Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of nonablative fractional 1,540 nm laser to treat the atrophic scars caused by the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Methods This clinical trial with a pre‐ and a posttreatment measurement was conducted on patients with atrophic CL scars. The lesions were treated with nonablative fractional 1,540 nm laser. We evaluated the patients initially and then monthly, before each treatment session. The final follow‐up was done 6 months after the end of study for all patients. Patient assessment was performed by two physicians using the modified Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) as well as the interpretation of captured digital photographs. Moreover, the patients performed a self‐assessment by filling in a researcher‐made questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Thirty patients with 37 skin lesions participated in the study. The pairwise comparison demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the modified MSS parameters (P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed between the modified MSS of the third and fourth (P = 0.82) as well as fourth and fifth (P = 0.636) sessions. The lesions improvement was significant based on the physician's evaluation (P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients’ level of satisfaction was significantly increased in all six follow‐ups (P < 0.001). No persistent complication was found. Conclusions Nonablative fractional 1,540 nm laser is an effective and safe therapeutic choice for atrophic CL, even in darker skins. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background and aim: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) carcinoembryonic antigen is one of the tumor markers that is expressed in many colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, lung and chest cancers. The exact mechanism for releasing this antigen from the cell surface to the cancer patients is still unknown. Carcinoma-embryonic antigen proteins are bound to a cell membrane through a glycosyl-phosphate tidal inositol (GPI-anchor) linkage. There is evidence that specific phospholipase enzymes interfere with the breakdown of GPI binding and the removal of CEA from the cell surface. Considering these evidence and data, we investigated the probable role of glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol phospholipase (GPI-PLD) D in hydrolysis and the release of carcinoma amniobiline antigens. Materials and methods: In this study, we demonstrated the expression of GPI-PLD in some cell lines of adenocarcinoma of colorectal using RT-PCR. The level of carcinogenic amniotic antinase released by one of the cancer cell lines (LS-180), which freely releases large amounts of carcinoma ambrionic antigen in the culture medium, was detected in the presence and absence of specific inhibitors and activators of this enzyme.

Objectives: Low quality sleep is one of the most common problems in old age. The present study aims to determine the effect of a sleep hygiene education program using Telephone Follow-Up (TFU) method on the sleep quality of the elderly. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 eligible elderly people aged 60-74 years who were selected using a systematic random sampling method and were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a one-hour face-to-face education session on sleep hygiene. The TFU were carried out two times per week in the first month and once a week in the second month after intervention. The control group received routine care. The data collection tools were a demographic form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The PSQI was completed for both groups immediately after the second month. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean PSQI score before intervention in the intervention (8.02) and control (7.47) groups (P=0.32), but after the intervention, the mean PSQI score in the intervention group (5.42) was significantly reduced compared to the control group (7.67) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Sleep hygiene education program based on TFU improves the sleep quality of the elderly. It is recommended that health care providers use this method to improve the sleep quality of the elderly.

Introduction: Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is one of the most common non-cancerous lesions that appears on the sun-exposure areas of the body and highly prevalent among the middle-aged population. It is the result of the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. The clinical changes in SK lesions such as sudden growth, color changes, and ulcerations are accompanied by malignancies. Case Presentation: This study presents a rare case of giant SK on the flank part with rapid enlargement. The manifestations were in favor of malignancy and the patient underwent biopsy and total excision with a good outcome. Conclusions: Giant SK is a rare type of SK that has various similarities with malignant masses and requires further investigation.