bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Skin Cancer in Japan
Authors: Miki Yoshtharu
Published: June 2007

Summary

Sunlight had no outstanding effect upon the incidence of skin cancer among Japanese, although some effect of sunlight could be demonstrated by geographic and occupational factors. The lower incidence of skin cancer among Japanese in comparison with Caucasians was probably due to the higher degree of pigmentation of the skin among Japanese, which protects the skin against the carcinogenic effect of sunlight.

Even though Japanese were less susceptible to solar carcinogenesis than Caucasians, the carcinogenic effects of bum scars, traumatic scars or radiodermatitis were more evident on comparison with Caucasians living in similar latitudes.
Nodular Dermal Allergide of Gougerot
Authors: Geller Mario , Fraga Sylvio , Schaffel Waldemar , Roimicher Samuel , Gomes Edgard Magalhaes
Published: June 2007

The authors present the clinical, histological and laboratory findings in a case of cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis which fits the picture of Gougerot's nodular dermal allergide. They discuss the classification of dermal vasculitis, and the reasons for regarding it as a hypersensitivity reaction.
Vitiligo and Its Treatment
Authors: El‐Mofty Abdel Monem , Nada Mohamed M.
Published: June 2007

The results of the treatment of vitiligo with psoralens alone, psoralens combined with oral and/or local corticosteroids, and corticosteroids alone in a series of 259 vitiligo patients are reported. Psoralens alone with solar and/or ultraviolet irradiation proved to be the most reliable and safe therapeutic agent available. Although oral corticosteroids enhance the pigmentary response produced by psoralens and intralesional injection of corticosteroids may be of a beneficial effect in some cases, they cannot be the determining agent in a therapeutic modality in vitiligo. Topical application of corticosteroids, through helping in softening and thinning of the hyperkeratotic thickened skin brought about by repeated irradiation, may be of help in some cases, but used alone it did not induce any repigmentary response.
Dermatology in Dacca
Authors: Green Allen
Published: June 2007

A brief outline is given of dermatology as seen during a short visit to Dacca, the capital of Bangladesh.

Mention is made of the staff at a teaching hospital, the work done, under‐graduate and post‐graduate training, facilities for clinical dermatology and some skin diseases common in Dacca.
Prescribing by Six Australian Dermatologists A Pilot Study*
Authors: Green Allen C. , Wallace Malcolm G.
Published: June 2007

Six Australian dermatologists agreed to participate in a pilot study on their prescribing habits.

The many medicaments they prescribed in their private practices as pharmaceutical benefits under the National Health Act 1953–1973 during the months of October, 1972, and February, 1973, are tabulated and discussed.

The preparations most often ordered were classified into groups which included antibiotics, sulphonamides, antihistamines, drugs acting on the nervous system, corticosteroids, fungistatics, antimalarials and topical applications.

Apart from the selection of tetracyclines and betamethasone in topical applications, the results are interesting because they show diversity rather than similarity in the approach to dermatological treatment by these six dermatologists. The differences in selecting either griseofulvin of nystaatin are given explanation.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN NON‐STEROID ANTI‐INFLAMMATORY AGENTS AND CORTICOSTEROIDS*
Authors: Gaylarde P. M. , Brock A. P. , Sarkany I.
Published: June 2007

Summary

We have shown that corticosteroids and non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory agents suppress the increase in skin thickness in response to irritants applied to guinea pig skin. The combination of salicylic acid with corticosteroids and acetyl salicylic acid with hydrocortisone results in an antagonistic reduction of their anti‐inflammatory activities. Indomethacin, in contrast, acts synergistically with corticosteroids.

Sodium salicylate also suppresses DNA synthesis of human skin in vitro and hydrocortisone sodium succinate is able to abolish this suppression. This result, together with the results of trials on human volunteers, suggests that our findings may be relevant to the use of preparations containing combinations of non‐steroid and steroid anti‐inflammatory drugs in the clinical situation.

The antagonism between salicylates on the one hand and indomethacin and steroids on the other, has been demonstrated by our work on the skin of man and the guinea pigs. A similar effect had been previously described in adjuvant induced arthropathy in the rat. These findings should alert clinicians who use anti‐inflammatory agents in various combinations, to the possible reduction of clinical effect due to antagonism between salicylates and other anti‐inflammatory drugs.
ROLE OF LYMPHOCYTE TRANSFORMATION IN DRUG ALLERGY*
Authors: Sarkany I. , Gaylarde P. M.
Published: June 2007

Summary

The role of lymphocyte transformation in the diagnosis of drug allergy is reviewed. Of 165 patients with clinically suspected drug allergy, 22 (13.3%) gave a positive lymphocyte transformation result. Reasons for this low incidence of positive reactions are put forward.

Lymphocyte transformation testing in patients with halothane related hepatitis was uniformly negative in 29 patients and this test has not been found useful in the diagnosis of this condition as against viral hepatitis.

We have also found that a number of drugs including co‐trimoxazole, piperazine, chlorpromazine, promethazine and griseofulvin inhibit DNA synthesis in lymphocytes in vitro. This may be the result of inhibition of transformation of lymphocytes, a cytotoxic effect or the effect of inhibition of thymidine incorporation. The in vitro suppression of DNA synthesis in lymphocytes by co‐trimoxazole, rifampicin and miconazole has been suggested as being related to their possible in vivo immunosuppressive activity.
TREATMENT OF WARTS WITH BLEOMYCIN*
Authors: Abbott Lewsbe G.
Published: June 2007

Summary

A group of patients with persistent warts has had the lesions treated with local injections of bleomycin sulphate. A significant cure rate was attained without clinical evidence of toxic complications.
TREATMENT OF CUTANEOUS CANDIDIASIS: A DOUBLE BLIND, PARALLEL COMPARISON OF SULCONAZOLE NITRATE 1% CREAM AND CLOTRIMAZOLE 1% CREAM
Authors: Rajan V. S. , Thirumoorthy T.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Fifty‐seven subjects with clinically proven cutaneous candidiasis were entered into a double blind, parallel, randomized comparison of sulconazole nitrate 1 % cream applied once daily and clotrimazole 1% cream applied twice daily. The duration of active treatment was three weeks with a four‐week follow‐up without treatment for those clinically cured at Week 3 to determine relapse rate.

Sixteen patients failed to complete the study, twelve for reasons unrelated to study medication and four with suspected adverse reactions to sulconazole nitrate.

There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatments when considering efficacy parameters (which included KOH microscopic preparation, fungal culture and clinical evidence of fungal infection).

There were seven sulconazole nitrate and three clotrimazole treatment failures (ascertained by positive KOH microscopic preparation) at Week 3, this difference not being statistically significant. There were no relapses at the four‐week follow‐up in patients clinically cured after three weeks active treatment.
THE SIGN OF LESER‐TRÉLAT
Authors: Czarnecki D. B. , Rotstein H. , O'Brien T. J. , Lyall I. G. , Hanna M. J. D.
Published: June 2007

Summary

The sign of Leser‐Trélat is the sudden appearance and rapid increase in number of seborrhoeic keratoses on previously normal skin. It is a cutaneous marker of internal malignancy. Two patients exhibiting this sign are described and a further thirty‐seven have been found in the medical literature. The main features of these patients are reviewed.
PHOTOSENSITIVE PSORIASIS*
Authors: Doyle John A.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Photosensitivity in psoriasis is an important symptom. It may be the only indication of a separate light sensitive disease process co‐existent with the psoriasis, and it will always indicate psoriatics who present a special challenge in therapy.
UV‐B PHOTOTHERAPY FOR PITYRIASIS LICHENOIDES
Authors: Tham Siew Nee
Published: June 2007

Eighteen patients with long standing pityriasis lichenoides were treated with UV‐B phototherapy. Fourteen patients (82.4%) had a good response to the treatment with complete clearance in nine patients (53.0%) and more than 90% clearance in five patients (29.4%). Three patients (17.6%) did not clear but all had definite improvement. One patient defaulted after 10 treatments. Of the 14 patients who cleared, 12 were followed up for a period ranging from six months to three years and five months. Six patients remained clear. Four patients had a few recurrent lesions which did not necessitate re‐treatment, and three of these patients eventually cleared spontaneously. Two patients who had relapses which cleared on re‐treatment with UV‐B phototherapy subsequently remained clear after a further six months and 17 months follow‐up, respectively.
GREASY SCALING PITYRIASIS AMIANTACEA AND ALOPECIA: A SYNDROME IN SEARCH OF A CAUSE
Authors: Keipert James A.
Published: June 2007

A syndrome consisting of localized areas of greasy scaling of the scalp, partial alopecia, pityriasis amiantacea and groups of hairs in the lesions of pityriasis amiantacea pulling out easily, occurs occasionally in children. Some of the features are suggestive of tinea capitis but repeated fungal cultures are negative. The disorder is slow to respond to non specific treatment, but may have responded slowly to griseofulvin in two patients reported here. This syndrome is described and discussed, and it is postulated that a satisfactory cause has not been found for this unusual disorder.
THE FREE ANDROGEN INDEX AND MILD HIRSUTISM
Authors: Moses R. , Archibald L. , Egri S. , Thiele H.
Published: June 2007

Summary

The plasma testosterone was abnormal in only 11% of patients with mild hirsutism. However, a derived product, the free androgen index, was abnormal in 66% of cases and appears useful as a discriminating test.
DERMATITIS DUE TO CHROMATE IN CEMENT PART II. INCIDENCE OF CEMENT DERMATITIS IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Freeman Susanne
Published: June 2007

Summary

Information has been obtained from 188 Australian dermatologists relating to allergic contact dermatitis due to cement. 54 cases of chromate‐positive cement dermatitis were recorded in twelve months from May 1985.

It is suggested that ferrous sulphate should be added to cement to prevent chromate sensitivity in cement and concrete workers.
ZYGOMYCOSIS IN A TATTOO, CAUSED BY SAKSENAEA VASIFORMIS
Authors: Parker Colin , Kaminski Geraldine , Hill Dudley
Published: June 2007

Summary

Subcutaneous zygomosis, caused by Saksenaea vasiformis developed In the forearm of a 25 year old male in the area of a tattoo performed seven years previously.

The spectrum of disease caused by S. vasiformis can range from rapidly progressive disseminated infection in immunosuppressed persons, to disease of slow onset and limited spread where immune function is intact.

Several species of zygomycetes can cause human disease. Tissue invasion is by broad mycelia which stain well with H & E. Species identification can only be achieved by inducing the isolate to produce sporangia, and in the case of S. vasiformis special techniques are necessary. Even so, long delays may be experienced before producing the typical long necked vase shaped sporangium of S. vasiformis.

In the case described, treatment with amphotericin B was successful.
PSORIASIFORM DRUG ERUPTION DUE TO GLIBENCLAMIDE
Authors: Goh C. L.
Published: June 2007

Summary

A 49 year old Indian female with the clinical and histological features of a psoriasiform eruption due to glibenclamide, an oral hypoglycaemic agent, is described. The eruption resembled that caused by some beta blockers. The condition did not improve with topical tar treatment but cleared within six weeks after withdrawal of glibenclamide. Cutaneous reactions to glibenclamide are uncommon and there has been no previous report of a psoriasiform eruption due to this drug.
HOME TREATMENT OF SKIN CANCER AND SOLAR KERATOSES
Authors: Green Adele C. , Beardmore Graeme L.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Participants in a community survey of skin cancer and solar keratoses were asked about their use of home remedies for these lesions. There were 164 persons aged between 20 and 69 years at high risk who said they treated these lesions themselves (7.8% of those surveyed). Half of the agents used were naturopathic and of these Euphorbia peplus was unanimously considered an effective treatment. Aloe vera was the most popular remedy and paw paw and creams such as lanolin were also popular despite their generally perceived lack of efficacy. Most of the self‐treaters were at high risk of skin cancer and thus the danger of this home treatment is the likely failure to recognize invasive disease. Close medical supervision of the treatment of actinic lesions remains essential.
EPIDERMODYSPLASIA VERRUCIFORMIS ASSOCIATED WITH MULTIPLE SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS
Authors: Salmon Robert , Thompson Carol , Rose Barbara , Kelly Graham , Cossart Yvonne
Published: June 2007

Summary

In this report a 48 year old patient with non‐familial epidermodysplasia verruciformis is described. The disease had persisted for 36 years and had been incorrectly diagnosed as psoriasis on a number of occasions. From 1980 the patient developed numerous skin tumours, including five squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and a basal cell carcinoma, on the sun‐exposed areas of his body. In June 1986 a poorly‐differented SCC, presumed to be a secondary deposit from one of the previously resected skin cancers, was excised from his left parotid gland. A recurrence of this invasive SCC was resected two months later. Despite several courses of radiotherapy and treatment with transfer factor the tumour continued to enlarge, and the patient died from local effects in December 1987. The clinical, virological and immunological criteria used to establish the diagnosis are presented.
EFFECT OF RETINOL ON MURINE EPIDERMAL DENDRITIC CELLS
Authors: Walsh Laurence J. , Miles Peter G. , Seymour Gregory J.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Numerous immunoregulatory activities have been attributed to retinoids. The present study examined the effect of a single application of retinol (RO) on immunocompetent cells in murine epidermis. The inner epidermis of the left ear of C57/BL6J mice was painted with RO (50 ug/ml) in ethanol, while the right (control) ear received ethanol alone. Mice were sacrified at 0,12,24,36 or 48 hours, and epithelial sheets of the treated areas prepared. Two cell populations were detected using enzyme histochemistry and indirect immunofluorescence: Langerhans cells (ATPase+, Ia+), and cells expressing Thy 1.2 antigen (ATPase‐, la‐). In all cases ATPase+ cells were more numerous that Ia+ cells, however, neither RO nor alcohol treatment modulated la+or ATPase+ expression on Langerhans cells. In contrast, R O treatment increased the number of Thy 1.2+ cells detected at 12 and 24 hr post‐treatment when compared to baseline and alcohol controls. These results indicate that retinol is capable of modulating antigen expression on murine dendritic cells in vivo.
FIXED DRUG ERUPTION DUE TO COTRIMOXAZOLE
Authors: Bharija S.C. , Belhaj M.S.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Drug eruptions are among the most common cutaneous disorders encountered by dermatologists. They occur in many forms and mimic many dermatoses. Fixed Drug Eruption (FDE) has its own characteristics and may be associated with ingestion of a number of agents. The incidence of FDE induced by a specific drug depends on the frequency with which the agent is used in a given part of the world. Recently we have encountered many cases of FDE due to Cotrimoxazole.
HYPOMELANOSIS OF ITO: HISTOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Saxena Uma , Ramesh V. , Iyengar Bhanu , Misra R.S.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Skin biopsies were taken from an infant girl with Hypomelanosis of Ito (Incontintentia Pigmenti Achrotnians) for histopathological, histochemical and electron microscopic studies. Histological observations were similar to those reported previously. Electron microscopy revealed two groups of melanocytes, an effete group and another group with a highly dendritic appearance. The significance of these findings is discussed.
DINITROCHLOROBENZENE TREATMENT OF CONDYLOMATA ACUMINATA
Authors: Georgala S. , Danopoulou I. , Katsarou A.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Fifteen patients with treatment‐resistant condylomata acuminata have been treated by application of Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The agent was applied weekly as a 0.5 or 1% solution in acetone for a period of 6 to 8 weeks. Patients were sensitised 15 days before the onset of treatment by applying a 2% DNCB solution on the right arm in a quantity of 0.15ml. In one patient treatment had to be stopped because of local irritation and one discontinued treament. In the other 13 patients all lesions cleared completely. Patients were followed up for a year and no recurrence has appeared as yet. DNCB seems to be useful agent for treatment‐resistant condylomata acuminata and Justifies further clinical trials.
FIBRONECTIN: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND SIGNIFICANCE IN WOUND HEALING
Authors: Brotchie Heather , Wakefield Denis
Published: June 2007

Summary

Several recent reports suggest a therapeutic role for topical application of autologous fibronectin in promoting healing of chronic skin and corneal ulcers. Fibronectin assists in wound healing by contributing to haemostasis, assisting in control of infection and debridement of wounds, and promoting re‐epithelialisation, granulation tissue and ultimately a connective tissue of adequate tensile strength to repair the skin defect. The potential for fibronectin to be a therapeutic adjunct demands a close understanding of its structural and functional properties, and such knowledge, particularly emerging from research reported in the last five years, is reviewed.
HALO ECZEMA SURROUNDING SEBORRHOEIC KERATOSES: AN EXAMPLE OF PERILESIONAL NUMMULAR DERMATITIS
Authors: Rosen Robert , Paver Ken , Kossard Steven
Published: June 2007

Summary

Two patients developed halo eczema around isolated seborrhoeic keratoses and in one individual similar halo eczema developed around the nipples. This phenomenon which was previously described with melanocytic naevi has been associated with a number of different central lesions and can be readily recognised. Both the clinical pattern and histopathology suggest that this phenomenon may represent a localised form of nummular dermatitis with a predilection for elevated lesions.
ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS TO ULTRA VIOLET CURED INKS
Authors: Whitfeld Margot , Freeman Susi
Published: June 2007

Summary

Two employees of a factory using an automated screen printing process and ultraviolet cured inks to print onto plastic bottles developed an allergic contact dermatitis, principally on the face and periorbital areas. On patch testing a contact allergy was found to the ultraviolet cured ink UV 50–85, and its multifunctional acrylic monomer component, tripropylene glycol diacrylate.
A NEW TREATMENT FOR ACQUIRED REACTIVE PERFORATING COLLAGENOSIS
Authors: Oziemski Margaret A. , Billson Virginia R. , Crosthwaite Gary L. , Zajac Jeff , Varigos George A.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis is reported in an insulin dependent diabetic patient with renal impairment, managed successfully with surgical debridement and split skin grafting. The literature on treatment of reactive perforating collagenosis is reviewed.
TUBERCULOUS INFECTION OF THE MALE GENITALIA
Authors: Vasanthi R. , Ramesh V.
Published: June 2007

Summary

The extremely rare occurrence of genital tuberculosis affecting the penis, seminal vesicles, epididymides, vas deferens and Cowper's gland is described. Diagnosis was made by demonstration of fragmented acid fast bacilli in the discharge, and caseating epithelioid cell granulomata with Langhan's giant cells detected on histopathology. Response to antitubercular drugs was prompt.
PREDOMINANCE OF CD8 SUBSET IN ID ERUPTION OF POISON OAK‐INDUCED DERMATITIS
Authors: Heng Madalene C.Y. , Allen Suni G.
Published: June 2007

Summary

The pathophysiology and immune mechanisms involved in the clinical syndrome of autoeczematization remain a mystery. In this study of nickel dermatitis without autoeczematization and poison oak dermatitis with autoeczematization, it was noted that the process of autoeczematization was associated with the presence of CD8+ lymphocytes within the epidermis and the expression of HLA‐DR antigens on epidermal keratinocytes. It is surmised that since CD8+ clones are induced by poison oak antigen but not by nickel, the inability of nickel to induce CD8+ lymphocytes may explain why uncomplicated nickel dermatitis does not autoeczematize. Since the selective adherence ofCD8+ lymphocytes to keratinocytes, probably via the expression of adhesion molecules such as ICAM‐1, the generation of antigens on endothelial cells of high endothelial venules involved in lymphocyte trafficking, and the expression of HLA‐DR antigens on epidermal keratinocytes are all due to the activity of interferon‐8, it is deduced that this Lymphokine may play a key role in id eruptions induced by contact allergens.
FORMULATION OF 1‐ALPHA,25‐DIHYDROXYCHOLECALCIFEROL TOPICAL OINTMENT FOR PSORIASIS TREATMENT
Authors: Hayball Peter J. , Weightman Warren , Cosh David G.
Published: June 2007

Summary

A means of accurate and rapid formulation of l‐Alpha,25‐dihydroxychoiecalciferol topical ointment is described. The accuracy of the formulation technique is within 95% of the theoretical ointment concentration (lug/gram of petrolatum base). Moreover, the stability of the formulated ointment is examined at room temperature (21°C) and refrigerated (2°C) over 40 days storage. When protected from light the loss of potency is 6% at 21°C and negligible at 2°C.
LENTINGINOUS DYSPLASTIC NAEVI IN THE ELDERLY: A POTENTIAL PRECURSOR FOR MALIGNANT MELANOMA
Authors: Kossard Steve , Commens Chris , Symons Michael , Doyle John
Published: June 2007

Summary

Seventy‐seven skin biopsies diagnosed histologically as lentiginous junctional naevi from individuals aged over 60 years were reviewed. Seventy‐three specimens showed a primarily nested pattern with disordered arthitecture concentrated within the rete ridges conforming to the pathology of a lentiginous dysplastic naevus. In 28 biopsies this was combined with a melanoma in situ. The latter was reflected by a focal loss of the rete ridge system, confluent melanocytic hyperplasia and single cell invasion of the epidermis by atypical malanocytes. Four biopsies showed lentiginous junctional naevi with only isolated naevus cell nests without a disordered architecture or cellular atypia. Thirty‐seven of the 57 naevi in men were located on the back in contrast to 5 of the 20 women. In women the lower limb was the most frequent site with 8 of the 20 lesions originating at this site in contrast to 1 of the 57 men. The pathological diagnosis of dysplastic lentiginous naevi in the elderly needs to be recognised as having a high association of melanoma‐in‐situ changes.
KERATODERMA HEREDITARIA MUTILANS. ETRETINATE TREATMENT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES
Authors: Palungwachira Piti , Iwahara Kunio , Ogawa Hideoki
Published: June 2007

Summary

Keratoderma hereditaria mutilans is a rare inherited cornification disorder characterized by hyperkeratosis of palms and soles with a characteristic “honey‐comb” appearance, keratotic constriction furrows of one or more digits (pseudo‐ainhum) and threatening spontaneous amputation. Approximately 30 cases have been reported, but the ultrastructural features have not been well characterized. In this article, we describe the clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural findings in our patient. A biopsy specimen taken before treatment with etretinate showed hyperkeratosis with a well‐preserved granular layer and acanthosis. Ultrastructural examination disclosed that the spinous cells and granular cells contained marked swollon mitochondria, many desmosomes, and that corneocytes contained many membrane coating granules (MCG) and lipid like vacuoles. After initiation of treatment, considerable clinical improvement was observed, but without significant histologic modification. The principal post‐treatment ultrastructural changes were the reduction of mitochondrial swelling in spinous and granular cells and the reduction in the number of MCG incorneocytes. The intercellular spaces showed increased amounts of fine and coarse granular substances. Stimulation of Langerhans cells was observed. Marginal band formation occurred normally after treatment.
PILOMATRIX CARCINOMA OF THE SCALP
Authors: Zagarella Samuel S. , Kneale Kenneth L. , Stern Harvey S.
Published: June 2007

Summary

A matrical carcinoma (pilomatrix carcinoma) of the scalp is described ‐ the first reported case in this site. This malignant hair follicle tumour must be distinguished histologically from benign pilomatricoma and proliferating trichilemmal tumour, which can have similar features.
MODERN TREATMENT OF LYMPHOEDEMA II. THE BENZOPYRONES.
Authors: Casley‐Smith John R. , Casley‐Smith Judith R.
Published: June 2007

Summary

The benzo‐pyrones reduce all high‐protein oedemas, including lymphoedema and elephantiasis, by increasing the numbers of macrophages and their normal proteolysis. Thus they remove the excess protein, and thereby the oedema which is caused by it. They also remove the stimulus it provides for chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and its action as a culture medium for bacteria. Coumarin (5,6 benzo‐[alpha]‐pyrone, 56 BaP) and oxerutins (HR, O(β‐hydroxy‐ethyl)‐rutosides) have been used in many clinical trials on a variety of high‐protein oedemas.

Four such trials are summarised here: on lymphoedema and elephantiasis (from many causes in Australia, and filaritic in India and China). The drugs reduced these much more slowly than adequate physical therapy, but they did reduce them. About half the excess volume was removed over six months in the Australian trials. In India and China similar rates were achieved with lymphoedema, but elephantiasis reduced at a slower rate. The benzo‐pyrones convert a slowly worsening condition into a slowly improving one. No compression garments are necessary. In addition, the drugs considerably reduce the number of attacks of secondary acute infection, reduce the deformities of elephantiasis and considerably improve the patients'comfort and mobility. They may be taken orally, or applied topically, have very low toxicities and only few, minor side‐effects. They are useful in many other forms of high‐protein oedema, and improve the results of physical therapy for lymphoedema.
LINEAR SCLERODERMA WITH SEVERE LEG DEFORMITY
Authors: Hatzis John A. , Stratigos Alexander J. , Dimopoulos John Ch. , Tzermias Christopher K. , Orfanidou Anastasiak , Bassioukas Konstantin Ch.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Linear scleroderma is an unusual form of localised scleroderma, mainly affecting the legs and occurring primarily in children. Sometimes the linear lesions may extend to involve the underlying muscles and bones, with severe disturbances in growth and possibly flexion deformities of the legs.1,2,3,4 In this study, two cases suffering from linear scleroderma of the legs are presented.
FOUR NON‐ENDEMIC NEW ZEALAND CASES OF CHROMOBLASTOMYCOSIS
Authors: Woodgyer Alan J. , Bennetts Graeme P. , Rush‐Munro Frederick M.
Published: June 2007

Summary

The majority of cases of chromoblastomycosis are reported from tropical to subtropical countries; only one previous case being reported from New Zealand. Four non‐endemic cases in Pacific Island patients are described. All of the New Zealand cases were caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi. In the present report, one patient was successfully treated by excision of the lesion followed by skin grafting. Another was treated with 200 mg ketoconazole daily for 10 weeks with no obvious improvement. No follow‐up on the treatment of this case nor of the remaining two patients is available. This disease must be included in the differential diagnosis in patients who present with chronic lesions affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
SWEET'S SYNDROME AND CHLAMYDIAL INFECTION
Authors: Amichai Boaz , Lazarov Aneta , Cagnano Manuela , Halevy Sima
Published: June 2007

Summary

A case of Sweet's syndrome associated wih chlamydial infection is reported.
CEREBRAL INFARCTION FOLLOWING THORACIC HERPES ZOSTER
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Mollison Lindsay
Published: June 2007

Summary

Objective: To present a case of cerebral infarction following thoracic herpes zoster presenting as Gerstmann's syndrome.

Clinical features: A 61 year old male developed herpes zoster of T 1‐2 dermatomes. Four months later he developed a confusional state together with expressive aphasia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and finger agnosia with no long tract signs. CT scan of head showed recent infarction of this left parietal lobe. He recieved a five day course of acyclovir 800mg four times daily and showed slow but steady improvement

Conclusion: Herpes zoster is uncommonly followed by cerebral infarction. Acyclovir may have a role in therapy of this complication.
AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF SECONDARY SYPHILIS IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Authors: Patel Anita , Heath Timothy C. , Bowden Francis J. , Currie Bart
Published: June 2007

Objective: To present a case which demonstrates the unusual clinical features of secondary syphilis that may be encountered in tropical Australia.

Clinical Features: A syphilitic aetiology was initially missed in a Caucasian female presenting with a rare form of syphilis, “lues maligna”, characterised by nodulo‐ulcerative skin lesions, fever, meningism and a relapsing course.

Conclusion: Secondary syphilis is usually manifest in the Northern Territory by a characteristic palmo‐plantar psoriasiform eruption with variable involvement of skin in other body areas. The disease is most commonly seen in the young adult Aboriginal population. However, atypical presentations can occur and vigilance must be maintained for a syphilitic aetiology in unusual skin lesions. The disease may produce significant individual morbidity and may be transmitted non‐venereally to close contacts in the secondary stage. Genital lesions facilitate the transmission of HIV, making early diagnosis and treatment even more important.
Post‐contact chronic eczema: Pension or rehabilitation
Authors: Lobel Edmund
Published: June 2007

A proportion of patients who suffer from either irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, many of whom have no past or family history of atopy or of any other skin disease, evolve into chronic eczema. Workers' compensation payments are frequently suspended after about 6 to 12 months on the basis of ‘endogenous dermatitis’. Patients, often healthy breadwinners in the 30 to 50 age group are deemed unemployable because of persistent active dermatitis. Expensive prolonged litigation frequently follows but the end result is usually a patient who has become a healthy, bored, pensioner/retiree with all the psychological and physical sequelae secondary to inactivity and major lifestyle change. It is now becoming recognized that there are many jobs which a person suffering from various degrees of chronic dermatitis can perform without aggravation of dermatitis. However, widespread acceptance of this tenet requires a change in attitude by all the players in the workers' compensation complex, namely the employer, the insurance company, the medical practitioner, the employee and the union. Fortunately, the emphasis is gradually changing towards multidisciplinary assessment of work potential with appropriate retraining and redeployment of injured workers rather than granting lump sum compensation payouts or pensions.
The brown forehead ring: A pattern of facial pigmentation
Authors: O'Brien Timothy J
Published: June 2007

The brown forehead ring (linea fusca), a distinctive but infrequently recognized pattern of facial pigmentation, is described. The history of this sign is recounted. In modern times it seems to be associated with other well recognized patterns of facial pigmentation, chemical photosensitizers and excessive sun exposure. Three cases in adult males are described and the different aetiologies illustrated.
Plantar wart presenting as a cutaneous horn
Authors: Dyall‐Smith Delwyn , Mason Graham
Published: June 2007

An elderly man presented with a longstanding, tender lesion on the sole of the foot. Clinically this was a cutaneous horn but biopsy revealed the features of a viral wart. The cytopathic effects of cutaneous human papillomaviruses are discussed.
Deaths due to squamous cell carcinoma in Australia: Is there a case for a public health intervention?
Authors: Rosenblatt Leslie , Marks Robin
Published: June 2007

The death certificates of all people who died from cancer in Victoria for the years 1988–1990 were examined looking for deaths due primarily to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. The findings were compared with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) published data on the number of deaths due to non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) for the same period. One hundred and fifteen deaths due to SCC were identified. The mean age of death for the 74 males (64%) was 74.2 (s.d. 11.7) years and the 41 females (36%) was 81.3 (s.d. 10.3) years. Seventy (80%) of the 91 people where satisfactory information was able to be extracted had one or more major illnesses which were likely to have contributed substantially to the death. Only 3.5% of the total tumours were on the trunk in the covered areas, the remainder were on exposed areas of the body easily seen during a consultation. Seventeen cases of AIDS (Kaposi's Sarcoma) were incorrectly classified by the ABS as primary NMSC deaths. Seventeen other misclassifications included seven deaths from melanoma, eight deaths from cancers which were not skin tumours and two non‐cancer deaths. Thirty‐one deaths due to SCC were identified from death certificates and careful medical follow up which were not recorded in ABS data. The results suggest that there is likely to be little, if any, reduction in the number of deaths due to SCC as a result of an early detection programme directed at those people currently developing lethal tumours. A professional education programme directed at doctors who are seeing these elderly people with tumours on easily examined sites is more likely to be fruitful. The results also suggest the need for further education about the correct filling out of death certificates by medical practitioners and the careful supervision of those who extract data from these records at the ABS.
Mango dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis to Mangifera indica
Authors: Calvert Megan L , Robertson Ivan , Samaratunga Hema
Published: June 2007

‘Mango Dermatitis’ is the common term given to allergic contact dermatitis to the sap or skin of the fruit of Mangifera indica. Four patients presented with urticaria and eczematous rash following exposure to mangoes or the trees. Patch testing with diluted sap, crushed leaf, crushed stem and fruit skin was strongly positive.
Atopic eczema in children: What to do when treatment fails to work
Authors: Hogan Peter A
Published: June 2007

Atopic eczema in infants and children usually responds to a management programme involving patient education, the avoidance of environmental irritants, the regular use of emollients and the application of topical steroids. If a child fails to respond to this management programme, the dermatologist should initially ensure that the diagnosis is correct and exclude a coexistent disease process (for example, infection or immunodeficiency) that may be hampering response to treatment. The next step is to ensure that environmental irritants have been identified and eliminated from the child's environment and that prescribed medication is being used as instructed. Allergy assessment and ancillary therapy are reserved for those infants and children with severe disease not responding to basic therapy.
Multiple medicament allergies in two patients with chronic leg ulceration
Authors: Rademaker M , Wood B , Greig DE
Published: June 2007

Medicament allergies in patients with chronic leg ulcers is well recognized.1–5 In the past, topical antibiotics, rubber additives and wool alcohols have been the most common reported allergens.1–5 Allergy to topical corticosteroids has been reported.6 We document two cases of multiple corticosteroid allergy in patients with chronic leg ulceration.
Photochemotherapy for mycosis fungoides: Current status*
Authors: Watson Alan
Published: June 2007

Phototherapy for mycosis fungoides is reviewed with particular emphasis on PUVA (psoralen ultraviolet A‐range) therapy and its combination with other topical and systemic treatments. PUVA therapy has the advantages of being available in all major centres, is simple to administer, relatively inexpensive and has relatively low toxicity. Medium‐term results suggest that PUVA is as effective as any of the other topical therapies for stage I disease. Its combination with alpha‐interferon produces significant benefit in stage II or more advanced disease. Long‐term non‐melanoma skin cancer is increased with PUVA and combination PUVA usage, but melanoma is not increased. Its long‐term position in comparison to other therapies with regard to morbidity, mortality and quality of life needs further evaluation.
Severe allergy to sorbolene cream
Authors: MacKenzie‐Wood Andrew R , Freeman Susanne
Published: June 2007

A 40‐year‐old male developed a constant hand and foot dermatitis in 1980 while using sorbolene cream as a barrier cream at work. He was forced to leave his trade as a motor mechanic because of his hand dermatitis. It was not until 16 years later that he was diagnosed as having an allergic contact dermatitis to chlorocresol secondary to an endogenous hand and foot dermatitis. Chlorocresol is the preservative used in sorbolene cream as well as many corticosteroid creams. Patch testing carried out in 1983 was negative but had omitted testing with chlorocresol or sorbolene cream.
Allergic contact dermatitis to cocamidopropylbetaine in hair shampoo
Authors: Brand Roland , Delaney Thomas A
Published: June 2007

Allergic contact dermatitis to shampoo is rare. Report of a patient with widespread dermatitis caused by contact allergy to Kathon CG® and cocamidopropy lbetaine in shampoo used is presented.
Hypersensitivity syndrome reaction to oral terbinafine
Authors: Gupta Aditya K , Porges Andrew J
Published: June 2007

Terbinafine is used extensively to treat onychomycosis and other dermatomycoses. The case of a patient who developed a hypersensitivity syndrome reaction to oral terbinafine is discussed. A 66‐year‐old male was placed on terbinafine (250 mg/day) for the treatment of onychomycosis. After 4.5 weeks of therapy, the patient developed a cutaneous eruption, pyrexia, lymphadenopathy and hepatic dysfunction. No infectious or other cause was found for the symptoms and signs, which resolved within 6 weeks of stopping terbinafine. The patient had been on prednisone, doxazosin mesylate and aspirin for several months prior to starting terbinafine. These medications were continued during the episode and subsequently afterwards, with adjustment to the prednisone dosage only. The hypersensitivity syndrome reaction in this case involved multiple systems and was idiosyncratic in nature with no apparent predisposing factors. With the increasing use of oral terbinafine, it is likely that rare adverse events will occur more frequently. It is, therefore, important for physicians to be aware of the possible development of a hypersensitivity syndrome reaction in a patient on terbinafine who experiences an adverse event with multisystem involvement. Prompt recognition and determination of the extent of systemic involvement is important for the proper management of the patient.
Cardiovascular effects of prazosin in normotensive and genetically hypertensive rats
Authors: Wood A. J. , Phelan E. L. , Simpson F. O.
Published: June 2007

1. The cardiovascular effects of prazosin, a new antihypertensive drug, were studied in normotensive and genetically hypertensive rats.

2. Prazosin, infused intra‐arterially, lowered vascular resistance in the blood‐perfused rat hind limb. This effect was dependent on the presence of intact sympathetic innervation to the limb; no direct vasodilatation was demonstrated. In this preparation prazosin infusion reduced vasoconstrictor responses to nor‐adrenaline.

3. In the saline‐perfused rat mesenteric artery preparation prazosin reduced responses to noradrenaline and sympathetic nerve stimulation but not those to serotonin and vasopressin. Prazosin was more potent than phentolamine, on a molar basis, in reducing the vasoconstrictor effects of noradrenaline.

4. A comparison of the effects of prazosin injected intravenously and into a lateral cerebral ventricle failed to show any central action of the drug on blood pressure. Experiments using the donor blood‐perfused, vascularly isolated rat hind limb preparation confirmed that the sympatholytic effect of prazosin occurred within the limb itself.
Effects of changes in external calcium concentration and frequency of stimulation on inotropic responses to isoprenaline and tolbutamide in rabbit atria
Authors: Cornish E. J. , Miller R. C.
Published: June 2007

1. Driven left atrial preparations were used to study inotropic responses to isoprenaline and tolbutamide.

2. Decreasing the external calcium concentration from 2·2 to 1·1 and 0·55 mM decreased resting force of contraction but increased the maximal inotropic responses to isoprenaline. There was an associated increase in EC50 values.

3. Decreasing the external calcium concentration from 2·2 to 1·1 mM also increased the maximal inotropic responses to tolbutamide. These responses were 23‐and 44‐fold less than those to isoprenaline at equivalent calcium concentrations.

4. Preparations maintained in 1·1 mM calcium were used to compare inotropic responses to isoprenaline and tolbutamide at different frequencies of stimulation.

5. Decreasing the frequency of stimulation from 4 to 2 or 1 Hz decreased the resting force of contraction and increased the maximal inotropic responses to isoprenaline. There was an associated increase in EC50 values.

6. No significant inotropic responses to tolbutamide were observed at 4 Hz. Positive inotropic responses of similar magnitude occurred at 2 and 1 Hz. The maximal inotropic responses at these frequencies were 43‐and 127‐fold less than those to isoprenaline.

7. It is concluded that tolbutamide is a very weak inotropic agent.
Pentaerythritol trinitrate and glyceryl trinitrate on myocardial oxygen consumption and haemodynamics in the dog
Authors: Wilkes Sandra B. , Howe Burton B. , Winbury Martin M.
Published: June 2007

1. The effects of pentaerythritol trinitrate (pentrinitrol) and glyceryl trinitrate on myocardial oxygen consumption and myocardial and systemic haemodynamics were studied in anaesthetized open‐chest dogs. An in vivo oximeter in the coronary sinus permitted continuous determination of arteriovenous oxygen difference and myocardial oxygen consumption. All parameters were determined simultaneously at various intervals after drug administration.

2. Myocardial oxygen consumption was diminished by both nitrates for more than 16 min. Changes in arteriovenous oxygen difference and coronary sinus oxygen content were variable between drugs. Following an initial transient increase, coronary blood flow was reduced by both nitrates. Aortic blood pressure, aortic blood flow, left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure and left ventricular dP/dt were also reduced. Heart rate and contractile force were not appreciably altered by either nitrate.

3. The decrease in myocardial oxygen consumption appears to be associated with the haemodynamic profile of these drugs. Both nitrates produced comparable reductions in preload (left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure) and afterload (aortic pressure) as well as dP/dt.
Hormone metabolism and response of adenylate cyclase to parathyroid hormone in kidney
Authors: Moseley Jane M. , Martin T. J. , Robinson C. J. , Reit B. W. , Tregear G. W.
Published: June 2007

1. Incubation of parathyroid hormone with plasma membranes from rat kidney cortex resulted in rapid loss of all hormonal activity.

2. Chick kidney membranes showed no ability to inactivate parathyroid hormone even with prolonged incubation.

3. Biologically active, labelled parathyroid hormone was degraded to fragments by rat kidney membranes, but not by chick kidney.

4. Hormone‐responsive adenylate cyclase activity in a mixture of rat and chick kidney membranes was additive.

5. Parathyroid hormone bound specifically to chick kidney plasma membranes.

6. It is concluded that hormone inactivation during incubation has little relevance to the effectiveness of parathyroid hormone in stimulating adenylate cyclase activity in kidney, and furthermore that failure of chick kidney to metabolize the hormone is not the explanation for the greater sensitivity of this species to the hormone.
CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF AMITRIPTYLINE IN ANAESTHETIZED DOGS
Authors: Dhumma‐Upakorn P. , Cobbin L. B.
Published: June 2007

1. The effect of amitriptyline on cardiovascular variables has been studied in anaesthetized dogs.

2. In small doses (0.25 mg/kg) amitryptyline caused small increases in heart rate, contractility, blood pressure, coronary blood flow and aortic flow.

3. Larger doses produced initial depressant effects on myocardial contractility and rate and blood pressure, which were followed by secondary reflex rises in these measurements.

4. The depressant effects were dose‐related and were accompanied by marked increases in coronary flow and smaller increases in aortic flow.

5. The secondary reflex rises in cardiac parameters were abolished by propranolol and that of the blood pressure was much reduced.
THE EFFECT OF A CHROMATOGRAPHICALLY PURE SAMPLE OF ADENOSINE 5′‐TETRAPHOSPHATE ON SHEEP AND RABBIT BLOOD PLATELETS
Authors: Penglis Fylia
Published: June 2007

1. The commercially available trisodium salt of adenosine S'‐tetraphosphate (ATetraP) (Sigma) was found to be contaminated with ATP, ADP and AMP, and therefore unsuitable for use in platelet studies.

2. The more stable barium salt of ATetraP was converted to the ammonium salt and found to be chromatographically homogeneous. This sample was tested for its influence on sheep blood platelets in citrated platelet‐rich plasma by the photometric method.

3. The ammonium salt of ATetraP (5–105 μmol.1−1) induced platelet aggregation which showed no tendency towards disaggregation.

4. The log dose‐response lines for ATetraP and for adenosine diphosphate were parallel. On a molar basis, the tetraphosphate had only 1.5% of the aggregating activity of ADP.

5. The initial rate of aggregation induced by the tetraphosphate was inhibited by adenosine 5′‐monophosphate analogues which are selective ADP‐antagonists. These compounds also dispersed aggregates produced by ATetraP.

6. Platelets made refractory to ADP were also refractory to ATetraP.

7. Like ADP, ATetraP induced the change in shape of rabbit platelets and in this respect had only 3.4% the activity of ADP.

8. It is concluded that ATetraP per se can induce platelet aggregation and platelet shape change, and appears to exert its effect at the same site on the platelet surface as does ADP.