This review summarizes the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of the pigmented subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) based on the current literature. PDT is a light-activated treatment, non-invasive, that selectively destroys tumor cells and tissues via the interaction of a photosensitizer, light, and molecular oxygen. It can induce cancer cell death through direct tumor vascular damage or via the induction of immune response. However, human skin is also an absorption and scattering medium since it contains hemoglobin and melanin that act as chromophores. Eumelanin can be considered a light-absorber and an intracellular antioxidant that can neutralize PDT-induced ROS and, therefore, decrease PDT success. Various factors, including tumor depth, the degree of pigmentation in malignant cells, and the individual’s skin phototype, can impact the outcome of this intricate biochemical process. It has been widely recognized that PDT exhibits limited efficacy in the treatment of pigmented lesions. However, new combination techniques such as curettage or debulking before PDT show promising results in the treatment of pigmented BCC.

Background and Objectives: Some respiratory viruses demonstrate neurotropic capacities. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has recently taken over the globe, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on postural control in subjects who have recently recovered from the infection. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three convalescents who underwent COVID-19 within the preceding 2–4 weeks, and 35 healthy controls were enrolled. The ground reaction forces were registered with the use of a force platform during quiet standing. The analysis of the resultant center of foot pressure (COP) decomposed into rambling (RAMB) and trembling (TREMB) and sample entropy was conducted. Results: Range of TREMB was significantly increased in subjects who experienced anosmia/hyposmia during COVID-19 when the measurement was performed with closed eyes (p = 0.03). In addition, subjects who reported dyspnea during COVID-19 demonstrated significant increase of length and velocity of COP (p < 0.001), RAMB (p < 0.001), and TREMB (p < 0.001), indicating substantial changes in postural control. Conclusions: Subjects who had experienced olfactory dysfunction or respiratory distress during COVID-19 demonstrate symptoms of balance deficits after COVID-19 recovery, and the analysis using rambling-trembling decomposition method might point at less efficient peripheral control. Monitoring for neurological sequelae of COVID-19 should be considered.

Actinic keratosis (AK), due to its widespread prevalence, as well as the possibility of progression to an invasive form of squamous cell carcinoma, requires treatment regardless of the clinical stage. New imaging techniques, such as in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), significantly increase the accuracy of diagnosis and allow noninvasive evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of the ongoing treatment. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of specific (video)dermoscopy and RCM features of pigmented and classical subtypes of AK before and after photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment. We included patients with facial grade II AKs (25 pigmented, 275 non-pigmented) were included in the study. Skin lesions were evaluated by (video)dermoscopy and RCM at the baseline and three months after PDT. In classic AK, the most frequent dermoscopic findings were fine wavy vessels (96%), scale (92%), microerosions (48%), and “strawberry” pattern (36%), while pigmented AK was characterized mostly by “rhomboidal pattern” (80%), scale (60%), white globules (48%), “jelly sign”, and superficial pigmentation (40%). RCM’s most characteristic classic AK findings were abnormal honeycomb pattern in the spinous layer, epidermal inflammatory infiltrate, and solar elastosis that were present in 96% of lesions. Pigmented AKs presented mostly with dark central areas of parakeratosis (72%), mottled pigmentation (72%), dermal inflammatory infiltrate (64%), solar elastosis (60%), and abnormal honeycomb pattern in the spinous layer (56%). Dermoscopically, PDT resulted in complete disappearance of the “rhomboidal pattern” in both classical and pigmented AKs, “starburst pattern” and “jelly sign” in classical AKs, and inner gray halo, “rosette sign” and central crust in pigmented AKs. Three months after one PDT session, RCM evaluation showed mostly solar elastosis in both classical and pigmented AK subtypes, epidermal inflammatory infiltrate in classical AKs, and dermal inflammatory infiltrate in pigmented AKs. New noninvasive imaging techniques such as RCM and (video)dermoscopy can help practitioners better visualize the efficacy of the ongoing PDT treatment in either classical or pigmented AK subtypes.

Nonmelanocytic skin cancers (NMSCs) are currently the most common group of human cancers and include all tumors that are not melanomas. Increased exposure to sunlight over the past few years, the lack of regular and proper use of sunscreen, the aging of the population, and better screening techniques are the reasons for the escalation in their diagnosis. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) comprises nearly 37% of the tumors in this group and can originate from actinic keratosis (AK), which usually presents as pink, often scaly plaques, usually located on the face or scalp. Advances in dermatoscopy, as well as the development of other non-invasive skin imaging modalities such as high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT), have allowed for greatly increased sensitivity in diagnosing these lesions and monitoring their treatment. Since AK therapy is usually local, and SCCs must be removed surgically, non-invasive imaging methods enable to correctly qualify difficult lesions. This is especially important given that they are very often located on the face, and achieving an appropriate cosmetic result after treatments in this area is very important for the patients. In this review, the authors describe the use of non-invasive skin imaging methods in the diagnosis of actinic keratosis.

Mirabegron is a β3-agonist drug approved by the FDA for use in 2012 and administered in overactive bladder. Activating of adrenergic receptors leads to the relaxation of the detrusor muscle. According to the latest research and reports, it also has lipolytic activity, affecting the reduction of mainly brown adipose tissue (BAT) but also of white adipose tissue (WAT). This results in a decrease in body weight and triglyceride concentration and an increase in lipoprotein lipase activity, as well as in the level of free fatty acids or adipokines in the plasma. The drug indirectly participates in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, influencing the increase in insulin sensitivity, supporting cellular uptake of glucose. However, due to the elevation of blood pressure and pulse, as a supplement, the drug should be taken with care to avoid cardiovascular complications. In our review, below, we present a description and discussion of available studies in terms of mirabegron action on the exercise capacity of the body in the context of its potential use as a doping agent.

Porokeratoses represent a rare group of skin diseases characterized by abnormal keratinization. The condition may have a genetic background and can be triggered by environmental factors, including UV exposure and infections. Several clinical variants of porokeratosis can be distinguished, including Mibelli’s porokeratosis, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, superficial disseminated porokeratosis, and porokeratosis palmaris plantaris et disseminata. Diagnosis is established based on clinical and histopathological examination, dermatoscopy, and reflectance confocal microscopy. Various treatment options are available, including topical combination therapy with cholesterol and statins, topical retinoids, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical excision of lesions, but none are fully effective. The success of these treatments can vary significantly based on the specific type of porokeratosis and individual patient characteristics, with many outcomes falling short of expectations. Since the disease is considered a precancerous condition, patients with porokeratosis should remain under regular dermatological control.