Abstract Background: In addition to melanocytic hyperfunction, changes are observed in the upper dermis of melasma, and fibroblasts play a central role in collagen synthesis and pigmentation induction. Objective: To explore the morphology, growth rate, and gene expression profile of fibroblasts from the skin with melasma in comparison to fibroblasts from the adjacent healthy skin. Methods: Ten women with facial melasma were biopsied (lesion and adjacent healthy skin), and the fragments were processed for fibroblast culture. Samples from five participants were seeded to evaluate growth (days 2, 5 and 8) and senescence (SA-β-gal) curves. The samples from the other participants were submitted to real-time PCR to comparatively evaluation of the expression of 39 genes. Results: Cultured fibroblasts from melasma skin were morphologically less fusiform in appearance and on average a 34% (95% CI 4%–63%) greater proportion of cells labeled with SA-β-gal than the fibroblasts from the adjacent skin. The cell growth rate was lower for the melasma samples after eight days (p < 0.01). The WNT3A, EDN3, ESR2, PTG2, MMP1, and SOD2 genes were up-regulated, whereas the COL4A1, CSF2, DKK3, COL7A1, TIMP4, CCL2, and CDH11 genes were down-regulated in melasma skin fibroblasts when compared to the ones from adjacent healthy skin. Study limitations: Small sample size; absence of functional tests. Conclusions: Fibroblasts from the skin with melasma showed a lower growth rate, less fusiform morphology and greater accumulation of SA-β-gal than those from adjacent photo exposed skin. Moreover, their gene expression profile comprised factors that may contribute to upper dermis damage and sustained melanogenesis.

Abstract: Pigeon lice are insects that feed on feathers of these birds; their life cycle includes egg, nymph and adult and they may cause dermatoses in humans. Four persons of the same family, living in an urban area, presented with widespread intensely pruritic erythematous papules. A great number of lice were seen in their house, which moved from a nest of pigeons located on the condenser of the air-conditioning to the dormitory of one of the patients. Even in urban environments, dermatitis caused by parasites of birds is a possibility in cases of acute prurigo simplex. Pigeon lice are possible etiological agents of this kind of skin eruption, although they are often neglected, even by dermatologists.

Abstract: Milker's nodule is an occupational dermatovirose caused by Parapoxvirus, which is self-limited and, due to the lack of information of health professionals, may lead to underdiagnosis. We present two cases with exuberant manifestations and classic histopathologic findings. Case 1: Male, 19 years of age, milker, presented nodules and blisters on his palm for 15 days. Case 2: Male, 33 years of age, administrative assistant, presented erythematous nodules on his palms with lymphangitis for 5 days. He had milked a cow one week before the onset of the lesions. In both cases, the histopathology was representative and coincident with the clinical hypothesis. The lesions have presented complete involution. Milker's nodule diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, epidemiology, and histopathology. The knowledge of this disease is essential for its correct diagnosis, as well as to guide the implementation of public health measures and the appropriate treatment of sick cattle.

As novas tecnologias de informação e comunicação têm permitido a produção de inovações no processo de ensino-aprendizagem no ensino superior. Neste estudo de intervenção e pesquisa em disciplina de ensino em comunidade da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - Unesp (FMB-Unesp), procura-se explorar tais possibilidades mediante o envolvimento de alunos, professores e membros da própria comunidade. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se uma página Wiki, com informações produzidas pelos alunos a respeito de um bairro da cidade de Botucatu, com o objetivo de criar um ambiente de troca, interação, cooperação e produção compartilhada de conhecimentos entre esses sujeitos. Um grupo de jovens dessa comunidade recebeu treinamento no uso do Wiki, o que lhes permitiu incluir na página informações novas sobre o território. A análise mostra que na produção textual desses jovens ganhou destaque alguns elementos significativos de seu cotidiano. A presença de um professor tutor na comunidade foi essencial para o êxito do processo. Os resultados alcançados apontam a viabilidade e potencialidade do uso do Wiki como ferramenta de inteligência coletiva, por permitir a troca de saberes entre alunos e comunidade, valorizando toda forma de conhecimento e a expressão das singularidades.

New information and communication technologies have allowed the production of innovations in the teaching-learning process in higher learning. The aim of this intervention study in the course on community teaching at the Botucatu School of Medicine (FMB-Unesp) is to explore such possibilities through participation by students, faculty, and community members. A Wiki page was developed for this purpose, with information produced by the students on a neighborhood in the city of Botucatu, aimed at creating a setting for exchange, interaction, cooperation, and shared production of knowledge among these actors. A group of young people in this community received training on the use of Wiki, which allowed them to upload new information on the neighborhood on the page. The analysis shows that the text produced by these youth highlights several significant elements from their daily reality. The presence of a professor/tutor in the community was essential to the project's success. The results point to the feasibility and potential of Wiki as a collective intelligence tool, allowing exchange of knowledge between students and the community, valuing all forms of knowledge and the expression of unique characteristics.