Dedee F. Murrell

Description:In the version of the article initially published, Pascal Joly was not listed as a corresponding author. This has now been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the article.

Description:Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a challenging inflammatory skin disorder. While corticosteroids offer a rapid response, their long-term risks necessitate alternative treatments. Objective: To compare the long-term effectiveness of biologic therapies versus systemic corticosteroids in PG management. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 15 PG patients from two centres (Sydney, Australia, and Milan, Italy) was conducted. Patients received either biologic therapies (n = 8) or corticosteroids (n = 7), with ulcer healing outcomes assessed at weeks 16, 28-32 and 54. Results: At week 16, corticosteroids led to faster ulcer reduction and re-epithelialisation. However, biologic-treated patients showed sustained improvement over time, supporting their role in long-term PG management. Conclusions: While corticosteroids provide an initial advantage, biologics demonstrate gradual and sustained efficacy, suggesting a long-term therapeutic role in PG treatment.

Description:Patients with autoimmune bullous disease have their quality of life (QOL) affected by both the disease and its treatment burden. While QOL assessment is clinically important, it is often hindered by limited time in clinical practice, highlighting the need for accurate and efficient QOL evaluation tools. However, no validated QOL questionnaires are currently available in Japan. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Japanese versions of the Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (ABQOL) and Treatment of Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (TABQOL) questionnaires, as well as their practical application in clinical settings. The original questionnaires were forward and back-translated into Japanese by certified translators according to established guidelines, then their validity and reliability were evaluated using data from 147 patients with autoimmune bullous diseases. Validity was evaluated via confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses, cross-cultural validation, hypothesis testing, and convergent validity. Reliability was evaluated via test-retest and internal consistency. Although confirmatory factor analysis showed a weak fit and factor structures slightly differed from the original versions, internal consistency was cross-culturally valid. Also, the Japanese version cohort showed lower mean scores and better QOL outcomes compared with other language versions for similar cohorts. Hypothesis testing revealed a significant positive correlation between ABQOL scores and subjective disease severity; TABQOL scores were significantly correlated with steroid dosage. The mucosal subscale of the ABQOL showed a significant difference based on mucosal lesion status. Bland-Altman plots confirmed approximate agreement between the two sets of measurements: Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.872 for ABQOL and 0.903 for TABQOL, verifying reliability. Finally, an expert panel reviewed and agreed on the target population, timing, methods for using the scales, and considerations for scale evaluation. The Japanese versions of the ABQOL and TABQOL are expected to be implemented in clinical practice as reliable and validated tools in Japan.

Description:In this paper, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force on Quality of Life (QoL) and Patient-Oriented Outcomes presents its position statements on health-related (HR) QoL assessment in epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The EADV TF on QoL and Patient-Oriented Outcomes recommends the use of the EB-specific instrument QOLEB in patients over the age of 10 years and, in addition to the QOLEB, the use of iscorEB-p in moderate-to-severe EB; the IntoDermQoL proxy instrument with its EB-specific module should be used in children aged under 5 years. The EB-specific instrument iscorEB-p, and the dermatology-specific instrument CDLQI may measure HRQoL in children with EB aged from 5 to 10 years. Dermatology-specific and/or generic HRQoL instruments should be used to compare the impact on QoL of EB with other diseases; family QoL of patients with EB should be studied using the EB-specific EB-BoD, dermatology-specific family measures, and/or generic family QoL instruments.

Description:Space science is reshaping oncology by providing novel insights into cancer biology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The unique space environment - characterized by microgravity and cosmic radiation - induces profound alterations in cancer cell behavior, immune responses, and tumor microenvironment (TME) interactions. These conditions offer a platform for studying cancer progression, enhancing drug discovery, and refining treatment strategies. This opinion article explores microgravity-induced changes in tumor biology, space-driven advancements in imaging and radiation research, and extraterrestrial contributions to cancer therapeutics. By leveraging these innovations, space research holds transformative potential for improving cancer diagnostics and treatment on Earth.