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Fungal organisms could be present in the nail without any clinical manifestations. As onychomycosis in diabetics has more serious complications, early detection of such infection could be helpful to prevent them. We aim in this study to assess the possibility of detecting subclinical onychomycosis in type II diabetic patients and addressing possible associated neuropathy. A cross sectional, observational study included patients with type II diabetes with normal big toe nail. All were subjected to nail clipping of the big toe nail, followed by staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Periodic-Acid-Schiff (PAS) stains and examined microscopically. A total of 106 patients were included, fungal infection was identified in eight specimens, all were uncontrolled diabetes, and six had neuropathy. Using the nail clipping and microscopic examination with PAS stain to detect such subclinical infection could be an applicable screening test for diabetic patients, for early detection and management of onychomycosis.

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Purpose of the Study: To study the expression of osteopontin (OPN) in alopecia areata (AA) lesions in a trial to clarify its possible role in the pathogenesis of such a disease. Procedures: Tissue level of OPN was measured in 28 AA patients as well as 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls using both real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Results: The tissue level of OPN by real-time PCR (4.5-12.8, 8.93 ± 1.9) and immunohistochemical expression of positive OPN mean area percent (7.1-21.2%, 12 ± 5.5%) were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (1-4.6, 2.11 ± 0.93; 3.9-12.02%, 6.8 ± 2.8%, respectively; p < 0.0000). The Severity of Alopecia Tool score showed no significant correlation with the OPN mRNA expression (r = 0.11, p = 0.55). Conclusion: High OPN mRNA expression is associated with AA. OPN might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AA. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel