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In this study, a novel poly[Styrene (ST)-co-Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)] copolymer material is used to fabricate Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin films and investigate organic vapor sensing properties. Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) system is used to investigate gas sensing performance of copolymer LB films during exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The poly[Styrene (ST)-co-Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)] LB thin film sensor sensitivities are determined to be between 0.12 and 0.25 Hz ppm−1. Detection limits of the copolymer LB thin film are found to be between 23 and 49 ppm against organic vapors. The copolymer LB thin films are more sensitive to chloroform than other vapors used in this study. The results demonstrated that the poly[Styrene (ST)-co-Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)] copolymer material is promising as a organic vapor sensing device at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite maximal medican and surgical therapy, the outcomes of severe biventricular failure remain poor with mortality rates of up to 100%. The only definite therapy option for this disease is the total replacement of the heart - either by cardiac transplantation or by total artificial heart (TAH) implantation. Due to the lack of donor organs, mechanical assist devices are the most relevant option for these patients. The permanent availability of mechanical devices is especially attractive in emergency cases as well as in high-risk patients. The placement of two HeartMate 3 in the setting of a TAH is an alternative approach to pulsatile TAH implantation. We now present the worldwide first series of outcomes of this novel procedure. We performed a retrospective analysis of seven consecutive patients who underwent off-label HeartMate 3 TAH implantation after cardiectomy at two international medical institions. Data was acquired using the in-house clinical databases. Follow-up time was thirty days postoperatively. Among perioperative baseline characteristics, adverse events and survival data were collected and analyzed. The retrospective study was approved by the loca institutional ethics committee. Out of 7 patients 4 were male (57%). Primary diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy in four cases (4/7, 57%) Other diagnoses were stone heart syndrome, restrictive cardiomyopathy and post-partum cardiomyopathy. All patients were previously supported by ECMO. 3 patients suffered from severe ventricular thrombosis. Intraoperative mortality was 0%. One patient was successfully transplanted after 71 days on device. One patient is still on-going on the device, currently discharged and waiting for heart transplantation (POD 259). Full mobility was achieved in both patients. In all cases postoperative hemodynamic stability was successfully achieved. No device related technical complications occured. Four patients died within thirty days of support (51%; POD 10-21). Causes of death were sepsis and multi-organ failure (3/4) and stroke (1/4). It has been proven that the implantation of two HeartMate 3 VADs in the settings of a total artificial heart is a feasible concept with no technical adverse events in our patient population. In this high risk patient cohort, a reduction of 30-day-mortality from 100% to 57% was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isotretinoin-induced keloid formation has occasionally been reported in patients who have undergone dermabrasion or laser treatment. This report describes a man with Behçet's disease (BD) who was prescribed isotretinoin for nodulocystic acne. After approximately 8 weeks of this treatment, the patient developed extensive keloids. There are no previous reports of possible isotretinoin-induced keloid formation in the setting of BD. This article discusses possible connections between BD, keloid formation and isotretinoin, which may be manifested in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Dermoscopy of drug-induced aquagenic wrinkling phenomenon," by G. Gualdi and colleagues in the 2015 issue.

A high resolution tsunami vulnerability and risk assessment have been performed for the Marmara coast of the megacity of Istanbul by using the MeTHuVA (METU Metropolitan Tsunami Human Vulnerability Assessment) Method (Tufekci et al., 2018) considering seismic and non-seismic (submarine landslide) tsunami sources in the sea of Marmara. The 28 September 2018, Mw7.5 strike-slip Sulawesi, Indonesia earthquake triggered an unexpected tsunami and caused damage and loss of lives in Palu Bay. The observed tsunami heights are higher than the estimations from seismic sources and the generation mechanisms of this tsunami has not been well understood yet. Therefore, possible coastal sector collapses and/or subaerial/submarine landslides should also be considered as sources of this event. On the other hand, Palu event reminded 17 August 1999, Mw7.4 strike-slip Izmit, Turkey earthquake and associated tsunami event in the eastern end of Marmara Sea Izmit Bay where coastal collapses generated tsunami. These both events have similarities on the strike-slip type of the faulting mechanisms, and the tsunamis generated by submarine landslides that are probably triggered by earthquakes. These two similar events reveal the importance of landslide generated tsunamis and their destructive impact on coastal areas. North Anatolian Fault (NAF) is a dextral strike-slip fault that located along northern Anatolia and several earthquakes along NAF have shown its westward migration since 1939. Considering the earthquake in 1912 on Ganos segment, western part of NAF, a seismic gap in Marmara Sea can be recognized. Even the faulting system shows strike-slip motion, a possible future rupture on this seismic gap may trigger a submarine landslide(s). The impacts of above mentioned events, point out the strong possibility of tsunami generation by the landslides triggered by strike-slip faults which are the main character of the faults in the region. Therefore, landslides should be one of the main components in tsunami vulnerability and risk assessments on the coasts of Marmara Sea, especially in the megacity Istanbul. In this study, three conditions are evaluated, seismic and landslide triggered tsunamis separately and the condition of these two occurred simultaneously. According to these conditions, tsunamis are simulated, their hazard level and vulnerability analysis are performed and tsunami risk maps are plotted. The outputs are compared in the direction of better assessment of vulnerability and risk. The results are presented and discussed to help increasing preparedness of the megacity İstanbul against possible tsunamis in the Marmara Sea.Acknowledgement:MSc. Bora Yalciner and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andrey Zaytsev are acknowledged for their contributions in developing tsunami numerical model NAMI DANCE used in this study. We also thank Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for providing high quality data and close cooperation. Keywords: tsunami, vulnerability, risk assessment, landslide, numerical modeling, high-resolution, preparedness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of a prototype pulsatile mechanical circulatory support system for the treatment of severe isolated right heart failure (RHF) in a large animal study. The study found that the novel device was able to improve hemodynamics in a porcine model, with the device providing an output directly proportional to the pump rate. However, further investigation is needed before the device can be used in human studies. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the development of a new mobile active lung support system called the "Hannover Artificial Lung - HArt-Lung" concept. The system aims to provide mechanical support for patients with terminal lung failure, particularly those with right heart impairment. The concept was tested in an in-vitro mock circulation and then successfully implemented in a patient as a clinical proof of concept. The authors conclude that the HArt-Lung concept is a feasible and mobile option for the treatment of lung failure. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of micro-axial pumps as temporary mechanical circulatory support devices in patients with heart failure or in need of high-risk cardiac surgeries. The study aimed to evaluate the precision of a new feature of the device, which calculates the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) from the LV-waveform. The researchers compared this calculated LVEDP (cLVEDP) to the invasively measured pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) using Swan-Ganz-Catheters. The results showed a correlation between cLVEDP and PCWP, suggesting that cLVEDP could be used as a continuous monitoring and weaning tool, potentially reducing the need for other diagnostic procedures. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the case of a 70-year-old man having painful cutaneous metastasis with laryngeal adenocarcinoma. Examinations revealed a spherical, smooth, firm, tender and reddish-purple nodule located above the umbilicus. Hispathological examination of a punch biopsy specimen confirmed skin metastasis. Wide local excision was performed. Sections of the surgical specimen exposed adenocarcinoma infiltrating the dermis.

Objectives: To evaluate the nutritional and oral health status of children with previously diagnosed celiac disease (CD) who follow a gluten-free diet and recently diagnosed CD patients. Materials and methods: Previously and recently diagnosed groups were formed from children with CD, aged 4 to 15 years. A questionnaire was completed about the children's dental history and nutritional and oral hygiene habits. All the children underwent an oral examination, and dmft-DMFT indices were determined. Dental plaque status, periodontal health, and dental enamel defects were recorded. Oral soft tissues were examined for the presence of lesions. Unstimulated salivary flow rate and pH value were evaluated. Results: A statistically significant difference was determined between the previously and recently diagnosed patients in terms of toothpaste preference (p=0.003), frequency of going to the dentist (p=0.039), and the types of dental treatment they had received (p=0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the previously and recently diagnosed patient groups in terms of dmft values (p=0.005). Conclusions: Children with CD should be directed to a pediatric dentist to improve oral and dental health, relieve the symptoms of oral mucosal lesions, be informed about enamel defects, and be encouraged to use gluten-free oral care products. Clinical relevance: The collaboration of pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatric dentists can prevent the progression of oral symptoms in children with CD and eliminate long-term complications in terms of both oral health and multisystemic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by sterile pustules on palmar or plantar areas. Data on PPP are scarce. Aim: To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for disease severity in a large cohort of Turkish patients with PPP. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional, multicentre study of patients with PPP recruited from 21 tertiary centres across Turkey. Results: In total, 263 patients (165 women, 98 men) were evaluated. Most patients (75.6%) were former or current smokers. The mean Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) was 8.70 ± 8.06 and the mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was 6.87 ± 6.08, and these scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.52, P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that current smoking was significantly associated with increased PPPASI (P = 0.03). Coexisting psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) was reported by 70 (26.6%) patients. Male sex prevalence, PPP onset incidence, disease duration, DLQI, and prevalence of nail involvement and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were significantly increased among patients with PPP with PsV. Of the 263 patients, 18 (6.8%) had paradoxical PPP induced by biologic therapy, and these patients had significantly increased mean DLQI and prevalence of PsA (r = 0.03, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest that smoking is a risk factor for both PPP development and disease severity. Patients with PPP with PsV present distinct clinical features and patients with biologic therapy‐induced paradoxical PPP have reduced quality of life and are more likely to have PsA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The burden of systolic heart failure (HF) is ever increasing, and the need for novel HF treatment strategies is huge. Direct application of electrical microcurrent to the heart triggers reverse remodeling and reduces myocardial inflammation. The aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of chronic application of microcurrent by a dedicated implantable generator for the first time in a sheep model of chronic heart failure. Methods Twelve sheep were subjected to implantation of the microcurrent system, which consists of (a) an extremely thin patch electrode on the epicardium of the left ventricle (LV), (b) a transvenous counter electrode in the right ventricle and (c) a subcutaneous microcurrent generator connected to both electrodes. Whereas in five sheep the surgical procedure and the electrode design were optimized, in the remaining seven sheep HF was induced by injection of 90 µm microspheres directly into the left coronary artery. Microembolization was repeated until a sustained reduction of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was achieved, which was defined as a stable mean reduction by 25% as confirmed by echocardiography. Thereafter the device was activated to continuously apply transmyocardial microcurrent to the failing LV. LVEF was repeatedly measured after microcurrent treatment by echocardiography until 12 weeks after start of therapy. Results LVEF strongly decreased after microembolization (baseline, 70.9 ± 5.0%; after embolization, 44.2 ±13.4%, P<0.001). Within 12 weeks, chronic microcurrent therapy was associated with a resume of the LVEF back to 62.4 ±7.3% (P=0.206 as compared to baseline), consistent with a mean relative improvement of 68%. Adverse events (defined as intraoperative mortality, bleeding or re-thoracotomy) did not occur throughout the whole study period. Conclusion Continuous microcurrent therapy applied over several weeks is associated with a strong improvement of LVEF in a sheep model of chronic systolic HF. As demonstrated earlier, a mitigated inflammatory response to ischemia may be one of the underlying reasons. Future trials are warranted to further test this promising novel therapy, with the intention to induce and sustain intrinsic myocardial recovery and to ultimatively establish a novel treatment strategy for systolic HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulation of a tsunami from September 28, 2018, on Sulawesi Island (Indonesia) is carried out. It is shown that the observed distribution of tsunami heights within a large area can be explained by the direct effect of a strong earthquake, whereas in the source zone (area of the city of Palu) it was produced by an underwater landslide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous work, molecular dynamics simulations based on a firstprinciples- derived effective Hamiltonian for Pb1-X(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3-X (PSN), with nearest-neighbor Pb-O divacancy pairs, was used to calculate X[Pb-O] vs. T, phase diagrams for PSN with: ideal rock-salt type chemical order; nanoscale chemical short-range order; and random chemical disorder. Here, we show that the phase diagrams should include additional regions in which a glassy relaxor-phase (or state) is predicted. With respect to phase diagram topology, these results strongly support the analogy between relaxors and magnetic spinglass- systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2011 Tōhoku event showed the massive destruction potential of tsunamis. The Euro-Japan 'Risk assessment and design of prevention structures for enhanced tsunami disaster resilience (RAPSODI)' project aimed at using data from the event to evaluate tsunami mitigation strategies and to validate a framework for a quantitative tsunami mortality risk analysis. Coastal structures and mitigation strategies against tsunamis in Europe and Japan are compared. Failure mechanisms of coastal protection structures exposed to tsunamis are discussed based on field data. Knowledge gaps on failure modes of different structures under different tsunami loading conditions are identified. Results of the wave-flume laboratory experiments on rubble mound breakwaters are used to assess their resilience against tsunami impact. For the risk analysis, high-resolution digital elevation data are applied for the inundation modeling. The hazard is represented by the maximum flow depth, the exposure is described by the location of the population, and the mortality is a function of flow depth and building vulnerability. A thorough search for appropriate data on the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami was performed. The results of the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami mortality hindcast for the city of Ishinomaki substantiate that the tsunami mortality risk model can help to identify high-mortality risk areas and the main risk drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HeartMate3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has markedly improved hemocompatibility related adverse outcomes. In sporadic cases, external compression of the outflow graft causing obstruction (eOGO) can result from gelatinous substance accumulation between outflow graft and its bend relief covering. We sought to evaluate the prevalence, temporal course and clinical implications of eOGO with the HM3 LVAD in a global cohort study. A Multi-center retrospective analysis was conducted among 2014 HM3 LVAD patients across 16 cardiac centers in 8 countries (between 11/2014 and 4/2021). Presence of eOGO was defined as >25% of cross-sectional area identified by established imaging (percutaneous angiography, computed tomography or intravascular ultrasound). The prevalence and annual incidence were calculated. Serious adverse events and outcome (death, transplant or device exchange) at the end of the study were analyzed for those eOGO cases that required therapy versus those who were observed. Among 2014 patients, 61 patients were diagnosed with eOGO at a median LVAD support duration of 1024 [IQR: 636-1409] days. The overall prevalence of eOGO was at 3.0 %. The incidence at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years on support was 0.6, 2.8, 4.1, 4.6 and 9.8 %. Of 52 patients, who required a therapeutic intervention, 26 underwent surgical revision, 16 patients were treated by percutaneous stent implantation, 8 underwent urgent heart transplantation and 2 died before intervention. In 9 patients a watchful waiting strategy without treatment was chosen. The mortality among those requiring therapeutic intervention was 9 of 52 (17.3%). This global multicenter cohort study suggests that while rare, HM3 LVAD supported patients may develop eOGO with an increasing incidence after 1 year on support. While targeted engineering efforts to alleviate this complication are underway by addressing early detection as well as outflow graft and bend relief design, clinicians must remain vigilant to this complication, especially in long-term survivors supported with the HM3 LVAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus is characterised by changes in behaviour, memory, affect or level of consciousness. We report a case of nonconvulsive status epilepticus precipitated by carbamazepine that presented as dissociative fugue. The patient was a 49-year-old man. He first experienced a tonic-clonic seizure nine years previously and was diagnosed with grand mal epilepsy. He had been using carbamazepine 800 mg daily for the last eight years. He had not had any tonic-clonic seizures since carbamazepine was introduced but began to display behavioural disturbances periodically. He also left home many times, and remembered nothing about the period he had been away after he returned. He was hospitalised with a preliminary diagnosis of dissociative fugue. He had recurrent episodes with dissociative symptoms during his stay in the hospital. An electroencephalogram (EEG) and a 24-hour video EEG revealed nothing abnormal. An EEG recording taken during an episode indicated complex partial status epilepticus. Carbamazepine was substituted with valproate, and the patient was discharged in remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The use of N-acetylcysteine or theophylline in specific subgroups of patients has been suggested to reduce the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients undergoing angiographic procedures. Our purpose was to compare the use of N-acetylcysteine versus N-acetylcysteine + theophylline for the prevention of CIN. Materials and methods We randomized 217 patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (calculated by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula) between 30 and 60 mL min−1 1·73 m−2 who were undergoing coronary angiography to three prophylactic treatment groups: Group 1: Intravenous hydration with isotonic saline (1 mL kg−1 h−1 for 12 h before and after contrast, n = 72). Group 2: Intravenous hydration with isotonic saline (1 mL kg−1 h−1 for 12 h before and after contrast)+ N-acetylcysteine (600 mg p.o. twice daily the preceding day and the day of angiography, n = 73). Group 3: Intravenous hydration with isotonic saline (1 mL kg−1 h−1 for 12 h before and after contrast)+ N-acetylcysteine + theophylline (600 mg N-acetylcysteine p.o. and 200 mg theophylline p.o. twice daily for the preceding day and the day of angiography, n = 72). The incidence of CIN (0·5 mg dL−1 increase in serum creatinine from the baseline value 48 h after intravascular injection of contrast) was compared in three groups. Results Of the 217 patients, 12 patients (5·5%) experienced CIN. Five patients (6·9%) in group 1, seven patients (9·6%) in group 2 and zero (0%) patients in group 3 experienced CIN ( P < 0·033). Conclusion Among patients with eGFR between 30 and 60 mL min−1 1·73 m−2 undergoing coronary angiography, oral administration of N-acetylcysteine + theophylline in addition to saline hydration has a beneficial effect in the prevention of CIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsation in β Cep and slowly pulsating B (SPB) stars are driven by the κ mechanism which depends critically on the metallicity. It has therefore been suggested that β Cep and SPB stars should be rare in the Magellanic Clouds which have lower metallicities than the solar neighbourhood. To test this prediction we have observed the open Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) cluster NGC 371 for 12 nights in order to search for β Cep and SPB stars. Surprisingly, we find 29 short-period B-type variables in the upper part of the main sequence, many of which are probably SPB stars. This result indicates that pulsation is still driven by the κ mechanism even in low-metallicity environments. All the identified variables have periods longer than the fundamental radial period which means that they cannot be β Cep stars. Within an amplitude detection limit of 5 mmag no stars in the top of the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram show variability with periods shorter than the fundamental radial period. So if β Cep stars are present in the cluster they oscillate with amplitudes below 5 mmag, which is significantly lower than the mean amplitude of β Cep stars in the Galaxy. We see evidence that multimode pulsation is more common in the upper part of the main sequence than in the lower. We have also identified five eclipsing binaries and three periodic pulsating Be stars in the cluster field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The muscles and livers of the ten rainbow trouts ( Oncorhynchus mykiss; N, 1752) obtained from Sapanca, Aquaculture Facility of Aquatic Products Faculty, The University of Istanbul (Turkey), have been analysed quantitatively for some minor elements using the radioisotope energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and neutron activation analysis (NAA) methods. It was found that samples contain Na, K, Ca, Sc, Cs, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Au, La and Ce in different amounts. Comparison of the results with those of reference river fish samples indicated that agricultural rainbow trout samples from Sapanca region have higher Fe level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation occurs in 1-5% of patients, allowing for LVAD explantation. Considering the growth in LVAD numbers, we can expect an increase of potential candidates to LVAD explantation in the near future. Therefore, there is an important need for novel less invasive explantation strategies. Herein, we report the first series of patients who underwent HeartMate 3 (HM3) explantation with the use of a custom-made apical ring plug. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent HeartMate3 (HM3) explantation with a new apical ring plug between September 2018 and September 2019. All patients underwent standardized weaning protocol including echocardiography (at rest and under exercise) and right heart catheterization. Apical ring plug positioning was performed through left lateral thoracotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass support. This study analysed perioperative survival, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, postoperative bleeding, perioperative transfusions, infections, thrombosis and strokes. Four patients were included. Median age was 44.5 years (M:F= 3:1) and time on LVAD support was 21 months (Table 1). All surgical procedures were uneventful and without technical difficulties. Transfusions and blood loss were minimal. No hemorrhagic, embolic or infective events were recorded. Anticoagulation with heparin was started 6 hours after surgery as bridge to oral anticoagulation (INR: 2-2.5). All patients were discharged from ICU. Three of them were discharged within 48 hours from surgery, one patient required re-intubation for pneumonia and was successfully discharged from ICU after 10 days. This novel plug device for HM3 explantation was successfully and safely implanted in this first patient series. Even if no plug-related complications were recorded, the plug use should still be considered off-label and wider studies are required before allowing its application on larger populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reperfusion injury (RI) occurs after cardiac surgery, myocardial infarction or heart transplantation, however effective treatment strategies are still lacking. Cardiac micro intensity electrical current (C-MIC) modulates inflammation, myocardial remodeling and recovery in failing hearts in vivo and in vitro. This study aimed to establish a large animal model of RI to test C-MIC application on RI after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Seven swines underwent CPB with 120 mins crossclamp time, and were assigned to a control (n=3) or treatment group (n=4). The treatment group received a C-MIC device consisting of an epicardial patch electrode placed on the left ventricular lateral free wall, a transvenous right ventricular counter electrode, and a current generator. C-MIC treatment was continued until CPB weaning. Reperfusion on full CPB flow lasted 20 mins, followed by a stepwise weaning process. Inotropes or pacing were not allowed. Noradrenaline was used to maintain arterial pressure and xylocaine for arrhythmia treatment. Defibrillation was performed as needed. Primary end-point was survival at 20 mins after CPB weaning. Baseline characteristics and pre-CPB hemodynamics were comparable between groups. All C-MIC devices were successfully implanted, without observed malfunction. A microcurrent in the upper µA range was delivered. In the C-MIC group, CPB weaning was successful in all animals, and survival with stable hemodynamics was observed in 50% of cases (Table 1). Weaning and survival rates were lower in the control group. Noradrenaline was required in 50% of the C-MIC animals and in 100% of control animals to maintain arterial pressure after CPB. Our study presents an animal model which allows evaluation of RI treatment strategies. In this pilot trial, the C-MIC device was safely and successfully implanted. Our data suggest a potential benefit of C-MIC treatment for RI and further studies are needed to test this promising therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The meaningful association of androgenetic alopecia and coronary heart disease has been well documented, but few studies have focused on the importance of lipid parameters, such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprocein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-eholesterol, lipoproteiri (a), apolipoprotein Al and apolipoprotein B in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between androgenetic alopecia and coronary heart disease and to determine the significance of certain lipid parameters on this relationship. Subjects Forty-one men with vertex type androgenetic alopecia (study group) and 36 men. age-matched, with normal hair status (control group) were the subject of this study. Results We found significant differences in serum lipoprotein (a) and triglyceride levels between the study and control groups (P < 0.05). Forty-seven percent of patients and 30% of controls had a lipoprotein (a) level more than 30 mg/dI higher than the level critical for atheroselerotic heart disease. Conclusion Dermatologists should investigate lipid profile, especially lipoprotein (a), of patients with androgenetic alopecia and refer to a cardiologist if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]