Stress and quality of life in psoriasis: an update

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing, cutaneous condition with 1-2% prevalence in the general population. There are many factors involved in the induction and/or exacerbation of psoriasis of which stress is a well-known trigger factor in the appearance or exacerbation of psoriasis. Stress reaction in patients with psoriasis is probably mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal relationship with immunologic effects. Stress response involves increased levels of neuroendocrine hormones and autonomic neurotransmitters. Psychological stress or an abnormal response to stressors has been found to modify the evolution of skin disorders such as psoriasis. It can also have substantial psychological, and psychosocial impact on a patient's quality of life. Treatment regimens include stress-reduction strategies, such as biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and self-help approaches. This review focuses the relationship between psoriasis and stress, especially relating to psychosocial, psychological, and emotional stress aspects.     

Experimental Investigation of Radiation Shielding Competence of Bi2O3-CaO-K2O-Na2O-P2O5 Glass Systems

The gamma-ray shielding features of Bi₂O₃-CaO-K₂O-Na₂O-P₂O₅ glass systems were experimentally reported. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) for the fabricated glasses was experimentally measured at seven energy values (between 0.0595 and 1.33 MeV). The compatibility between the practical and theoretical results shows the accuracy of the results obtained in the laboratory for determining the MAC of the prepared samples. The mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MACs) increase with the addition of Bi₂O₃ and A4 glass possesses the highest MAC and LAC. A downward trend in the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) with increasing the energy from 0.0595 to 1.33 MeV is found. The highest LAC is found at 1.33 MeV (in the range of 0.092–0.143 cm⁻¹). The effective atomic number (Z_eff) follows the order B1 > A1 > A2 > A3 > A4. This order emphasizes that increasing the content of Bi₂O₃ has a positive effect on the photon shielding proficiencies owing to the higher density of Bi₂O₃ compared with Na₂O. The half value layer (HVL) is also determined and the HVL for the tested glasses is computed between 0.106 and 0.958 cm at 0.0595 MeV. The glass with 10 mol% of Bi₂O₃ has lower HVL than the glasses with 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mol% of Bi₂O₃. So, the A4 glass needs a smaller thickness than the other glasses to shield the same radiation. As a result of the reported shielding parameters, inserting B₂O₃ provides lower values of these three parameters, which in turn leads to the development of superior photons shields.     

Free radical and superoxide reactivity detection in semen quality assessment: past,present, and future

Oxidative stress is a well-established cause of male infertility, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) impairing sperm production, motility, membrane, and DNA integrity. Currently, most clinics do not test infertile patients for the imbalance between ROS generation and the ability of the antioxidants to scavenge them, although there is a clear need for andrology laboratories to be able to identify and/or quantify seminal oxidative stress. As such there is a clinical urgency for an inexpensive and easy-to-perform assay able to identify oxidative stress in semen. The aim of this review is to provide information on the currently available methods to assess and quantify ROS and particularly superoxide in male reproductive cells, tissues, and fluids which may have a significant clinical utility in identifying men with impaired fertility associated with oxidative stress. Through a deeper understanding of oxidative stress and its assessment options, clinical andrology labs may better assist patients to achieve increased rates of fertility and pregnancy.     

Radiotherapy-Related Axillary Artery Occlusive Disease: Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stenting. Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Radiotherapy-related axillary artery occlusive disease is a relatively rare condition. This complication is usually encountered in patients with breast carcinoma treated by radiotherapy and might be frequently concealed by the presence of lymphoedema. We discuss this rare complication of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer and present two cases and their successful treatment by a modified percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting technique. A review of literature on the subject is also presented.