BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune blistering disorder of the skin and mucosa characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against desmoglein3 (Dsg3). Some patients also have antibodies against desmoglein1 (Dsg1). The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic value of Dsg enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Iranian PV patients, to assess its correlation with the clinical phenotype and severity of disease and to investigate the changes of ...

BACKGROUND: Computer-aided dermoscopy using artificial neural networks has been reported to be an accurate tool for the evaluation of pigmented skin lesions. We set out to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a computer-aided dermoscopy system for diagnosis of melanoma in Iranian patients.

METHODS: We studied 122 pigmented skin lesions which were referred for diagnostic evaluation or cosmetic reasons. Each lesion was examined by two clinicians with naked eyes and all of their ...

BACKGROUND: Aphthous stomatitis is a painful, recurrent disease of the oral mucous membrane. Silver nitrate sticks have been used for a long time to provide pain relief for the duration of an aphthous ulceration, with only one application. Silver nitrate causes chemical cauterization and increases the depth of injury.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of chemical cautery with silver nitrate in reducing pain of aphthous ulceration and to determine if this treatment shortens or prolongs ...

Background: A substantial growth has been reported in Iran's number of clinical, biomedical, and public health research publications over the last 30 years. It is of interest to investigate whether this quantitative growth has also led to a larger number of papers with a high citation impact; to explore where the capacity for performing research lies; and which fields/institutions are lagging behind.

Methods: This was a bibliometric study. Web of Science Core Collection and its different ...

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to desmogleins. Multiple relapses and remission may occur during the course of the disease. The goal of this study was to determine whether direct immunofluorescence study has any value in detecting immunological remission of pemphigus vulgaris.

METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with pemphigus vulgaris who were in clinical remission for at least 3 months, while taking prednisolone 5-7.5 mg/day, were recruited ...

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic granuloma is a benign, acquired, proliferative vascular lesion of the skin and mucous membranes. Many different treatments have been used for pyogenic granuloma with variable success rates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma.

METHODS: In a prospective observational study, 135 patients with pyogenic granuloma were treated with cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen. The patients were followed up every 3 weeks until 3 ...

Background: In 2015, it was estimated that the burden of disease in Iran comprised of 19 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), 74% of which were due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The observed leading causes of death were cardiovascular diseases (41.9%), neoplasms (14.9%), and road traffic injuries (7.4%). Even so, the health research investment in Iran continues to remain limited. This study aims to identify national health research priorities in Iran for the next five ...

BACKGROUND: Superficial second-degree skin burns only need re-epithelialization to heal without a scar. After re-epithelialization, inflammation in the dermis contributes to changes in skin architecture and scarring. Suppression of inflammation and fibroblast activation immediately after re-epithelialization may prevent scar formation. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the available data on use of corticosteroids for ...

BACKGROUND: The past two decades have seen a large increase in investment in global public health research. There is a need for increased coordination and accountability, particularly in understanding where funding is being allocated and who has capacity to perform research. In this paper, we aim to assess global, regional, national and sub-national capacity for public health research and how it is changing over time in different parts of the world.

METHODS: To allow comparisons of ...

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic granuloma is a benign vascular lesion of the skin and mucous membranes. Many different treatments have been used, with variable success rates.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the effects of cryotherapy and curettage in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma.

METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with pyogenic granuloma were randomized to receive cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or curettage and electrodesiccation. Forty patients in the cryotherapy group and 36 patients in ...

BACKGROUND: Fractional resurfacing of the skin using radiofrequency devices has been used for collagen remodeling and rejuvenation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine how radiofrequency current enters and propagates through tissue, and the pattern of the resulting effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electrosurgical device with a 0.4 MHz frequency output was used as the source of radiofrequency current. Current was applied via a metallic needle introduced into a large piece of cow liver, with ...

The term electrosurgery (also called radiofrequency surgery) refers to the passage of high-frequency alternating electrical current through the tissue in order to achieve a specific surgical effect. Although the mechanism behind electrosurgery is not completely understood, heat production and thermal tissue damage is responsible for at least the majority--if not all--of the tissue effects in electrosurgery. Adjacent to the active electrode, tissue resistance to the passage of current ...

BACKGROUND: Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of three and five times weekly NB-UVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

METHODS: Sixty-five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were allocated to receive three or five times weekly NB-UVB, starting at low dose.

RESULTS: Among the patients who completed the study, clearance was achieved in 18 out of 23 patients (78%) in the ...

Background: A substantial growth has been reported in Iran's health research output over the last recent decades, throughout the times of economic, social, and political instability. This study reviewed the existing literature to provide a better understanding of the evolution of Iran's health research system over this period.

Methods: A narrative review of studies addressing health research system (HRS) in Iran was performed. The search strategy and categorization of the retrieved data ...

Electrosurgical currents can be delivered to tissue in monopolar or bipolar and monoterminal or biterminal modes, with the primary difference between these modes being their safety profiles. A monopolar electrosurgical circuit includes an active electrode and a dispersive (return) electrode, while there are 2 active electrodes in bipolar mode. In monoterminal mode, there is an active electrode, but there is no dispersive electrode connected to the patient's body and instead the earth ...