Factors associated with the availability and affordability of essential cardiovascular disease medicines in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

Despite their potential to prevent or delay the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD), medicines for CVD remain unavailable and unaffordable to many in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We systematically reviewed the literature to identify factors associated with availability and affordability of CVD medicines in LMICs. A protocol for this study was registered on the PROSPERO register of systematic reviews (CRD42019135393).

Utilizing Technology for Dermatology Care in Tajikistan: A Health Systems Perspective.

In Tajikistan, dermatologic services are available across the country. Yet, the most experienced dermatologists work at the National Republic Center for Dermatology and Venereology (NRCDV). Patients from across the country bypass local dermatologists and self-refer to NRCDV.

Radiofrequency Therapy and Noncosmetic Cutaneous Conditions.

Background: The need for noninvasive methods in treatment of cutaneous disease has continued to evolve exponentially. Amidst the search for technologies, radiofrequency (RF) has proven efficacious in numerous skin disease processes. Although RF is well known for its cosmetic utility, its mechanism is valued in the treatment of many noncosmetic cutaneous conditions of various etiologies.

Opium Addiction and Risk of Laryngeal and Esophageal Carcinoma.

Introduction: Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption have a well-known effect on the development of upper aerodigestive tract carcinomas, but such a role for opium is questionable. This study was designed to assess the correlation between opium inhalation and cancer of the larynx and upper esophagus.

Materials And Methods: Fifty eight patients with laryngeal cancer, ninety eight patients with upper esophageal cancer and twenty seven healthy individuals with no evidence of head and neck or esophageal malignancies were selected from Otolaryngology and Radiation Oncology Department of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

High hepatitis C virus prevalence among drug users in Iran: systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence (2001-2012).

Objective: Drug users, particularly drug injectors, are at elevated risk of blood-borne diseases. This study systematically reviewed the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infection and its co-infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in drug users in Iran.

Methods: Searches were conducted in international, regional, and Iranian databases.

Control of vocal fold cover stiffness by laryngeal muscles: a preliminary study.

Objectives: To perform preliminary measurements of the shear modulus of the vocal fold cover layer during intrinsic laryngeal muscle contraction.

Study Design: Shear modulus was measured in an in vivo canine larynx and an ex vivo human larynx.

Methods: Shear stress was applied to the transverse axis of the vocal fold using a modified linear skin rheometer (LSR) via an attached suction probe.

High-density lipoprotein: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The ability of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to promote cholesterol efflux is an important component of its ability to protect against cardiovascular disease. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL are important as well. As part of the innate immune system, HDL appears to have evolved to increase inflammation in the presence of an acute phase response but to inhibit inflammation in the absence of an acute phase response.