The evolution of Pemphigus publications: A bibliometric analysis with research trends and global productivity.

Despite an increase in global research on the subject of Pemphigus, which seriously affects patient health and quality of life, there is no bibliometric research on this subject in literature to date. The aim of this study was to conduct a holistic analysis of scientific articles published on Pemphigus, using bibliometric methods. Articles published on the subject of Pemphigus between 1980 and 2021 were downloaded from the web of science (WoS) database and analyzed using various statistical methods. To determine trend subjects, collaboration between countries, and the most effective studies with citation analyses, visual network maps were obtained with bibliometric analyses. A total of 3034 articles were analyzed. The 3 countries making the greatest contribution to literature were the USA (n:831, 27.3%), Japan (n:402, 13.2%), and Germany (n:221, 7.2%). The 3 most active institutions were Keio University (n:163, 5.3%), Kurume University (n:130, 4.2%) and Tel Aviv University (n:107, 3.5%). The 3 journals publishing the most articles were the British Journal of Dermatology (n: 88), Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (n:171) and the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (n:143). The 3 leading journals according to the mean number of citations (NC) per article (citation count: CC) were the New England Journal of Medicine (CC:246), the Lancet (CC:143) and the Journal of Cell Biology (CC:133). The author with the most articles published was Hashimoto Takashi (n.168, 5.5%). As a result of cluster analysis, it was seen that 9 different main clusters had been studied on Pemphigus subjects to date (1: desmoglein, 2: paraneoplastic Pemphigus (PNP) - Pemphigus types-desmosome, 3: desmoglein 1 ve 3-autoimmunity, 4: treatment-rituximab, 5: acantholysis-apoptosis, 6: quality of life-remission-relapse, 7: autoantibodies, 8: epidemiology-mortality, 9: corticosteroids). The most commonly studied subjects were determined to be pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus foliaceus (PF), autoimmunity, rituximab, PNP, desmoglein (desmoglein3-desmoglein1), autoantibodies, acantholysis, autoantibody, treatment, autoimmune disease, desmosome, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. The primary trending topic was rituximab drug, which is used in the treatment of Pemphigus. The other most studied trend topics were azathioprine drug used in treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, quality of life, mortality rates, Pemphigus herpetiformis, and wound healing.

The Role of Ischemia-modified Albumin and Ischemia-Modified Albumin to Albumin Ratios in Patients with Alopecia Areata.

INTRODUCTION: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and IMA/albumin levels in patients with AA. METHODS: The present prospective crossectional study includes patients ≥18 who were admitted to the Dermatology and Venerology Department of Hitit University Hospital between April 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021. 70 patients participated in the study (n=34 for the study group and n=36 for the control group). Demographic features, clinical characteristics, IMA, and IMA/albumin levels were compared between the groups. The study group was divided into subgroups based on the number of patches, disease duration, and the number of disease attacks. IMA and IMA/albumin levels were compared between each subgroup. RESULTS: The study and control groups were similar with regard to demographic features and clinical characteristics. Significant differences were observed between the mean IMA and IMA/albumin ratio (p=0.004 and 0.012, respectively). The study subgroups were comparable in the number of patches, disease duration, and number of disease attacks. CONCLUSION: Although oxidative stress is an important component in the etiology of AA, IMA and IMA/albumin may not be useful in the prediction of disease severity in patients with AA.

Choroidal thickness in patients with alopecia areata: Is it a sign for poor prognosis?

INTRODUCTION: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease which causes non-scarring type hair loss considered to target the pigmentary system. The hair follicle may not be the only site for involvement of the disease. Iris, the ciliary body, choroid and epithelium of the retinal pigment may also be affected. The aim of the present study was to compare retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroidal thicknesses between patients with AA and healthy controls. METHODS: The study included 44 patients with alopecia areata, and 44 healthy individuals with similar age and gender distribution. RPE and choroidal thickness measurements were performed through Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) (Heidelberg Spectralis® OCT). RESULTS: There was not any significant difference between patients with AA and healthy individuals for RPE and choroidal thickness (p = 0.751, p = 0.725, respectively). However, the choroidal thickness (422 ± 79 µm) was significantly thinner in patients with poor prognostic criteria than other patients (371 ± 75 µm; p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Monitoring of choroidal thicknesses through optic coherence tomography (OCT) may provide an insight for the disease prognosis in patients with AA.

Does Rosacea, a localized skin disease, affect the choroidal thickness?

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare the choroidal thickness (CT) of patients with rosacea with healthy individuals. METHODS: This study was conducted with 42 patients with Papulopustular Rosacea (PPR), 38 patients with Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR), and gender and age-matched 37 healthy individuals in the control group. CT measurements were done using the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Choroidal thickness means were measured as 352 ± 78 µm, 331 ± 67 µm, and 346 ± 83 µm at the subfoveal region; 323 ± 72.3 µm, 303.5 ± 68.4 µm, and 314 ± 80.3 µm at 1000 µm nasal; and 325.2 ± 71 µm, 304.4 ± 52.2 µm, and 309 ± 67 µm at 1000 µm temporal in the PPR, ETR, and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although rosacea is a common chronic skin disease that could have systemic findings, CT is not affected by this disease.

The association of depression, loneliness and internet addiction levels in patients with acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a very common skin disorder that has negative effects on the mood, self image and social relations of the patients. We want to evaluate the effects of acne vulgaris and its severity on depression, loneliness, internet addiction levels, and the quality of life of young adult females. METHODS: Two hundred three female acne vulgaris patients and 202 healthy controls who admitted to the dermatology clinic of a university hospital formed the study sample. Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) was used to assess the severity of acne. The Young Internet Addiction Scale-Short Form (YIAS-SF), The Acne Quality of Life Scale (AQLS), The University of California Los Angeles-Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS), and The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to collect information about the patients. RESULTS: The median BDI and the mean UCLA-LS and YIAS-SF scores were higher in the Acne group than those in the control group. The correlations between acne severity and the 3 scales were not significant but the correlations between AQLS and BDI, UCLA-LS, and YIAS-SF were highly significant. In multiple regression analysis, age and the BDI score predicted the YIAS-SF score significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the previous findings that acne vulgaris patients are prone to depression and loneliness, and expand these findings to the vulnerability against internet addiction. Loneliness and depression should be assessed and, if found, targeted by psychological means to prevent internet addiction in acne vulgaris patients.

Ischemia-modified albumin as a possible marker of oxidative stress in patients with telogen effluvium

Abstract Background Telogen effluvium is the most common form of non-scarring alopecia characterized by diffuse hair loss. Ischemia-modified albumin is a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the levels of ischemia-modified albumin of telogen effluvium patients with healthy controls. Methods Ninety-one patients diagnosed with telogen effluvium and 35 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum ischemia-modified albumin level was determined by a fast-colorimetric method, and albumin cobalt binding test. The results were evaluated statistically. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the serum albumin values of patient and control groups (p = 0.739). Serum ischemia-modified albumin values were significantly higher in the patients with telogen effluvium than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Study limitations Body mass index values of the patient and control groups could not be calculated. Conclusions To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical study to investigate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of telogen effluvium using ischemia-modified albumin as a biomarker. Based on the results of the present study, it can be considered that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of telogen effluvium. There is a need for further studies to support the results of this study, to demonstrate the possible effects of oxidative stress, and to investigate the other oxidative stress markers in the pathogenesis of telogen effluvium.

Is There a Correlation Between Behçet Disease and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms?

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with Behçet disease (BD) and to investigate the relationship between the severity of BD and LUTS. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with BD were included in this study from January to December 2018. All patients received a detailed urological evaluation. Additionally, BD activity was investigated using the Behçet Disease Current Activation Form. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form, 8-item overactive bladder questionnaire forms, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual urine volume were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 42.6 years. The mean activity score of BD was 4.6±3.2 and the mean IPSS score was 7.3±7.3. Sex had no significant effect on the BD activity score. The BD activity score was significantly correlated with the IPSS score, frequency of daytime urination, nocturia, and urgency. It was also correlated with the presence and the severity of urinary incontinence and the effect of urinary incontinence on daily life. Peak flow rate, voided volume, and the postvoid residual urine volume were not correlated with the BD activity score. CONCLUSION: LUTS were highly prevalent in patients with BD, and the severity and current activity of BD were correlated with frequency, nocturia, urgency, and urinary incontinence. Therefore, a urological evaluation of patients with BD in whom the activity and severity of the disease is elevated should be carried out comprehensively and patients should be managed accordingly.

Ischemia-modified albumin as a possible marker of oxidative stress in patients with telogen effluvium.

BACKGROUND: Telogen effluvium is the most common form of non-scarring alopecia characterized by diffuse hair loss. Ischemia-modified albumin is a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the levels of ischemia-modified albumin of telogen effluvium patients with healthy controls. METHODS: Ninety-one patients diagnosed with telogen effluvium and 35 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum ischemia-modified albumin level was determined by a fast-colorimetric method, and albumin cobalt binding test. The results were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the serum albumin values of patient and control groups (p=0.739). Serum ischemia-modified albumin values were significantly higher in the patients with telogen effluvium than healthy controls (p<0.001). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Body mass index values of the patient and control groups could not be calculated. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical study to investigate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of telogen effluvium using ischemia-modified albumin as a biomarker. Based on the results of the present study, it can be considered that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of telogen effluvium. There is a need for further studies to support the results of this study, to demonstrate the possible effects of oxidative stress, and to investigate the other oxidative stress markers in the pathogenesis of telogen effluvium.

Skin-homing T-cell responses associated with Demodex infestation and rosacea.

AIMS: Our aim was to investigate the skin-homing T-cell immune responses triggered in patients with Demodex infestation and/or rosacea. METHODS: Collected whole blood samples were divided into four groups: control subjects; nonrosacea patients with Demodex infestation (Demodex group); papulopustular rosacea (PPR) patients without Demodex infestation (Rosacea group); and PPR patients with Demodex infestation (Rosacea/Demodex group). Following ex vivo activation, skin-homing CLA+CD4+ T-cell subset levels were monitored by flow cytometry. RESULTS: When compared with control subjects, among skin-homing CD4+ T-cell subsets analysed, Demodex patients had higher TH 9 and Treg cell levels; Rosacea subjects displayed elevated TH 1 cell levels; and Rosacea/Demodex patients exhibited increased frequencies of TH 9 and TH 22 cells. In contrast to Rosacea subjects, Rosacea/Demodex group members displayed higher TH 2 cell levels; and when compared with Demodex groups, they had higher TH 1 and TH 2 but lower Treg cell levels. Demodex group members also exhibited higher Treg but lower TH 1 and TH 22 levels than Rosacea/Demodex group subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The skin-homing T-cell responses associated with Demodex infestation and rosacea formation seem to influence each other. The present as well as future studies could contribute to the development of effective treatment strategies for demodicosis and rosacea.

Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Recurrent Herpes Labialis.

Recurrent infections of herpes simplex virus in the orolabial area are known as recurrent herpes labialis (RHL). Vitamin D has been shown to have an important immunomodulatory role and to be associated with several infectious diseases. This hospital-based case-control study aimed at investigating the association between vitamin D and RHL by comparing vitamin D levels in individuals with and without RHL. Individuals who presented to the dermatology clinic at a state hospital due to RHL (n = 50) and matching control group of healthy volunteers (n = 51) were studied. Their vitamin D levels were measured, stratified based on clinical guidelines, and compared. The average serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels were 23.8 ± 15.5 and 42.0 ± 26.3 nM in the patient and control groups, with significant differences between their average serum vitamin D levels and vitamin D status. The studied population had serious vitamin D deficiency regardless of having RHL, with vitamin D levels below the adequate limits in more than 96% of the population. Most importantly, the study established a significant association between low serum vitamin D levels and the presence of RHL. Further interventional and pathophysiological studies should clarify the nature and mechanism of the relationship.

Vitamin D levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Lower serum vitamin D levels, a major public health problem worldwide, has been found to be associated with various infectious diseases, cancers, autoimmune and dermatological diseases. The serum levels of vitamin D in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis are not clear. We investigated the vitamin D levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. METHODS: Forty patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (Group I) and 70 healthy controls (Group II) included in the study. The characteristics of aphthous lesions (duration of disease and remission, frequency, diameter and number of the lesions) and demographics of the participants were recorded. Serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence binding method. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age (p = 0.06) and sex (p = 0.4). Other baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05 for all). The mean diameter of aphthous lesions was 0.5 (0.4-0.6) cm and the mean number of lesions was 2.2 ± 1.5. Serum vitamin D levels were 11 ± 7.04 ng/ml in Group I and 16.4 ± 10.19 ng/ml in Group II. Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed lower vitamin D levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis compared to healthy controls.

Clinical characteristics and HLA alleles of a family with simultaneously occurring alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease resulting in partial or total noncicatricial hair loss. HLA class II antigens are the most important markers that constitute genetic predisposition to AA. Various life events and intense psychological stress may play an important role in triggering AA attacks. We report an unusual case series of 4 family members who had simultaneously occurring active AA lesions. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical and psychiatric features of 4 cases of active AA lesions occurring simultaneously in a family and determine HLA alleles. The clinical and psychological features of all patients were examined. HLA antigen DNA typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. All patients had typical AA lesions over the scalp and/or beard area. Psychological examinations revealed obsessive-compulsive personality disorder in the proband's parents as well as anxiety and lack of self-confidence in both the proband and his sister. HLA antigen types were not commonly shared with family members. These findings suggest that AA presenting concurrently in members of the same family was not associated with genetic predisposition. Shared psychological disorders and stressful life events might be the major key points in the concurrent presentation of these familial AA cases and development of resistance against treatments.

The Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Pityriasis Rosea.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis rosea (PR) is usually an asymptomatic and self-limiting papulosquamous skin disease with acute onset. The etiology has not been clarified yet. Recently, increased oxidative stress was found to play a role in etiopathogenesis of multiple cutaneous diseases with T cell-mediated immune response. However, there are no studies demonstrating the oxidative stress status in PR. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the status of oxidative stress (OS) and paraoxonase (PON) 1/arylesterase enzyme activities in PR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study included 51 patients with active PR lesions, and 45 healthy volunteers. Serum levels of total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and PON1/arylesterase (ARES) activity were determined and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated in all patients and controls. RESULTS: TAS levels and ARES activities in the patient group were significantly lower than the control group. On the other hand, TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. There was no significant correlation between the duration of disease and TAS, TOS, OSI levels, and ARES activities. CONCLUSION: A systemic oxidative stress exists in PR, which suggests that OS may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of disease.

The association of oxidative stress and disease activity in seborrheic dermatitis.

The pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) has not been clearly identified, and many factors are thought to play a role in its development. Recently, new studies have focused on increased oxidative stress (OS) in T cell-mediated skin diseases like psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. However, there is no study investigating the status of OS in SD. In this study, we aimed to determine the status of OS in SD and the correlation of disease severity with OS. Fifty-four patients who were clinically and/or histopathologically diagnosed with SD were included in the study. Fifty-four healthy volunteers constituted the control group. Disease severity in patients with SD was scored according to the Seborrheic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index (SDASI). Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidative status (TOS) were measured, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated in all patients and control subjects. The mean TAS values were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (p = 0.024). However, patients had significantly higher TOS and OSI values than the controls (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between SDASI and TAS, TOS, and OSI values. In this study, the association of oxidative stress and disease activity has first investigated in seborrheic dermatitis. It was found that OS was significantly higher in SD patients than in healthy subjects. In conclusion, our findings point to the possible role of the OS for the etiopathogenesis of SD.

Microscopic examination of placenta of rats prenatally exposed to Aloe barbadensis: a preliminary study / Examen microscópico de la placenta de ratas prenatalmente expuestas a Aloe barbadensis: estudio preliminar

Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used both commercially and therapeutic properties. It has been used for an array of ailments since ancient times as a medicinal plant. There are more than 360 different species of Aloe. Its products have been used in health foods for medical and preservative purposes. The objective of this study was to search the effects of Aloe barbadensis on the rat's placenta. Gel form of Aloe barbadensis is used in the study. It is commercial, preserved but otherwise untreated form of Aloe Barbadensis gel capsul. Female Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups. Placenta specimens from each groups were processed for the microscopic examination. Trophoblastic giant cells and spongiotrophoblasts were decreased in number after Aloe barbadensis: trophoblastic giant cells which showed degenerative changes. The nuclei of these giant cells were going degeneration characterized by pyknosis and bizarrely shaped. Extracellular matrix production around the cells was increased, thicker and more irregular basal membrane like formation around the cells. Decreased and ab normal vessel formation in labyrinth área was clear and reduced functional capacity of the trophoblastic barier. The study shows that, in the presence of Aloe barbadensis, relevant alterations associated with a possible compensatory adjustment to maintain adequate metabolic exchange take place in the structure of placenta. Our results also demonstrated that the exposure to Aloe barbadensis during pregnancy not led to fetal growth retardation, fetal death, abortion or teratogenic effect.

Aloe barbadensis es ampliamente utilizada comercialmente, debido a sus propiedades terapéuticas. Desde la antigüedad, se ha utilizado como planta medicinal para combatir una variedad de enfermedades. Hay más de 360 especies diferentes de Aloe. Sus productos han sido utilizados en los alimentos saludables para propósitos médicos y preventivos. El objetivo de este estudio fue buscar los efectos del Aloe barbadensis en la placenta de la rata. Se utilizó gel de Aloe barbadensis en el estudio. Su presentación comercial, cápsulas de gel de Aloe barbadensis de uso preventivo, no de tratamiento. Ratas Wistar albinas hembras se dividieron en tres grupos. Las placentas de cada uno de los especímenes de los grupos fueron procesadas para el examen microscópico. Las células gigantes trofoblásticas y los espongioblastos disminuyeron de número después de ser expuestas aAloe barbadensis; las células trofoblásticas gigantes mostraron cambios degenerativos. Los núcleos de estas células gigantes se caracterizaron por la degeneración, mostrando picnosis y forma extraña. La producción de matriz extracelular alrededor de las células se incrementó, hubo engrosamiento y formación de una membrana basal más irregular alrededor de las células. La disminución y formación de vasos anormales en la zona del laberinto eran evidentes y además hubo reducción de la capacidad funcional de la barrera trofoblástica. El estudio mostró que, en presencia de Aloe barbadensis, las alteraciones asociadas con un posible ajuste compensatorio paraman tener un nivel adecuado de intercambio metabólico, tienen lugar en la estructura de la placenta. Nuestros resultados también demostraron que la exposición al Aloe barbadensis durante el embarazo no produjo retraso del crecimiento fetal, muerte fetal, aborto ni efecto teratogénico.