Ileocaecal recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon skin malignancy that has a high propensity for metastatic spread. A systematic literature search identified 17 cases describing metastasis to the gastrointestinal tract, with 7 cases involving the small or large bowel. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case described of Merkel cell carcinoma metastasising to the ileocaecal valve.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a 74-year-old Filipino woman diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin with regional node involvement. Following excision and radiotherapy, the tumour recurred with metastasis to the ileocaecal valve. The patient died 28 months after the initial diagnosis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The prognosis of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma is poor. Currently the optimal management for metastatic disease is unclear and lacks a firm evidence base due to the small number of cases reported.</p

Tagging tadpoles:Retention rates and impacts of visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags from the larval to adult amphibian stages

Population demographics for amphibian larvae are rarely estimated due to marking technique limitations on small body size, morphological change (metamorphosis), and the associated habitat changes (aquatic to terrestrial environments). A technique that may meet some of these limitations is visible implant elastomer (VIE) tagging. In this study, we report on the efficacy of VIE tagging a tree frog (Hylidae) at the tadpole stage for cohort identification across metamorphosis to the adult stage, in a field environment. During our preliminary captive trial, post-metamorphosis tag retention was 100% over three months, with no adverse effects observed on survival, growth or time to metamorphosis. During our field study tag retention in recaptured Litoria aurea was 95% for tadpoles and 88% across metamorphosis. By 200 days post-tagging, retention declined to 75% in the adult stage and stabilised around 50% by 300 days. Post metamorphosis the retention rate was less reliable and dependent upon sex and life-stage. Females showed the highest retention rate (max. 62%, 760 days post tagging), followed by juveniles (max. 45%, 400 days post tagging) and males (max. 20%, 760 days post tagging). We conclude that VIE tagging is a viable method for studying cohort larval movements and population demographics of amphibians up to a 50 day post-metamorphosis stage

Factors driving the distribution of an endangered amphibian toward an industrial landscape in Australia

Although human-modified habitats often result in a loss of biodiversity, some have been found to serve as habitat refuges for threatened species. Given the globally declining status of amphibians, understanding why some species are found in heavily modified environments is of considerable interest. We used the endangered green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) as a model to investigate the factors influencing their distribution toward industrial areas within a landscape. The number of permanent waterbodies within a kilometer of surveyed sites was the best predictor of L. aurea occupancy, abundance and reproduction. It appears that industrial activities, such as dredging and waste disposal inadvertently created refuge habitat for L. aurea to fortuitously persist in a heavily modified landscape. Future conservation plans should mimic the positive effects of industrialization, such as increasing the number of permanent waterbodies, especially in areas containing ephemeral or isolated waterbodies and threatened with drought. Our findings also suggest that despite amphibians being relatively small animals, some species may require a larger landscape than anticipated. Recognizing life history traits, in combination with a landscape-based approach toward species with perceived limited motility, may result in more successful conservation outcomes. Identifying why threatened species persist in heavily disturbed landscapes, such as industrial sites, can provide direction toward future conservation efforts to prevent and reverse their decline

Skin of Color Skin Care Needs: Results of a Multi-Center-Based Survey

Targeted marketing and media may serve as potential sources of health information for consumers, influencing knowledge, practices, perception, and utilization of health care services. In addition to this vulnerable consumerism, there are barriers to healthy consumerism including exposure to different sources or lack thereof, lack of knowledge, inadequate transportation, or proximity to stores, cost, and marketing of products that are not suitable for all skin types. We conducted a multi-center “Skin of Color Skin Care Needs” survey to characterize the skin care practices, concerns, and habits of both persons of color and non-Hispanic whites to evaluate barriers and influences on product choice and behaviors in these populations. One hundred and twenty-one respondents (74%) self-identified as a nonwhite racial group, while 31 respondents (19%) self-identified as non-Hispanic white. The top skincare concerns in the skin of color population were acne and blemishes (40%), dry skin (32%), and pigmentation/dark spots (26%). In the non-Hispanic white population, the top concerns were fine lines and wrinkles (42%), followed by acne and blemishes (39%), and dry skin (26%). When questioned about barriers respondents faced in discovering and using dermatologic products, SOC respondents were more likely to cite lack of available products for their skin type (11%), as compared to white respondents (0%). Skin of color respondents identified internet (42%) and social media (29%) as major sources of information regarding dermatologic products as compared to white respondents (26% and 13%, respectively). Health care disparities can be heightened by targeted marketing and the media, which have a major impact on patient health literacy and consumer choices. Dermatologists should be aware of this impact in order to address the knowledge gaps, minimize bias, and increase inclusivity for all skin types