Deficient serum 25(OH)D levels are present in vitiligo patients with and without systemic autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, screening for vitamin D deficiency seems of value in vitiligo patients for the possibility of vitamin D supplementation.

Repair of aortic arch aneurysms by sequential transposition of the supra-aortic branches and endovascular stent-graft placement is feasible. Extended application of this technique will enable safe and effective treatment of a highly selected subgroup of patients with aortic aneurysms by avoiding conventional arch aneurysm repair in deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest.

BackgroundOsteoporosis, a reduction in bone mineral density, represents the most common metabolic bone disease. Postmenopausal women are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis when their production of estrogen declines. For these women, fracture is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of olive oil supplementation against osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.MethodsWe studied adult female Wistar rats aged 12-14 months, divided into three groups: sham-operated control (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized rats supplemented with extravirgin olive oil (Olive-OVX) orally for 12 weeks; 4 weeks before ovariectomy and 8 weeks after. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected. Plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrates were assayed. Specimens from both the tibia and the liver were processed for light microscopic examination. Histomorphometric analysis of the tibia was also performed.ResultsThe OVX-rats showed a significant decrease in plasma calcium levels, and a significant increase in plasma ALP, MDA, and nitrates levels. These changes were attenuated by olive oil supplementation in the Olive-OVX rats. Light microscopic examination of the tibia of the OVX rats revealed a significant decrease in the cortical bone thickness (CBT) and the trabecular bone thickness (TBT). In addition, there was a significant increase in the osteoclast number denoting bone resorption. In the Olive-OVX rats these parameters were markedly improved as compared to the OVX group. Examination of the liver specimens revealed mononuclear cellular infiltration in the portal areas in the OVX-rats which was not detected in the Olive-OVX rats.ConclusionsOlive oil effectively mitigated ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats, and is a promising candidate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Cutting balloon angioplasty proved to be a safe and effective treatment of graft-to-vein anastomotic stenosis, with significantly higher patency than that of conventional balloon angioplasty.

Our study showed increased atherosclerosis risk in patients with psoriasis, particularly those with moderate/severe disease, as evidenced by increased expression of platelet CD62 compared with healthy controls. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between CD62 expression and ARD (another possible marker of atherosclerosis), with positive correlation to the PASI score; the most important factor influencing CD62 expression. However, our data on MPV and FMD do not support the use of either value for diagnosing subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis in further studies.

BA may be as promising as MEL in the hepatoprotection against MTX toxicity through their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. In addition, it is not recommended to co-administer UDCA with MTX as it enhanced inflammation and damage to the liver.

No abstract

Summary Background Few studies have evaluated facial photoaging by dermoscopy. Only one study has been performed among Egyptians. Objective To study and compare the dermoscopic features of facial aging in males and females and to relate these features to clinical criteria. Methods This study included 217 subjects divided into two groups; 117 males and 100 females. Each group was classified into three subgroups according to age. The dermoscopic features were reported according to dermoscopy photoaging scale (DPAS) criteria besides diffuse erythema and seborrheic keratosis and were related to significant clinical factors. Results The most prominent DPAS features in males were yellowish discoloration, hypo‐hyperpigmented macules, superficial wrinkles, criss‐cross wrinkles, and deep wrinkles. The most prominent DPAS findings in females were yellow papules, hypo‐hyperpigmented macules, solar lentigo, and superficial wrinkles. A significant difference between males and females was detected regarding yellowish discoloration, white lines, hypo‐hyperpigmented macules, senile comedones, telangiectasia, all wrinkle types, and DPAS score besides diffuse erythema and seborrheic keratosis. The DPAS score and the dermoscopic features were more prominent with male gender, increase in age, sun exposure, Glogau's scale, and smoking and were detected early in skin phototypes II and III. Conclusion We found a significant difference in various dermoscopic features in males compared to age‐matched females. Also, we detected increase in DPAS features and score with male gender, aging, sun exposure, Glogau's scale, and smoking. Therefore, dermoscopy is an objective technique that detects selectively photoaging in males and females that aids in proper choice of various targeted treatment modalities.