ABSTRACT
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is known to be a common respiratory and/or cardiovascular complication in hospitalized patients with viral infections. Numerous studies have proven human immunodeficiency virus infection to be a prothrombotic condition. An elevated VTE risk has been observed in critically ill H1N1 influenza patients. VTE risk is remarkably higher in patients infected with the Hepatitis C virus in contrast to uninfected subjects. The elevation of D-dimer levels supported the association between Chikungunya and the Zika virus and the rise of clinical VTE risk. Varicella-zoster virus is a risk factor for both cellulitis and the consequent invasive bacterial disease which may take part in thrombotic initiation. Eventually, hospitalized patients infected with the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the cause of the ongoing worldwide pandemic, could mainly suffer from an anomalous risk of coagulation activation with enhanced venous thrombosis events and poor quality clinical course. Although the risk of VTE in nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients is not known yet, there are a large number of guidelines and studies on thromboprophylaxis administration for COVID-19 cases. This study aims to take a detailed look at the effect of viral diseases on VTE, the epidemiology of VTE in viral diseases, and the diagnosis and treatment of VTE.
ABSTRACT
Background: Granular cell tumor (GCT) or Abrikossoff's tumor is an uncommon neuro-derived tumor in which Schwann cells are found and express S-100 protein. Often, it is a benign lesion. Histopathologically, there are granular cell infiltrations through the entire dermis without necrosis which are periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stain positive and reactive with S-100. The aim of this study is the clinicopathological evaluation of GCT. Material and Methods: In this paper, we described the experience of 6 patients with a GCT in different locations (4 cases in the skin and 2 cases in the mucosa), for example, a case with a tumor in the abdomen and a keloidal-like presentation with a highly sclerotic pattern (an uncommon pathological feature). Another case developed a lesion secondary to physical trauma. Result: In one case, the presence of a lesion in the lower lip associated with actinic damage secondary to chronic sun exposure resulted in misdiagnosis with actinic cheilitis and squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Histopathologically, there were granular cell infiltrations through the entire dermis without necrosis which are PAS-positive and reactive with S-100.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Many biological activities and pharmacological usages have been revealed for the Cuscuta species. The present study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of Cuscuta on removing skin dark spots in healthy individuals, which is an important cosmetic concern, especially in women. Materials and Methods: This prospective, interventional before-after trial was conducted in 70 healthy individuals without any evidence of skin or systemic disorders who presented for consultation on removing skin darkening. The Cuscuta extract was prepared and then assessed for plant quality control and lack of microbial contamination. The content of melanin at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after intervention was assessed using Dermacatch, an accurate skin colorimetric measurement tool. Results: Comparison of the melanin content of the lesions and treated area to the surrounding normal area at baseline and at 1 month after treatment showed a significant reduction in melanin content from 519.61 ± 45.09 to 498.50 ± 39.35 (P < 0.001). This reducing trend remained significant from the first month to the third month after treatment (from 498.50 ± 39.35 to 483.53 ± 40.99, P < 0.001). This decreasing trend was persistent even after adjusting baseline characteristics including gender, age, and duration of skin lesions. Both patients and investigators had high satisfaction level with the anti-melanogenesis effect of Cuscuta extract. Conclusion: Cuscuta extract is useful for removing hyperpigmented lesions and for skin lightening in healthy individuals.
ABSTRACT
Biological, physical, and psychosocial changes that occur during the aging process can negatively impact women's mental health and happiness at midlife. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the level of psychological well-being and happiness among middle-aged women in Tabriz. Data were collected from December 2017 to February 2018 by face-to-face interviews, using structured questionnaires of happiness and psychological well-being. The participants were 40-60-year-old middle-aged women (n = 300) selected by clustered random sampling allocation. A total of 167 (55.7%) out of all the women had decreased levels of psychological well-being. Psychological well-being was found to be significantly lower among the women with low levels of happiness (B: 24.43, CI (18.57 to 30.29), p < 0.001). Health care centers should implement more comprehensive mental health promotion programs for middle-aged women, including free of charge recreational opportunities (e.g., walking, swimming, dancing) to improve psychological health and well-being.
