] Screening of urocanic acid isomers in human basal and squamous cell carcinoma tumors compared with tumor periphery and healthy skinEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2008Juan Manuel Decara Abstract:,Trans -urocanic acid is a major chromophore for ultraviolet (UV) radiation in human epidermis. The UV induces photoisomerization of trans -urocanic acid (tUCA) form to cis -urocanic acid (cUCA) and has been reported as an important mediator in the immunosuppression induced by UV. This immunomodulation has been recognized as an important factor related to skin cancer development. This is the first time that UCA isomers have been measured in epidermis of skin biopsies from patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and compared with the tumor periphery and biopsies of healthy photoexposed and non-photoexposed skin as controls. The UCA isomers were separated and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Analysis of UCA in healthy skin showed significant increase in total UCA content in non-photoexposed body sites compared with highly exposed skins. In contrast, the percentage of cUCA was higher in photoexposed body sites. Maximal levels of cUCA were found in cheek, forehead and forearm and lower levels in abdomen and thigh. No differences were found in total UCA concentration between the tumor samples and healthy photoexposed skin. However, differences were found in relation between isomers. Higher levels of cUCA were detected in SCC biopsies (44% of total UCA) compared with samples of BCC and that of healthy photoexposed skin (30%). These results suggest that the UV radiation exposure, a main factor in development of SCC can be mediated, apart from direct effect to cells (DNA damage), by immunosuppression pathways mediated by high production of cUCA. [source] Long-term establishment, characterization and manipulation of cell lines from mouse basal cell carcinoma tumorsEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2006Po-Lin So Abstract:, There have been few reports of successful long-term culture of cells established from cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors. Here, we describe techniques that have enabled us to establish three long-term cultures of BCC cells isolated from BCC tumors that arose in irradiated Patched 1 (Ptch1)+/, mice. All three cell lines showed cellular morphology similar to that of BCC tumors and could be propagated for at least 20 passages. In addition, similar to BCC tumors, all cell lines had lost the wildtype Ptch1 allele, expressed BCC molecular markers, and responded similarly to cyclopamine, a small molecule inhibitor of Hedgehog signaling. Finally, we describe an efficient electroporation technique for DNA transfection into the BCC cell lines and show that they have activated Hedgehog signaling activity, albeit at a level lower than that of murine BCCs in vivo. These data indicate that the cell lines are bona fide long-term cultures of BCC cells and that DNA plasmids can be introduced into the BCC cell lines with relatively high transfection efficiency using a modified electroporation technique. [source] Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Enniatins L, M1, M2, and N: Novel Hydroxy AnalogsHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 8 2004Pornrapee Vongvilai Four new cyclohexadepsipeptides, enniatins L (1), M1 (2), M2 (3), and N (4), have been isolated from an unidentified fungus (BCC 2629), together with the known enniatins B (5), H (6), and I (7), MK1688 (8), and enniatin B4 (9). Compounds 1,4 are the first enniatin analogs with an OH group at the side chain of one of the 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid residues. The structures of 1,4 were elucidated by spectroscopic means and by X-ray crystallography. [source] Fully-automated hex-dominant mesh generation with directionality control via packing rectangular solid cellsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 15 2003Soji Yamakawa Abstract A new fully automatic hex-dominant mesh generation technique of an arbitrary 3D geometric domain is presented herein. The proposed method generates a high-quality hex-dominant mesh by: (1) controlling the directionality of the output hex-dominant mesh; and (2) avoiding ill-shaped elements induced by nodes located too closely to each other. The proposed method takes a 3D geometric domain as input and creates a hex-dominant mesh consisting mostly of hexahedral elements, with additional prism and tetrahedral elements. Rectangular solid cells are packed on the boundary of and inside the input domain to obtain ideal node locations for a hex-dominant mesh. Each cell has a potential energy field that mimics a body-centred cubic (BCC) structure (seen in natural substances such as NaCl) and the cells are moved to stable positions by a physically based simulation. The simulation mimics the formation of a crystal pattern so that the centres of the cells provide ideal node locations for a hex-dominant mesh. Via the advancing front method, the centres of the packed cells are then connected to form a tetrahedral mesh, and this is converted to a hex-dominant mesh by merging some of the tetrahedrons. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Genetic variants in pigmentation genes, pigmentary phenotypes, and risk of skin cancer in CaucasiansINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 4 2009Hongmei Nan Abstract Human pigmentation is a polygenic quantitative trait with high heritability. Although a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in pigmentation genes, very few SNPs have been examined in relation to human pigmentary phenotypes and skin cancer risk. We evaluated the associations between 15 SNPs in 8 candidate pigmentation genes (TYR, TYRP1, OCA2, SLC24A5, SLC45A2, POMC, ASIP and ATRN) and both pigmentary phenotypes (hair color, skin color and tanning ability) and skin cancer risk in a nested case-control study of Caucasians within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) among 218 melanoma cases, 285 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases, 300 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases and 870 common controls. We found that the TYR Arg402Gln variant was significantly associated with skin color (p -value = 7.7 × 10,4) and tanning ability (p -value = 7.3 × 10,4); the SLC45A2 Phe374Leu variant was significantly associated with hair color (black to blonde) (p -value = 2.4 × 10,7), skin color (p -value = 1.1 × 10,7) and tanning ability (p -value = 2.5 × 10,4). These associations remained significant after controlling for MC1R variants. No significant associations were found between these polymorphisms and the risk of skin cancer. We observed that the TYRP1 rs1408799 and SLC45A2 1721 C>G were associated with melanoma risk (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60,0.98 and OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60,0.95, respectively). The TYR Ser192Tyr was associated with SCC risk (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00,1.50). The TYR haplotype carrying only the Arg402Gln variant allele was significantly associated with SCC risk (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04,1.74). The OCA2 Arg419Gln and ASIP g.8818 A>G were associated with BCC risk (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.06,2.13 and OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53,1.00, respectively). The haplotype near ASIP (rs4911414[T] and rs1015362[G]) was significantly associated with fair skin color (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.46,3.57) as well as the risks of melanoma (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.18,2.39) and SCC (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08,2.19). These associations remained similar after adjusting for pigmentary phenotypes and MC1R variants. The statistical power of our study was modest and additional studies are warranted to confirm the associations observed in the present study. Our study provides evidence for the contribution of pigmentation genetic variants, in addition to the MC1R variants, to variation in human pigmentary phenotypes and possibly the development of skin cancer. © 2009 UICC [source] Gene silencing of transcription factor Gli2 inhibits basal cell carcinomalike tumor growth in vivoINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2008Jingmin Ji Abstract Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) belongs worldwide to the most frequent malignancy among Caucasians. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms of BCC formation, which is a prerequisite for the development of efficient new therapies, is still incomplete. The formation of sporadic BCCs in the skin is associated with uncontrolled hedgehog signaling, and the transcription factor Gli2 has been identified as a key mediator or effector of this signaling. There is indication in the literature that preventing Gli2 function may inhibit BCC formation and growth in vivo; however, the mechanism is unclear and difficult to study in humans. Therefore, we used a mouse tumor allograft model to investigate the role of Gli2 in tumor formation. A constitutively Gli2 expressing mouse tumor cell line was stably transfected with Gli2-specific shRNA to induce Gli2 gene silencing or with control shRNA. Injecting the Gli2 gene silenced cells into nude mice for tumor formation we detected a strongly retarded tumor growth compared with control tumor cells. Investigating the mechanisms, we found that Gli2 gene silencing has led to the disruption of the tumor structure as demonstrated by staining tumor sections with hematoxylin. Two main reasons for the tumor destruction were identified. We found that apoptosis was markedly increased while vascularization was strongly decreased in these tumors. Thus, important functions of the transcription factor Gli2 in this tumor model are the prevention of apoptosis and the promotion of microvascularization. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effect of NSAIDs on the recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 3 2006Maria V. Grau Experimental studies have consistently shown a protective effect of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). However, little human epidemiological research has been done in this regard. We used data from the Skin Cancer Chemoprevention Study to explore the association of NSAID use and with the risk of basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC). 1,805 subjects with a recent history of NMSC were randomized to placebo or 50 mg of daily ,-carotene. Participants were asked about their use of over-the-counter and prescription medications at baseline and every 4 months during the trial. Skin follow-up examinations were scheduled annually with a study dermatologist; confirmed lesions were the endpoints in the study. We used a risk set approach to the analysis of grouped times survival data and unconditional logistic regression to compute odds ratios [ORs] for various exposures to NSAIDs. The use of NSAIDs was reported in over 50% of questionnaires. For BCC, NSAIDs exhibited a weak protective effect in crude analyses, which attenuated markedly after adjustment. For SCC, the use of NSAIDs in the year previous to diagnosis reduced the odds by almost 30% (adjusted OR= 0.71, 95% CI 0.48,1.04). When we accounted for frequency of use, results for BCC were not striking, and there were inconsistent suggestions of an inverse association with SCC. There were some indications of a modest, nonsignificant reduction on the number of BCCs and SCCs with NSAID use. Our data suggest a weak and inconsistent chemopreventive effect of NSAIDs on BCC and SCC. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Super giant basal cell carcinoma of the abdominal wall: still possible in the 21st centuryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Eelco De Bree MD Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is very common and usually encountered when it is small in size. Giant BCC (i.e. greater than 5 cm in diameter) is quite rare and comprises 0.5 percent of all BCC. Extremely rarely, tumors larger than 20 cm have been reported. Herein, a case with an enormous, vegetating BCC of the abdominal wall, 30 x 20 cm in size, is described. This report demonstrates that such a case can still be observed in the civilized world of the 21st century, which remains profoundly astonishing. A literature survey was performed and revealed only 7 cases with such super giant BCC (i.e. larger than 20 cm in diameter). Generally, this tumor attains these enormous proportions due to neglect on the patient's part, and is usually located at sites covered by clothes. Treatment is mainly surgical and generally curative, resulting also in an improved quality of life. Tumor size of more than 10 cm in diameter is associated with increased risk for metastatic disease, severe morbidity and consequently impaired prognosis. [source] Clinical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma in a tertiary hospital in Sarawak, MalaysiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Felix Boon Bin Yap MD MRCP Background, Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer among Orientals. Data on this malignancy is lacking in Malaysia, prompting a retrospective study to determine the clinical characteristics in the skin clinic, Sarawak General Hospital between 2000 and 2008. Methods, Demographic data and clinical features of 64 histopathologically proven BCC from 43 patients were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the clinical characteristics based on the region of involvement and gender. Results, The mean age of presentation was 60.9 years. Male to female ratio was 1.05. Majority of the patients were Chinese (44.2%) followed by Malays (32.6%), Bidayuhs (14.0%) and Ibans (6.9%). Nodular BCC accounted for 95.3% of cases while 4.7% were superficial BCC. All the nodular BCC were pigmented. Ulceration was noted in 18%. There were 82.8% of BCC on the head and neck region and 17.2% on the trunk and limb region. BCC on the latter region were larger (mean 35.0 cf. 14.4 mm, p < 0.001) and ulcerated (45.5% cf. 11.3%, p = 0.01). Superficial BCC were also more frequently encountered in this region (18.2% cf. 1.9%, p = 0.02). Compared to women, men had larger BCC (mean 21.1 cf. 13.3 mm, p = 0.03) and kept them for a longer duration (mean 21.6 cf. 13.3 months, p = 0.04). Conclusion, Clinical characteristics of BCC in Sarawak were similar to other Asian studies. Additionally, BCC on the trunk and limbs and in men were larger, ulcerative and long standing warranting better efforts for earlier detection. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||