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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) rarely affects pediatric patients. The literature on pediatric HS patients is scarce. This is a cross-sectional study based on case note review or interviews and clinical examination of 140 pediatric patients undergoing secondary or tertiary level care. Patients were predominantly female (75.5%, n = 105) with a median age of 16. 39% reported 1st-degree relative with HS. Median BMI percentile was 88, and 11% were smokers (n = 15). Median modified Sartorius score was 8.5. Notable comorbidities found were acne (32.8%, n = 45), hirsutism (19.3%, n = 27), and pilonidal cysts (16.4%, n = 23). Resorcinol (n = 27) and clindamycin (n = 25) were the most frequently used topical treatments. Patients were treated with tetracycline (n = 32), or oral clindamycin and rifampicin in combination (n = 29). Surgical excision was performed in 18 patients, deroofing in five and incision in seven patients. Obesity seemed to be prominent in the pediatric population and correlated to parent BMI, suggesting a potential for preventive measures for the family. Disease management appeared to be similar to that of adult HS, bearing in mind that the younger the patient, the milder the disease in majority of cases., info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Generalized nonsegmental vitiligo is often associated with the activation of melanocyte-specific autoimmunity. Because chemokines play an important role in the maintenance of immune responses, we examined chemotactic signatures in cultured vitiligo melanocytes and skin samples of early (≤2 months) and advanced (≥6 months) vitiligo. Analysis showed that melanocytes in early lesions have altered expression of several chemotaxis-associated molecules, including elevated secretion of CXCL12 and CCL5. Higher levels of these chemokines coincided with prominent infiltration of the skin with antigen presenting cells (APCs) and T cells. Most of the intralesional APCs expressed the CD86 maturation marker and co-localized with T cells, particularly in early vitiligo lesions. These observations were confirmed by in vivo animal studies showing preferential recruitment of APCs and T cells to CXCL12- and CCL5-expressing transplanted melanocytes, immunotargeting of the chemokine-positive cells, continuous loss of the pigment-producing cells from the epidermis, and development of vitiligo-like lesions. Taken together, our studies show that melanocyte-derived CXCL12 and CCL5 support APC and T-cell recruitment, antigen acquisition, and T-cell activation in early vitiligo and reinforce the role of melanocyte-derived CXCL12 and CCL5 in activation of melanocyte-specific immunity and suggest inhibition of these chemotactic axes as a strategy for vitiligo stabilization.

Background Mesotherapy, commonly known as “biorejuvenation” or “biorevitalization”, is a technique used to rejuvenate the skin by means of a transdermal injection of a multivitamin solution and natural plant extracts that are thought to improve the signs of skin aging.

Summary Background As the demand for minimally invasive rejuvenation is increasing, micropeel resurfacing using Erbium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) laser 2940 nm has been reported for the treatment of photoaged skin without ablation of the epidermis. However, little is known about the efficacy and underlying histologic changes associated with this type of treatment. Aims The aims of this study are to evaluate the clinical effect and objectively quantify the histological changes in response to multiple sessions of Er:YAG laser 2940 nm mini-peels. Patients and methods Six female volunteers of Fitzpatrick skin type III–IV and Glogau’s class I–III wrinkles were subjected to six microresurfacing peels at 2-week intervals using Er:YAG 2940 nm laser at subablative fluences of 2–3 J/cm2 to treat periorbital rhytides. Quantitative evaluation of collagen types I, III, and VII, newly synthesized collagen, total elastin, and tropoelastin was performed by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry coupled with computerized morphometric analysis at base line, end of treatment, and 3 months post-treatment. Results Compared to the base line, evaluation of volunteers revealed obvious clinical improvement in response to Er:YAG mini-peels. Collagen types I, III, and VII, as well as newly synthesized collagen, together with tropoelastin showed a statistically significant increase in response to treatment, while the mean level of total elastin was significantly decreased in response to treatment. However, this was followed by regression of improvement at 3 months post-treatment but was still better than baseline. Conclusions This study revealed that multiple Er:YAG mini-peels is a promising treatment option for photoaging as it reverses the signs of photoaged skin with little downtime and side effects. However, to maintain the short-term improvement achieved after treatment, continued Er:YAG 2940 nm laser mini-peels is required.

Background Multiple therapies involving ablative and nonablative techniques have been developed for rejuvenation of photodamaged skin. Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) is emerging as a gentler, nonablative skin-tightening device that delivers uniform heat to the dermis at a controlled depth. Objective We evaluated the clinical effects and objectively quantified the histologic changes of the nonablative RF device in the treatment of photoaging. Methods Six individuals of Fitzpatrick skin type III to IV and Glogau class I to II wrinkles were subjected to 3 months of treatment (6 sessions at 2-week intervals). Standard photographs and skin biopsy specimens were obtained at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment. We performed quantitative evaluation of total elastin, collagen types I and III, and newly synthesized collagen using computerized histometric and immunohistochemical techniques. Blinded photographs were independently scored for wrinkle improvement. Results RF produced noticeable clinical results, with high satisfaction and corresponding facial skin improvement. Compared with the baseline, there was a statistically significant increase in the mean of collagen types I and III, and newly synthesized collagen, while the mean of total elastin was significantly decreased, at the end of treatment and 3 months posttreatment. Limitations A limitation of this study is the small number of patients, yet the results show a significant improvement. Conclusions Although the results may not be as impressive as those obtained by ablative treatments, RF is a promising treatment option for photoaging with fewer side effects and downtime.

Objectives: Electro-optical synergy technology is one of the most recently described methods for nonablative skin rejuvenation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of electro-optical synergy on connective tissue composition by histological and immunohistochemical techniques coupled with computerized morphometric analysis. Design: A prospective clinical study. Participants: Six volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types 3 to 4 and Glogau class I to II wrinkles were subjected to three months (6 sessions at 2-week intervals) of electro-optical synergy treatment. Measurements: Standard photographs and skin biopsies were obtained at baseline as well as three and six months after the start of treatment. The authors performed quantitative evaluation of total elastin, tropoelastin, collagen types I, III, and VII, and newly synthesized collagen. Results: Noticeable clinical and histological improvement was observed after electro-optical synergy treatment. A statistically significant increase in the means of collagen types I, III, and VII, as well as newly synthesized collagen, together with increased levels of tropoelastin, were detected, while the mean level of total elastin was significantly decreased at the end of treatment and three months post-treatment. Conclusion: Electro-optical synergy is an effective treatment for contouring facial skin laxity. This modality stimulates the repair processes and reverses the clinical, as well as the histopathological, signs of aging with the advantage of being a relatively risk-free procedure with minimal patient recovery time.

Objective To explore the expression and distribution of DNA damage repair and apoptosis marker proteins in human testicular germ cells of infertile varicocele patients; and to compare the expression and distribution with that of young and old fertile men. Design Retrospective case–control study. Setting Academic institutions. Patient(s) Testicular specimens were obtained from 8 infertile varicocele patients aged 20–30 years and from 16 fertile volunteers aged 20–82 years. Intervention(s) Testicular germ cell DNA repair markers were assessed using immunohistochemical staining for the cell proliferation marker (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), DNA repair markers [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), poly(ADP-ribose), X-ray repair cross-complementing 1, and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1], and apoptosis markers (caspase 9, active caspase 3, and cleaved PARP-1). Main Outcome Measure(s) The prevalence and cellular localization of the above markers in testicular tissues of varicocele patients and fertile men of varying ages. Result(s) Statistically significant differences in DNA damage repair–associated proteins and apoptosis markers were observed in infertile men with varicocele compared with fertile young men. Old fertile men showed similar expression of the same markers when compared with infertile varicocele patients. Conclusion(s) The study demonstrates that there is an increase in human testicular germ cell DNA repair and apoptosis in infertile varicocele patients and that their profile resembles that of premature aging.

Objective To explore the relationship between men's age and DNA damage repair proteins related to apoptosis in human testicular germ cells. Design Retrospective case–control study. Setting Academic institutions. Patient(s) Testicular specimens were obtained from 22 fertile volunteers aged 20–82 years. Intervention(s) Deoxyribonucleic acid repair markers were assessed using immunohistochemical staining for the cell proliferation marker [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)]; DNA repair markers [poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) (PAR), X-ray repair cross-complementing1(XRCC1), and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1)]; and apoptosis-associated markers (caspase 9, active caspase 3, and cleaved PARP-1). Main Outcome Measure(s) The prevalence and cellular localization of the above markers in testicular tissues of young, middle aged, and old men. Result(s) Statistically significant differences in DNA damage repair–associated proteins (PARP-1, PAR, XRCC1, and APE1), and apoptosis markers (caspase 9, active caspase 3, and cleaved PARP-1) were observed in testicular samples from older men. These differences were most marked in spermatocytes. Conclusion(s) The study demonstrates that there is an age-related increase in human testicular germ cell DNA break repair and apoptosis with age.

It was observed that malignant tumor cells are more sensitive than normal cells to heat. Hyperthermia is known to be cytotoxic at temperatures above 41 degrees C and selectively lethal to cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of continuous wave Nd:Yag laser-induced hyperthermia in treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The study was performed between April 1995 and August 2000 on 37 patients with BCC selected from of the outpatients of the dermatology clinic of al-Minya University Hospital. Patients were treated with continuous-wave Nd:Yag laser hyperthermia at 6-week intervals (laser output power was 10 W, spot size 8 mm, and irradiation time up to 1 minute). Following this treatment, 36 patients (97.3 %) were completely cured. Within a follow-up period of 3-5 years only one recurrence was encountered (2.7 %). Continuous wave Nd:Yag laser-induced hyperthermia should be considered as an alternative treatment for BCC. This simple, bloodless, outpatient procedure showed excellent efficacy and cosmetic result with minimal complication.