J M Casanova

Clínica Mediterraneo, Almería, Andalusia, Spain

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Publications (19)20.61 Total impact

  • Article: Evaluating Clinical Dermatology Practice in Medical Undergraduates.
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    ABSTRACT: The acquisition of competences (the set of knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform a job to a professional level) is considered a fundamental part of medical training. Dermatology competences should include, in addition to effective clinical interviewing and detailed descriptions of skin lesions, appropriate management (diagnosis, differentiation, and treatment) of common skin disorders and tumors. Such competences can only be acquired during hospital clerkships. As a way of certifying these competences, we propose evaluating the different components as follows: knowledge, via clinical examinations or critical incident discussions; communication and certain instrumental skills, via structured workplace observation and scoring using a set of indicators; and attitudes, via joint evaluation by staff familiar with the student.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 05/2013;
  • Article: Oral Acitretin and Topical Imiquimod as Neoadjuvant Treatment for Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma.
    V Sanmartín, R Aguayo, M Baradad, J M Casanova
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    ABSTRACT: Giant basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is defined as a tumor with a diameter of 5cm or more. Surgery, the treatment of choice for any type of BCC, can cause considerable anatomical damage in large tumors. In 2 patients with giant BCC we therefore provided neoadjuvant treatment with a combination of oral acitretin and topical 5% imiquimod. Acitretin is a systemic retinoid used for primary prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Imiquimod is an immunomodulator whose approved indications include treatment of nonfacial superficial BCC less than 2cm in diameter. Previous studies have demonstrated a synergic anticancer effect of both drugs in vitro and in vivo. This combination produced a marked reduction in tumor mass in our patients. Later we were able to provide definitive treatment, which achieved complete remission of the tumors.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 04/2012;
  • Article: [Guide to buying a camera for dermatological photography].
    L Barco, M Ribera, J M Casanova
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    ABSTRACT: Choosing a camera for use in the dermatology office is difficult, particularly in the case of a digital camera because the market is constantly evolving. This article explains the features that should be taken into account, including camera type, sensor, lens and macro capability, aperture priority mode, screen, viewfinder, operating speed, flash, battery, memory card, and image format. The most recent advances in the field of digital photography relevant to the dermatologist are discussed.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 03/2012; 103(6):502-10.
  • Article: [Portfolios: a tool for the training and assessment of residents in dermatology, part 2].
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    ABSTRACT: A portfolio is a collection of material documenting reflection about practice. It contains documents (eg, case histories and questionnaires the resident has used), images, and video recordings that reveal that an individual has acquired the competencies needed for professional practice. This assessment tool simultaneously supports learning and provides evidence for certifying competence. The adoption of portfolio use by a dermatology department requires the support of both the training supervisor and the chief of department. The learning objectives defined by the National Board for Medical-Surgical Dermatology and Venereology must be taken into consideration so that ways to assess each objective can be included; this approach supports holistic ongoing education as well as the certification of competencies the resident finally achieves. Use of portfolios in medical residency training can improve on current assessment methods, which we believe lack precision. We propose that portfolios gradually begin to replace the resident's training log. We are currently developing an online software application that will facilitate the use of portfolios.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 06/2011; 102(5):325-35.
  • Article: [Oral acitretin and topical imiquimod as neoadjuvant treatment for giant basal cell carcinoma].
    V Sanmartín, R Aguayo, M Baradad, J M Casanova
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Giant basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is defined as a tumor with a diameter of 5 cm or more. Surgery, the treatment of choice for any type of BCC, can cause considerable anatomical damage in large tumors. In 2 patients with giant BCC we therefore provided neoadjuvant treatment with a combination of oral acitretin and topical 5% imiquimod. Acitretin is a systemic retinoid used for primary prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Imiquimod is an immunomodulator whose approved indications include treatment of nonfacial superficial BCC less than 2 cm in diameter. Previous studies have demonstrated a synergic anticancer effect of both drugs in vitro and in vivo. This combination produced a marked reduction in tumor mass in our patients. Later we were able to provide definitive treatment, which achieved complete remission of the tumors.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 05/2011; 103(2):149-52.
  • Article: [Portfolios: a tool for the training and assessment of residents in dermatology, part 1].
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    ABSTRACT: The medical resident's portfolio is a collection of materials that show reflective learning in the context of clinical practice. A portfolio contains documents (such as case histories and questionnaires the resident has used), images, and video recordings that reveal that an individual has acquired the competencies needed for professional practice. A portfolio is an assessment tool that simultaneously supports learning and gives evidence for certifying competence. It encourages independent continuing professional development that is incremental and centered on answering questions about what one has learned, how it might be applied, what still needs to be learned, and what must be done to reach one's goal. Answering such questions provides evidence of competencies that have been acquired and what is still lacking, allowing the trainee to develop a plan for personal improvement and evaluate subsequent achievements. The first step in creating a portfolio is to list required skills and abilities, along with the actions that will allow the resident to acquire them during each year of residency training. The ultimate goal is to define the resident's professional competence. We describe a model on which to base a training and assessment portfolio for residents in dermatology.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 02/2011; 102(4):244-54.
  • Article: [Use of www.dermatoweb.net to support undergraduate teaching of dermatology].
    J M Casanova, M Baradad, X Soria, R M Martí
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    ABSTRACT: Dermatoweb is a website to aid undergraduate dermatology training. It includes the dermatology program of the Lerida Faculty of Medicine, and is based principally on clinical presentations, tables with the differential diagnosis of the 20 most common reasons for dermatologic consultation, about 200 clinical test cases to stimulate self-training, and a subject list with the 32 topics that make up the dermatology syllabus in many faculties of medicine. Thanks to this website, some of our students achieve high marks in dermatology despite hardly coming to classes. In addition, therapeutic guidelines for the common dermatoses can be found on the site, and an atlas with more than 5,300 photographs and almost 100 videos on the more common dermatological procedures; these can serve as a visual aid for family doctors, residents in dermatology in the initial years, and practicing dermatologists.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 12/2009; 100(10):866-74.
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    Article: Expression of Somatostatin Receptors in Human Melanoma Cell Lines: Effect of Two Different Somatostatin Analogues, Octreotide and SOM230, on Cell Proliferation
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    ABSTRACT: Somatostatin analogues (SAs) are potential anticancer agents. This study was designed to investigate the expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) in melanoma cells and the effect of two SAs on cell proliferation and viability. Eighteen primary and metastatic human cutaneous melanoma cell lines were treated with octreotide and SOM230. Expression of SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3 and SSTR5 was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Proliferation, viability and cell death were assessed using standard assays. Inhibition was modelled by mixed-effect regression. Melanoma cells expressed one or more SSTR. Both SAs inhibited proliferation of most melanoma cell lines, but inhibition was < 50%. Neither SA affected cell viability or induced cell death. The results suggest that melanoma cell lines express SSTRs. The SAs investigated, under the conditions used in this study, did not, however, significantly inhibit melanoma growth or induce cell death. Novel SAs, combination therapy with SAs and their anti-angiogenic properties should be further investigated.
    The Journal of international medical research 10/2009; 37(6):1813-1822. · 0.90 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Erythema nodosum associated with inflammatory tinea capitis (kerion celsi)].
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 06/2008; 99(4):319-21.
  • Article: [Childhood dermatosis in a dermatology clinic of a general university hospital in Spain].
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    ABSTRACT: Pediatric dermatology is a relatively new subspecialty for which few epidemiological studies are available. We aimed to determine the work load associated with this subspecialty and the most common presenting complaints among pediatric patients in the general dermatology clinic of our hospital. A descriptive study was performed based on hospital records to analyze patients aged 16 years or under seen in our department in 2005 and their diagnoses. Pediatric dermatology accounts for 12.1 % of the work load in our department (1,329/10,998 patients were <or= 16 years old). By disease groups, tumors and infections were the most common diagnoses and accounted for 55.4 % of all cases. A long way behind was eczema (15.0 %) and diseases affecting hair follicles, nails, and sweat and sebaceous glands (8.8 %). The most common individual diagnosis was melanocytic nevus (19.8 %), followed by viral warts (12.1 %), atopic dermatitis (8.9 %), molluscum contagiosum (8.4 %), and acne (7.0 %). In most developed countries, atopic dermatitis is the most common dermatologic disease in children. In our study, however, melanocytic nevus was the most common presenting complaint, reflecting perhaps that there are more children in Spain with multiple nevi due to overexposure to sunlight or because of concern about melanoma among the population. Another possibility is that Spain has fewer cases of atopic dermatitis than more industrialized countries in northern Europe. Measures to avoid exposure to sunlight and use of sunscreen should be promoted during infancy. This could help slow the increase of melanoma in the adult population.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 04/2008; 99(2):111-8.
  • Article: Effect of proteasome inhibitors on proliferation and apoptosis of human cutaneous melanoma-derived cell lines.
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    ABSTRACT: Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer which causes disproportionate mortality in young and middle-aged adults. Once disseminated, melanoma can be considered an incurable disease, highly resistant to standard antineoplastic treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The proteasome represents a novel target for cancer therapy that can potentially be used in melanoma. To assess the effect of four structurally different proteasome inhibitors on human cutaneous melanoma-derived cell lines. Sixteen human cutaneous melanoma-derived cell lines which are original were obtained from patients who were treated by two of the authors. Cells were cultured, exposed to proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, ALLN, MG-132 and epoxomicin) and then assayed for cell cycle and cell death analyses. Proteasome inhibitors inhibited the in vitro growth of melanoma cells, and this effect was due to a reduction in cell proliferation rate and an induction of both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death. Moreover, release of apoptosis-inducing factor was observed in the presence of the broad-specificity caspase inhibitor BAF (Boc-D-fmk). In addition, the four different proteasome inhibitors induced caspase 2 processing. This study provides information regarding the in vitro effects of proteasome inhibitors on melanoma cell lines, and the molecular mechanisms involved. It also gives support to the future use of such inhibitors in the treatment of patients with melanoma, either administered alone or in combination with other drugs.
    British Journal of Dermatology 04/2008; 158(3):496-504. · 3.67 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of proteasome inhibitors on proliferation and apoptosis of human cutaneous melanoma‐derived cell lines
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    ABSTRACT: Background Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer which causes disproportionate mortality in young and middle-aged adults. Once disseminated, melanoma can be considered an incurable disease, highly resistant to standard antineoplastic treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The proteasome represents a novel target for cancer therapy that can potentially be used in melanoma.Objectives To assess the effect of four structurally different proteasome inhibitors on human cutaneous melanoma-derived cell lines.Methods Sixteen human cutaneous melanoma-derived cell lines which are original were obtained from patients who were treated by two of the authors. Cells were cultured, exposed to proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, ALLN, MG-132 and epoxomicin) and then assayed for cell cycle and cell death analyses.Results Proteasome inhibitors inhibited the in vitro growth of melanoma cells, and this effect was due to a reduction in cell proliferation rate and an induction of both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death. Moreover, release of apoptosis-inducing factor was observed in the presence of the broad-specificity caspase inhibitor BAF (Boc-D-fmk). In addition, the four different proteasome inhibitors induced caspase 2 processing.Conclusions This study provides information regarding the in vitro effects of proteasome inhibitors on melanoma cell lines, and the molecular mechanisms involved. It also gives support to the future use of such inhibitors in the treatment of patients with melanoma, either administered alone or in combination with other drugs.
    British Journal of Dermatology 01/2008; 158(3):496 - 504. · 3.67 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Bart syndrome associated to lethal junctional epidermolysis bullosa (Herlitz form)].
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    ABSTRACT: We present the case of a newborn with congenital absence of skin in the anterior part of the left leg that shortly after developed bulla and erosions in hands, feet, ears, buttocks and mouth. The cutaneous biopsy and ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies showed a subepidermal bulla in the lamina lucida, absence of hemidesmosomes and marked decrease of laminin 5, thus establishing the diagnosis of Bart syndrome associated to the Herlitz form of lethal junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Bart syndrome consists of congenital and localized absence of skin, nail abnormalities and mucoc-cutaneous bullae. It is usually associated to dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. The Herlitz form of junctional epidermolysis bullosa is a rare variant, usually lethal that is produced by mutations in the genes coding for the anchor protein laminin 5. To our knowledge this is the second case that reports an association between Bart syndrome and lethal junctional epidermolysis bullosa and the first in which the results of immunofluorescence mapping are published.
    Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 01/2007; 97(10):658-61.
  • Article: Grover's disease in patients with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis: clinicopathologic review of 4 cases.
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    ABSTRACT: In 4 patients undergoing hemodialysis for chronic renal failure, a transient or persistent, papular and keratotic eruption developed on the trunk and arms. Histologic examination disclosed focal acantholysis with dyskeratosis. The lesions were clinically and histologically indistinguishable from those of Grover's disease. A possible association with Grover's disease and chronic renal failure and/or hemodialysis is postulated. Possible implicated pathogenic mechanisms are discussed. We suggest that Grover's disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous eruptions in patients with chronic renal failure.
    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 01/2000; 41(6):1029-33. · 3.99 Impact Factor
  • Article: Disseminated superficial porokeratosis developing after electron-beam total skin irradiation for mycosis fungoides.
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    ABSTRACT: A 74-year-old man with stage IB cutaneous T-cell lymphoma was treated with electron-beam total skin irradiation in 1988. Seven years later, multiple disseminated lesions of porokeratosis developed on the chest, extremities and abdomen. There was no family history of porokeratosis, nor history of treatment with PUVA or of excessive sun exposure. Development of disseminated porokeratosis on nonexposed sites suggests a direct role for the previous ionizing radiation. Electron-beam total skin irradiation therapy should therefore be added to the list of possible causative factors in the development of disseminated porokeratosis.
    Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 08/1996; 21(4):310-2. · 1.20 Impact Factor
  • Article: Multiple familial pilomatricomas: a cutaneous marker for Gardner syndrome?
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    ABSTRACT: A 40-year-old man and his 6-year-old only son had numerous, firm papulonodular lesions on their faces. Their medical histories were unremarkable and no family consanguinity was recorded. Surgical excision of several lesions was performed on each patient. All the lesions were solid tumors with the characteristic histopathologic features of pilomatricoma. A gastrointestinal radiologic and fibroscopic survey disclosed numerous adenomatous colonic polyps in the father. Additional studies revealed that he also had minor dental abnormalities, a small osteoma on the right mandible, and unilateral, ocular, pigmented retinal macules. The diagnosis of multiple adenomatous colonic polyposis was established only after the well-known association of pilomatricoma-like changes in epidermal cysts in patients with Gardner syndrome was considered. Possibly, multiple familial pilomatricomas could be considered a cutaneous marker of Gardner syndrome.
    Pediatric Dermatology 01/1996; 12(4):331-5. · 1.07 Impact Factor
  • Article: Tufted hair folliculitis: a specific disease?
    British Journal of Dermatology 03/1994; 130(2):259-60. · 3.67 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Kaposi sarcoma following treatment of giant cell arteritis with corticoids].
    Medicina Clínica 01/1993; 99(20):793. · 1.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: Focal dermal hypoplasia (Goltz syndrome): report of two cases with minor cutaneous and extracutaneous manifestations.
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    ABSTRACT: Two women, ages 33 and 16 years, had focal dermal hypoplasia (Goltz syndrome) with unusual, minimal clinical manifestations. The lesions consisted of patchy, atrophic, scaly, telangiectatic macules arranged in a linear pattern along Blaschko's lines, involving the anterior and lateral aspects of both legs (patient 1) and the anterolateral aspect of the left leg (patient 2). Type I partial syndactyly involving the second and the third toes in both patients was also present. The clinical and histopathologic features and diagnostic difficulties of cases of this disorder with minimal cutaneous and extracutaneous manifestations are discussed.
    Pediatric Dermatology 07/1992; 9(2):112-6. · 1.07 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2012
    • Clínica Mediterraneo
      Almería, Andalusia, Spain
  • 2000–2012
    • Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova
      Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
  • 2009
    • Universitat de Lleida
      • Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas
      Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
  • 1992–1996
    • Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
      Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain