Impact of carbimazole combined with vitamin E on testicular injury induced by experimental hyperthyroidism in adult albino rats: oxidative/inflammatory/apoptotic pathways.

Thyroid hormones play essential roles in spermatogenesis, but their effects on infertile males remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of combining carbimazole (CBZ) with vitamin E (VE) on testicular injury induced by experimental hyperthyroidism in adult albino rats, focusing on oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. In this experimental study, 64 adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: Group I (control-untreated), Group II (CBZ-control), Group III (VE-control), Group IV (CBZ + VE-control), Group V (levothyroxine-induced testicular injury), Group VI (levothyroxine + CBZ-treated), Group VII (levothyroxine + VE-treated), and Group VIII (levothyroxine + CBZ + VE-treated). The study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University (Ismailia, Egypt). After cervical decapitation, both testes and epididymis were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Significant differences were observed among groups concerning malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT; all P < 0.001). Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed significant differences in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl2), p53, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) mRNA levels (all P < 0.001). Hyperthyroid group treated with CBZ alone (Group VI) exhibited testicular side effects, affecting seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis. However, the Group VIII showed improved spermatogenesis and a decrease in testicular side effects. The addition of VE to the treatment of hyperthyroid rats with CBZ reduced testicular side effects and seminiferous tubular affection when potentially improving spermatogenesis. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms fully.

The role of botulinum neurotoxin BoNT-A in the management of oily skin and acne vulgaris: A comprehensive review.

Oily skin and acne vulgaris are prevalent dermatological conditions with a significant impact on both physical and emotional well-being. Despite numerous available treatments, there is a pressing need for effective, long-term solutions. Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT-A) has emerged as a potential therapeutic option. However, existing reviews in this area are often limited. This review aims to comprehensively assess the use of BoNT-A in managing oily skin and acne vulgaris while addressing gaps in previous publications. It integrates the latest research, clinical trials, and case studies to provide an up-to-date analysis of BoNT-A mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes. The review systematically analyzes existing evidence, critically evaluates study strengths and limitations, and explores potential synergies with other treatments. It also examines the safety profile of BoNT-A and its potential long-term effects. This review uncovers promising insights into how BoNT-A affects oily skin and acne vulgaris, including its ability to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and potentially shrink pore size. It provides a comprehensive overview of relevant studies and clinical trials, detailing their methodologies, protocols, measures, and results. Collectively, these studies show significant reductions in sebum production, increased patient satisfaction, and smaller pores following BoNT-A treatment. In conclusion, this review addresses knowledge gaps and provides a comprehensive analysis of BoNT-A as a therapeutic option for oily skin and acne vulgaris. By consolidating evidence and highlighting areas for further investigation, it guides clinicians and researchers toward more effective, personalized treatments for individuals with these dermatological challenges.

Is thyroid dysfunction a common cause of telogen effluvium?: A retrospective study.

Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common cause of hair loss characterized by excessive resting hair shedding. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the possible causes of TE. On the other hand, the link between thyroid disorder and TE is still being debated. The aim of this retrospective is to investigate the link between thyroid dysfunction and TE. This retrospective study included 500 female patients with TE who had thyroid function testing between January 2012 and December 2022. Patients were eligible if they had a confirmed TE diagnosis and thyroid function tests within 3 months of being diagnosed with TE. The thyroid function of the participants was classified as euthyroid, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. The severity of hair loss was determined using the severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score. The study included 500 TE females, 248 of whom were euthyroid, 150 had hypothyroidism, and 102 had hyperthyroidism. The hypothyroid group had a significantly higher mean SALT score than the other 2 groups. Furthermore, patients in the hypothyroid group had a higher proportion of severe hair loss. The mean SALT score did not differ significantly between groups with normal thyroid function and those with hyperthyroidism. A common cause of TE is thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism. Patients with hypothyroidism have more severe hair loss than those with normal thyroid function or hyperthyroidism. To effectively identify and manage such cases, thyroid function testing should be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with TE.

Botulinum Toxin A for Hair Loss Treatment: A Systematic Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Future Directions.

Background: Hair loss is a common condition with significant impact globally, yet its treatment efficacy and safety remain debated. Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has emerged as a potential therapeutic option, but a comprehensive review on this topic is lacking. Objective: This review critically evaluates the current evidence on BoNT-A for hair loss treatment, highlighting the gaps in previous reviews and providing a comprehensive analysis of its efficacy, safety, and future prospects. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases identified relevant studies published up to September 2022. Results: Prior reviews primarily focused on androgenetic alopecia and lacked the evaluation of other alopecia types and underlying mechanisms. Our review addresses this gap, incorporating a broader spectrum of hair loss conditions. Mechanisms of BoNT-A in hair growth modulation, potential side effects, and future research directions are discussed. Conclusion: This review adds to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive evaluation of BoNT-A in hair loss treatment. The findings will serve as a foundation for further research and guide clinicians in making informed decisions, ultimately improving the outcomes and quality of life for individuals suffering from hair loss.

Impact of Thyroid Dysfunction on Hair Disorders.

Hair loss is a problem for everyone, regardless of their age or sex. The three most prevalent types of hair loss, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia, have been associated with a variety of risk factors. Strong evidence links thyroid hormones (THs) to hair loss. THs control the growth, differentiation, metabolism, and thermogenesis of body cells. The skin is a significant target organ for THs; however, the cellular and molecular causes of thyroid dysfunction-related skin diseases remain unknown. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and drug-induced hypothyroidism can induce widespread hair shedding. Little information is available regarding the incidence and effects of thyroid dysfunction on hair problems. This study aimed to review the impact and prevalence of thyroid disorders on hair loss. The conclusions drawn from this study highlight the underestimated prevalence and impact of thyroid disorders on hair loss. The review of scientific articles, including original research, review articles, and a case report, provides a comprehensive understanding of the topic. This research adds to the existing literature by enhancing our understanding of the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and hair disorders. It contributes to the body of evidence by reviewing relevant studies and summarizing the impact of thyroid disorders on hair loss. The study also highlights the gaps in knowledge and the need for more research in this area to improve the diagnosis and management of hair disorders associated with thyroid dysfunction.

Optimization of pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life in adolescents with thoracic burns after a 2-month arm cycling exercise programme: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Burns to the thorax are at high risk for long-term pulmonary complications due to chest muscle contractures and chronic inflammation in both adolescents and young adults. Few studies have investigated the effects of arm cycling exercise in those individuals. For that reason, this study examined pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life (QOL) in adolescents with thoracic burns subsequent to 2-month arm cycling exercise programme. METHODS: A single-blinded, two-month randomized prospective controlled study was carried out between July 2019 and March 2020 on thirty adolescents with chest burns aged 11-17 years. They were randomized into two equal groups (n = 15), traditional physiotherapy programme (control group), and arm cycling exercise plus traditonal physiotherapy (arm cycling exercise group) for 2 consecutive months. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were measured in both groups at baseline and after 2-month after intervention. RESULTS: No statistical significance was detected at baseline between control and arm cycling exercise groups (FVC, p = 0.903, FEV1, p = 0.835, 6MWT, p = 0.817, and PedsQL, p = 0.612). 2 months after intervention showed statistical improvements in the arm cycling exercise group in all measures (FVC, p = 0.001, FEV1, p < 0.0001, 6MWT, p = 0.001, and PedsQL, p = 0.001) however, the control group showed statistical improvements in FVC, p = 0.044 and FEV1, p = 0.024 with non-statistically significant changes in 6MWT, p = 0.145 and PedsQL, p = 0.067. The arm cycling exercise group showed greater improvements than control group in the outcome measures (FVC, p = 0.034, FEV1, p < 0.017, 6MWT, p = 0.037, and PedsQL, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study clearly demonstrated positive and beneficial influences of two-month arm cycling exercise in the optimization of pulmonary functions, functional performance, and QOL in adolescents suffering from chest burns and thereby eliminating post-burn complications.

Yoga in Burn: Role of pranayama breathing exercise on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle activity and exercise tolerance in full-thickness circumferential burns of the chest.

BACKGROUND: Circumferential burn of chest (CBC) is a significant type of burn and considers as a major cause of restrictive lung disease (RLD). Patient who has CBC with RLD leads to respiratory symptoms such as breathing difficulty, airway obstruction, reduced exercise capacity and altered pulmonary functions. However, studies examining the role of pranayama breathing exercise on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle activity and exercise tolerance in full thickness circumferential burn of chest are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To find the short term effects of pranayama breathing exercise on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle activity and exercise tolerance in full thickness circumferential burns of chest. METHODS: Through simple random sampling method thirty subjects (N = 30) with RLD following CBC were allocated to pranayama breathing exercise group (PBE-G; n = 15) and conventional breathing exercise group (CBE-G; n = 15). They received pranayama breathing exercise and conventional breathing exercise for 4 weeks respectively. All the subjects received chest mobility exercise as common treatment. Primary (Numeric Pain Rating Scale - NPRS, forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and secondary (Electromyogram of sternocleidomastoid, scalene, external intercostal and diaphragm muscle, 6 min walk test & Global Rating of Change - GRC) outcome measures were measured at baseline, after four weeks and after three months follow up. RESULTS: Baseline demographic and clinical variables show homogenous distribution between the groups (p > 0.05). Four weeks following different breathing exercises, PBE-G group shows more significant changes in pain intensity, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle activity, exercise tolerance and global rating of change than CBE-G group (p ≤ 0.05) at four weeks and three months follow up. CONCLUSION: Both groups showed improvement over time. However, differences between the groups were noticed small. Still physiotherapy management, which included pranayama breathing exercises with chest mobilization program, had an effective strategy in the treatment of restrictive lung disease following circumferential burn of chest.

Shear wave elastography of the submandibular gland in healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVES: Shear wave elastography is a rapidly evolving new technique. The purpose of the present study was to determine the sonoelastographic features of the submandibular glands in healthy individuals. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 45 healthy individuals, whose submandibular glands were studied using shear wave elastography. The stiffness of both submandibular glands was measured and its relationships with the age, sex, body mass, body mass index (BMI), and height of the participants were assessed. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 31.82 ± 5.53 years, a mean height of 158.30 ± 7.16 cm, a mean body mass of 57.83 ± 8.84 kg, and a mean BMI of 22.99 ± 2.72 kg/m2. The mean shear elastic modulus of the right and left submandibular glands were 18.02 kPa and 19.09 kPa, respectively. Positive correlations were found between the elasticity of the right submandibular gland and the anthropometric parameters. CONCLUSION: The elastic modulus of the submandibular glands has been determined in healthy individuals and the data generated can serve as a reference for future studies of pathological conditions of these structures.

Eyelid angiokeratoma.

Angiokeratoma is a rare, usually acquired muco-cutaneous wart-like vascular lesion that is frequently reported in the scrotum. Bleeding may occur if angiokeratoma is excoriated or traumatized. We report an exceedingly rare solitary eyelid angiokeratoma in an otherwise normal middle aged male. Our case represents the second case in the English peer reviewed literature since 1966, when the first case of eyelid angiokeratoma was reported.