bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of MRI in the Evaluation of Azoospermia
Authors: Salam Mohamed Abdelnaeem , Nahas Khaled Ahmed El , Sayed Sheha Aliaa , Alwakeel Abdelrahman Ahmed Abdelaziz 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Azoospermia is defined as the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate and is present in about 10%–20% of infertile men. It is classified as obstructive azoospermia (OA) or nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). OA is caused by obstruction of sperm delivery route at any level (rete testis, efferent ducts, epididymis, vas deferens, and ejaculatory duct). NOA is caused by testicular failure to produce sperm due to various factors.

Aim of the Study
In the current study we aimed to show the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of infertile men and its ability to distinguish obstructive from nonobstructive azoospermia.

Patients and Methods
We included 20 azoospermic men (8 with OA & 10 with NOA), diagnosed after at least two semen analyses & confirmed by testicular biopsy, MRI was done to each patient with same protocol with measurement of both volume & ADC value for every testis.

Results
Our study revealed that Patients with NOA usually have atrophic testicles with high ADC values, whereas patients with OA have testicles of normal size with low ADC values based on testicular volume & ADC values, using a cutoff of ≥ 13.17 ml & ≤1.05 ×10-3 mm2/s respectively, we were able to make a diagnosis of OA with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83%. Also we find that abnormalities typical for the obstruction of the seminal tract (e.g., prostatic cysts, the absence of vas deferens, dilatation of ejaculatory ducts or vasa deferentia) are found in patients with OA which may be amenable to surgical correction.

Conclusion
On the basis of our preliminary data, TV and ADC might represent useful MRI parameters in the workup of patients with NOA by helping to predict the presence of spermatozoa after mTESE.
Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser with or without Low Dose Isotretinoin in Treatment of Acne Scars: A Comparative Study
Authors: Abdallah Mahmoud Abdelrahim , El-khateeb Ekramy Ahmed , Abdel-Fattah Alaa Ahmed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Acne scarring is one of the most common sequelae of acne vulgaris. The severity of acne scars correlates with acne duration, severity and delay in treatment of acne as well as positive family history. Patients who have acne scars frequently seek treatment options to improve appearance and quality of life.

Aim of the Study
The aim of this study was to assess the safety of combining low-dose isotretinoin with ablative fractional CO2 laser in patients with acne scars.

Patients and Methods
This study included 40 patients with different types of acne scars. There were 27 females and 13 males. The patients have divided into two groups; Group A received low-dose isotretinoin with full face AF Co2 laser session, while Group B was treated with full face AF Co2 laser session. The age of patients ranged from 18 to 45 years old, with the mean age was 27.2± 6.9 yrs in group A and was 27.5± 6.06 yrs in group B.

Results
Duration of wound healing, PIH and pain were parallel in both groups with no significant difference between them. No other complications were reported as keloid formation, secondary infection, edema, milia or acneform eruption in study groups. Satisfactory results were reported in most of the patients.

Conclusion
Our study concluded that using low-dose isotretinoin with AF Co2 laser session safe procedure with normal wound healing and no keloid or hypertrophic scars formation.
Comparative Study of Topical Latanoprost, Tacrolimus and Clobetasol Propionate in Combination with Microneedling and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B in the Treatment of Non-Segmental Vitiligo
Authors: Kamel Mostafa Mokhtar , Afify Ahmed Abd Elfattah , Shareef Ashraf Mohamed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is a common skin disease in both sex. There are multiple options in the treatment of vitiligo but the response is unsatisfactory. In this comparative study we will study the effect of topical latanoprost, tacrolimus, clobetasol propionate in combination with microneedling and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) in the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo.

Objective
To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of topical latanoprost, tacrolimus, clobetasol propionate when combined with microneedling and NB-UVB in the treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo lesions.

Patients and Methods
This randomized self-controlled clinical trial included 30 vitiligo patients with at least 5 patches of stable vitiligo (150 patches), the patches were divided into five groups according to the treatment modality. The patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of dermatology of Ain Shams University Hospital in the period from July 2019 to September 2020.

Results
Regarding safety of considered therapies, pain and erythema was reported with Microneedling + latanoprost and NB-UVB and Microneedling + topical tacrolimus and NB-UVB. Itching was associated with Microneedling + topical clobetasol propionate and NB-UVB while burning and dryness were associated with NB-UVB therapy.

Conclusion
Combination therapy in treatment of vitiligo showed higher efficiency compared to monotherapy. Microneedling + latanoprost and NB-UVB treatment combined therapy showed the maximal repigmentation in included patients followed by Microneedling + tacolimus and NB-UVB treatment. Monotherapy using NB-UVB showed minimal response when compared to other combination modalities.
Study of Effect of NB-UVB on Serum and Tissue Levels of CXCL9 in Vitiligenous Patients
Authors: Abdallah Marwa , Ibrahim Samah , Mahmoud Ebtihal Hassan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
CXCL 9 is a chemokine of Th1 which plays a significant role in the development of vitiligo. NB-UVB is an effective modality for treatment of vitiligo.

Objective
To finding whether NB-UVB can affect serum and tissue CXCL9 level or not.

Patients and Methods
The present study included 20 patients suffering from non-segmental vitiligo and 20 age- and sex- matched healthy controls, their age ranged from 18 to 65 years old, they were recruited from the outpatient clinic of Dermatology and Andrology Department in Ain Shams University Hospital during the period from May 2019 till December 2019.

Results
We evaluated disease severity by assessment of body surface area (BSA) of vitiligo disease in patients with calculation of VES score before NB-UVB and to evaluate patient improvement after treatment with NB-UVB we recalculated VES score after NB-UVB and calculated VES plus score. There was significant decrease in the surface area of the disease after treatment with NB-UVB than before.

Conclusion
The present study provides clinical data to support the role of CXCL9 in vitiligo particularly during the activity of the disease. Also our findings draw our attention to CXCL9 not only as a marker of disease activity, but also potentially as a marker of treatment response. So, targeting the IFN-γ-chemokine axis might be an effective treatment strategy.
Evaluation of Micro-Needling Followed by Tranexamic Acid Cream versus Micro-Needling Followed by Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treatment of Melasma: A Comparative Split Face Study
Authors: Aboshady Ibrahim Mohamed Ibrahim , Abdallah Tarek Nabil , Husseiny Rania Mahmoud El , Fattah Nermeen Samy Abdel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder clinically characterized by symmetric light brown to bluish-gray macules and patches with irregular, sharp borders that affect cutaneous areas, particularly the face and neck. It is commonly identified in women of reproductive ages and more commonly described in darker-skinned patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI residing in high-intensity ultraviolet radiation worldwide. It causes significant cosmetic disfigurement, psychosocial stress, and embarrassment, affecting patients’ quality of life.

Objectives
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microneedling followed by tranexamic acid (TXA) cream application versus microneedling followed by tranexamic acid solution in the treatment of facial melasma.

Patients and Methods
This prospective split-face comparative study included thirty female patients with different types of melasma, their ages ranged from 25 to 40 years. They were recruited from the Dermatology outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Hospitals. All patients have been treated with TXA for 3 sessions; one session every month (the right side of the face was treated by microneedling followed by TXA 5 % cream while the left side of the face was treated by microneedling followed by TXA solution 5%). Additionally, the right side of the face was treated with TXA 5% cream, and the left side applied with placebo cream twice daily for 3 months. Assessment was done by Hemi Melasma Area and Severity Index score (Hemi -MASI), patients’ satisfaction score, clinical digital photography, dermoscopic examination and area percentage of melanin concentration assessed by histopathological examination.

Results
Our findings showed significant improvement in different types of melasma regarding Hemi MASI score, patients’ satisfaction score, and area percentage of melanin concentration assessed by histopathological examination by Fontana-Masson stain (FM) one month after 3rd treatment session in both sides of the face. However, a minor melasma recurrence was observed two months after 3rd treatment session on both sides of the face. Meanwhile, no significant difference was observed in the treatment response of microneedling followed by TXA cream versus microneedling followed by TXA solution one month after 1st and 2nd sessions regarding Hemi MASI score, while a significant difference was observed one month after the 3rd session.

Conclusion
Topical TXA appears to be a promising therapeutic option in the treatment of melasma without serious adverse effects. Topical TXA cream, which was applied twice daily by the patient combined with microneedling sessions with TXA cream, has better results in comparison with microneedling sessions with TXA solution with placebo cream.
The Association of CAG Polymorphism in the Androgen Receptor Gene with Nodulocystic Acne in Egyptians
Authors: Essa Mo'mena Nagy , Ragab Nader Fouad , Fakkar Nehal Mohamed Zuel , Shehab Abeer Alsayed Ali 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous inflammatory condition with several etiologies. Hormones have a crucial role in the development of acne. Hypersensitivity of the androgen receptor gene (ARG), which is the sole receptor for androgens, was reported to share in the pathogenesis of acne. At the 5'end of exon 1 of chromosome X, ARG has a polymorphism of CAG triple loop that codes for the polyglutamine pathway.

Aim of the Study
The aim of this study was to investigate CAG repeat polymorphism in the ARG in Egyptian nodulocystic acne patients to clarify its relevance to the pathogenesis of nodulocystic acne.

Patients and Methods
Twenty-five patients with severe and very severe nodulocystic acne and 25 apparently healthy control subjects were included in the current study. Full general, dermatological assessment and acne severity determination were performed through GAGS score before genetic analysis to determine CAG repeat number in included participants.

Results
Genetic analysis of CAG repeats number revealed that male and female acne patients had significantly lower number of CAG repeats compared to control subjects. Moreover, after gender correction, acne patients still had significantly lower number of CAG repeats compared to control subjects.

Conclusion
the current study revealed that acne patients had significantly lower number of CAG repeats compared to controls.
Assessment of the Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin Level and Its Relation to Total Oxidant Status and Disease Activity in Vitiligo Patients
Authors: Elzainy Nada Ahmed Abdo , Saleh Hanan Mohammed , Soltan Marwa Yassin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentary skin disorder characterized by loss of functioning epidermal melanocytes. Oxidative stress has been suggested to be the initial pathogenic event in melanocyte degeneration. Total oxidant status (TOS) had been reflect the global status of oxidative stress in serum. While, albumin acts as a buffering agent for toxic molecules within the circulation. It undergoes structural changes when exposed to ischemia or oxidative stress and ischemia modified albumin IMA are produced under these conditions with high levels. Hence it considered as a marker of oxidative stress in different clinical conditions.

Aim of the Work
The aim of this work was to evaluate the serum level of ischemia modified albumin in vitiligo patients and its relation to total oxidant status and disease activity.

Patients and Methods
This is a cross sectional study. Forty-eight patients with vitiligo were included in this study. Twenty-four were considered active cases while the other 24 were non-active vitiligo patients. The study also included 48 age-and sex-matched healthy adults as a control group. Five ml of venous blood were withdrawn from each patient and control subjects. The vitiligo activity and tensity were assessed by VIDA and VETI scores respectively. Serum IMA and TOS had been assist by ELISA kits.

Results
Our study found a significant increase in serum total oxidant status (TOS) and serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in vitiligo patients compared to controls. We also found a positive correlation between TOS levels and IMA levels and vitiligo disease activity represented by VIDA score.

Conclusion
The total oxidant status (TOS) and IMA levels were increased in vitiligo patients' sera and positively correlated to disease activity. To the best of our knowledge, we were the first to detect the significantly positive correlation between serum IMA and vitiligo disease activity.
Assessment of Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 as a Risk Factor for the Occurrence of Cardiometabolic Disorders among Psoriatic Patients
Authors: Shaheen Maha Adel , Afify Ahmed Abd Elfattah , Ahmed Walid Abdelhady , Salama Noora Nasser Mohamed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Fibroblast growth factors 21 is a new marker of cardiometabolic disorders which are common comorbidities in psoriasis. Fibroblast growth factor 21 could be useful in predicting the risk of cardiometabolic disorders in psoriatic patients as well as assessment of the impact of phototherapy on serum level of FGF-21 will be done.

Aim of the Work
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the serum level of FGF-21 in psoriatic patients versus healthy controls and to correlate it with the disease severity (PASI Score), BMI, metabolic parameters and phototherapy.

Patients and Methods
Assays to measure the level of FGF-21 in serum of 30 Psoriatic patients and 30 healthy adults matched to age, sex and BMI and compare the FGF-21 level between the two groups and after 3 months of treatment the psoriatic patients with NB-UVB sessions. Laboratory investigations including CRP, FBG, Total Cholesterol and serum triglycerides.

Results
Significantly higher serum levels of FGF-21 in Psoriatic patients compared to the controls. Statistically significant positive correlation between FGF-21 level and severity indices (p &lt; 0.001) denoting its role as severity marker. Statistically positive correlation with CRP (p &lt; 0.001) denoting its role as an activity marker.

Conclusion
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 has been described as Psoriatic severity and activity biomarker with prognostic and therapy monitoring applications.
A Comparative Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Using Azathioprine Alone, Combining It with Narrow Band (UVB) and to Oral Minipulse Steroids Plus NB-UVB in Stabilizing Active Non-Segmental Vitiligo
Authors: El-Hafez Nourhan Alaa Eldin Abd , El-husseiny Rania Mahmoud , Abdallah Marwa Mohamed Abd El-Raheem 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is an acquired, non-contagious, pigmentary disease resulting from the loss of melanocytes from skin, hair and mucous membranes. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is still not fully understood and mounting evidences have suggested that it might be related to autoimmunity and oxidative stress.

Aim of the Work
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of AZA in stabilizing disease progression of active vitiligo, compare it with its combined therapy with NB-UVB and with OMP steroids combined with NB-UVB.

Patients and Methods
This study included Forty five patients complaining of active non-segmental vitiligo divided into three groups: Group (A): 15 patients received narrow band therapy with oral mini-pulse steroid therapy (dexamethasone) as a single dose on two consecutive days repeated every week for 3 months, Group (B): 15 patients received narrow band therapy (same regimen as in group A) combined with oral azathioprine 50 mg twice daily for 3 months, and group (C): 15 patients received oral azathioprine alone for 3 months.

Results
Evaluation of treatment response was done at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment by assessing the onset of stoppage of disease activity as well as the onset of repigmentation and its extent using VES, VES plus and VIDA scores. Encountered side effects were also documented.

Conclusion
Both oral minipulse steroid therapy and azathioprine are effective in stopping the activity of vitiligo, either as monotherapy or better combininig with NBUVB, though azathioprine being inferior to OMP steroid therapy in arresting disease progression and inducing re-pigmentation. Thus, it can be used as a good alternative when there is contraindication to use systemic steroids.
Evaluation of Allograft Injection (Heterologous Verruca Vulgaris Lesion Extract) in the Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris
Authors: Rasheed Ahmad , Zaki Marwa SalahEldin , Zaky Nourhan Medhat Nabil 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Warts are a common viral infection in different age groups with more than 200 types. Its pathogen is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cutaneous and mucosal warts

Aim of the Work
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of local allograft injection (heterologous VV lesion extract) as a treatment of verruca vulgaris.

Patients and Methods
This study included 30 patients with VV recruited from Ain Shams University hospital outpatient dermatology clinic in the period from November 2018 till November 2019. They were 16 females and 14 males divided into 2 groups where 15 patients; got the treatment heterologous VV lesion extract repeated every 2 weeks till resolution or reaching maximum of 4 injections. The other 15 patients (controls) received saline injection. Follow up was performed with digital photography.

Results
After 4 sessions of intralesional injection and through 6 months follow-up, 11 patients out of the 15 cases group underwent complete resolution of all warts, while 2 patients had mild improvement, the last 2 patients had no improvement at all. while in controls group only one patient had a spontaneous resolution, one with mild improvement, and the rest 13 subjects with no improvement at all. Some of the patients suffered side effects during treatment course, where 3 patients (20% of cases group) suffered mild erythema, 1 patient (6.7% of total cases) suffered erythema and tenderness, 2 patients (13.3% of total cases) had minor ulcers. And 9 patients (60% of total cases) had no side effects. No recurrence in cases with complete resolution occurred in 6 months follow-up to the patients.

Conclusion
Heterologous verruca vulgaris extract when used as a line of immunotherapy treatment in multiple verruca lesions, shows promising results in both outcome of the treatment with total complete resolution 73.3% with no recurrence in cases in a 6-months follow-up.
Intralesional Methotrexate for Treatment of Alopecia Areata: Clinical Evaluation and Effect on Lesional TNF Alpha
Authors: Farag Rodaina Mohamed , Salem Samar Abdallah , Afify Ahmed Abdelfattah , Ahmed Walid Abd Elhady 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by T-cell infiltrates and cytokine production including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Methotrexate causes T cell apoptosis and adenosine release that involves inhibition of TNF-α that could be the mechanism of action in AA.

Aim of the Work
To assess the efficacy of intralesional methotrexate in the treatment of alopecia areata and study its effect on TNF alpha tissue levels compared to before.

Patients and Methods
30 patients were injected by intralesional methotrexate every two weeks for 3 months and a scalp biopsy was taken before and after treatment to measure lesional TNF-α.

Results
There was significant hair regrowth after methotrexate treatment with significant decrease in lesional TNF-α.

Conclusion
Intralesional methotrexate is an effective treatment for alopecia areata with mechanism of action involving decrease of TNF-α.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Polydioxanone Threads versus Autologous Plasma Gel for Infraorbital Rejuvenation
Authors: Zayed Wassan Mohammed Jwad , Hassen Samah Ibrahim , Diab Heba Mahmoud El-Sayed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Infraorbital dark circles refers to presence of darkness of the infraorbital region. Infraorbital dark circles possess no medical harm but signifies cosmetic and psychological burden. Various therapeutic modalities are prescribed for management of infraorbital dark circles without conclusive results.

Aim of the Work
compare between the efficacy and safety of PDO monothreads versus autologous plasma gel injections for infraorbital rejuvenation.

Patients and Methods
40 patients with infraorbital dark circles were included. Patients under went plasma gel injections on the left eye, PDO threads treatment on right eye. All patients were assessed using 3D Antera camera before and after 1 month and 6 months of treatment.

Results
Both treatment modalities revealed marked cosmetic improvement. Both treatments showed marked response yet results on left eye were superior as regards wrinkle's size, indentation index, texture roughness and average melanin concentration. PDO thread insertion possessed marked significant improvement to wrinkle's size followed by indentation index then texture roughness and average melanin concentration. Plasma gel injection possessed marked significant improvement to wrinkle's depth followed by wrinkle's size then indentation index and finally texture roughness and average melanin concentration.

Conclusion
Both PDO thread insertion and plasma gel injection exerts beneficial effects in improving periorbital wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. However, plasma gel revealed more potent effects compared to PDO threads.