bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological Study with Rickettsial Antigens in Erythema chronicum migrans
Authors: Weber K.
Published: October 2009

21 sera of 13 patients with erythema chronicum migrans (ECM) and related diseases were examined for the presence of antibodies against 14 rickettsial antigens by using 3 serological techniques in 2 laboratories. Most tests were negative. This indicates that ECM and related diseases are not due to an hitherto known rickettsia. 5 out of 158 tests showed, however, positive reactions in low titers against Rickettsia akari and Coxiella burnetii. Thus, an antigenic relationship may exist between one or more rickettsia(e) and the etiologic agent of ECM.
Demodex folliculorum: Zur Ätiopathogenese und Therapie der Rosazea und der perioralen Dermatitis
Authors: Rufli T. , Mumcuoglu Y. , Cajacob A. , Büchner S.
Published: October 2009

In 16 out of 18 patients with rosacea, mites of the species Demodex folliculorum were isolated in mostly great numbers from lesions of the facial skin. In patients with perioral dermatitis, the mite was demonstrated in 17 out of 29 patients. All patients, however, including those where no mites were found, could be completely cured by nightly application of hexachlorocyclohexane 0.25% (Jacutin®). The average treatment time was 7 weeks for rosacea and 5 weeks for perioral dermatitis. 2 patients with rosacea and 4 patients with perioral dermatitis relapsed, but cleared again after treatment was repeated. The initial flare-up of the dermatitis, which is observed regularly after starting the Jacutin-therapy, is described. Quantitative aspects of Demodex infestation and its histopathologi-cal alterations are discussed in relation to present-day knowledge.
Images ultrastructurales d’éclatements nucléaires dans les hématodermies
Authors: Schnitzler L. , Verret J.L.
Published: October 2009

In 10 cases of cutaneous lymphomas, outflow of nuclear material into the cytoplasm of tumoral cells was observed ultrastructurally. Various stages of this phenomenon could be visualized. These observations were made in various types of epidermotropic and non epidermotropic cutaneous lymphomas but they are particularly evident in Crosti’s reticulosis. These nuclear abnormalities were observed prior to any treatment; they are unrelated with tissue preparation and are very different from the well-known nuclear degeneration processes. They have been observed in various but exceptional physiological or pathological conditions, but have apparently not been noticed in earlier works on cutaneous lymphomas, except in 1 case of Crosti’s reticulosis. No prognostic implication of these images was found. Their significance is not clear, but could be related with mitotic disorders.
Oxatomide in the Treatment of Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Peremans W. , Mertens R.L.J. , Morias J. , Campaert H.
Published: October 2009

Oxatomide was evaluated in a double-blind study of 35 patients with chronic urticaria. For 5 weeks patients received at random either 30 mg oxatomide b.i.d. or a placebo. Oxatomide significantly reduced not only the duration of the attacks but also the severity of erythema, lesions and itching. This lower level of suffering was clearly reflected by a diminished need for additional antiallergic medication. The overall response to treatment was rated excellent or good in 72% of the oxatomide-treated patients against only 23% of the controls which is a significant difference. Sleepiness was reported in 1 patient of each group.
8-Year-Survival in Malignant Melanoma Related to Sex and Tumor Location
Authors: Weidner F.
Published: October 2009

1,322 melanoma patients in the clinical stage I were followed up for at least 8 years. The females clearly predominated (sex ratio f :m = 2.2:1). Trunk melanomas prevailed in males and extremity melanomas in females. The overall survival was strikingly better in females than in males. In 936 of the patients exhibiting ‘high risk’ melanomas, tumors located on the upper extremities and on the lower extremities gave the relatively best 8-year-survival rates (60.7% resp. 62.7%). 8-year-survival rates decreased if head (52.8%) and trunk locations (40.3%) were involved. As to these anatomic sites of the primary tumor, there were no statistically relevant differences between the survival rates of the females and the males. Thus, the anatomic site of malignant melanoma is especially important for the prognosis largely explaining the sex differences of the overall survival rates.
Lichen planus pigmentosus of the Oral Mucosa: A Rare Clinical Variety
Authors: Laskaris George C. , Papavasiliou Stathis S. , Bovopoulou Olga D. , Nicolis George D.
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we describe a case of lichen planus of the mouth with intense melanosis, in a middle-aged white male. Due to its unusual clinical characteristics, we believe that this case represents a rare variant of lichen planus of the oral mucosa. The histopathologic findings, differential diagnosis and its possible connection with lichen planus pigmentosus of the skin are discussed.
Tinea versicolor: Ultrastructural Studies on Hypopigmented and Hyperpigmented Skin
Authors: Karaoui R. , Bou-Resli M. , Al-Zaid N.S. , Mousa A.
Published: October 2009

Punch biopsy specimens from 4 patients with confirmed diagnosis of tinea versicolor were investigated. Hypopigmented, hyperigmented and uninvolved sites from the same subject were compared in relation to ultrastructural alterations as a result of infection with Malassezia furfur, by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Hyperpigmented skin had thicker stratum corneum than hypopigmented but both were thicker than the uninvolved skin. A large number of tonofilaments were noticed in hyperpigmented sites in stratum granulosum. In hypopigmented skin the melanosomes were individually dispersed and fewer in number than the uninvolved skin. In hyperpigmented skin, the melanosomes were sequestered in most cells suggesting difficulty in the transfer of melanosome granules to keratinocytes. In both cases of pigmentation the most readily affected parts of the cells were cyto-plasmic organelles with a latent effect on the nucleus and nucleolus. We postulate that either stage of pigmentation (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation) is an intermediary in nature as a result of M. furfur invasion.
In vivo Measurements of Iron, Copper and Zinc in the Skin of Prurigo nodularis Patients Treated with Thalidomide
Authors: Sheskin J. , Gorodetzky R. , Loewinger E. , Weinreb A.
Published: October 2009

The concentration of iron, copper and zinc in the skin of patients with prurigo nodularis was measured by diagnostic X-ray spectrometry before and after treatment with thalidomide. Before treatment, larger skin lesions were associated with significantly higher zinc levels and higher iron levels than the smaller ones. Upon treatment the zinc and iron content in these lesions decreased towards normal range. Copper values were found to be within the normal range in lesions before and after thalidomide treatment.
Very Low-Grade Angiosarcoma
Authors: Miyachi Yoshiki , Imamura Sadao
Published: October 2009

A case is described of very low-grade angiosarcoma of a 64-year-old woman, which has histologically a typical papillary endothelial proliferation. It should be carefully diagnosed and widely excised before its extensive progression or metastasis.
Retinoid- und Phototherapie der Psoriasis
Authors: Schauder S.
Published: October 2009

26 patients with generalized psoriasis were treated with oral Retinoid (Ro 10-9359; 50–150 mg/day) and radiations (2–5 times per week) with two different light sources emitting UVA and UVB. In 22 patients, remission was seen with only few remaining lesions at the predilection sites within 35 days. There was no obvious difference in the effect of the two light sources. 17 patients remained free from lesions for several months under a low-dose treatment with Ro 10-9359 and 2–8 radiations per month. The side effects of this treatment were negligible. This therapy is especially suited for outdoor patients with generalized psoriasis.
Porphyria cutanea tarda in Three Brothers and One Sister
Authors: García Díez A. , Enríquez de Salamanca R. , Fernández Herrera J. , Olmos A. , Aragués M. , Benavente Rico
Published: October 2009

3 brothers and 1 sister showing clinical and biochemical overt porphyria cutanea tarda are presented. Comments are made on the existence of two forms of porphyria cutanea tarda – the sporadic and the familial types.
Keratosis palmaris et plantaris with Clinodactyly
Authors: Aguirre-Negrete M.G. , Hernández A. , Ramírez-Soltero S. , González-Mendoza A. , Nazará Z. , Vaca G. , Cantú J.M.
Published: October 2009

Keratosis palmaris et plantaris and clinodactyly of the 5th finger was diagnosed in 11 members of a family with a typical pattern of autosomal dominant inheritance. It is concluded that both traits are probably the expression of a single mutant gene (p < 0.001).
On the Influence of X-Ray Irradiation and Photochemotherapy with 8-Methoxypsoralen on the Sebaceous Gland of the Syrian Hamster Ear
Authors: Wirth H. , Rauner N. , Gloor M. , Osswald F. , Schnyder U.W.
Published: October 2009

30 male Syrian hamsters were X-ray irradiated on 1 ear with 500 rad (Dermopan 2; setting 3; tissue half value thickness, 7.5 mm). 30 other animals were treated locally on one ear with an emulsion containing 0.15% 8-methoxypsoralen and then with UV A (10 treatments in 23 days; total UV A dose, 5.0 J/cm2). The other ear served as control. An in vivo double-labelling autoradiography with 3H- and 14C-thymidine was carried out on half of the animals of each group. The other half was administered 3H-thymidine and the number of labelled cells still in contact with the basal lamina of the sebaceous gland after 6 days was determined. The effects of X-ray irradiation and photochemotherapy are identical. Cell proliferation in the sebaceous gland was reduced, the length of the S phase was shortened, and the number of marked cells still in contact with the basal lamina after 6 days was decreased.
Etude de la résorption transcutanée du 21-acétate de 16 alpha, 17 alpha-cyclopentylène dioxytriamcinolone
Authors: Meynadier Jean , Guilhou Jean-Jacques , Peyron Jean-Louis
Published: October 2009

The authors try to estimate the percutaneous absorption of a new corticosteroid, derived from triamcinolone: Amcinonide, which is presented as a cream and 0.1% ointment. The study was carried out on 13 patients; cream was applied to 5 of them under occlusive dressings during 48 h, 4 others had ordinary topical applications of the cream, and the 4 remaining patients were treated with the ointment. The parameters studied were 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxysteroids in the 24-hour urine, daily sodium and potassium urinary elimination, plasma cortisol levels and ACTH stimulation test before and after treatment. Only extensive occlusive plastic dressings (50–90% of the body area) lead to a temporary decrease in the activity of the pituitary adrenal system (lowering of the 17-hydroxysteroids in the 24-hour urine in all patients, lowering of the normal adrenocortical response after stimulation with exogenous ACTH in 1 patient). On the other hand, the elimination of urinary ions is not significantly modified. With ordinary topical application of cream or ointment no systemic effect could be observed.
Effect of Systemic Erythromycin Stearate on the Inflammatory Lesions and Skin Surface Fatty Acids in Acne vulgaris
Authors: Bleeker Johan , Hellgren Lars , Vincent Jan
Published: October 2009

In a 6-week and double-blind study the efficacy of systemic administered erythromycin stearate and doxycycline was compared in 56 patients with facial acne vulgaris. With both antibiotics a statistically significant improvement was demonstrated without any difference between the two groups. No patient had to withdraw therapy due to side-effects. Another part of this investigation correlates the degree of inflammation in acne vulgaris with the fatty acid level in human skin surface lipids before and after systemic erythromycin stearate therapy. This antibiotic reduced the amount of fatty acids 25–50% after a month of medication. The reduction was correlated with a definite clinical improvement in 14 of the 17 patients.
Myxome cutané ou mucinose focale cutanée
Authors: Decroix J. , Guilmot- Bruneau M.M. , Defresne C.
Published: October 2009

A case of cutaneous focal mucinosis is commented with reference to its differential diagnosis.
Sensitivity to Endogenous Progesterone
Authors: Friedman-Birnbaum R. , Gilhar A. , Haim S.
Published: October 2009

A patient with a cyclic premenstrual eruption, clearing spontaneously with the menstrual flow, is reported. Hypersensitivity to endogenous progesterone in this case was confirmed by positive intradermal and leukocyte migration inhibition tests. Treatment with conjugated estrogens was followed by remission of symptoms. The importance of awareness to the possibility of progesterone autoimmune mechanisms is emphasized.
Lichen planus pemphigoides: Entity or Association?
Authors: Souteyrand P. , Pierini A.M. , Fernandez-Bussy R. , Thivolet J. , Cambazard F.
Published: October 2009

The immunofluorescence studies in 12 cases of bullous lichen planus (LP) are reviewed. The clinical and immunological findings suggest that there are two different forms of bullous LP: firstly, LP vesiculosus which is an acute form of classical LP, and, secondly, LP pemphigoides which is merely the association of LP and bullous pemphigoid.
Maladie de Kaposi chez un psoriasique soumis à une corticothérapie locale massive et prolongée
Authors: Meynadier J. , Guilhou J.J. , Peyron J.L. , Guillot B.
Published: October 2009

The authors describe a new case of Kaposi’s sarcoma associated with psoriasis. The patient (a 68-year-old Nord-African man) had suffered from psoriasis for 14 years and had applied local betamethasone or fluocinolone for 125 months when Kaposi’s sarcoma occurred. The association between these to diseases is discussed. The role of local steroid therapy and the immunological abnormality occurring in psoriasis are analyzed in order to explain the association between psoriasis and Kaposi’s sarcoma or other malignant diseases.
Periocular Dermatitis: A Micropapular Sarcoid-Like Granulomatous Dermatitis in a Woman
Authors: Husz Sándor , Korom Irma
Published: October 2009

A case is reported of a woman with periorbital micropapular dermatitis, which had a histology of sarcoid-like granulomata. It is an important problem to make a differential diagnosis from Boeck sarcoid or other granulomatosis, mainly by histopathology.
Nonspecific Hypersensitivity of the Skin
Authors: van der Lugt L. , Veninga T.S.
Published: October 2009

Hairless albino mice have been used to test the hypothesis of circulating mediators originating from extensive dermatitis, which might be responsible for ‘false’-positive patch tests and non specific hypersensitivity. Two open patch tests with 2 or 3% phenol solution were placed on one flank at an interval of 10 days. 48 h before the second application, part of the mice received an intermediate 10% phenol solution on the opposite flank. The remaining animals served as controls. In general, intermediately treated animals showed a more pronounced reaction to the second patch test as compared to the first test, i.e., a larger granulocytic infiltrate, more extensive epithelial lesions and a elevated erythematous wall. In 6 of the 22 animals, the difference was very striking. In controls, only modest differences were observed. These findings favor the hypothesis that mediators of inflammation present in the circulation strengthen the effect of weak skin irritants.
Bullous Pemphigoid Associated with Radiotherapy for Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Furukawa Fukumi , Ozaki Motoaki , Imamura Sadao , Hirose Sachiko
Published: October 2009

The authors present a case of bullous pemphigoid occurring after radiotherapy for esophageal cancer which was histologically squamous cell carcinoma revealed by the postmortem examination. To our knowledge, such a coexistence may be the first case.
Pachyonychia congenita (Jadassohn-Lewandowsky Syndrome)
Authors: Franzot Jelka , Kansky Aleksej , Kavčič Štefka
Published: October 2009

Pachyonychia congenita (Jadassohn-Lewandowsky syndrome) was studied in the population of Slovenia. Altogether 14 cases were detected: 11 were studied personally by the authors while 3 were ascertained from patients’ histories. The patients belonged to 5 families. The incidence of this condition in the Slovenian population is of 0,7 case per 100,000 inhabitants.
Induction of Contact Sensitivity to DNCB with in vitro Dinitrophenylated Lymph Node Cells
Authors: Nakagawa S. , Aoshima T. , Mimura S. , Gotoh M. , Ueki H.
Published: October 2009

Contact sensitization was achieved with dinitrophenylated autologous lymph node cells killed by hypotonic lysis or sonication as well as live cells. The sensitizing ability of the sonicated cells disappeared after freeze-thawing or heating. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Local Hyperhidrosis
Authors: Hatzis J. , Papaioannou C. , Tosca A. , Varelzidis A. , Capetanakis J.
Published: October 2009

A case of local hyperhidrosis at the ulnar aspect of the left forearm-carpal region with exacerbation, especially during summer, is presented. The sweat function is normal on the remainder of the body. This case is rare, and few similar cases are known in the literature. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.
Netherton’s Syndrome which Responded to Photochemotherapy
Authors: Nagata Takashi
Published: October 2009

We are reporting on a 22-year-old female patient with typical Netherton’s syndrome who responded to photochemotherapy with the application of 8-MOP solution and irradiation with UVA. After two or three courses of PUVA therapy, each requiring 1 week, the skin condition improved. Maintenance photochemotherapy was necessary. Because there was a similarity between psoriasis and our case in the histological findings, this modality may be justified. No side effects were observed.
Comparative Studies on Cell-Mediated Immunity in Patients with Different Warts
Authors: Obalek Slawomir , Gliński Wieslaw , Haftek Marek , Orth Gerald , Jablońska Stefania
Published: October 2009

The distribution of peripheral blood T and B lymphocytes, the in vitro lymphocyte response to PHA, and in vivo experimental DNCB sensitization were studied in patients with different clinical forms of warts (common, 84; flat, 88; plantar, 22; genital, 14) and in 15 cases of epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). The percentage of T lymphocytes forming E rosettes was significantly decreased in patients with common (54.8%), flat (47.5%) and plantar (58.3%) warts, and those with EV (47.6%) in comparison with normal controls (68.4%). The DNCB sensitivity developed less frequently and it was less intensive in patients with common and flat warts than in the normal population. 60% of EV cases were anergic to challenging doses of DNCB. The lymphocyte response to PHA was reduced in all groups of patients studied as compared to normals. T cell function was found to be most defective in patients with EV and those with flat warts. Only a slight but statistically significant defect was demonstrated in the common wart group. CMI in patients with both plantar and genital warts was shown to be almost normal; except minor alterations of PHA-induced lymphocyte transformation and E rosetting T lymphocyte counts. These data have shown the divergency of CMI defect in the patients with different clinical forms of warts caused by various HPV types. This could indicate that distinct HPV types varied in their infectiveness and host cell-mediated resistance is a fundamental factor preventing viral infection.
Suppression of Ultraviolet Erythema by Topical Corticosteroids
Authors: Sukanto H. , Nater J.P. , Bleumink E.
Published: October 2009

The effect of three commercially available corticosteroid preparations on ultraviolet (UV) erythema reaction was studied in healthy volunteers. Four series of circles were marked on the skin of their backs. One half of the circle of each series received 0.01 ml of 0.05% betamethasone valerate, 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide and 0.01% hydrocortisone 17-butyrate dissolved in isopropyl alcohol or ethanol and was covered with impermeable plastic. 24 h later, the sites were irradiated with UV light from a Kromayer lamp during 2, 4, 8,16 or 32 sec. The reactions were evaluated 24 h afterwards. The suppression effect of corticosteroids was expressed as the blanching score (0–3). In a second series of experiments, the reversed sequence was tested: irradiation with UV light was followed by the application of corticosteroids (betamethasone and hydrocortisone). In both series of experiments the blanching effect of the corticosteroids was found to decrease with increasing UV dose. Corticosteroids applied after irradiation were found to have stronger blanching effects. With UV doses of 1 minimum erythema dose (MED), mean blanching scores of 2.3–3.0 were registered, while with doses of 4 MED or more, only small effects were noticed. The three corticosteroid preparations showed comparable suppression effects.
A Study of the Photosensitive Factor in Relation to Skin Lesions of Mycosis fungoides Patients
Authors: Volden Gunnar
Published: October 2009

Some mycosis fungoides patients show abnormal light reactions in apparently normal skin. Clinically it is observed that lesional skin most easily burned during photochemotherapy. For this reason phototests to broad wavelength regions were performed in 9 mycosis fungoides patients, close to skin lesions and at 3 and 10 cm from cutaneous lesions. The light doses giving the minimal erythemal dose, were of about the same magnitude at a distance of 3 and 10 cm from the lesions. One third of the patients showed abnormal reactions following UVA and UVB. More abnormal reactions were seen close to lesional skin, and a displacement towards increased light sensitivity was demonstrated.
Application of Clinical and Histopathological Classification of Leprosy
Authors: Sehgal V.N. , Koranne R.V. , Nayyar M. , Saxena H.M.K.
Published: October 2009

A simultaneous clinical and histological study in 82 new, untreated leprosy patients was undertaken using the criteria of Ridley and Jopling. The disparity between the clinical and the histological diagnosis was abundantly clear, because in only 35 patients the two conformed with each other while in others there was a shift of one step towards either the tuberculoid or the lepromatous end of the spectrum. In 18 patients from other groups of leprosy, histologic delineation had features of indeterminate leprosy.
Detection of Sclerosis-Inducing Glycosaminoglycan in the Skin of an Amine-Induced Experimental Skin Sclerosis
Authors: Ishikawa Hidekazu , Yamakage Akio , Kitabatake Masato , Katayama Hiroshi , Saito Yoshio
Published: October 2009

The presence of sclerosis-inducing glycosaminoglycan in the skin was confirmed in an experimental skin sclerosis induced by a chemical compound. An experimental skin sclerosis was first produced in the mouse with bis(4-amino-3-methylcyclohexyl)methane. Out of glycosaminoglycans isolated from the slightly changed skin of this experimental skin sclerosis, the one having a heparan sulfate-like structure was able to again induce sclerotic skin changes in another mouse. The chemical composition of this sclerosis-inducing glycosaminoglycan was somewhat similar to that of the scleroderma-inducing glycosaminoglycan isolated previously from the urine of patients with systemic scleroderma.
Epidermal Langerhans’ Cells after the Prick Test for Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Saito Taiichi , Honma Takayoshi , Saigo Keiya
Published: October 2009

The number of Langerhans’ cells (LHC) in the prickle cell layer was increased after prick test in patients with Behçet’s disease. LHC came into contact with lymphocytes in the prickle cell layer. Lattice-shaped granules were seen in the mitochondria of LHC.
Urinary Porphyrin Excretion in Various Types of Porphyria
Authors: Perrot H. , Boucherat M. , Gardella C.
Published: October 2009

A new method of thin-layer chromatography was used for the study of urinary porphyrins in 42 porphyric patients (27 cases of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), 5 cases of porphyria variegata, 4 cases of acute intermittent porphyria, 2 cases of hereditary coproporphyria and 4 cases of erythropoietic protoporphyria), 21 of their clinically normal relatives and 5 controls. The results are compared to previously published data and discussed for the diagnosis of the porphyrias. If urinary porphyrin pattern seems sufficiently pathognomonic for PCT, it appears often unable to allow exact diagnosis of the acute porphyrias; faecal studies and sometimes enzymatic determinations are necessary.
Altered Cellular Immunity in Werner’s Syndrome
Authors: Djawari D. , Lukaschek E. , Jecht E.
Published: October 2009

A cellular immunodeficiency was revealed in a 39-year-old female patient suffering from Werner’s syndrome. Relevant findings were negative intracutaneous tests to candidin, trichophytin, tuberculin and bacterial antigens, reduced lymphocyte response to PHA, and impaired intracellular killing of Candida albicans by granulocytes. The inclination of patients suffering from Werner’s syndrome to develop neoplasms may be related to this immunodeficiency.
UV-B Phototherapy of Psoriasis
Authors: Boer J. , Schothorst A.A. , Suurmond D.
Published: October 2009

The effect of ultraviolet-B light provided by TL-12 fluorescent lamps was investigated in 45 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. 33 (73.3%) of the 45 patients showed considerable and rapid improvement during UV-B therapy. The initial (clearing) phase (4 irradiations a week) required an average of 23 irradiations (range: 9–33). During maintenance treatment, irradiation once every 1–5 weeks proved adequate in 64.4% of the patients.
Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in Nails
Authors: Onsberg Per
Published: October 2009

Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was demonstrated in 226 out of 5,600 patients examined for abnormal toe-nails. Among 3,700 patients without onychomycosis S. brevicaulis was demonstrated as a contaminant in 2%. Onychomycosis, present in 1,925 patients, was caused by S. brevicaulis in 6%, but 10% of these cases were mixed infections with dermatophytes. In the approximately 1,800 cases of onychomycosis due to other reasons, S. brevicaulis was a contaminant in 2%. A specific finding of S. brevicaulis on direct microscopy is diagnostic, and a number of colonies ≥ 10 supports the diagnosis, while in the presence of ≤ 3 colonies and no S. brevicaulis on direct microscopy the diagnosis is unlikely. Onychomycosis due to S. brevicaulis was most often diagnosed in elderly persons, with equal frequency in men and women.
Cutaneous Cryptococcosis in a Patient Receiving Immunosuppressive Drugs for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kruyswijk M.R.J. , Keuning J.J.
Published: October 2009

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus, complicated by a systemic cryptococcal infection with involvement of the skin is described.
Bowen’s Disease of the Palm
Authors: Jacyk W.K.
Published: October 2009

A 45-year-old Nigerian female with Bowen’s disease (BD) on the left palm is presented. She appears to be the first African case of BD in this unusual location.
Zur DNCB-Lokalbehandlung der Alopecia areata
Authors: Zisiadis S. , Wüthrich B. , Schnyder U.W.
Published: October 2009

5 patients with alopecia areata were treated with local application of DNCB in acetone over a period of 3–9 months. 9 of these had alopecia areata totalis, 3 had alopecia areata fere totalis, and 3 had common alopecia areata. The results are comparable with those of other authors. The response did not depend upon the duration of the disease but upon its extension. In all patients with alopecia areata and alopecia areata fere totalis, hair growth was induced, while only 2 of the 9 patients with alopecia areata totalis responded satisfactorily. One third of the latter were children in whom the treatment may be less effective than in adults. Contact allergy was induced in all but 1 case in which no hair growth occurred. Since the mutagenic effect of DNCB has been demonstrated in the Ames test, DNCB ought to be replaced by other haptens, but its possible cancerogenic effect must be tested in other in vivo models.
Erfahrungen mit neueren Psoriasistherapien
Authors: Schuppli R.
Published: October 2009

The following treatments for psoriasis are compared with each other: PUVA, UVB, retinoid 10-9359 alone and in combination with 4 mg triamcinolone or UVB. The best results were obtained with UVB alone and with the combination of UVB and retinoid. Based on a survey of various psoriasis therapies during the last 40 years, it is concluded that a final assessment of the value of a new therapy is only possible after some time.
The Major Cat Allergen, Fel d 1, in Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Grönlund Hans , Saarne Tiiu , Gafvelin Guro , van Hage Marianne
Published: October 2009

Sensitization to cat is a common cause of allergic disease all over the world. Symptoms range from mild rhinoconjunctivitis to potentially life-threatening asthmatic exacerbations. In vivo and in vitro diagnostics of cat allergy is currently based on cat dander extract. As allergen extracts from natural sources are heterogeneous in composition, the allergen content may vary. With the introduction of allergens produced by recombinant techniques, a large panel of recombinant allergenic molecules including the major cat allergen, recombinant Fel d 1, has become available for immunological investigations, diagnosis and treatment. Studies have shown that this single allergen, which belongs to the uteroglobin protein family, is at least as good as cat dander extract in identifying cat-allergic patients. The introduction of recombinant Fel d 1-based tests into clinical practice will increase our knowledge of this single allergen molecule as a diagnostic tool and improve the selection for therapy of cat allergy. Several different modes for allergen-specific immunotherapy of cat allergy based on Fel d 1 have been developed. These include Fel d 1 hypoallergens and allergen constructs where Fel d 1 is coupled to immunomodulatory proteins or carriers. The approaches have been evaluated in experimental in vitro and in vivo model systems with promising results. In addition, immunotherapy with Fel d 1 peptides containing T-cell epitopes has been tested in clinical trials. After initial problems with adverse reactions, more recent data show that peptide immunotherapy modulates the immune response to Fel d 1 and reduces early- and late-phase effector reactions in cat-allergic patients.
Reduced FcεRI-Mediated Release of Asthma-Promoting Cytokines and Chemokines from Human Basophils during Omalizumab Therapy
Authors: Oliver Janet M. , Tarleton Christy A. , Gilmartin Laura , Archibeque Tereassa , Qualls Clifford R. , Diehl Lorena , Wilson Bridget S. , Schuyler Mark
Published: October 2009

Background: Treating asthmatics with the humanized IgE-scavenging antibody, omalizumab (rhuMAb-E25, Xolair®), reduces airways inflammation and asthma symptoms. Previously, omalizumab was shown to cause a dramatic and reversible loss of cell surface high-affinity IgE receptors, FcΕRI, from the peripheral blood basophils of asthmatics. The consequences of receptor loss for the FcΕRI-mediated synthesis and release of cytokines implicated in allergic asthma have not been examined. Methods: Fifteen asthmatic volunteers each received omalizumab for 12 weeks. Peripheral blood basophils were isolated before, during, 2 weeks after and 6 months after omalizumab. Basophils were assayed for the basal and anti-IgE-stimulated release of cytokines, chemokines and histamine. Pooled data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and by paired t tests. Results: Anti-IgE-stimulated human basophils synthesize and release Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13) and chemokines (IL-8, RANTES). The anti-IgE-stimulated release of IL-4, IL-13 and IL-8 was reduced during omalizumab treatment and returned to pretreatment levels after omalizumab withdrawal. Omalizumab did not alter basophil histamine levels or basal and anti-IgE-stimulated histamine release. Conclusions: Omalizumab may reduce asthma symptoms in part by suppressing the FcΕRI-mediated production by basophils of Th2 cytokines and selected chemokines. Anti-IgE-stimulated basophil cytokine synthesis appears more sensitive than histamine release to the loss of FcΕRI caused by omalizumab treatment.
Effect of Cyproterone Acetate Orally on Hair Density and Diameter and Endocrine Factors in Women with Idiopathic Hirsutism
Authors: Peereboom-Wynia J.D.R. , Boekhorst J.C.
Published: October 2009

The effect of oral cyproterone acetate on hair density and diameter was studied in a clinically homogeneous group of 11 women with idiopathic hirsutism. Therapy was continued for 12 cycles of treatment. Hair density and mean hair diameter on the chin and left upper leg were measured before, immediately after and 3 months after therapy. Generally, the effect of treatment consisted of a quantitative reduction of both parameters, but the effect was not permanent after termination of therapy. Concurrently, the possible influence on plasma androgen was studied. No significant differences were found between the concentrations of plasma testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione before and after treatment.
Epidermal Ridge Disarrangement and Hamman-Rich Syndrome
Authors: Aderka D. , Eldar M. , Shoenfeld Y. , David M. , Feuerman E. , Katzenelson B.M. , Pinkhas J.
Published: October 2009

A patient with Hamman-Rich syndrome and palmo-plantar disarrangement of the epidermal ridges is reported. The significance of this association is discussed.
Circulating Immune Complexes in Systemic Scleroderma and Generalized Morphea
Authors: O’Loughlin Sean , Tappeiner Gerhard , Jordon Robert E.
Published: October 2009

There is growing evidence that pathologic changes in the vascular system are implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic scleroderma. It has been suggested that immune complex deposition may be responsible for such changes. We measured circulating immune complexes in 10 patients with severe systemic scleroderma, 1 of whom had clinical evidence of renal disease, and in 3 patients with generalized morphea. None of the patients had significantly elevated levels. Our findings suggest that although circulating immune complexes are of diagnostic and prognostic value in other collagen vascular diseases, they do not play a major role in the pathogenesis of systemic scleroderma in patients who lack clinical evidence of renal disease.
Follow-Up Study after More than One Year Including 100 Patients Treated for Superficial Mycoses
Authors: Grigoriu D. , Pallarés J.L.
Published: October 2009

A total of 100 patients with dermatomycoses were treated with econazole nitrate 1% or with the same compound combined with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%. The patients were supposed to undergo clinical and mycological follow-up examinations at an average of 15 months after cure had been obtained. Of the 100 patients, 83 were followed up: 78 (95%) reported neither relapses nor reinfections; 4 (5%) presented with clinical symptoms and positive mycological examination and in 1 patient the mycological examination was positive but no clinical symptoms were present. Generally speaking, the results can be considered excellent.
Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome
Authors: Imamura S. , Ikeda E. , Yoshida H.
Published: October 2009

Only 2 cases of Hallermann-Streiff syndrome were reported in the past in the dermatological literature. We describe a 20-year-old female patient whose clinical findings mostly fall into this syndrome, except for the presence of slightly low-set ears. The mother of this patient suffered from rubella and took drugs in her 3rd month of pregnancy. This might have been related to the development of the abnormalities of this patient. Chromosomal analysis was normal.
Mitteilungen – Communications Nickel dans les aliments et eczéma de contact
Authors: Brun R.
Published: October 2009

By atomic absorption spectrometry, nickel was analysed in many foodstuffs. The results of these determinations are given in detail. Nickel present in vegetables comes primarily from the soil but secondarily from stainless-steel cooking utensils.
Klinik und Therapie der Porphyria cutanea tarda
Authors: Goerz Günter
Published: October 2009

Symptomatology and pathogenesis of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are shortly reviewed. The different possibilities in the treatment of PCT are discussed with special reference to the phlebotomy according to Ippen and to the chloroquine administration according to the regimen described by Kordac and Semradova in 1974. 75 PCT patients were treated with chloroquine (Resochin®, Nivaquine®). After 9.3 ± 3.4 months (means ± SE) all patients excreted normal amounts of porphyrins, and the clinical symptoms disappeared. 14 of these patients relapsed after a mean period of 21 months after the withdrawal of chloroquine.
Zur Klinik der Epidermolysen mit junktionaler Blasenbildung
Authors: Schnyder U.W. , Anton-Lamprecht I.
Published: October 2009

The clinical symptomatology of epidermolysis bullosa atrophicans generalisata gravis (Herlitz’ disease), epidermolysis bullosa atrophicans generalisata mitis (typus Disentis) and epidermolysis bullosa atrophicans localisata is described. These types belong to the non-scarring epidermolyses and show ultrastructurally junctional blistering.
Vegetant Intravascular Hemangioendothelioma of the Skin
Authors: Amérigo Joaquin , Matilla Alfredo , González-Cámpora Ricardo , Galera-Davidson Hugo
Published: October 2009

3 cases of cutaneous vegetant intravascular hemangioendothelioma are presented, 2 of them corresponded to a pure form, whilst the other arose in a pyogenic granuloma. All lesions behaved in a benign fashion. In some cases these may mimic an angiosarcoma (Masson’s pseudoangiosarcoma). The endothelial proliferation, which characterizes the lesion, is considered as a reactive phenomenon secondary to fibrin deposits originating from the destruction of the vascular walls of a hemangioma.
Cutaneous Sclerosis in Eosinophilic Fasciitis
Authors: Haim S. , Friedman-Birnbaum R. , Kerner H.
Published: October 2009

Eosinophilic fasciitis is an additional clinical entity to many others manifested by sclerodermic changes in the skin. A case with this process is reported. It presents vast cutaneous sclerodermic changes associated with eosinophilia, signs of muscular exertion, and a massive inflammatory infiltrate involving the lower part of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue and the muscle fascia. Prednisone therapy was followed by rapid and marked improvement.
Introduction
Authors: Gentles J.C.
Published: October 2009

Since the spores of fungi are produced in great numbers and dispersed over considerable distances we are subject to continuous exposure to viable units of many different fungi. Not all are able to establish themselves within or on the human organism but for a number of them an inoculum of sufficient size to overwhelm the body defence mechanisms, or inoculation to a particular site, or a weakened state of the host enables them to become pathogenic. Because modification or suppression of host defence mechanisms is a common feature of many modern surgical and medical procedures these opportunistic infections are of ever increasing importance. The value of this symposium lies in the opportunity which it presents to explore many of the intriguing aspects of these opportunistic fungal pathogens.
L’opportunisme chez les dermatophytes
Authors: Vanbreuseghem R.
Published: October 2009

Dermatophytes invade hosts when their state is suitable for the production of their pathogenicity. When the host’s resistance is reduced, the prevalence of dermatophytoses can be extremely high or the symptomatology can be very unusual. It is suspected that the ‘maladie dermatophytique’ and perhaps dermatophytic mycetoma develop in such situations. The fact is that the behaviour of dermatophytes does not differ from that of the so-called opportunistic fungi and in some cases it is possible to speak of dermatophytic asthenomycosis.
Aspects génétiques des champignons opportunistes
Authors: Loeffler W.
Published: October 2009

The etiologic agents of human mycoses are discussed in taxonomic order. Some fungal genera are used as examples to describe the general genetical behavior of the various groups. Special features of probable genetical and etiological relevance are mentioned.
Écologie des champignons opportunistes
Authors: Segretain Gabriel , Segretain Geneviève
Published: October 2009

As most of the pathogenic fungi, opportunistic fungi have a saprophytic life in the soil. The knowledge of their life in natural conditions may allow to avoid their proliferation in the vicinity of man. Examples of ecology were taken among Aspergilli and mycetoma-inducing fungi. The ecology of these fungi was studied in Senegal-Mauritania where mycetoma is fairly frequent and well studied. Cultures of L. senegalensis and L. tompkinsii were very often isolated from dry thorns of acacias or other thorn trees. M. mycetomi, the most frequent mycetoma-inducing fungus, was very difficult to culture from wood or soil specimens. A special selective sulphide medium had to be used. Some strains of M. mycetomi were isolated from specimens taken off the surface of termitaria.
La vie saprophytique des champignons dits «opportunistes»
Authors: de Vroey C.
Published: October 2009

Probably all pathogenic fungi can cause opportunistic infections in compromised hosts. This paper briefly reviews our knowledge on the saprophytic life – geographic distribution and habitat – of the most common pathogenic fungi. Some mycoses are of endogenous origin – e.g. Candida albicans is an endosaprophyte – others of epigenous origin – e.g. Pityrosporum ovale is an episaprophyte – but most mycoses are caused by fungi which have an exosaprophytic (or exosaprobic) life: one becomes infected after exposure to the saprobic source of the fungus. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that mycoses, e.g., cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis, in compromised hosts are not necessarily the result of recent exposure but may be the result of the reactivation of latent or inactive forms.
Les champignons opportunistes de l’atmosphère
Authors: Corbaz R.
Published: October 2009

Our knowledge in aerobiology has considerably increased in the last 20 years due to new trapping methods. The use of volumetric spore traps permits to accurately analyze the particles suspended in the air and their evolution, while the deposition method gives an incomplete picture of the real air content. The air microflora changes considerably during 24 h: some groups of spores occur in the morning, others in the afternoon and yeast-like organisms during the night. The most common fungi in the atmosphere are Cladosporium sp., Sporobolomyces sp., Alternaria sp. The environment greatly influences the air spora but human activities considerably increase (20–103 times) the number of spores released in the atmosphere. Aspergillus flavus, thermophilic actinomycetes, Botrytis cinerea and Didymella exitialis are cited as examples.
Vitiligo Associated with BCG-Methanol Extraction Residue in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Cohen Y. , Haim S. , Bartal A. , Robinson E.
Published: October 2009

A pronounced vitiliginous reaction developed at the sites of MER/BCG injections given as an adjuvant immunotherapy to a patient with malignant melanoma. To our knowledge, this is the third report on patients exhibiting vitiligo apparently induced by immunotherapy and the first in association with MER. This association may be a sign for an antimelanocytic effect and may offer a further confirmation for the autoimmune nature of vitiligo.
The Pathogenesis of Lesions in Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Haim S.
Published: October 2009

Current concepts incriminate a cell-mediated mechanism in the pathogenesis of mucocutaneous lesions of Behçet’s disease. However, such a mechanism alone fails to explain various aspects of hyperreactivity response which is a unique feature manifested with lesions similar to those occurring spontaneously in the disease. 19 patients with active Behçet’s disease have been investigated for possible mechanisms other than cell mediated which may be involved in the process. Beside cell-mediated mechanisms there were indications that polymorphonuclear leucocytes and mast cells may play part in the process. Further study of these two aspects may open a new approach in the understanding and possibly in the treatment of this disease.
Leprosy in The Netherlands
Authors: Faber W.R
Published: October 2009

Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of leprosy patients in The Netherlands, due to an increased immigration from Surinam where leprosy is hyperendemic. The patients registered at the Dermatological Department of the University of Amsterdam during the years 1972–1976 were reviewed. It was found that 28% of the untreated patients had recently suffered a relapse. A substantial percentage took the medication irregularly or discontinued treatment prematurely and quite a few patients required other types of treatment besides chemotherapy, such as surgical treatment and physiotherapy.
Immunologic Response in Onchocerciasis: Relations to Microfilaria Density in the Skin Biopsy and to Some Frequent Symptoms
Authors: Neppert Jürgen
Published: October 2009

During physical and immunologic investigations on onchocerciasis in 1,298 persons in the Republic of Liberia, the following results were obtained. There is a significant correlation between immune response and Onchocerca volvulus infection detected by a microfilaria-positive skin biopsy. On the other hand, the immune response is not influenced by the number of parasites in the skin, and there is no correlation of the immune response with Onchocerca nodules and with pruritus. There is a high proportion of serologically false-positive and false-negative results, and thus a diagnosis cannot be made simply by establishing evidence for antibodies in one person.
Non-Immunological Regression of Dimethylbenz(A) anthracene-Induced Experimental Keratoacanthomas in the Rabbit
Authors: Ramselaar C.G. , van der Meer J.B.
Published: October 2009

In 9 rabbits, with a total of 17 experimental keratoacanthomas, a search has been made for immune-mediated mechanisms which could possibly be involved in the spontaneous regression of these tumours. Immunofluorescence studies did not reveal significant staining patterns. With skin tests, using autologous extracts prepared in three different ways, no delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions were observed.
Studies on the Retest Reaction in Contact Sensitivity to DNCB
Authors: Nakagawa S. , Fukushiro S. , Gotoh M. , Kohda M. , Namba M. , Tanioku K.
Published: October 2009

DNCB-sensitized guinea pigs demonstrated an accelerated reactivity on retest of DNCB at the site of prior contact reaction, though presenting normal contact sensitivity at the virgin site. The retest reaction reached maximal at 9 h and waned at 24 h after antigenic challenge. Massive accumulation of eosinophils in either the epidermis or dermis was its distinguishing histologic feature. The reaction was induced at the site of delayed skin reaction to DNP-GPE in the animals sensitized with DNCB or DNP-GPE. A retest reaction in delayed sensitivity to DNP-GPE was also elicited at the site of contact reaction to DNCB in the animals.
Bacteriology of Psoriatic Plaques
Authors: Singh Gurmohan , Rao D.J.
Published: October 2009

Qualitative and quantitative studies of cutaneous bacterial flora were carried out in psoriatic patients and normal healthy controls. In psoriatics, the flora isolated from the affected skin was compared with the flora of adjacent normal skin. No significant qualitative difference was observed. The total number of bacteria isolated from the psoriatic plaque was significantly higher than on the adjacent normal skin. Flora of normal skin of psoriatics when compared with the skin of healthy controls did not reveal any qualitative difference, but a statistically significant difference was observed in the total bacterial counts.