The Relationship between Atopic Dermatitis and Premenstrual Syndrome in Women Referred to the Skin Clinic of Hamadan

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: One of the factors affecting dermatophyte is hormonal factors, in which atopic dermatitis is more common in adult women. Since one of the psychotic problems regarding reproductive performance of women is premenstrual syndrome, in this study, the association between premenstrual syndrome and atopic dermatitis in reproductive age women was investigated. METHODS: This case-control study was performed on 82 women aged between 15 and 49 years old in two groups of atopic dermatitis referring to Skin Clinic of Sina Hospital in Tehran and control group including healthy women for atopic dermatitis. Demographic questionnaire and (PSST) Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Test (with score 42-0) were completed and evaluated by both groups. FINDINGS: The mean age of subjects in the case group was 17.17 ± 4.45 and in the control group was 27.29 ± 8.03 years. The results showed by controlling the possible confounding factors as age, occupation and marital status the probability of having moderate or severe premenstrual syndrome in patients with atopic dermatitis is 13.26 (OR= 13.26, 95% CI: 3.31, 53.07), as compared with healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: The results showed that there is a strong relationship between moderate to severe menstrual syndrome and atopic dermatitis in women

A Comparison of Abdominal Aortic Calcification Index (Aci) between Hemodialysis Patients and Control Group (Non-Diabetic, Non-Hypertensive Traumatic Patients)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Calcification of media layer of peripheral arteries (Monkeburg sclerosis) often occurs with age and in diabetic patients with chronic renal failure. The appearance of this mark in hemodialysis patients can help predict cardiovascular events. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the Abdominal Aortic Calcification Index (ACI) in hemodialysis and non-renal patients. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 84 hemodialysis patients who had the inclusion criteria were enrolled.  157 traumatic patients who had no chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension were enrolled as the control group. The evaluation of CT scan sections, put the patients in three ACI groups (0-40), (41-80) and (81-120). FINDINGS: A sum of 241 patients were enrolled in the study [ 84 (34.9%) in the case and 157 (65.1%) in the control group]. There was a significant difference in ACI between the two groups (P< 0.001). Comparing the chance of ACI in two groups, dialysis patients have a 22.67 times more chance to have severe ACI than mild ACI {CI  95% (4.987-103.062) (p=0.001)}, and also dialysis patients have a 7.32 times more chance to have severe ACI than moderate one {CI 95%(1.486-34.891) (p=0.001)}. CONCLUSION: According to more severe ACI in dialysis patients in comparison to healthy people, renal disease and dialysis may have an essential role in vascular calcification and its complications

Evaluation of Influential Factors in the Incidence Period of Cytomegalovirus after Renal Transplantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most frequent infectious complications, which results in renal transplant failure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics and risk factors associated with the incidence period of CMV infection after renal transplant. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in renal transplant recipients during 2010-2015 in kidney transplant unit of Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Babol, Iran. The evaluated demographics included body mass index (BMI), smoking status, type of underlying disease leading to end-stage renal disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and type of dialysis. Data analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimator, log-rank test, and Cox regression. FINDINGS: In total, 242 patients received renal transplant, among whom 73 (30.2%) cases had CMV infection with median and mean survival of 41 and 48.09±23.50, respectively. In this study, there was no correlation between demographic variables (e.g., gender, place of residence, marital status, educational level, BMI, smoking status, hepatitis B, and type of dialysis) and incidence period of CMV. However, a significant relationship was observed between the incidence period of CMV and age (mean: 45 years, P=0.04), as well as etiology of ESRD urology (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CMV infection is reported to be high in elderly patients with history of urologic diseases. Therefore, performing short-term follow-ups four months after transplantation, with emphasis on the first two months is recommended

In vivo electromechanical reshaping of ear cartilage in a rabbit model: a minimally invasive approach for otoplasty.

ObjectiveTo report the first successful study to date of in vivo electromechanical reshaping of ear cartilage in a rabbit model.MethodsEars of New Zealand white rabbits were reshaped using percutaneous needle electrode electromechanical reshaping (5 V for 4 minutes) and were then bolstered for 4 weeks. Ten ears were treated, with 2 undergoing sham procedures and serving as controls. The treatment was performed using a platinum array of electrodes consisting of 4 parallel rows of needles inserted across the region of flexures in the ear. After 4 weeks, the animals were killed, and the ears were photographed and sectioned for conventional light microscopy and confocal microscopy (live-dead fluorescent assays).ResultsSignificant shape change was noted in all the treated ears (mean, 102.4°; range, 87°-122°). Control ears showed minimal shape retention (mean, 14.5°; range, 4°-25°). Epidermis and adnexal structures were preserved in reshaped ears, and neochondrogenesis was noted in all the specimens. Confocal microscopy demonstrated a localized zone of nonviable chondrocytes (&lt;2.0 mm in diameter) surrounding needle sites in all the treated ears.ConclusionsElectromechanical reshaping can alter the shape of the rabbit auricle, providing good creation and retention of shape, with limited skin and cartilage injury. Needle electrode electromechanical reshaping is a viable technique for minimally invasive tissue reshaping, with potential applications in otoplasty, septoplasty, and rhinoplasty. Further studies to refine dosimetry parameters will be required before clinical trials