Efficacy and tolerability of 1.6% phenol-croton peeling versus topical 5% imiquimod in the treatment of actinic cheilitis: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Trials evaluating the effectiveness of topical treatments for actinic cheilitis (AC) are scarce. Despite no comparative data, phenol-croton peeling has been reported as effective in treating this condition.

Methods: An open, randomized trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of 1.

A Microcost Analysis of the Use of Personal Protective Equipment During and Before the COVID-19 Pandemic From a Hospital Perspective.

Objectives: To calculate the direct cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) used during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of a Brazilian tertiary public hospital.

Methods: We evaluated the cost of PPE during the pandemic to the cost before (2021 vs 2019, respectively) using the microcosting method. Cost estimates were converted into US dollars in 2023, taking inflation into account and using purchasing power parity conversion rates.

Sequential therapy with topical clobetasol for 14 days followed by hydroquinone versus hydroquinone alone in facial melasma treatment: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

Background: Clobetasol has demonstrated remarkable results in treating melasma within a short time frame; however, its use is limited because of the risk of local side effects. To date, there is no controlled trial on sequential clobetasol/hydroquinone for melasma. This study aimed to investigate the tolerability and efficacy of 0.

Expression of Endothelin-1, Endothelin Receptor-A, and Endothelin Receptor-B in facial melasma compared to adjacent skin.

Background/objectives: Although melasma is highly prevalent, its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. In the skin, endothelin-1 (ET-1) is primarily produced by keratinocytes in response to UVB exposure, which is mediated by an increase in IL-1α or reactive oxygen species. ET-1 plays a role in melanogenesis by binding to specific receptor B (ERB) or receptor A (ERA).

Influence of CReatine supplementation on mUScle mass and strength after stroke (ICaRUS Stroke Trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability, and its sequelae are associated with inadequate food intake which can lead to sarcopenia. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of creatine supplementation on functional capacity, strength, and changes in muscle mass during hospitalization for stroke compared to usual care. An exploratory subanalysis will be performed to assess the inflammatory profiles of all participants, in addition to a follow-up 90 days after stroke, to verify functional capacity, muscle strength, mortality, and quality of life.

Pressure Injury Risk Assessment in Pediatric Intensive Care: A Prospective Validation Study of the Glamorgan Scale and Predictive Comparison with the Braden Q Scale.

Objective: To validate the Glamorgan Scale and compare its predictive ability in assessing pressure injury risk among patients in a pediatric ICU (PICU) with that of the Braden Q Scale.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed to validate the Glamorgan Scale and compare its predictive ability with the Braden Q Scale in a PICU population. A total of 83 patients admitted in the PICU between February and July 2020 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study, leading to 639 measurements.

Development and Validation of a Dermoscopic Severity Score for Female Pattern Hair Loss.

Introduction: Despite the high prevalence and impact on quality of life, there are no objective methods to estimate the severity of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Here, we aimed to develop a dermoscopic severity score for FPHL.

Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 76 women with FPHL and 12 controls.

Use of methadone as an alternative to morphine for chronic pain management: a noninferiority retrospective observational study.

Introduction: Chronic pain causes disability and is prevalent in the general population. Opioids are a part of a multimodal strategy for pain management. Methadone, a cheap and long-acting synthetic opioid, may represent an option for those who have limited access to the aforementioned class of analgesics.

Development of a clinical scale to assess the severity of striae distensae.

Background And Objective: There is no validated instrument to assess the clinical severity of striae distensae. Here, we aimed to develop a striae distensae severity scale.

Material And Methods: After a Delphi-based consensus, 15 items related to striae severity were assessed in 110 areas (breasts, abdomen, and buttocks) from 45 participants.

Dimensionality and psychometric analysis of DLQI in a Brazilian population.

Background: The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is the most commonly used instrument for clinical evaluation of the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in dermatological research protocols. The DLQI's classical psychometric properties have been considered adequate in validation studies from several countries. However, the structure of the DLQI is a matter of discussion, especially concerning the dimensionality and informative properties of its questions according to the item response theory (IRT).

Assessment of the effects of skin microneedling as adjuvant therapy for facial melasma: a pilot study.

Background: Melasma is a common chronic and relapsing acquired dyschromia. Skin microneedling was reported resulting sustained long-term improvement of recalcitrant melasma, however, the exact mechanism that promotes this skin lightening is not known. This study aimed to investigate clinical and histologic alterations promoted by skin microneedling in facial melasma.

Beyond weakness: Characterization of pain, sensory profile and conditioned pain modulation in patients with motor neuron disease: A controlled study.

Background: Motor neuron diseases (MND) represent a group of disorders that evolve with inexorable muscle weakness and medical management is based on symptom control. However, deeper characterization of non-motor symptoms in these patients have been rarely reported.

Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to describe non-motor symptoms in MND and their impact on quality of life and functional status, with a focus on pain and sensory changes.