Zeynep Güngör Hayat, Aziz Hakkı Civriz, Berna Solak
<b>Background</b><b>:</b> Granuloma Annulare (GA) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis with diverse presentations, yet comprehensive data integrating histopathology, long-term prognosis, and systemic inflammatory markers remain limited. This study aimed to analyze these clinicopathological characteristics and identify biomarkers for chronicity and recurrence. <b>Methods:</b> In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 34 patients with histopathologically confirmed GA diagnosed between 2013 and 2023. Demographic data, clinical features, comorbidities, treatment outcomes, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. Histopathological findings were re-evaluated to assess pattern types and the presence of specific markers. Statistical correlations between clinical parameters, inflammatory markers, and histopathological features were assessed. <b>Results:</b> The interstitial pattern was the predominant histopathological subtype (64.7%), with universal mucin deposition (100%). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between lesion duration and the presence of multinucleated giant cells (r = 0.456, <i>p</i> = 0.033), suggesting a time-dependent granuloma maturation. Clinically, generalized GA cases demonstrated significantly longer recovery times compared to localized forms. The overall recurrence rate was 23.5%. A lower BLR was significantly associated with disease recurrence (r = −0.539, <i>p</i> = 0.021). At least one comorbidity was present in 76.5% of the patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our findings suggest that giant cell formation serves as a histopathological marker of lesion chronicity, supporting the concept of granuloma remodeling over time. Furthermore, a suppressed BLR may serve as a novel surrogate marker associated with disease recurrence. Given the high burden of comorbidities observed in both localized and generalized forms, GA should be approached as a cutaneous manifestation of underlying systemic dysregulation, suggesting that clinicians should consider routine metabolic screening for these patients.
Mohamed S. Zaky, Zakaria M. Obaid, Ahmed M. Youssef
et al.
Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate sexual dysfunction and quality of life in women with genital warts. Methods A total of 100 women were included if they were aged 18–45 years, had genital warts (GWs) for at least three months, and were in a stable marital relationship for at least six months. All participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires. Results Showed that the lowest mean scores were observed in the domains of orgasm (1.91 ± 1.07), arousal (2.82 ± 1.12), satisfaction (3.01 ± 1.01), pain (3.11 ± 1.34), desire (3.37 ± 1.01), and lubrication (3.64 ± 1.32). Total FSFI score was 17.64 ± 6.15. The presence of GWs had a significant very large impact on patients QOL in 49% of participants (p < 0.001). Conclusions Results demonstrated sexual and quality of life affection among females complaining of genital warts. Sexual health and dysfunction should be routinely assessed in women presenting with genital warts.
Gynecology and obstetrics, Public aspects of medicine
Shehdev Meghwar, Muskan Batra, Noor Zehra Shabbir
et al.
ABSTRACT An uncommon condition referred to as the overlap syndrome of lichen planus (LP) and lupus erythematosus (LE) exhibits immunopathological, histological, and clinical characteristics of both LP and LE. Though LP and LE are common individually, their overlap is rare. This condition typically presents with large, scaly, centrally atrophic lesions on the distal limbs, face, and trunk, often bluish‐red to hypopigmented in color. We describe a unique case of overlap syndrome between LP and discoid LE in a 30‐year‐old female patient presenting with lesions on her scalp, limbs, the dorsum of her hands, and oral mucosa. The lesions were neither painful nor warm to the touch. The diagnosis of overlap syndrome involving discoid LE and LP was confirmed through laboratory investigations and dermatological evaluation. Initial treatment with clobetasol propionate showed no significant improvement. Subsequently, the patient was prescribed 200 mg of azathioprine daily, along with the corticosteroid Deflazacort. Notable improvement in the lesions was observed after 4–5 weeks of follow‐up.
Daniela F. Zamudio Díaz, Patricia Hülse, Johannes Schleusener
et al.
Abstract Far UV-C radiation (200–240 nm) is a promising alternative to conventional UV-C for disinfection in occupied spaces, offering strong germicidal efficacy with reduced skin risk. However, its ocular safety remains unclear, as most studies relied only on non-human corneal models with physiological differences. This study investigated UV-induced DNA damage in the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium of ex vivo human corneas and porcine corneas, and reconstructed human cornea epithelium (RHCE) using immunohistochemistry. Samples were exposed to 222 nm, 233 nm, 254 nm, and broadband UV-B (280–400 nm) radiation in the presence of real human tears. Compared to human corneas (26 μm mean epithelium thickness), porcine corneas (110 μm) and RHCE (79 μm), showed reduced UV penetration. In human corneas with a thin epithelium, far UV-C exposure led to epithelial and anterior stromal damage, underscoring the epithelium’s protective function. Optical properties using porcine corneas confirmed the immunohistological findings, validating wavelength-dependent penetration depths. Simulations suggest that in intact human corneas, damage-relevant intensity of 222 nm light reaches the middle of the epithelium, while for 233 nm, it reaches the basal layer. These findings support the relative safety of far UV-C, especially 222 nm, for intact corneas. However, potential DNA damage accumulation after repeated exposures underscores the need for further research on long-term ocular effects.
The design and development of a prototype for a singular robotic hair transplant system capable of harvesting and implanting hair grafts were executed in this study. To establish a proof-of-concept for hair transplant procedures involving harvesting and implantation, a test system using a spherical phantom of the scalp was selected. The developed prototype of the robotic hair transplant system demonstrates the potential to reduce the duration that grafts remain without a blood supply, thereby minimizing hair graft damage. Additionally, the overall operation time for follicular unit extraction is comparatively shorter than that of conventional systems. Results from the robot vision tests indicate an 89.6% accuracy for hair graft detection with a 4 mm hair length phantom and 97.4% for a 2 mm hair length phantom. In the robot position control test, the root mean square error was found to be 1.268°, with a standard error of the mean of 0.203°. These outcomes suggest that the proposed system performs effectively under the conditions of a spherical phantom with a 2 mm hair length and a 5 mm distance between harvests.
Fang Yang, Yuedan Xu, Xiangyu Li Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing Keqiao Women & Children΄s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xiangyu Li, Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing Keqiao Women & Children΄s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312030, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0575-85028228, Email 1070817321@qq.comAbstract: Severe drug eruption is a severe allergic reaction to a drug, usually due to irritation with certain drugs. It may be present as a generalized erythematous maculopapular rash, a pleomorphic rash, with or without blisters and ulcers. To the best of our knowledgeto date, there is no report of estradiol valerate-induced severe drug eruption. A case of rare severe drug eruption after taking estradiol valerate tablets was first reported to promote clinical drug safety management, especially for rare severe adverse reactions. Meanwhile, it is speculated that estrogen dermatitis might be associated with dendritic cell-mediated allergic mechanisms, inflammation-induced expression of estrogen receptor β, and elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy, according to previous studies. Therefore, pregnant women using this drug need to be focused on. Early and systemic use of glucocorticoids is beneficial to the outcome and prognosis of the disease. It highlights the need for clinicians to be vigilant about rare but serious adverse drug reactions, even with medications that are generally considered safe.Keywords: severe drug eruption, estrogen dermatitis, estradiol valerate, adverse drug reaction, pharmacovigilance
As the Editor-in-Chief of <i>Dermatopathology</i> and the President of the European Society of Dermatopathology (ESDP), I have the great pleasure of celebrating the 10th anniversary of <i>Dermatopathology</i>, the only online journal in the field of cutaneous pathology and the official journal of the ESDP [...]
Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) present a significant challenge in the public health field. Health professionals are at the forefront of controlling the transmission and management of this disease; hence, efforts to update knowledge regarding STDs are very important for this group. Purpose: This study aims to explain the effect of integrated counseling on increase STD knowledge in an effort to prevent the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases. Methods: We carried out health education activities containing material related to aetiology, modes of transmission, risk factors, risk groups, and therapy for sexually transmitted diseases at one hospital in Surakarta. The Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ) was used to assess participants' knowledge regarding STDs, which was distributed before and after giving the material. The difference in STD-KQ scores before and after the counselling session was analysed using the Wilcoxon Test. Result: Prior to the counselling session, 22 (32.83%) participants had poor knowledge, 41 (61.19%) had moderate knowledge, and only 4 (5.97%) possessed a good understanding of STDs. Following the counselling session, there was a noteworthy improvement in knowledge levels, with 47 (70.14%) participants now classified as having good knowledge. Additionally, 18 (26.86%) participants maintained a moderate level of knowledge, while 2 (2.98%) retained poor knowledge. The analysis showed that the difference was statistically significant (P value < 0.001).
IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of psoriatic arthritis among patients with psoriasis. The KAP questionnaire is a widely used tool in public health research, designed to assess individuals’ understanding (knowledge), beliefs (attitude), and behaviors (practice) related to a specific health condition.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital from September to November 2023. Demographic information and KAP scores were assessed using a structured questionnaire, which evaluated patient knowledge about psoriatic arthritis, their attitude toward managing it, and their practical engagement in preventive or treatment behaviors.ResultsIn this study, 392 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Of these, 290 respondents (74.0%) were male, and 296 (75.5%) reported no comorbid conditions. The median scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6–10), 21 (IQR: 19–24), and 14 (IQR: 8–22), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that practice was independently associated with being female (OR = 0.426, 95% CI: 0.259–0.703, p = 0.001), being aged 30–39 years (OR = 2.159, 95% CI: 1.223–3.811, p = 0.008) or 40–49 years (OR = 2.002, 95% CI: 1.019–3.936, p = 0.044), having a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 11–30 (OR = 2.569, 95% CI: 1.158–5.700, p = 0.020), and not having psoriatic arthritis (OR = 0.300, 95% CI: 0.168–0.537, p < 0.001).ConclusionPatients with psoriasis had suboptimal knowledge, positive attitude and inactive practice toward psoriatic arthritis. To address this, healthcare providers should prioritize educational interventions, with a specific focus on younger patients, females, and individuals with a higher DLQI score, to enhance awareness and promote proactive management of psoriatic arthritis among this patient population.
Key Clinical Message Invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC) is a rare form of invasive breast carcinoma with good prognosis. To date, case reports considering skin manifestations of ICC are scarce. We herein report a case of pure ICC presenting as an erythematous papule on the nipple with mammary Paget's disease in the epidermis. We aim to bring awareness to skin manifestation of ICC.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss condition that impacts both men and women. Age and genetic susceptibility are recognized as potential risk factors for developing AGA. The second to fourth digit ratio is a measurement of the length ratios between the index and ring fingers. This ratio has been utilized as a predictor for multiple hyperandrogenism-related medical conditions. More recently, the 2D:4D ratio was investigated as a predictor for AGA. This article will examine the evidence supporting this relationship, discuss its diagnostic implications, and identify potential areas for future research.
Cham-mill Kim, Victor Zhao, Maeve Brito De Mello
et al.
ABSTRACT: Objectives: Although the World Health Organization recommends ‘frequent’ screening of sexually transmitted infections (STI) for people who use pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, there is no evidence for optimal frequency. Methods: We searched five databases and used random-effects meta-analysis to calculate pooled estimates of STI test positivity. We narratively synthesized data on secondary outcomes, including adherence to recommended STI screening frequency and changes in STI epidemiology. Results: Of 7477 studies, we included 38 for the meta-analysis and 11 for secondary outcomes. With 2-3 monthly STI screening, the pooled positivity was 0.20 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15-0.25) for chlamydia, 0.17 (95% CI: 0.12-0.22) for gonorrhea, and 0.07 (95% CI: 0.05-0.08) for syphilis. For chlamydia and gonorrhea, the positivity was approximately 50% and 75% lower, respectively, in studies that screened 4-6 monthly vs 2-3 monthly. There was no significant difference in the positivity for syphilis in studies that screened 4-6 monthly compared to 2-3 monthly. Adherence of clients to recommended screening frequency varied significantly (39-94%) depending on population and country. Modeling studies suggest more frequent STI screening could reduce incidence. Conclusion: Although more frequent STI screening could reduce delayed diagnoses and incidence, there remain significant knowledge gaps regarding the optimal STI screening frequency.
Joanna Rybak‐d′Obyrn, Lewandowska Julia Alicja, Machoń Natalia Joanna
et al.
Abstract Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) is a rare condition resulting from self‐manipulation of the skin after an injury to the trigeminal nerve. We describe the case of a 70‐year‐old woman who was hospitalized because of erythema, ulceration, and crusts on the right side of her face, accompanied by itching, burning, and irritation forcing self‐manipulation of the skin. She had been previously repeatedly treated with antibiotics, acyclovir, and topical medications without any improvement. Her medical history revealed an episode of ischemic stroke in 2016, after which a deformation and partial atrophy of the right ala nasi appeared. Trigeminal neuropathy was confirmed by a neurological consultation. Diagnosis and treatment of TTS requires a multidisciplinary approach. Awareness of this disease should be raised to enable proper diagnosis and management of difficult‐to‐treat facial ulcers that cannot be explained by common causes.
Abstract Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin, and genetic factors are reported to be involved in the disease pathogenesis. Many studies have named psoriasis candidate genes. Objective In this study, we determined the mutation frequency of 7 variable genes in 1,027 psoriatic patients and investigated its possible mechanism associated with psoriasis. Method A total of 7 variable genes from 1,027 psoriatic patients were amplified and sequenced using the Sanger method. The mutation frequency was compared to that of non‐psoriatic individuals in Asia using information from databases. Results Among the 7 investigated genes, the mutation frequency of ACOT12 (c.80A>G, 9.98% vs. 5.85%, p < .05) and CT62 (c.476C>T,15.8% vs. 9.93%, p < .05) was found to be significantly higher than among non‐psoriatic Asian individuals. The mutation frequencies of CASZ1(c.599T>G), SPRED1(c.155A>G), and ACOT12 (c.80A>G) differed significantly between the groups organized by medical history, PASI, and family history. SPRED1 gene variants (17.25% vs. 7.78%, p < .01) showed a stronger association with the family history group at the onset of psoriasis than with the no family history group. Conclusions Our results provide a comprehensive correlation analysis of susceptibility genes in psoriasis patients. Clinical characteristics of patients play important roles in the development of psoriatic skin.