Hailey–Hailey disease improved by fractional CO2 laser

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD), also known as benign familial pemphigus, is an autosomal dominant skin condition that affects the adhesion of epidermal keratinocytes. Although the initial manifestation of flaccid vesicles on erythematous or normal skin in flexure sites frequently goes unnoticed, large, macerated, exudative plaques of superficial erosions with crusting are observed at the time of diagnosis. There is no specific treatment for HHD, and most cases are symptomatically supported. However, infrared laser ablation has been somewhat helpful. We present a case successfully treated with fractional CO₂ laser showing a long-term favourable outcome and no adverse effects. Thus, this modality could be an alternative to full ablation for this condition.     

Sexual dimorphism in shape and size of the neurocranium

International Journal of Legal Medicine - Sex identification is a primary step in forensic analysis of skeletal remains. The accuracy of sex estimation methods greatly depends on the sexual...     

Climacteric obesity: from genesis to clinic.

The etiology of obesity is multifactorial and still unclear. Genetic factors play a significant role and include several gene candidates: polymorphisms of genes for ss(2)-adrenoreceptor, resistin, estrogen receptor-a and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma. Moreover, peptides regulating hunger and satiety, e.g. leptin, galanin, cholecystokinin and neuropeptide Y, and altered nutritional patterns have been implicated. Also, factors associated with aging, e.g. decreased levels of growth hormone and dehydroepiandrosterone, and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (resting metabolism and thermogenesis) cannot be disregarded. Participation of the sex steroids and inflammatory factors has also been postulated in the etiology of obesity. Three phenotypes of obesity are postulated; however, the visceral (abdominal) phenotype is typical of postmenopausal women and is characterized by several metabolic disorders with high risks of diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular disease. On the basis of personal experience and data from evidence-based medicine, diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms of climacteric obesity are presented.