The genotyping of Blastocystis hominis clinical isolates obtained from 28 gastrointestinal symptomatic patients and 16 asymptomatic individuals were identified by polymerase chain reaction using sequenced-tagged site (STS) primers. Then, pathophysiological variability between different B. hominis genotypes was evaluated in experimentally infected rats. Only four B. hominis subtypes (1, 2, 3, and 4) were detected (18.2%, 9.1%, 54.5%, and 18.2%, respectively) in human isolates. In symptomatic isolates, subtypes 1, 3, and 4 were detected in 8 (28.6%), 16 (57.1%), and 4 (14.3%) patients, respectively. In asymptomatic isolates, subtypes 2, 3, and 4 were identified in 4 (25%), 8 (50%), and 4 (25%), respectively. Subtype 3 was the commonest in humans. Different degrees of pathological changes were found among infected rats by symptomatic subtypes compared with asymptomatic subtypes. The moderate and severe degrees of pathological changes were found only in symptomatic subtypes infected rats while mild degree was found only in asymptomatic subtypes infected rats. Only subtype 1 induced mortality rate with 25% among infected rats. On evaluation of the intestinal cell permeability in the Ussing chamber, a prominent increase in short circuit current (DeltaIsc) was found in symptomatic subtype 1 compared to symptomatic subtypes 3 and 4 infected rats. Minimal effects were found in the asymptomatic and control groups. The results proved that subtype 1 was clinically and statistically highly relevant to the pathogenicity of B. hominis while subtype 2 was irrelevant. Also, the results suggest the presence of pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains among subtypes 3 and 4.

Our results showed high serum levels of IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-α among CSU patients which may highlight a functional role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of this important and common skin disease. It also may provide the rationale for new treatment strategies in chronic urticaria.

Our results showed high serum levels of Th17 cytokines among patients with AA that may suggest a functional role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of this important skin disease. It could also provide the rationale for new treatment strategies in AA.

Background Efficacy and safety of ablative fractional laser used for treatment of acne scars have been described in several studies. Recently, microneedling radiofrequency treatment has been showing promising results with low risk of side effects and rapid healing time. Objective To study efficacy and safety of ablative fractional Er:YAG laser 2940 nm and microneedling radiofrequency for facial atrophic acne scar. Methods 21 patients with atrophic postacne scars were randomized to MRF for one half of the face and laser for the other half. Four sessions were performed monthly. For evaluation, the validated scale “Quantitative Global Grading System for Postacne Scarring” and patient's satisfaction were used before and 3 months after treatment. Optical coherence tomography imaging of the skin was used as an objective tool for assessment. Results Both sides showed significant improvement on clinical evaluation with no significant difference. Optical coherence tomography assessment showed significant increase of both epidermal and dermal thickness compared to baseline. Conclusion Both MRF and ablative fractional Er. YAG laser 2940 nm are effective in the treatment of post acne scars. Microneedling radiofrequency is better tolerated, with lower downtime and fewer side effects.

Introduction Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death and disability for both women and men. The psychological impact of acute myocardial infarction, as well as the physiological effects of the illness and its medications, can have a major effect on a patient's ability to resume sexual activity. Aim To assess sexual activity in female patients with unstable angina or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and to study the impact of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) on resumption of sexual activity. Main Outcome Measures Doppler-echocardiographic study, exercise tolerance test (ETT), and assessment of sexual activity. Methods This study was conducted in the Riyadh National Hospital and included 35 female patients admitted to the intensive care unit for management of unstable angina or NSTEMI. All patients were enrolled into a CR program. All of them were interviewed for assessment of sexual activity, 12 weeks post discharge. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used for the assessment of the severity of sexual dysfunction for patients who resumed their sexual activity. Results Results indicate that 48.57% of the patients resumed their sexual activity at the time of the interview. However, most of them were either not satisfied at all with their sexual activity or mostly dissatisfied. The remaining patients (51.43%) had not resumed sex yet. CR was completed by 70.59% of those resuming sex, and 38.89% of those not resuming sex. We estimated that rehabilitated patients were 3.77 times more likely to resume sexual activity than those who did not receive rehabilitation. ASEX score ranged from 19 to 30, with a mean of 24.118 ± 3.42. Conclusions Unstable angina and NSTEMI have a negative impact on frequency of, and satisfaction with, sexual activity, and lead to sexual dysfunction within a large number of female patients. Accurate and complete sexual instructions for both partners with specific attention paid to the woman's concerns and needs should be part of CR programs.

People living with HIV/AIDS in 2010 are around 34 million, already; more than 30 million people around the world have died of AIDS-related diseases. In 2010, 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV, and 1.8 million men, women and children died of AIDSrelated causes [9].

Background Vitiligo is a common acquired disorder of depigmentation. Its pathogenesis entails a T helper (Th) 1‐cytotoxic T (cT) lymphocytes mediated autoimmune melanocyte destruction. Interleukin (IL)‐15 is one of the IL‐2 family of cytokines and shares several actions with IL‐2. IL‐15 enhances survival, maturation, and functional activity of natural killer, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, it potentiates survival, maturation, and cytotoxicity of memory cT cells. IL‐15 has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases but was poorly investigated in patients with vitiligo. Aims The study aimed at evaluating IL‐15 level in the sera of patients with vitiligo and its association with vitiligo severity and activity. Patients and Methods The study included 30 patients with nonsegmental vitiligo and 30 healthy controls. Vitiligo Extent Score (VES) and Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score were used to assess vitiligo severity and activity, respectively. Serum level of IL‐15 was assessed by enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay. Results Serum IL‐15 level, in patients with vitiligo, was significantly higher in comparison with the control group (P = .001). A significant positive correlation was found between serum IL‐15 level and VES score (P = .001), whereas there was no significant correlation between IL‐15 level and VIDA score as well as the disease duration. Conclusion IL‐15 level was elevated in the sera of patients with vitiligo. IL‐15 may therefore have a significant impact on vitiligo autoimmune pathogenesis, and further identification of its molecular roles may highlight new therapeutic strategies for vitiligo.

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