Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among Adult Women with Androgenetic Alopecia Using 5% Topical Minoxidil

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common, genetically predisposed condition that begins after puberty and whose frequency increases with age; although biologically benign, AGA can impact patients both psychologically and socially, contributing to an impairment on their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the psychological, social, and quality of life impairments inherent in women with AGA using 5% minoxidil daily for at least six months. DESIGN: Thirty-one women with diffuse central hair thinning and shaft miniaturization who were using 5% minoxidil daily for at least six months responded to a clinical questionnaire and underwent trichoscopy. RESULTS: 83.9 percent (n=26) of the participants reported they were satisfied with the 5% minoxidil treatment and its convenience. Hair loss influenced social life in 54.8 percent (n=17) of the respondents and choice of hair cut/hairstyle in 87.1 percent (n=27) of respondents. For 51.6 percent (n=16) hair loss was slightly increased, although it did not increase after beginning treatment. A frontoparietal pattern (74.2%, n=23), very low capillary density (61.3%, n=19), trichodynia (32.3%, n=10), and negative traction test (100%, n=31) were also observed. Miniaturization occurred in 100 percent (n=31) of patients, frontal/occipital hair thickness was reduced in 83.9 percent (n=26), and more than 10 percent of velus hair in the frontal area was observed in 83.9 percent (n=26) of patients. The number of hair shafts per follicular unit was reduced in 67.7 percent (n=21), and a higher frontal to occipital ratio of follicular units with one hair shaft was seen in 74.2 percent (n=23) of patients. Empty follicles, large numbers of peripillar brownish halo, scalp pigmentation, mild Ludwig''s baldness degree, and quality of life scores of 4±3.5 points were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that patient satisfaction and quality of life of women with AGA on 5% topical minoxidil are high, although hair loss influences daily habits and social life.     

Pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma: first case report on penis

Pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma, also called pseudovascular, pseudoangiomatoid or adenoid pseudovascular carcinoma, is an uncommon and highly aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Histologically, it is characterized by proliferation of atypical keratinocytes with acantholysis and formation of pseudovascular spaces, forming anastomosed channels lined with neoplastic cells that invade the dermis. These cells are positive for cytokeratin and negative for vascular markers such as CD31 and CD34. There are few reports of this variant in the literature. Skin, breast, lung and vulva involvement have been described, but to the best of our knowledge, no cases involving the penis has been described. This study aims to describe the first case of angiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. The patient presented with a painful lesion in the penis associated with urinary retention. Macroscopic findings exhibited an ulcerative vegetating lesion that involving the entire glans and part of the penile body, as well as infiltration of penile structures and scrotal skin. Microscopy shows atypical proliferation of sarcomatous keratinocyte pattern mimicking vascular spaces. Human papilloma virus (HPV) biomarkers and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were all negative. Advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma with aggressive lymph node metastasis. This report presents the first case of penile pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma, as an important differential diagnosis.     

COVID-19 pandemic reduces the negative perception of oral health-related quality of life in adolescents

Quality of Life Research - As people around the world are facing the Covid-19 outbreak, their perception of oral health problems could be changed. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects...     

New insights into tumor-host interactions in lymphoma metastasis

The metastatic process is characterized by a complex series of sequential steps involving constant interactions (mutual cross-talks) of metastasized tumor cells with their microenvironment (lymphocyte, macrophages, endothelial cells, etc.) in target organs. These interactions determine the outcome of metastasis (either the eradication of metastatic cells or their increased proliferation and invasion). Recently developed methods of tumor and host cell analysis at the molecular level allow better elucidation of molecular mechanisms of metastasis and of immune mechanisms involved in antitumor responses. Direct modulation of these processes will probably increase the success of clinical cancer treatment. Here we review data (a) on the expression of some costimulatory (MHC class II, CD80, sialoadhesin) and adhesion (LFA1, ICAM-1, VLA-4) molecules on both metastasized tumor cells and host cells and (b) on the production of a cytotoxic molecule, nitric oxide, by in situ activated Kupffer and endothelial cells in the process of liver metastasis. This study was performed with well-characterized murine ESbL T lymphoma cells transduced with the bacterial lacZ gene, which allows detection and quantification of metastases at the single cell level throughout lymphoma growth and metastasis. Experimental results are discussed in the context of recent literature.Abbreviations APC Antigen-presenting cells - hCRP Human C-reactive protein - ICAM Intercellular adhesion molecule - IFN Interferon - IL Interleukin - iNOS Inducible NO synthase - LFA Leukocyte function associated antigen - SER Sheep erythrocyte receptor - TA Tumor-associated rejection antigens - TNF Tumor necrosis factor - VCAM Vascular cell adhesion molecule - VLA Very late activated antigen     

A spectral framework for sperm shape characterization

A novel methodology for characterization of animal sperm shape involving the use of a spectral approach to multiscale curvature estimation is proposed. By using the derivative property of the Fourier transform, allied to Gaussian smoothing, accurate estimates of the curvature along the sperm contour can be obtained in such a way that the curvature peaks corresponding to the sperm head vertices can be effectively identified. The measurements derived from such a processing, namely the width of the basal region of the head, the centralization of tail implantation, and the multiscale bending energy, provide valuable resources for fertility and phylogenetic studies.     

The use of PTFE graft to correct anomalous drainage of persistent left superior vena cava

A new technique to correct persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) drainage into the left atrium is described in a 14-year-old patient with situs inversus, left atrial isomerism common atrium, and mitral valve regurgitation. During surgery, occlusion of the LSVC markedly increased the venous pressure, precluding its ligation. Because of the malposition of the heart and the unusual atrial anatomy, correction with an intra-atrial baffle was not attempted. After correcting the intra-cardiac anomaly, the LSVC was divided and anastomosed to the "right" atrial appendage using a segment of PTFE graft. The postoperative course was uneventful and an angiogram demonstrated excellent performance of the graft.     

妊娠期雌二醇和催乳素与瘦素的关系

目的 研究妊娠期间性激素与瘦素水平之间的关系。方法 在180例不同孕周的妇女中,按孕周分为＜20周组,20－23周组,≥28周组,采用酶联免疫吸附法测定其外周血血清雌二醇（E2）和催乳素（PRL）,放射免疫法测定血清瘦素水平,分析这些激素之间的相互关系。结果 E2和PRL均随妊娠进展而逐步升高（P＜0．0001）,组间均有显著差异（P＜0．05）。各组瘦素水平均高于非妊娠组,但组间差异无显著性。瘦素水平与孕妇体重及体重指数显著相关（P0．01）,与PRL也呈相关（P＜0．05）,而与E2无明显相关。结论 PRL水平与妊娠期瘦素水平升高有一定关系。     

骨折与无骨折史患者的定量超声检查比较

目的：用定量超声方法对有骨折史的骨质疏松症患者进行骨量检查,方法用CUBA Clinical型定量骨密度超声仪对393例被疑为骨质疏松的患者进行检测,并根据病史按有无骨折中进行分组。分析二组患者宽频超声衰减（BUA）、超声速率（VOS）、强度指数（SI）与骨折次数的关系。结果：伴有骨折史的骨质疏松症虱的BUA、VOS、SI值都要比无骨折史的患者明显降低（P＝0．000）。结论定量超声值与骨折的发生次数呈负相关,其测定值越低,骨折的发生次数越多;骨的质量下降是造成骨质疏松骨折的主要原因。     

Varicella vaccine

The varicella vaccine developed by Takahashi and cols. in 1974, in Japan, shows outstanding features. Its development, site and route of administration and final results are reviewed in this article.The varicella vaccine is highly effective in normal children (with almost 100% seroconversion rate), and with good protective responses in immunocompromised children (82% to 90% seroconversion rate). This is the first attenuated live virus vaccine that may be recommended for these patients. Its indications and side effects, along with needed precautions and contraindications are reviewed. Simultaneous administration of varicella vaccine with other vaccines can be done, each vaccine should be injected at different sites. New studies are ongoing for the association of the varicella vaccine with others vaccines. Several countries licensed this vaccine for administration in selected high-risk individuals. Probably, in the future, the varicella vaccine will be included in the preventive immunization schedule.