Female medical students seem to experience higher level of perceived stress. Moreover, there is a lack of research examining perceived stress in students enrolled in different medical programs. We analyzed the association between temperament traits, optimism, self-esteem, and perceived stress of students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and students pursuing a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. A cross-sectional study was conducted of two cohorts: allopathic medical students (N = 154) and the podiatric medical students (N = 150). Students anonymously completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Auto Questionnaire (TEMPS-A), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Life Orientation Test—Revised (LOT-R). We analyzed differences in the two cohort of students and predictors of perceived stress. There were no differences in the overall perception of stress between both cohorts (allopathic medical students: 18.83 ± 0.56; podiatric medical students: 19.3 ± 0.72; p = 0.4419). Women reported higher perceived stress in both programs (allopathic medical students: p = 0.0.038; podiatric medical students: p = 0.0.038). In both allopathic and podiatric medical students, the cyclothymic temperaments and anxious traits were positive predictors while hyperthymic temperaments and optimism traits were negative predictors of perceived stress. The level of perceived stress experienced by students pursuing different doctoral degrees in healthcare is similar. Regardless of the curriculum differences, female students experience higher perceived stress and there is evidence for similarities in predictors amongst allopathic and podiatric medical students.

Background: A healthy lifestyle is not always able to improve the abdomen’s appearance, especially in those patients who have undergone sudden weight changes. Objective: We aimed at evaluating the efficacy of combined microwaves and flat magnetic stimulation (FMS) to treat abdominal localized adiposity and laxity. Methods: Twenty-five patients were subjected to two treatment sessions per month on the abdominal area with microwaves. FMS was also performed twice per week, with a minimum of two days between each session for two months. The technology uses three types of different protocols: massage, muscle definition (shaping), and muscular strengthening. Measurements, including body mass index (BMI) and waist, and abdominal ultrasound were performed at baseline and three months after the last treatment session. Blood examinations were performed, and a 5-Likert scale questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction. Results: At follow-up, three months after the last treatment, the mean waist circumference (WC) was significantly reduced, and skin laxity improved in all patients (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in abdominal muscle tissue thickness was also shown in all abdominal areas, and the thickness of the adipose tissue evaluated by ultrasound was reduced. Conclusions: This study proves that the combination of microwaves and FMS treatment is secure and efficient for treating abdominal subcutaneous fat and skin laxity.

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Deep cutaneous mycoses are fungal infections that affect the skin and its deeper layers, leading to significant morbidity if not promptly diagnosed and treated. While dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, are the most common causative agents, other fungi such as Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Fusarium spp. can also cause these infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The clinical presentation varies depending on the depth and extent of the infection, ranging from superficial erythematous lesions to firm subcutaneous nodules, ulcers, abscesses, or sinus tracts. In advanced cases, deep cutaneous mycoses can lead to osteomyelitis and bone destruction. Mycetoma, a chronic infectious disease affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and bones, is considered a deep skin mycosis. It is endemic in certain regions and can mimic other conditions such as cutaneous tuberculosis or cancerous lesions, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Diagnosis typically involves clinical presentation, radiological findings, and microbiological culture, with molecular methods aiding in culture-negative cases. Treatment is challenging and may involve surgical debridement, antifungal/antibiotic therapy, and sometimes amputation. Prevention strategies include improving hygiene, raising awareness, and early diagnosis. We present a case of an immunocompetent farmer with a wrist lesion initially suspected as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma but histologically diagnosed as eumycetoma, emphasizing the importance of considering deep mycoses in high-risk individuals and highlighting the heterogeneous clinical presentation of these infections.